JOY has opened at Luminance Art Gallery in Port Macquarie, showcasing an end-of-year exhibition of artworks by young people from the Mid North Coast. The gallery issued an open call earlier this year and waived all entry fees to remove barriers to participation. More than 30 young artists submitted work, and the gallery shortlisted 22 […]
Wear white and join the Liberty Coastal Walk Against Domestic and Family Violence
COMMUNITY members in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region are invited to wear white and join the Liberty Coastal Walk Against Domestic and Family Violence on Sunday 30 November. The walk is in support of safer futures for women and children. Hosted by Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, this annual event begins at 8am in […]
Koala hotspot signage on Pacific Drive reminds drivers to slow down in known risk areas. Photo: Matt Taylor.
Efforts to protect koalas stepped up across key Port Macquarie hotspots
A COMPREHENSIVE update of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Koala Action Plan has detailed major progress on habitat mapping, road-strike mitigation and the monitoring of local koala populations. The report covers the first full year of implementation since Council adopted the plan in February 2024, following years of legislative changes, fire-related habitat loss and the species’ statewide […]
Town Beach flash mob highlights importance of better care for pregnant and postpartum women
WITH a burst of music and a flood of red t-shirts, Town Beach came alive on Saturday 22 November as part of a series of flash mobs appearing around the country. Led by Rachel Leman of Miss Motivator, 25 mums descended on the local beach with one mission in mind: to highlight the importance of […]
The Town Beach Reserve foreshore, where a draft master plan proposes major upgrades. Photo: Matt Taylor.
Draft Town Beach Reserve Plan outlines foreshore improvements
COUNCIL has endorsed the draft Town Beach Reserve Master Plan for public exhibition, setting out a long-term vision for Port Macquarie’s popular beachfront. The plan brings together more than 15 years of previous studies, concept plans and precinct strategies, consolidating them into a single framework to guide future investment and upgrades. Town Beach Reserve’s ageing […]
Sporting groups, including cricket clubs, have dodged a fee for use of local fields after Council rejected the move in a 5-4 vote at last week’s meeting. Photo: Matt Taylor.
Councillors knock back sporting user-pay fees after community backlash
PORT Macquarie Hastings Council has rejected moves to introduce a user-pay system for sporting fields following a spirited debate among councillors that highlighted the financial pressures facing local families, struggling clubs, and Council’s own increasing maintenance costs. Cr Nik Lipovac put forward the successful motion at last week’s meeting, citing strong opposition from the community […]
Concerns have been raised about unsafe e-bike and e-scooter riding in Port Macquarie’s Town Centre. Picture: Matt Taylor.
Council urges locals to report unsafe e-bike and e-scooter riding
UNSAFE e-bike and e-scooter use in Port Macquarie’s town centre has prompted Council to explain its regulatory role while urging the community to make direct complaints to State authorities. Cr Nik Lipovac brought a notice of motion to last week’s meeting calling for Council to publish clear information on its website about its responsibilities surrounding […]
Linked Community Services clients Judy Kirby and Valerie Wilson, and volunteer drivers John and Colin (behind) at the matinee of ‘Billy Elliot’. Photo: Pauline Cain.
Local talent treading the boards in ‘Billy Elliot’ at the Players Theatre
The cast of Billy Elliott singing the opening number ‘The Stars Look Down’. Photo: supplied. Linked Community Services clients Judy Kirby and Valerie Wilson, and volunteer drivers John and Colin (behind) at the matinee of ‘Billy Elliot’. Photo: Pauline Cain. THE musical “Billy Elliot” had a packed house for its opening weekend at the Players […]
Coastal land values rise to $582 billion as valuations show growth across key sectors
LAND values across coastal NSW have climbed two percent to a record $582 billion. The latest figures come from the NSW Valuer General following an analysis of almost 23,000 property sales. Valuer General Sally Dale said, “The coastal market has shown a slight overall increase over the last year across the residential, commercial and industrial […]
Beach nourishment works set for Lake Cathie Foreshore
PORT Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) will soon undertake beach nourishment works at Lake Cathie Foreshore Reserve to “improve foreshore stability and provide enhanced sandy areas for families and visitors”. Earlier this year, rock bags were installed in the reserve to address ongoing erosion. In early December, the area will be backfilled with marine sands sourced […]
