_Port Macquarie Archives - Page 15 of 76 - Port Macquarie News Of The Area

Public urged to report sightings of rare white humpback ‘Siale’ after Crescent Head sighting

A RARE white humpback whale sighting off the Mid North Coast has prompted wildlife authorities to urge the public to report any further sightings immediately and to strictly observe exclusion zones. The whale was sighted off Little Nobby near Crescent Head approximately 5pm on Saturday 10 January, drawing the attention of marine scientists and conservation […]

Regional

The Smith Family’s 2026 Back to School Appeal launched

AS families across the Mid North Coast prepare for the return to school, new research has revealed the growing pressure many households face simply trying to meet the basic costs of education. The latest Pulse Survey of families supported by The Smith Family shows that more than four out of five parents and carers are […]

Regional

NSW foster and kinship carers to receive allowance boost

FOR the first time in more than two decades, foster and kinship carers across NSW have received a 20 percent increase to their care allowance. The increase aims to ease cost-of-living pressures and strengthen support for vulnerable children in out-of-home care. The tax-free increase took effect from 1 January 2026 and applies to authorised carers […]

Local News

How parents overturned a preschool plan – and why it matters for Tacking Point

COMMUNITY pressure and persistence helped overturn a controversial preschool proposal at Umina Beach Public School. The outcome should resonate strongly with hundreds of parents and residents opposing a similar development at Tacking Point Public School. In what has become a powerful precedent for communities across NSW, determined parents and residents on the Central Coast showed […]

Port Macquarie

New ideas to relieve ‘bed block’ in public hospitals

PALLIATIVE Care Australia (PCA), the peak body for palliative care in Australia, has suggested ideas on how to relieve “bed block” in public hospitals in its 2026 Federal Budget submission. PCA CEO Camilla Rowland said palliative care is a practical, compassionate way to free up hospital beds while giving people the care they need at […]

Local News

New report provides roadmap to strengthening regional music

MUSICNSW has released a new report detailing how to strengthen regional and remote music, setting a map for action for government, industry and communities across NSW. The report gathers insights from 80-plus representatives from across the NSW music sector. The contributors participated in a NSW Roundtable held at the 2025 Regional and Remote Music Summit […]

Community

Crime data shows sharp rise in domestic and family violence over Christmas period

St Columba Anglican School delivered a bus load of gifts to Liberty. Lewis Land donated gifts, including vouchers and toys, for women and children supported by Liberty. Miss Motivator Women’s Workouts collected vouchers to empower women during the festive season. Photos: supplied. FOR women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, the holiday period often […]

Community

Vale photographer David Slack-Smith

David Slack-Smith and his camera were Lighthouse Beach regulars. Photo: supplied by the family. This photo of a Satin bowerbird prompted David to appeal to people to cut milk bottle rings before disposal. Photo: supplied by the family. David’s photos reflected his natural affinity with animals. Photo: supplied by the family. David’s photos reflected his […]

Police

All the stats from Operation Christmas and New Year

OPERATION Christmas and New Year 2025, the annual statewide road traffic safety campaign, has concluded, with eight people losing their lives on NSW roads during the 17-day period. The high-visibility operation, which ran in conjunction with the double-demerits period, began on Friday 19 December and concluded on Sunday, 4 January. The operation involved Traffic and […]

Regional

Lana Cooper’s exciting future ahead post HSC results

LANA Cooper has a wide range of options to consider after receiving her Higher School Certificate results, with her performance opening pathways she had not anticipated. The Wauchope High School vice-captain achieved an ATAR of 91.4, a result that exceeded her expectations and significantly broadened her post-school opportunities. Lana was also named on the Distinguished […]