October 28, 2026
Not so silent nights at Swans Crossing A moment of peace at Upsalls Creek. Photo: David Heffernan.
Local News

Not so silent nights at Swans Crossing

THOUSANDS of campers have headed to the Hastings hinterland this Autumn, drawn by the promise of stunning bushwalks, clear and crisp waterholes, misty mornings, fireside chats – and a little peace and quiet. Normally, Swans Crossing ticks every box on that checklist. Situated 20 minutes west of Kew, the former dairy and beef farm was […]

Read More
Stargazing: Fishing by the moon phases
Local News

Stargazing: Fishing by the moon phases

EVERY fisherman dreams of catching the big one – the fish that turns an ordinary day on the water into a season-long bragging right. But what if I told you there’s a way to plan your fishing trips like a pro, know when the bite will be at its best, and head home feeling like […]

Read More
New Peer Leader to advocate for locals with spinal cord injuries New Peer Leader to advocate for locals with spinal cord injuries
Local News

New Peer Leader to advocate for locals with spinal cord injuries

NOEL Hiffernan OAM, a full-time wheelchair user and longtime disability advocate, is the new Peer Leader of the Mid North Coast Advocacy Community Network. The network takes in Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA), which has grown to be the peak body for more than 20,000 people in Australia living with life-changing spinal cord injuries. Services […]

Read More
Man charged with dozens of property offences
Police

Man charged with dozens of property offences

A 38-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with more than 30 alleged property offences. In January 2026, officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District commenced an investigation into a number of reports of break and enters at commercial addresses in Port Macquarie. As part of inquiries, about 8.45pm on Monday 2 March, police located and […]

Read More
Deer tracking project underway across Port Macquarie region A Rusa deer spotted in a suburban environment. Photo: CISS/Ashley Carlson.
Local News

Deer tracking project underway across Port Macquarie region

GPS TECHNOLOGY is being used to track fine-scale feral deer movement patterns, habitat use and home range behaviour within the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. The program will be carried out by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS) and staff from North Coast Local Land Services (LLS), with support from Port Macquarie Hastings Council. It will […]

Read More
Eight charged in Port Macquarie drug crackdown
Police

Eight charged in Port Macquarie drug crackdown

EIGHT people have been charged with alleged drug offences following a police operation in Port Macquarie last week. On Friday 24 April 2026 and Saturday 25 April 2026, officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District – assisted by the Dog Unit – conducted Operation Safeguard across licensed premises in the Port Macquarie and Hastings […]

Read More
Warning after extreme weather’s financial toll revealed Settlement Point Road, Port Macquarie during the May 2025 floods on the Mid North Coast. Photo: Port Macquarie SES.
Regional

Warning after extreme weather’s financial toll revealed

AUSTRALIANS are counting the ballooning cost of extreme weather events after they caused almost $5 billion in insured losses in 2025, more than 700 percent up on the previous year. And the financial toll is only expected to get worse, with independent analysis indicating it could blow out to $35 billion annually by 2050. The […]

Read More
EOIs open for Community Building Partnership grants Wauchope Men's Shed was granted $39,000 for a workshop extension.
Community

EOIs open for Community Building Partnership grants

Wauchope Men’s Shed was granted $39,000 for a workshop extension. The Camden Haven Rural Fire Service received $54,792 for station upgrade works in last year’s CBP grants. EXPRESSIONS of Interest (EOIs) are now open for the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) Grants Program, with up to $450,000 available for projects in each electorate. Local […]

Read More
Taskforce launched to accelerate hazard reduction in NSW The centralised body will support existing local arrangements by coordinating resources and using technology to plan and deliver hazard reduction more efficiently across the state. Photo: NSW Government.
Community

Taskforce launched to accelerate hazard reduction in NSW

A NEW multi-agency taskforce has been launched to accelerate hazard reduction and better protect communities across NSW. Launched by the NSW Government, Taskforce Fire Guard will bring together fire agencies and land managers to strengthen coordination and prioritise high risk areas over the coming months. Operating from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) State Operations […]

Read More