March 15, 2026
Coalition’s tobacco legislation to be introduced next month
Local News

Coalition’s tobacco legislation to be introduced next month

THE NSW Coalition will introduce its proposed Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Stopping Illicit Tobacco) Bill 2025 when Parliament resumes next month. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said the legislation could see people who sell illegal tobacco and vapes be jailed for up to seven years. “The increased activity involving the illegal sale of tobacco […]

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Stargazing: The energy-producing power of the sun
Local News

Stargazing: The energy-producing power of the sun

HOW much energy does the Sun produce in one hour? Let’s just say it’s enough to make your brain hurt. In just one hour, our Sun releases more energy than all of humanity uses in an entire year. Seriously. Every house lit up, every car driven, every phone charged, every plane flown – all could […]

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Bank champions cultural opportunities for Mid North Coast students Kempsey High School Drama students attending a performance at The Glasshouse in June.
Regional

Bank champions cultural opportunities for Mid North Coast students

YEAR 9 students at Kempsey High School (KHS) were treated to cultural experience at The Glasshouse in June, supported by funding from the Coastline Bank Community Foundation. The students were provided tickets to a performance of ‘Scenes from the Climate Era’ by Sydney’s Belvoir St Theatre. “The performance was deeply moving – exploring the political, […]

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Rotary honours heroes from region’s emergency services John Oxley, Immediate Past President Rotary E-Club of District 9650; Benjamin Monaghan, Ambulance Service; Senior Constable David Ulherr, Port Macquarie Police; Mitchel Atherton, Australian Lifeguard Service; Michael Brumby, State Emergency Service; Nicole Crowe, Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club; Rob Britten, Port Macquarie Marine Rescue; Brendan Seed, President Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West. Photo: supplied.
Community

Rotary honours heroes from region’s emergency services

ROTARY Club of Port Macquarie West and the Rotary E-Club of District 9650 joined forces on 15 July to host an evening honouring seven representatives from the region’s emergency services. All emergency services were invited to nominate a local member who had “gone above and beyond”, recognising their dedication and commitment to serving the Port […]

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Petition calls for return of Discovery train passes
Local News

Petition calls for return of Discovery train passes

LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald OAM has sponsored a petition to the NSW Legislative Council demanding the reinstatement of three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes. The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network. The longer term passes have recently been paused by the state […]

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Increased rate of NSW adults getting sunburnt The report found more than 80 percent of respondents used at least one form of sun protection.
Health

Increased rate of NSW adults getting sunburnt

ALMOST one million adults across the state were sunburnt at least once over a four-week period, according to a new report from the Cancer Institute NSW. The “Sun Protection Behaviours Report”, released last week, shows 15 percent of people surveyed reported being sunburnt, up from 12 percent in the previous report. The research analyses data […]

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St Agnes’ and Lourdes villages celebrate creativity at art and craft Fair St Agnes’ Village resident Barbara Swan with friend Marjorie Bird. Photo: Pauline Cain
Community

St Agnes’ and Lourdes villages celebrate creativity at art and craft Fair

St Agnes’ Village resident Barbara Swan with friend Marjorie Bird. Photo: Pauline Cain Lourdes Village resident Neville Ross with his colourful collection of wooden trucks and cars. Photo: Pauline Cain. Emmaus Village artworks. Photo: Pauline Cain. Beautiful quilts by Rosaleen Johnson. Photo: Pauline Cain. Henry Field, artist in residence at Emmaus Village, was drawing live […]

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Port Mac Goss: Andrew Morello
Business

Port Mac Goss: Andrew Morello

ONE of my favourite shows is The Apprentice Australia. Back in 2009 a young Victorian man, Andrew Morello, a real estate agent and auctioneer, was a contestant on the first Australian Apprentice, featuring Yellow Brick Road founder and high profile businessman, Mark Bouris AM. Andrew won that first season, with his prize being the chance […]

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Otters Basil and Josie make a big splash at Port Macquarie’s Billabong Zoo Operations Manager Blake Stone and Zookeeper Naomi Gardner feeding Basil and Josie. Photos: Pauline Cain
Regional

Otters Basil and Josie make a big splash at Port Macquarie’s Billabong Zoo

Operations Manager Blake Stone and Zookeeper Naomi Gardner feeding Basil and Josie. Photos: Pauline Cain OTTERS Basil and Josie have made their debut in Port Macquarie, just in time for the school holidays. The siblings turned five last Monday and had plenty of visitors to help them celebrate. They have officially taken up residence at […]

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