A love of local history and respect for one of Wauchope’s true iconic women was the inspiration behind Garry and Janice Bruem’s 12-month labour of love – The Royal of the North. With 200 pages of photos, interviews, stories and historical facts, the history of the Wauchope and Port Macquarie Shows have been documented in this unique book … but if you’d like a copy, you’ll have to get in fast, as there’s a limited print run of 1,000 copies.
By now we’ve all seen the large, conical sculpture at the new entrance to Port Macquarie on the Oxley Highway, and most of us have probably wondered who created it and what it represents. Artist Rick Reynolds is responsible for creating quite a few remarkable sculptures throughout the Hastings and Manning areas … sculptures that leave a lasting impression and reflect the imagination of their creator. But as Rick explains, it’s really for the viewer to decide what symbolism and meaning to attach to each piece of art …
Victor Trevino, Lead Dancer and Creative Director of Men In Pink Tights, tells us about the upcoming performance at the Glasshouse. Audiences will experience the amazing spectacle of traditional ballet coupled with the side splitting humour of this all male cast … most of whom are in tutus!
We meet Dr Ian Brooks – the new Customer Care Advisor for the Port Macquarie Customer Care Program …
Four brothers, eight pharmacies, the majority in the Port Macquarie region, with the chain here in the Hastings – literally, on Rawdon Island. This month, Susie chats with Ibby Khodary, the smiling eminence atop the mid-town shop, about the brothers’ drive to build discount pharmacies in country community settings…
Using the natural shapes of wood to create clocks, bowls and platters, Doug Ballard has carried out his woodworking hobby for twelve years from his home in Comboyne. A regular at the Foreshore Market in Port Macquarie, we spoke to Doug about his love for creating unique pieces that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
![]()
The Greater Port Macquarie area is already home to some amazing events, festivals, attractions and public spaces. A lot of hard work and forward thinking by Council, individuals, clubs and community groups over the last 20+ years has helped elevate Port Macquarie to the no.3 tourist destination in New South Wales.
What would YOU do if you suffered from a fear or phobia? At age 50, inspirational local Janice Downes decided to face her fear of sharks by diving with these giants of the deep. Now, at age 74, Janice has lived a rich and full life, providing many years of service to others. Her story serves to remind us that life is what we make it … through hardship, happiness, gratitude and giving. Read more
Mayoral candidate Adam Roberts rolls his sleeves up to discuss his ideas and vision for the future of the Port Macquarie-Hastings area. If elected, the status quo might just have to change … Read more
To help celebrate Youth Week, two creative workshops will be held at the Glasshouse this month. Read more
As three established eating houses closed their doors, a plucky 23-year-old plunged everything he owned into opening a new restaurant. The 14-hour days aren’t exactly hard work: digging holes in the road might be, he reckons. If this month’s lunch guest is our future, Susie finds we’re in good shape. Read more
A love of the surf and many teenage hours spent bodyboarding have led Joshua Tabone to develop a new talent – photography. With no shortage of inspiring subjects to shoot and plenty of passion behind the lens, Josh’s surf photos are truly magnificent …
Port Macquarie local, Ryley Batt, is aiming for his third consecutive Paralympic Games in the sport of Wheelchair Rugby, at the tender age of twenty-two.
It takes commitment, dedication and an all encompassing enthusiasm for your career choice to work for one business for 40 years. Jill Woodlands’ passion for fashion has helped her to carve out a rewarding career at TAFE…
Inspired by a love for extreme sports, music festivals, chicks who rock and her TAFE studies, Amy Schwarze and her creative team have developed the Ossix lifestyle brand , specialising in custom made, unique swimwear … that’s going global.


















