January 28, 2026
Bridge restorers visit North Coast forests The Pyrmont Bridge, constructed in 1903, has two steel spans and 12 timber spans built with over 900 tons of hardwood timber.
Local News

Bridge restorers visit North Coast forests

HERITAGE timber bridge restoration experts from Placemaking NSW, Transport for NSW and Broockmann Water Advisory have visited the North Coast for a guided tour of native hardwood production forests. The tour, facilitated by the Forestry Corporation of NSW’s (FCNSW) Sales and Planning teams, offered an opportunity for the NSW Government’s bridge team to see first-hand […]

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Creativity, connection and sustainability at the heart of new Port Macquarie op shop Regular shopper Poppy Mckinlay with local social entrepreneur Dawn Tindall. Photo: Sis Higgins.
Community

Creativity, connection and sustainability at the heart of new Port Macquarie op shop

A COLOURFUL new space in Port Macquarie is quickly becoming a hub for creativity, sustainability and community. The Arts and Crafts Op Shop, founded by local social entrepreneur Dawn Tindall, offers more than second-hand craft supplies, it’s a place where people can come together, share skills and build connections. “I opened it for ArtWalk,” Dawn […]

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MP calls for NDIS pricing changes to be revoked Lyne MP Alison Penfold recently met with NDIS providers from across the region.
Regional

MP calls for NDIS pricing changes to be revoked

FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold is calling on the Federal Government to urgently revoke the latest National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pricing changes, warning of the “significant negative impacts on people with a disability living in regional and remote areas”. The changes, announced following the Government’s NDIS Annual Pricing Review, came into effect on […]

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Category D support for primary producers A rally in Taree calls for Category D funding to be announced.
Local News

Category D support for primary producers

ADDITIONAL support has been announced for primary producers in New South Wales affected by the extreme flooding event from 18 May 2025. This funding is provided under Category D of the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. The package will be available through grants administered by the NSW […]

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Scammers on prowl as Tax Time begins
Community, Government

Scammers on prowl as Tax Time begins

A recently received scam email. A Commonwealth Bank infographic illustrates that Aussies are scam-aware, but a third of us still miss the clues. Image: CBA. THE clock is now ticking to get annual tax returns in before the 31 October deadline. Sadly, this window provides a veritable hunting ground for scammers, prompting warnings from the […]

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Budding presenters visit 2WayFM studio Greg Hayward with home schooled children and parents.
Community

Budding presenters visit 2WayFM studio

HOME schooled children and their parents have visited community radio station 2WAY FM 103.9 in Wauchope for a tour of its facilities and studio. Hosted by Station President Dennis Owen and Treasurer Greg Hayward, the visitors were given a general overview of the operation. Viewing presenters through the studio window proved enticing for the inquisitive […]

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Making a Difference with free coffee, food and conversation in Wauchope Suzanne Strauh, Julie Bruce, Cathie Pilgrim, Karen Green, Helen Bicket, Lyn Ward and Judy Crick. Photo: Pauline Cain.
Regional

Making a Difference with free coffee, food and conversation in Wauchope

  Suzanne Strauh, Julie Bruce, Cathie Pilgrim, Karen Green, Helen Bicket, Lyn Ward and Judy Crick. Photo: Pauline Cain.   Julie making coffee. Photo: Pauline Cain.   EACH Monday at the Wauchope Country Club, a team of volunteers prepares and serves a hot meal for those in need. Make a Difference (M.A.D), a not-for-profit charity […]

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Heartbeat of the Hastings: Planchette/Riley Cone
Community

Heartbeat of the Hastings: Planchette/Riley Cone

RILEY Cone, the creative local behind Mid North Coast drag sensation Planchette, uses art and performance to connect with others, spark conversation and advocate for the queer community. Starting on a drag journey in 2021, Riley has been working closely with local LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups ever since, helping to create safe, inclusive spaces along the […]

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