Cutting the cake with inaugural members (l-r) Lynne Magni, Majorie Stone, Zone Councillor Evelyn Lockhart, Jennifer Brett, President Karen Swain, Noeline Millward and Cheryl Corbett. Zone Councillor Evie Lockhart presenting member Lorraine Jose with her 20-year service pin. Guest speaker Debbie Sommers, Assistant Secretary Sue Hudson, guest Suzanne Steel, President Karen Swain, Secretary Cheryl Corbett, […]

Cookery Stewards, Lorraine Wedge and Lexie Burton. Photo: Pauline Cain. Sheryl Workman was the most successful cookery exhibitor. Photo: Pauline Cain. Evelyn Park was the most successful competitor in the junior cookery competition. Photo: Pauline Cain. Anzac Biscuits were the most popular class. Photo: Pauline Cain. THE Wauchope Showground pavilion was bursting with treats during […]

MID North Coast residents, like most in regional Australia, are known for helping others in need. But changes to charity funding rules have led to concerns that the system isn’t working as well as it could. The Federal Government has announced that “Giving Funds” will be required to distribute six percent of assets each year, […]

THE coalition’s hardline migration plan has been lashed as divisive and Australia’s multicultural communities say they are tired of being dehumanised by all sides of politics.  Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled a plan to boot migrants from the nation if they do not exhibit “Australian values”, shut the door on some asylum seekers and […]

Port Oyster Co.’s Paul Wilson on the ‘farm’. Photo: Port Oyster Company/Facebook. Cowper MP Pat Conaghan with Bob St John, GM of Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co Op. Photo: supplied. THE loss of a key mental health program for Australia’s seafood industry has prompted urgent calls for funding to be reinstated.  Federal Member for Cowper Pat […]

Carly Marchment won Best in Show. Photos: Pauline Cain. Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac, Hastings Fine Art Society committee member Jill Cairns and judge Vivianne Hazenveld. Suzanne and David Edwards, Christina Unger, Michelle Randone, Kerry Fox and Chris Higginbotham. Artist Maddalena Piola with friend Suzi Nichols. Julie Mills with her artwork ‘Bonny’s Due North.’ Artist Kim […]

The Grand Champion pumpkin. Photo: supplied. Year 7 Food and Agriculture students from St Joseph’s Regional College with their award winning pumpkin. Photo: supplied. Preparing the ground for next season’s crop. Photo: SJRC/Facebook. YEAR 7 Food and Agriculture students at St Joseph’s Regional College have been enjoying the fruits (or rather, vegetables) of their labour. […]

THE NSW Liberals and Nationals have revealed a plan to introduce a licence plate scheme for e-bike riders. Announced on Friday 13 March in Port Macquarie, the proposal aims to improve safety across the state, targeting young riders and commercial operators. The initiative responds to growing concerns about unsafe e-bike use in busy public areas […]

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 […]