REPORTS of domestic and family violence are soaring yet support services are grossly underfunded and struggle to meet demand. New data from Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW) shows that two out of three victim-survivors cannot be assigned a case worker, leaving them vulnerable to escalating danger. Commissioned through Equity Economics the “Unmet Demand” report shows the […]

AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel – more than a month’s supply – as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand. The country is “as prepared as possible” with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days’ supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday. The stockpile […]

RATIONING fuel in Australia’s major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic and social issues, a peak motoring body says. Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil corridors, after the country was attacked by US and Israeli forces. The conflict in the Middle East has spiked […]

CHARITIES, community groups and not‑for‑profit organisations delivering community‑led projects across Essential Energy’s network area are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Essential Grants program before the end of March. The program is offering grants of up to $15,000 to help eligible organisations bring their initiatives to life and deliver real benefits for people, […]

FROM humble beginnings in 2012 in a Melbourne pub, the “Tough Guy Book Club” has expanded globally. Founded by Shay Leighton, it is a network of men who are “about reading books, hitting the pub with the goons, and rowdy conversations.” Port Macquarie has its own chapter, which meets at 7pm at Finnian’s Irish Tavern […]

Participants at the ‘Blooming Portraits’ workshop at Port Macquarie Museum. Photo: PMM. Karen Karta and Kelli Williams at the opening of ‘Living Life in Colour’ at the Port Macquarie Hastings Library. Photo: Pauline Cain. Participants (with Casey Baldwin from Intergen Connect in the centre) at the Intergenerational Creative Workshops at Port Macquarie Hastings Library. Photo: […]

Port Macquarie CWA Branch members Wendy Evans, Helena Ross, Pat Banister, Janis Miles, Joan Branch, Robyn Baker and Tiffany Brooks. Photo: Pauline Cain. Friends Janet Leeder, Pamela Brewer and Julie Miller enjoying morning tea in the Port Macquarie CWA rooms. Photo: Pauline Cain. CWA member Robyn Baker, sharing morning tea with her granddaughter, Melissa Baker. […]

Writers Tracey Brenton, Maggie Walters and Fiona McArthur with MC Wendy Haynes presenting the self-publishing panel. Photo: Pauline Cain. Poets Rex Twomey, Alanna Alfaro and Ian Keast. Photo: supplied. PORT Writers hosted “Writers for Writers 2026” at Port Panthers on the weekend of 6-8 March. The volunteer-run festival featured both commissioned writers and self-publishers. President […]

PORT Macquarie ranks as the ninth highest electorate in NSW for solar uptake, as regional communities continue to drive the state’s renewable energy transition. The latest data, released by the NSW Government, shows households and businesses in regional NSW account for nine of the top ten electorates for rooftop solar installations. The Oxley electorate – […]

MARCH is National Pet Adoption Month, with animal lovers encouraged to consider welcoming a cat or dog into their home while supporting animal welfare efforts across the country. RSPCA Australia CEO Richard Mussell said hundreds of cats and dogs are currently available for adoption. “March is looking like a wonderful time to make a new […]