January 28, 2026
NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program now open for applications Member for Oxley Michael Kemp with Mid North Coast seniors. Photo: supplied.
Government

NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program now open for applications

MORE funding is now available to celebrate and support older Australians, with the NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program 2026 offering $200,000 statewide for inclusive community events. Member for Oxley Michael Kemp is encouraging not-for-profit groups and councils across the Mid North Coast to apply for the grants, which will support activities held during the 2026 […]

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Fire ants discovered in Tweed Heads Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). Photo: DPI.
Local News

Fire ants discovered in Tweed Heads

FARMERS are calling for a government crackdown to stamp out fire ants in NSW after the pests were discovered in Tweed Heads last week. Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are prohibited under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and high-risk materials are restricted from infested areas of south-east Queensland. On Wednesday the NSW Government confirmed an immature […]

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Annual farm census underway across NSW The Annual Land and Stock Return helps paint a picture of agricultural land use and livestock across NSW. Photo: Leanda Connor.
Regional

Annual farm census underway across NSW

NSW LANDHOLDERS are being asked to report their livestock numbers and land use information as part of Local Land Services’ annual farm census. The Annual Land and Stock Return collects information that helps shape the delivery of animal health and biosecurity services and prepare for emergencies such as bushfires and biosecurity outbreaks. Landholders must lodge […]

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Inquiry launched into conservation hunting bill
Port Macquarie

Inquiry launched into conservation hunting bill

AN Upper House inquiry has been established to examine the Game and Feral Animal Legislation Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025, a private members’ bill introduced by Robert Borsak MLC of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party. The bill proposes a number of amendments to the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002, including to abolish […]

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Regional buses get real-time travel technology Bus users can use websites and apps to plan their journeys with up-to-date service information.
Local News

Regional buses get real-time travel technology

Bus users can use websites and apps to plan their journeys with up-to-date service information. All buses are now fitted out with GPS and automatic passenger counting technology. FOR the first time, all NSW regional bus passengers can access real-time bus travel information from their smart devices. All 3,010 contracted buses across rural and regional […]

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Port Mac Goss: Alex and Marianna Vozzo Marianna Vozzo.
Community

Port Mac Goss: Alex and Marianna Vozzo

THIS week for Port Mac Goss, I caught up with Alex and Marianna Vozzo, the proud owners of East Port Motor Inn. As relative newcomers to Port Macquarie, what do you think about the vibe of the region? It’s heaven to us! We honestly believe that Port Macquarie is the best town in NSW. We […]

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Council leaders discuss funding challenges LGNSW CEO David Reynolds, LGNSW President Cr Phyllis Miller OAM, Mayor Adam Roberts and Acting CEO Robert Fish.
Government

Council leaders discuss funding challenges

DISASTER recovery and resilience, collaboration between councils and local government funding models were discussed at a meeting of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) and Local Government NSW (LGNSW) leaders on Tuesday. Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts and Acting CEO Robert Fish joined LGNSW President Cr Phyllis Miller OAM and CEO David Reynolds, as part of […]

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Affinity Education moves to reassure parents amid fallout from Victorian worker arrest Affinity Education Group has come under fire following the arrest of a childcare worker in Victoria. Photo: Affinity Education Group website.
Local News

Affinity Education moves to reassure parents amid fallout from Victorian worker arrest

EVERY morning, hundreds of families across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region drop their children off at a registered childcare centre. With a kiss on the forehead and a hug goodbye, they expect them to be fed, educated, and cared for. But above all else, they expect them to be safe. Following the arrest of a male […]

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Police seek public help to locate missing Mid North Coast teen
Local News

Police seek public help to locate missing Mid North Coast teen

NSW POLICE are appealing for public assistance to help locate 16-year-old Shantana Cowan, who has been reported missing from the Mid North Coast. Shantana was last seen in the West Kempsey area on Sunday, 25 May 2025. When she could not be located or contacted, officers from the Mid North Coast Police District were notified […]

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National Parks work to protect whales during migrations NPWS staff boarded whale-watching cruises along the NSW coast this week as part of Operation Ketos. Photo: NPWS.
Regional

National Parks work to protect whales during migrations

NPWS staff boarded whale-watching cruises along the NSW coast this week as part of Operation Ketos. Photo: NPWS. AS humpback whales undertake their annual migration, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have teamed up with professional tour operators to help remind the industry, recreational boat users and the community to keep a safe distance […]

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