March 13, 2026
Weather Bureau updates unpopular $96.5m website The rain radar and weather map were at the top of the Bureau’s list of fixes. Photo: Sue Stephenson.
Government

Weather Bureau updates unpopular $96.5m website

THE Bureau of Meteorology has implemented the first round of changes to its heavily-criticised $96.5m website. Since launching, the site has attracted 400,000 “items of feedback”. As a result, the rain radar and weather map have been improved and there is more information about daily temperature highs and lows on state, territory and district pages. […]

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Community members urged to join potentially lifesaving program
Community

Community members urged to join potentially lifesaving program

SINCE 2023 a free mobile phone app has been revolutionising how the NSW community can provide potentially lifesaving assistance when someone goes into cardiac arrest. The GoodSAM app allows individuals to register their willingness to help provide simple chest compressions by listing their details, location and any clinical or first aid training they may have. […]

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New team elected to lead Port Macquarie Art Society’s revitalisation
Local News

New team elected to lead Port Macquarie Art Society’s revitalisation

JULIE Richardson is the new president of the Port Macquarie Art Society, following last month’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Lisa Intemann takes the role of secretary, with Pam Foye as treasurer, alongside three committee members. Ms Richardson said she was excited to head the Society in this next phase of recovery and revitalisation, following the […]

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Riders and volunteers recognised at Wauchope Port Macquarie RDA Christmas event Val Mudford Secretary with Gary and Jenny cutting the cake.
Community

Riders and volunteers recognised at Wauchope Port Macquarie RDA Christmas event

Santa checks if Ian is naughty or nice. All photos: supplied. Val Mudford Secretary with Gary and Jenny cutting the cake. Gary Hanna and Mrs Waldron hold the trophy with pride. A game of limbo enjoyed by Cathy, Coach Sorrell and Volunteer Tracey. Raffle prize winner Jaci with raffle organiser Jack. WAUCHOPE Port Macquarie Riding […]

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Free dog-friendly camping from coast to high country Free camping is available at Chichester State Forest, near Dungog. Photo: NSW State Forests.
Local News

Free dog-friendly camping from coast to high country

NSW State Forests are open for free, pet‑friendly camping from the coast to the high country. There are almost 500 State Forests and many offer camping facilities where dogs, under their owner’s control, are welcome. Campfires are also permitted, outside of fire bans. “State Forests are a fabulous resource for the community,” Manager Tourism and […]

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Intergenerational program brings Heritage Christian School students and RSL LifeCare seniors together Big smiles and big hearts. All photos: supplied.
Community

Intergenerational program brings Heritage Christian School students and RSL LifeCare seniors together

Big smiles and big hearts. All photos: supplied. Strolls and connection. Stories shared with the young. Students bring joy to the wise. HERITAGE Christian School students built weekly connections with local seniors during the final school term of the year, through the Stronger Together intergenerational program. The program brought young people and residents together across […]

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Carrie Wong joins on-air team at 2Way FM
Local News

Carrie Wong joins on-air team at 2Way FM

HASTINGS Community Radio 103.9 2Way FM has welcomed Carrie Wong as a presenter, known on air as “Garfield”. Carrie lived in Hong Kong prior to moving to Australia and had long held an interest in broadcasting, undertaking industry courses and voice training. Carrie left the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong some years ago to […]

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PCYC hosts first Nurtured Village Hampers packing day Volunteers from Nurtured Village Hampers at the packing day in Port Macquarie’s PCYC.
Community

PCYC hosts first Nurtured Village Hampers packing day

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 […]

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PBS prescription costs to drop to $25 from 1 January under Federal legislation Happy customers, happy pharmacists at Flynns Beach Pharmacy. Photo: website.
Health

PBS prescription costs to drop to $25 from 1 January under Federal legislation

NEW Federal Government legislation reduces the cost of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriptions from 1 January. Under the changes, the maximum PBS co-payment falls to $25, down from $31.60, easing pressure on household budgets. The legislation follows advocacy from more than 20 health and community organisations, including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Patients Australia, Asthma […]

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Chamber calls for ‘decisive action’ on timber industry Chamber President Luke Hadfield with Steve Dobbyns, Chair of Forest and Wood Communities Australia.
Regional

Chamber calls for ‘decisive action’ on timber industry

THE Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce has called on the Premier to “take decisive action” and uphold the NSW Government’s pre-election commitment to support the timber industry while developing the Great Koala National Park (GKNP). In September, the NSW Government announced the proposed boundaries of the GKNP, extending from Kempsey to Grafton, along with a […]

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