March 12, 2026
New guide to support councils in identifying land for affordable housing
Local News

New guide to support councils in identifying land for affordable housing

THE NSW Government has released a new guide to support councils to undertake land audits to identify vacant operational land that could be used to deliver affordable housing projects. The “Council Led Affordable Housing on Operational Land Guide” released by the Office of Local Government provides step-by-step guidance for councils on identifying and managing affordable […]

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Nominations open for 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards Molly Croft, the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year, with Minister Jodie Harrison (left), her mother Ange, and Minister Jihad Dib. Photo: Salty Dingo.
Community

Nominations open for 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards

NOMINATIONS for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open, with family, friends and work mates urged to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state. The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in […]

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St Joseph’s Regional College students preserve Emmaus Village residents’ life stories A family gathers with a St Joseph’s Regional College student to read their father’s memoir.
Community

St Joseph’s Regional College students preserve Emmaus Village residents’ life stories

A family gathers with a St Joseph’s Regional College student to read their father’s memoir. A family listens as a St Joseph’s Regional College student reflects on the stories shared during the project. STUDENTS from St Joseph’s Regional College spent a school term capturing the life stories of residents at Emmaus Village to create their […]

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604 people detected drug driving in statewide traffic operation
Police

604 people detected drug driving in statewide traffic operation

MORE than 600 drivers were detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation last week. Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) commenced at 12am on Thursday 12 February and concluded at 4am on Sunday 15 February, targeting people driving while affected by alcohol, drugs and fatigue. During the operation, […]

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Varroa mite showing resistance to chemical treatments L925I significantly reduces the efficacy of pyrethroid miticides in managing affected mite populations.
Local News

Varroa mite showing resistance to chemical treatments

THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has confirmed the first case of Varroa mite pyrethroid resistance in the state. Laboratory testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute identified a known genetic mutation, L925I, which causes pyrethroid resistance in Varroa mites. DPIRD Honey Bee Technical Specialist, Elizabeth Frost, said L925I significantly reduces […]

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Make-A-Wish fundraiser launched to support Port Macquarie kids Volunteers Jen Stevens, Rachel Brade, Alix Blakeley, Tallulah Main, Tammy Frater and Chelsea Frater fundraising last year at Mountain View Sunflowers in 2025.
Regional

Make-A-Wish fundraiser launched to support Port Macquarie kids

THE dedicated team of volunteers at Make-A-Wish Port Macquarie have been busily preparing for their biggest fundraising event of the year, a trivia night at the Settlers Inn Hotel on Saturday 14 March. Make-A-Wish has been granting life-changing “wishes” for Australian children with critical illnesses since 1985. The community is being encouraged to support this […]

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Gun owners push back on new laws Gun owners gathered in numbers in Kundabung, in what Mr Kemp described as a ‘united, bipartisan show of strength’.
Government

Gun owners push back on new laws

Gun owners gathered in numbers in Kundabung, in what Mr Kemp described as a ‘united, bipartisan show of strength’. Oxley MP Michael Kemp said the new legislation is a ‘rushed, knee-jerk reaction’ to the Bondi attack. HUNDREDS of concerned residents attended a community information session about new NSW firearms laws on Tuesday in Kundabung.  Organised […]

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Barbering across the globe: Ali and Rez’s journey from Iraq to Port Macquarie Ali, known as Alex, with the crew at Port Central. Photo: @beyondstylesbarber.
Local News

Barbering across the globe: Ali and Rez’s journey from Iraq to Port Macquarie

Ali, known as Alex, with the crew at Port Central. Photo: @beyondstylesbarber. Rez with the team at Settlement City. Photo: @portcentralshoppingcentre. FROM Iraq to Port Macquarie, Ali and Rez Alasakira’s journey has been shaped by hard work, family and community.  Arriving in Australia in 2012, the brothers brought with him their barbering trade. Leaving the […]

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$15 million investment in state’s renewable energy workforce
Port Macquarie

$15 million investment in state’s renewable energy workforce

THE NSW and Federal governments are investing $15 million over four years to train the skilled workforce needed for the state’s renewable energy rollout, set to create thousands of jobs in regional NSW. The investment underpins the state’s Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, launched last week by Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe and Minister for Skills, […]

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Police appeal for missing teenager last seen at Lighthouse Beach
Police

Police appeal for missing teenager last seen at Lighthouse Beach

POLICE are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from Port Macquarie. Jade Blyth, 19, was last seen at Lighthouse Beach in early December 2025. Unable to be located since, police were notified on Monday 16 February and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts. Police and her family have concerns for her welfare. Jade […]

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