January 25, 2026
Vale photographer David Slack-Smith David Slack-Smith and his camera were Lighthouse Beach regulars. Photo: supplied by the family.
Community

Vale photographer David Slack-Smith

David Slack-Smith and his camera were Lighthouse Beach regulars. Photo: supplied by the family. This photo of a Satin bowerbird prompted David to appeal to people to cut milk bottle rings before disposal. Photo: supplied by the family. David’s photos reflected his natural affinity with animals. Photo: supplied by the family. David’s photos reflected his […]

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All the stats from Operation Christmas and New Year The high-visibility operation, which ran in conjunction with the double-demerits period, began on Friday 19 December and concluded on Sunday, 4 January.
Police

All the stats from Operation Christmas and New Year

OPERATION Christmas and New Year 2025, the annual statewide road traffic safety campaign, has concluded, with eight people losing their lives on NSW roads during the 17-day period. The high-visibility operation, which ran in conjunction with the double-demerits period, began on Friday 19 December and concluded on Sunday, 4 January. The operation involved Traffic and […]

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Lana Cooper’s exciting future ahead post HSC results Lana Cooper with Relieving Executive Director Regional North and West Emma Jeffery. Photo: supplied.
Regional

Lana Cooper’s exciting future ahead post HSC results

LANA Cooper has a wide range of options to consider after receiving her Higher School Certificate results, with her performance opening pathways she had not anticipated. The Wauchope High School vice-captain achieved an ATAR of 91.4, a result that exceeded her expectations and significantly broadened her post-school opportunities. Lana was also named on the Distinguished […]

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‘We weren’t listened to’: Parents, experts challenge process behind Tacking Point preschool A koala next to heavy machinery, with school children looking on at Tacking Point Public just before school broke up for 2025. Photo: Emma Schofield.
Local News

‘We weren’t listened to’: Parents, experts challenge process behind Tacking Point preschool

CONCERNS over transparency, environmental risk and children’s wellbeing are intensifying around the NSW Government’s proposed $6.3 million preschool at Tacking Point Public School. Parents and independent experts saying community consultation has fallen well short of what was promised. Central to those concerns is Project Reference Group representative Penelope Little, who was the only community member […]

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Birpai custodians urge rethink of Tacking Point preschool over Country, children and Guula Birpai man Mat Rumble says consultation over the proposed Tacking Point preschool has been disrespectful to Country. Photo: @Matt Taylor - Journalist/FB.
School

Birpai custodians urge rethink of Tacking Point preschool over Country, children and Guula

TRADITIONAL custodians have joined growing community opposition to the NSW Government’s proposed preschool at Tacking Point Public School, describing the consultation process as “tokenistic” and disrespectful to Country. Proud Birpai man Mat Rumble, speaking on behalf of himself and senior Birpai Elder Aunty Rhonda, said Aboriginal concerns about the project were “not heard” by the […]

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NSW gun law reforms tighten controls while allowing exemptions for primary producers
Regional

NSW gun law reforms tighten controls while allowing exemptions for primary producers

PRIMARY producers across NSW will operate under tighter firearm regulations following new legislation. The State Government emphasises that the reforms recognise the legitimate needs of farmers while strengthening community safety. The Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 passed the NSW Parliament on Wednesday 24 December in response to the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi […]

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Port Macquarie’s Town Beach Reserve Master Plan undergoes local consultation Josh Hunter, Support Worker; Michael Nunez, Landscape Architect Port Macquarie-Hastings Council; Blake Edge, Accessibility Advocate assessing Town Beach Amphitheatre.
Government

Port Macquarie’s Town Beach Reserve Master Plan undergoes local consultation

TOWN Beach Reserve Master Plan has undergone a consultation, with Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s Engagement Team meeting residents to gather feedback on the current plan. The consultation in December included members of the Enable Reference Group, local disability and accessibility advocates who welcomed the chance to provide information on their lived experience. Port Macquarie mum […]

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Detectives issue public appeal over suspicious death of Port Macquarie woman Megan Tangye The crime scene in Gore Street, Port Macquarie. Photo: Port Macquarie On Scene/FB.
Local News

Detectives issue public appeal over suspicious death of Port Macquarie woman Megan Tangye

Megan Tangye’s family has released this photo of the 31-year-old. Photo: NSW Police. The crime scene in Gore Street, Port Macquarie. Photo: Port Macquarie On Scene/FB. DETECTIVES are appealing to the public to help them piece together what happened to 31-year-old Megan Tangye.  Megan died from multiple injuries after being found in a Port Macquarie […]

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High-flying brothers with local ties buy Long Flat Pub in off-market sale Long Flat Pub was sold in late 2025 to brothers with strong ties to the local community. Photo: @LongFlatPub.
Local News

High-flying brothers with local ties buy Long Flat Pub in off-market sale

LONG Flat Pub has been bought in an off-market sale, according to industry publication The Hotel Conversation, marking a homecoming for the venue’s new owners. The pub was reportedly sold by JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group on behalf of Flower Hotels, led by Port Macquarie hotelier Alistair Flower. Flower Hotels acquired the pub in 2021 […]

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