May 25, 2026
Theatre production taking Banjo’s story across regional NSW Contemporary dancers Bejae Ingate and Steph Maddren. Photo: supplied.
Regional

Theatre production taking Banjo’s story across regional NSW

Contemporary dancers Bejae Ingate and Steph Maddren. Photo: supplied. Tim Maddren and Mat Brooker tell the story of ‘The Man From Snowy River. Photo: supplied. THE crew from Got Ya Back Productions is weaving their way through Banjo Paterson country this week, as they begin a NSW run of their theatrical production, “BANJO”.  The musical […]

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Childcare workers on ‘ick’ alert after abuse scandals Goodstart Early Learning CEO Dr Ros Baxter says nothing is more critical than children's safety. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS.
Regional

Childcare workers on ‘ick’ alert after abuse scandals

AUSTRALIA’S childcare workers are on “ick” alert as they scramble to rebuild public trust after the sector was engulfed in sexual abuse scandals and widespread safety concerns. A Senate inquiry into the troubled industry moved to Brisbane on Monday as it probes quality and safety in the nation’s early childhood education and care system. It […]

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Nationals urged to ‘come clean’ over gun reform The reforms include a cap limiting individuals to four firearms, with exemptions for primary producers up to ten. Photo: Michael Kemp MP.
Government, Police

Nationals urged to ‘come clean’ over gun reform

NSW MINISTER for Police Yasmin Catley is calling on the NSW Liberals and Nationals to “come clean” about a plan to “water down” the state’s new gun laws passed in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack. Minister Catley cited comments made on radio by Shadow Minister Anthony Roberts (Liberals), which suggested that the Coalition […]

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Council notes actions on 18-storey Port Macquarie proposal The project has been declared a State Significant Development proposal. Photo: Council.
Local News

Council notes actions on 18-storey Port Macquarie proposal

A MAYORAL Minute noting actions taken by Port Macquarie Hastings Council regarding a proposed 18-storey development was carried unanimously by Councillors at last Thursday’s Ordinary Council Meeting. The mixed-use proposal at 29 Park Street comprises 210 dwellings including 35 affordable dwellings, and an entertainment and commercial precinct. The project has been declared a State Significant […]

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Dunbogan’s Bruce de Graaf cracks 700 blood donations
Community, Health

Dunbogan’s Bruce de Graaf cracks 700 blood donations

Bruce de Graaf making his 700th donation. Bruce de Graaf and Port Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer. DUNBOGAN’S Bruce de Graaf celebrated his 700th donation at Lifeblood Port Macquarie on Friday, 20 February. He now holds the record for the most blood/plasma donations in the Port Macquarie region and is one of the top ten donors […]

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Port Macquarie Lions gear up for annual Charity Duck Race
Local News

Port Macquarie Lions gear up for annual Charity Duck Race

  Sorting ducks for the big race.   The ducks hit the water.   PORT Macquarie Lions will hold its annual Charity Duck Race on Easter Sunday, 5 April, a unique and beloved community spectacle.  “As always, the public and business communities of Port Macquarie have been generous in their support of this year’s beneficiaries […]

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New guide to support councils in identifying land for affordable housing
Local News

New guide to support councils in identifying land for affordable housing

THE NSW Government has released a new guide to support councils to undertake land audits to identify vacant operational land that could be used to deliver affordable housing projects. The “Council Led Affordable Housing on Operational Land Guide” released by the Office of Local Government provides step-by-step guidance for councils on identifying and managing affordable […]

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Nominations open for 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards Molly Croft, the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year, with Minister Jodie Harrison (left), her mother Ange, and Minister Jihad Dib. Photo: Salty Dingo.
Community

Nominations open for 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards

NOMINATIONS for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open, with family, friends and work mates urged to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state. The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in […]

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St Joseph’s Regional College students preserve Emmaus Village residents’ life stories A family gathers with a St Joseph’s Regional College student to read their father’s memoir.
Community

St Joseph’s Regional College students preserve Emmaus Village residents’ life stories

A family gathers with a St Joseph’s Regional College student to read their father’s memoir. A family listens as a St Joseph’s Regional College student reflects on the stories shared during the project. STUDENTS from St Joseph’s Regional College spent a school term capturing the life stories of residents at Emmaus Village to create their […]

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604 people detected drug driving in statewide traffic operation
Police

604 people detected drug driving in statewide traffic operation

MORE than 600 drivers were detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation last week. Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) commenced at 12am on Thursday 12 February and concluded at 4am on Sunday 15 February, targeting people driving while affected by alcohol, drugs and fatigue. During the operation, […]

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