Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters.
RURAL Aid has released the third annual Pulse of the Paddock farmer survey report, offering a candid snapshot of how Australian farmers are navigating mental health, uncertainty and the realities of life on the land. Based on the experiences of nearly 1,400 farmers surveyed during October and November 2025, Rural Aid says the report shows […]
A section of the completed Lord Street footpath. Photo: PMHC.
THE Lord Street footpath upgrade between Flynn and Herschell streets is complete. The work involved laying 265 metres of accessible pavement and the relocation of a pedestrian refuge. The $412,000 upgrade was jointly funded by the Federal and State governments under the Road Safety Program, and aligns with Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s Walking and Cycling […]
Rob Dwyer is reminding Oxley Highway/Wrights Road users to leave feedback on the TfNSW website. Photo: supplied.
HUNDREDS of locals have heeded the call to submit feedback on the worsening congestion on the Oxley Highway at Wrights Road, but more are needed to strengthen the case for its upgrade. Feedback can be left on the Transport for NSW website at haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/north-coast. Head to the “pin on the map’ section and select “add […]
Port Macquarie’s Breanna Alpen is part of a growing band of women entering the male-dominated construction industry. Photo: supplied.
NEW data has revealed the increasingly critical role women are playing in the construction industry. The number of women enrolling in construction trades courses has more than doubled in the five years to 2025, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). Among them is Port Macquarie’s Breanna Alpen, 19, a promising rugby […]
The cost of fuel has shot up amid concerns about shortages stemming from the war in the Middle East. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
RATIONING fuel in Australia’s major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic and social issues, a peak motoring body says. Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil corridors, after the country was attacked by US and Israeli forces. The conflict in the Middle East has spiked […]
The Repurposing for Resilience volunteers with Kate Haynes from Essential Energy.
CHARITIES, community groups and not‑for‑profit organisations delivering community‑led projects across Essential Energy’s network area are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Essential Grants program before the end of March. The program is offering grants of up to $15,000 to help eligible organisations bring their initiatives to life and deliver real benefits for people, […]
THE countdown’s on to this coming week’s Ride The Wave Festival in support of locals doing it tough. Over five days from 24 March, Port Macquarie will host surf, skate and live music events – all centred on Town Beach. Organised by Make A Difference (MAD), the event raises funds for the frontline services providing […]
FROM humble beginnings in 2012 in a Melbourne pub, the “Tough Guy Book Club” has expanded globally. Founded by Shay Leighton, it is a network of men who are “about reading books, hitting the pub with the goons, and rowdy conversations.” Port Macquarie has its own chapter, which meets at 7pm at Finnian’s Irish Tavern […]
A NEW $50 million fund aimed at building community connections and supporting events in regional areas has been announced by the NSW Government. The Active Regional Communities Package delivers funding through three streams for non-profit local community groups, local councils and cultural or sporting organisations to deliver events, programs and activities. $15 million for Regional […]
Participants at the ‘Blooming Portraits’ workshop at Port Macquarie Museum. Photo: PMM.
Participants at the ‘Blooming Portraits’ workshop at Port Macquarie Museum. Photo: PMM. Karen Karta and Kelli Williams at the opening of ‘Living Life in Colour’ at the Port Macquarie Hastings Library. Photo: Pauline Cain. Participants (with Casey Baldwin from Intergen Connect in the centre) at the Intergenerational Creative Workshops at Port Macquarie Hastings Library. Photo: […]
