An inclusive ‘colour run’ on the sand of Flynns Beach. Photos: SoftCut Studios-Katie Long. A paddle out celebrated inclusion and diversity. Pride flies high at Flynns Beach. Pride flies high at Flynns Beach. MORE than 200 people gathered across the Valentine’s Day weekend for a vibrant celebration of pride, inclusion and surf lifesaving at Flynns […]
NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds
THE NSW Government has granted $1 million to Australia’s national science agency the CSIRO to carry out biocontrol research to help control invasive weeds. Biocontrol reduces weeds by deploying natural biological agents, such as fungi or insects, and is considered increasingly important as an environment-friendly, self-sustaining and cost-effective weed-management tool. Invasive weeds cost Australian agriculture […]
Newman College opens Sustainable and Future Industries building
NEWMAN Senior Technical College will officially open its new Sustainable and Future Industries building on Monday, 23 February. The College says it has replaced ageing facilities with contemporary, industry-aligned learning environments designed to prepare students to drive Australia’s economy through to 2035. Principal Mark Nunan said the development demonstrates the College’s commitment to future-focused education. […]
Measles alert for Mid North Coast after state confirms four new cases
MID North Coast residents are being urged to monitor for the symptoms of measles after NSW Health confirmed four new cases across the state, including one in Coffs Harbour. That person was infectious while visiting the following locations. Sunday, 8 February: Hyde Café at Bellingen from 10.45am to 11.40am. Monday, 9 February: Coffs Harbour Emergency […]
Conaghan urges Coalition cooperation after Taylor announcement
FEDERAL Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan says it’s time for the Coalition to “get on with the job” after a leadership spill saw Angus Taylor oust Sussan Ley from the role of Opposition Leader. Mr Taylor defeated Ms Ley by 34 votes to 17 in a ballot held last Friday morning, making him the third […]
Is romance still alive in Port Macquarie? Florist sees shift in Valentine’s Day trends
FROM classic red roses to native bouquets that last long after 14 February, locals embraced love in all its forms on Valentine’s Day this year. While red roses remained a firm favourite, many customers opted for mixed seasonal bouquets and native arrangements. Studio Verde owner Tilly Edwards told News Of The Area there was a […]
A sign at the northern end of Shelly Beach showing where the local SMART drumlines are deployed each day. Photo: Matt Taylor.
Flurry of shark alerts off Port Macquarie beaches
A FLURRY of shark activity has been recorded off Port Macquarie beaches this month, with nine separate reports logged in seven days, including the evacuation of swimmers at Town Beach last Monday. The alerts were published through Dorsal Shark Reports – Australia, a national reporting service that compiles information from official government channels, the public, […]
Wauchope High School welcomes new principal, Karen Noble
TEACHERS and support staff at Wauchope High School recently welcomed Karen Noble as their new principal. Ms Noble’s most recent role was Relieving Principal at Hastings Secondary College, Westport Campus. She began her teaching career at Rolland Hassall School in Chester Hill, Sydney, where she worked with students with diverse and complex learning needs. The […]
Girl Guides celebrate friendship in Laurieton
HAVING been involved in Girl Guides for more than 25 years, Sally Woodhouse is testament to the movement’s power to build lifelong connections. “I have been a leader for fifteen years, and took part all through university,” said Sally, who is the dedicated leader of the Camden Haven Girl Guides chapter. “It’s something that my […]
Push for ‘third spaces’ to support Port Macquarie’s disabled residents
BLAKE Edge, 28, moved to Port Macquarie in 2020 to be closer to family. He sees that as a positive, but has conflicted feelings about life here as a young person with a disability. Blake lives with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye condition that leaves him with 10 degrees of vision, level two autism, and […]
