THE state government launched the $20 million Aquaculture Industry Development Program on Monday, aiming to strengthen and expand the seafood industry’s economic contribution to NSW. The program is designed to boost productivity and increase sustainability across farming operations for oysters, mussels, kelp, and algae, plus freshwater and marine fish hatcheries and bioproducts. “By investing in […]
Volunteers from Nurtured Village Hampers at the packing day in Port Macquarie’s PCYC.
THE Nurtured Village Hampers charitable organisation was founded in 2019 with the goal of bringing back the concept of a supporting village. Their mission statement is, “forging connectedness in early parenthood to create nationwide change for maternal mental health.” The local chapter covers Port Macquarie, Bonny Hills, North Haven, Laurieton, Dunbogan and Wauchope. In the […]
MAL McKinlay is the Mid North Coast’s highly regarded gardening guru who enjoys nothing more than sharing his knowledge and love of all things horticultural. 2025 marks 40 years of his continuous employment in the field, and his devotion to providing his skills to numerous local community groups and organisations. Garden Clubs of Australia (GCA) […]
JOY has opened at Luminance Art Gallery in Port Macquarie, showcasing an end-of-year exhibition of artworks by young people from the Mid North Coast. The gallery issued an open call earlier this year and waived all entry fees to remove barriers to participation. More than 30 young artists submitted work, and the gallery shortlisted 22 […]
COMMUNITY members in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region are invited to wear white and join the Liberty Coastal Walk Against Domestic and Family Violence on Sunday 30 November. The walk is in support of safer futures for women and children. Hosted by Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, this annual event begins at 8am in […]
Koala hotspot signage on Pacific Drive reminds drivers to slow down in known risk areas. Photo: Matt Taylor.
A COMPREHENSIVE update of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Koala Action Plan has detailed major progress on habitat mapping, road-strike mitigation and the monitoring of local koala populations. The report covers the first full year of implementation since Council adopted the plan in February 2024, following years of legislative changes, fire-related habitat loss and the species’ statewide […]
Port Macquarie’s flash mob crew. Photograph: supplied.
WITH a burst of music and a flood of red t-shirts, Town Beach came alive on Saturday 22 November as part of a series of flash mobs appearing around the country. Led by Rachel Leman of Miss Motivator, 25 mums descended on the local beach with one mission in mind: to highlight the importance of […]
The Town Beach Reserve foreshore, where a draft master plan proposes major upgrades. Photo: Matt Taylor.
COUNCIL has endorsed the draft Town Beach Reserve Master Plan for public exhibition, setting out a long-term vision for Port Macquarie’s popular beachfront. The plan brings together more than 15 years of previous studies, concept plans and precinct strategies, consolidating them into a single framework to guide future investment and upgrades. Town Beach Reserve’s ageing […]
Sporting groups, including cricket clubs, have dodged a fee for use of local fields after Council rejected the move in a 5-4 vote at last week’s meeting. Photo: Matt Taylor.
PORT Macquarie Hastings Council has rejected moves to introduce a user-pay system for sporting fields following a spirited debate among councillors that highlighted the financial pressures facing local families, struggling clubs, and Council’s own increasing maintenance costs. Cr Nik Lipovac put forward the successful motion at last week’s meeting, citing strong opposition from the community […]
Concerns have been raised about unsafe e-bike and e-scooter riding in Port Macquarie’s Town Centre. Picture: Matt Taylor.
UNSAFE e-bike and e-scooter use in Port Macquarie’s town centre has prompted Council to explain its regulatory role while urging the community to make direct complaints to State authorities. Cr Nik Lipovac brought a notice of motion to last week’s meeting calling for Council to publish clear information on its website about its responsibilities surrounding […]
