April 22, 2026
Hastings Landcare recognised in Parliament for major community impact Local Landcare Volunteers.
Local News

Hastings Landcare recognised in Parliament for major community impact

Local Landcare Volunteers. Landcare Volunteers on one of their planting days. HASTINGS Landcare has been formally recognised in the NSW Parliament for its outstanding contribution to environmental protection, community education and volunteer engagement across the Hastings region. Local MP Robert Dwyer acknowledged the organisation during a parliamentary address, praising Hastings Landcare volunteers as a driving […]

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Australian Bureau of Statistics hiring 2,700 Field Managers for the 2026 Census Field Managers needed for Census 2026. Photo: Manuel Guillén Vega/Pexels.com
Local News

Australian Bureau of Statistics hiring 2,700 Field Managers for the 2026 Census

THE Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is recruiting more than 2,700 Field Managers to help deliver the 2026 Census, providing job opportunities on the Mid North Coast. The roles form a critical part of the Census workforce, supporting communities across Australia to take part in one of the nation’s most important data collections. Field Managers […]

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Waterfall Way landslip active and unstable The landslip near Gordonville Crossing is still moving.
Local News

Waterfall Way landslip active and unstable

The landslip near Gordonville Crossing is still moving. Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan and GM Mark Griffioen inspected the site with Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison, Oxley MP Michael Kemp and engineers and work crews. BELLINGEN Shire Council is continuing to work with Transport for NSW and the State Government as the landslip on Waterfall Way […]

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Why local still matters: Nik Lipovac returns to drive radio on the Mid North Coast Nik Lipovac is hosting a new drive show on Cruze FM 93.5. Photo: Matt Taylor.
Local News

Why local still matters: Nik Lipovac returns to drive radio on the Mid North Coast

NIK Lipovac is back behind the microphone at a time when the future of local broadcasting is under sharper scrutiny than ever. Lipovac kicked off his drive show, airing weekdays between 3–6pm, last week on Cruze FM 93.5, formerly Radio 531 in Port Macquarie. For Lipovac, who is also the Deputy Mayor of Port Macquarie […]

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Port Macquarie’s Deputy Mayor laments growing power imbalance with State Govt The vacant site of the 18-storey Park St development proposal. Photo: Matt Taylor.
Local News

Port Macquarie’s Deputy Mayor laments growing power imbalance with State Govt

DEPUTY Mayor Nik Lipovac says local democracy has been undermined by the State Government’s decision to seize control of the proposed 18-storey Park Street development, leaving Port Macquarie Hastings Council on the sideline. Cr Lipovac described the intervention as “really disappointing” and emblematic of a growing power imbalance between councils and Macquarie Street. The high-rise […]

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Headspace Port Macquarie’s ‘The Hangout’ creates safe space for LGBTQIA+ high school students High school students aged 12 to 17 hanging out. Photo: Anna Shvets
Local News

Headspace Port Macquarie’s ‘The Hangout’ creates safe space for LGBTQIA+ high school students

DELIVERED by headspace Port Macquarie, The Hangout is a queer social group for high school students aged 12 to 17, along with their friends and allies. The Hangout meets on the first Tuesday of every month, providing a safe and welcoming space where young people can connect, feel accepted and be themselves. The Hangout Co-facilitator […]

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Hastings locals encouraged to walk to work for mental health campaign Walking to work can improve mental health. Photo: Walk to work Day.
Local News

Hastings locals encouraged to walk to work for mental health campaign

WALK to Work Day will take place on Friday, 26 March, encouraging Australians to build more walking into their daily routines while raising funds for better mental health outcomes nationwide. The annual campaign, led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, highlights the physical and mental health benefits of walking and this year supports the Black […]

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Historic connection leads to windfall for Port Macquarie Surfing Museum Robert Venour Dulhunty (centre) with his sons (l-r) Robert, Phiilip, Roger and John.
Local News

Historic connection leads to windfall for Port Macquarie Surfing Museum

Robert Venour Dulhunty (centre) with his sons (l-r) Robert, Phiilip, Roger and John. Donna Liver, Peter Hudson, and Alan Jeffrey of the Surfing Museum with donors Maggie Wolk and Steve Newman, Directors of Transit Hill Pty Ltd. THE inspiration behind a significant donation to the Port Macquarie Surfing Museum can be traced to the man […]

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Roads, rates and rubbish: Mayor outlines Council focus as region grows Jana Pittman, alongside her children and Mayor Adam Roberts, cuts the CWA-made, Australia-shaped lamington cake after the local citizen awards on the Town Green. Photo: Lucy Humphries Photography, PMHC.
Local News

Roads, rates and rubbish: Mayor outlines Council focus as region grows

PORT Macquarie Hastings Council will sharpen its focus on core services including roads, rates and rubbish this year as the region continues to grapple with the pressures and opportunities of rapid growth, Mayor Adam Roberts says. Speaking with News Of The Area shortly after the Australia Day awards ceremony on the Town Green, Mayor Roberts […]

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