BLAZEAID is calling for volunteers to lend a hand rebuilding fences in communities still recovering from the devastating floods that hit the Mid North Coast earlier this year. A dedicated team is now based at Nabiac, working hard to restore fencing on local farms between Bulahdelah and Kempsey. BlazeAid Coordinator Lisa Abdoo said anyone can […]
Country Women’s Association Mid North Coast holds 97th Annual Conference at Stuarts Point
Mid North Coast Group office bearers for 2026: Pauline Cain (Publicity), Chrystine Bouffler (International), Lexie Burton (Land Cookery), Tanya Jolly (State President), Carmel James (Vice President), Lynn Moore (Group President), Doreen Burns (Vice President), Yvette Smith (Social Issues), Donna Kemp (Ag and Environment), Barbara Veness (Vice President), Eunice Roberts (Secretary), Kathy Jeanes (Cultural), Janella […]
Men’s choir hitting the right note for mental health
LEANNE Johnson loves to sing anywhere and anytime. The retired teacher knows the importance of self-expression, which is why, for the last 16 years, she has been running community choirs in Port Macquarie. Her current passion is focused on improving men’s mental health through singing, and she wants to make the activity accessible to everyone. […]
New domestic violence rental laws take effect as vacancy rates hit record lows.
RENTAL vacancy rates across NSW remain critically low, deepening the housing crisis and leaving tenants competing for limited homes. New analysis from the Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) shows that in September, many regions recorded vacancy rates below two percent. The Mid-North Coast sat at 1.6 percent, by comparison Coffs Harbour is at 1.5 […]
Practice in Community: Investing in artists working in regional Australia
REGIONAL Arts Australia is launching a “transformative” new funding initiative with $2.4 million dollars in support from Minderoo Foundation. The program offers multi-year grants of $160,000 to support independent artists living and working in regional communities across Australia. “Practice in Community” will deliver two funding rounds for independent artists working in Community Arts and Cultural […]
Port Macquarie unites to ‘Reclaim the Night’
Locals gathered at the Town Beach Amphitheatre for ‘Reclaim the Night’. Speaker Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer and MC Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac. RECLAIM The Night is an international movement that started in the 1970s and is a mainstay of Sexual Violence Awareness Month, which is observed in October. Marked this year on 25 October, […]
Councillor Nik Lipovac takes on the role of Port Macquarie-Hastings’ Deputy Mayor
A NEW deputy mayor was elected at the October meeting of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, following the conclusion of Councillor Lauren Edwards’ term. Unlike the mayoral position, which is decided by popular vote at council elections, the deputy mayor is chosen annually by councillors. This year, Councillor Nik Lipovac was elected to the role. Cr Lipovac […]
IFAW and Koala Conservation Australia prepare wildlife rescuers for bushfire season
Emergency response group members attend search and rescue training. Photo: Olivia Katz/IFAW. Training with plush animals. Photo: Olivia Katz/IFAW. CRITICAL training is being rolled out to help wildlife groups better prepare for bushfire emergencies. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is launching its wildlife search and rescue training course in Port Macquarie in collaboration […]
Leo Clayton from the Mental Health Commission, MNCLHD’s Sarah Fox, Suicide Prevention and Aftercare Coordinator Sage Green, MNCLHD Chief Executive Jill Wong, member of the Lived Experience of Suicide Group (LEOS) Lea Harvey, Kelly Saidey from Lifeline Mid Coast, Senior Peer Worker Karen Miller, Vanessa Brunker from the Mental Health Commission and Consumer Partnership Coordinator Nicholas Kosseris.
Port Macquarie Safe Haven offers essential mental health support to those in need
MID NORTH COAST Local Health District (MNCLHD) has officially opened a purpose-built Safe Haven building in Port Macquarie, providing a safe space and immediate support for people who are experiencing mental health distress. Safe Havens are non-clinical settings that offer support in a calm and welcoming environment as an alternative to attending a hospital emergency […]
Foster carers in high demand on the Mid North Coast
MID NORTH COAST residents are being urged to consider becoming foster carers due to a significant demand for children needing the love and support of a safe and stable home. Life Without Barriers’ NSW regional director for NSW Family Base Care North services, Benn Anderson, said many children are unable to live with their families […]
