October 26, 2026
Why Port Macquarie’s ‘Gidget’ loves wave dancing
Local News

Why Port Macquarie’s ‘Gidget’ loves wave dancing

FROM an early age, Donna Liver has had an affinity for the ocean and surf – as well as for dancing. Donna and her six siblings grew up close to the beach, with swimming, sun, and sand a regular part of life. At 14, Donna got her first surfboard, a second-hand Bob Brown. Accompanied by […]

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Wild Koala Day: Meet Tucker the joey Tucker has been deemed fit to transition to a new pre-release enclosure.
Local News

Wild Koala Day: Meet Tucker the joey

Tucker and his mother. Tucker has been deemed fit to transition to a new pre-release enclosure. AS A celebration of Wild Koala Day (3 May), meet Tucker, a joey born through Koala Conservation Australia’s (KCA) Wild Koala Breeding Program at Guulabaa – Place of Koala in the Cowarra State Forest.    Tucker is one of […]

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TAFE students make a difference at WIRES shelter in Coffs Harbour
Local News

TAFE students make a difference at WIRES shelter in Coffs Harbour

A GROUP of dedicated TAFE students recently joined WIRES Mid North Coast (MNC) volunteers for a hands-on working bee at the new Wildlife Rehabilitation Shelter in Coffs Harbour. The working bee brought together the next generation of wildlife carers with experienced WIRES members, who have been working tirelessly to establish and maintain the facility with […]

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Laurieton veteran Max Ramsey prepares for 102nd birthday
Local News

Laurieton veteran Max Ramsey prepares for 102nd birthday

Laurieton resident Max Ramsey is nearing his 102nd birthday. Photo: supplied. Max married his wife Shirley in 1948. Photo: supplied. A smiling Max in his younger years. Photo: supplied. LAURIETON veteran Maxwell (Max) Ramsey celebrated his 102nd birthday on 6 May. Born in 1924, Max grew up on the land across Pambula, Bimbaya and Toowoomba, […]

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Whale Gaping: Citizen scientists key to discovering rare Humpback behaviour Renowned whale scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta. Photo: Macquarie University.
Local News

Whale Gaping: Citizen scientists key to discovering rare Humpback behaviour

A NEW paper co-authored by Macquarie University lecturer and renowned whale scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta highlights the importance of ‘citizen scientists’ who have been integral in exposing a newly observed Humpback whale behaviour. The paper released by Macquarie University on 4 May, ahead of Australia’s annual Humpback Day (6 May), explores the distinct action of […]

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Feedback sought on NSW Freshwater Impoundment Fish Stocking Plan Stocking locations across the Hunter and Mid North Coast. Photo: DPI.
Local News

Feedback sought on NSW Freshwater Impoundment Fish Stocking Plan

RECREATIONAL fishers are invited to have their say on which NSW dams and impoundments they would like to see stocked with their favourite freshwater fish species, as the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) develops its stocking program for the year ahead. DPIRD Aquaculture Director Ian Lyall said NSW is home to […]

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Bootlegger boom: big excise fuels black market booze Nationals MP Pat Conaghan wants a review of the alcohol excise. Photo: Pat Conaghan MP.
Local News

Bootlegger boom: big excise fuels black market booze

A SPATE of fire bombings could be just the beginning as concerns mount the tax system is driving a burgeoning alcohol black market putting lives and the budget bottom line at risk. Police have not confirmed whether illicit alcohol was behind 15 incidents at hospitality venues across inner Melbourne since 14 April, but the industry […]

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Budget won’t be war between generations: treasurer Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher are facing questions about the budget. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS.
Local News

Budget won’t be war between generations: treasurer

POTENTIAL changes to negative gearing or capital gains tax in the federal budget would not be breaking the trust of voters, the treasurer says. As Jim Chalmers prepares to hand down his fifth budget, the government faces accusations it is coming after “mum and dad” investors as family trusts join capital gains tax discounts and […]

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Port Macquarie tops NSW property sales Gaven Whalley shares his confidence in the local housing market. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Port Macquarie tops NSW property sales

PORT Macquarie has claimed the top spot in NSW for overall property sales, driven by buyers seeking lifestyle, space and value. The latest Property Market Update from InfoTrack analysed sales volumes from 1 January to 31 March 2026, identifying a continued shift towards regional markets. Median property prices across the state rose 7.94 percent over […]

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