May 27, 2026
Members to vote on Regional Australia Bank and Summerland Bank merger Regional Australia Bank has branches across the Hunter and Mid North Coast.
Editor's Picks, Local News

Members to vote on Regional Australia Bank and Summerland Bank merger

THE Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has given the green light to a proposed merger between Summerland Bank and Regional Australia Bank. Regional Australia Bank currently operates 39 bank branches across the New England, North West, Central West, Riverina, Mid North Coast and Hunter regions of NSW, whilst Summerland operates 10 branches across the NSW […]

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‘Looking Back Moving Forward’ exhibition at The Glasshouse FAN Artists at their exhibition opening. Photo: Pauline Cain
Regional

‘Looking Back Moving Forward’ exhibition at The Glasshouse

FAN Artists at their exhibition opening. Photo: Pauline Cain Gloria Muddle ‘Tidal Edge’, textile. Photo: Pauline Cain. Catherine Erskine’s ‘Swamp Creature’ and ‘Falling Leaf’ make use of dead vine wood. Photo: Pauline Cain A chest made in China in 1879 and belonging to T.K. Steanes, inspired Joanne Steanes’ work. Photo: Pauline Cain “LOOKING Back Moving […]

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Port Macquarie Base Hospital ‘deeply grateful’ for Pink Ladies The 2025-26 Pink Ladies committee: Christene Tait, Karen Swain, Gabby Gregory, Judy Davidson, Karen Fraser and Sonia Currie.
Community, Health

Port Macquarie Base Hospital ‘deeply grateful’ for Pink Ladies

PORT Macquarie Pink Ladies have donated a total of $17,643.55 in patient comfort items and other equipment to Port Macquarie Base Hospital this year. This includes a blanket warming cabinet and a digital chest drain unit. Mid North Coast Local Health District Corporate Relations Manager Tiffany Ball, said the hospital was “deeply grateful” for the […]

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Flood recovery grant applications to be processed quicker Member for Oxley Michael Kemp discusses flood recovery with Premier Chris Minns and NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders in May. Photo: Michael Kemp FB.
Community, Government

Flood recovery grant applications to be processed quicker

THE State Government last week announced it would immediately double the number of staff members working on the processing of Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) Recovery Grants for primary producers impacted by the May floods. Since June, the RAA has received almost 2,000 applications and has approved more than $23 million in payments, however the Government […]

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‘My First Speech’ competition launched in Australian high schools
School

‘My First Speech’ competition launched in Australian high schools

THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Milton Dick MP, has launched the “My First Speech” competition for high school students across Australia. Students from across the Cowper electorate are encouraged to take part in this unique opportunity to learn more about Parliament and public speaking. “The My First Speech competition challenges students […]

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Stargazing: that big ball of nuclear fire Image: supplied.
Local News

Stargazing: that big ball of nuclear fire

THE next time you see the sunrise, take a moment. That big ball of nuclear fire lighting up your morning sky is not just sitting there politely waiting for you to make coffee. It’s racing around the Milky Way at an eye-watering 828,000 km/h, dragging Earth and the rest of the solar system along for […]

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Port Macquarie marine rescuer ready to inspire women after international training Port Macquarie’s Alison Cameron-Brown was one of 15 women from around the world selected for the course.
Community

Port Macquarie marine rescuer ready to inspire women after international training

Port Macquarie’s Alison Cameron-Brown was one of 15 women from around the world selected for the course. The Deputy Unit Commander took part in exercises off Sydney Heads and around Cottage Point. Photo: Marine Rescue NSW. ALISON Cameron-Brown is returning to Port Macquarie with a raft of new marine rescue skills after completing an elite […]

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Make a Difference volunteers celebrated in Port Macquarie Make a Difference volunteers Tanya Hopwood (left) and Julie Lowe.
Community

Make a Difference volunteers celebrated in Port Macquarie

Criminal lawyer and advocate Charmain Woods (left) with Make a Difference co-founder and director Erin Denham. Make a Difference volunteers Tanya Hopwood (left) and Julie Lowe. MAKE a Difference (M.A.D) Port Macquarie held a volunteer appreciation night at Port Panthers on Wednesday, 20 August, featuring criminal lawyer and advocate Charmain Woods as guest speaker. M.A.D […]

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EXPLAINER – The Eastern Blue Groper: A NSW coastal icon An Eastern Blue Groper posing. Photo: Malcolm Nobbs.
Local News

EXPLAINER – The Eastern Blue Groper: A NSW coastal icon

THE eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) is endemic and one of the most iconic fish species found in New South Wales coastal waters. Recognised for its striking cobalt blue colouration and curious nature, this fish holds ecological, cultural, and conservation significance. Its visibility and frequent non-aggressive interactions with snorkelers and divers have made it an […]

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EXPLAINER: Harmful Algal Blooms The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and other marine life.
Local News

EXPLAINER: Harmful Algal Blooms

The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and other marine life. The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and other marine life. MARINE algal blooms are the […]

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