Get the appGun owners on the North Coast will have to wait months to surrender firearms under the NSW National Gun Buyback. Grafton is the only North Coast station opening from November 2. Lismore, Ballina and Tweed Heads stations start on February 8, 2027. The limit of 10 guns per licence holder is still a draft proposal, with exemptions under consideration. Walk-ins are not accepted, and surrenders require a booking through the Gun Safe portal.
Developer Clifton Lifestyle is launching Clifton Camden Haven, a new over-55s community in Kew, with a limited first release of 13 homes. Homes start from $585,000, subject to change and availability. The Early Access Club launch is on 2 November, with the wider public release on 6 November. The community will include a clubhouse, heated outdoor pool and spa, gym, sauna, pickleball courts and a bowling green. It sits near Laurieton, less than 30 minutes from Port Macquarie. The sales office is open at Haven Plaza, Laurieton.
Luke Hadfield was re-elected unopposed as president of the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce at its Annual General Meeting on 13 October. The chamber made a formal submission on the Draft Laurieton Town Centre Master Plan after consulting businesses and residents through meetings and a community forum. Its new initiatives, including the Laurieton Riverwalk Markets, helped lift membership, and its finances improved. Chantelle Ansell was elected vice president. The new executive will plan the next 12 months, with street beautification a high priority.
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Get the appThe first Wear It Again Market will be held at Laurieton Services Club on October 18. Organisers Steph McMahon and Donna-Jane Wilson started the event to share their passion for pre-loved clothing. About 30 stallholders will sell children's, men's and women's garments. The organisers hope the market will reduce landfill and ease the cost of buying clothes for people under financial pressure. Card payments will be accepted at some stalls, and the club has an ATM. Patrons are asked to bring reusable bags.
The Rotary Club of Laurieton has donated $1000 to Shelterbox Australia and $1000 to the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel after floods and landslides devastated Nepal. Club president Caroline Hall said shelter items such as family tents, tarpaulins and water filters help people survive and rebuild. The club raises funds through twice-yearly book sales, and coordinator Philip Town said donated quality books are being sought for the next sale in January.
Community at 3, a Camden Haven charity, has received a $20,000 donation from the Commonwealth Bank Community Grants Program. The money will help the organisation move from the Kew Country Club to facilities offered by the Anglican Church. The relocation still needs final Council approval, and the charity hopes to complete the move before Christmas. Co-Chair Theo Hazelgrove says the new site will allow the charity to reach more people, including those in Kew, Kendall and Herons Creek. The organisation is marking its tenth anniversary this year.
A morning remembrance walk in Laurieton on 31 October will support bereaved families who have lost a baby. Organised by Bears Of Hope during International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, the walk starts at the Laurieton United Services Club riverfront and turns around after crossing Stingray Bridge. A ceremony follows, where the names of lost babies will be read aloud and flowers can be laid. Fundraising Liaison Abby Dante said parents often never hear their babies' names spoken. The event also raises funds for Bears Of Hope's pregnancy and infant loss support services.
Aussie Battlers expects to open a food hub in Laurieton by late November, giving relief to people facing poverty over Christmas. The space will provide food all year and sit apart from the group's shop. Founder and president Karen Sparkes said the festive season should be enjoyed by everyone, including those going through hardship. Food hampers and gifts will be offered, along with a photo with Santa. Anyone can get help from the shop, with proceeds returning to the community.
NSW Fire and Rescue is urging residents to reduce fire hazards during spring cleaning. Firefighters attended 1005 residential fires in NSW last spring, with almost half of the homes having no working smoke alarms. Laurieton Station Commander Les King advises checking alarms, creating escape plans, and following safety tips like maintaining barbecues and monitoring cooking. The brigade also recommends clearing garden debris, checking gas barbecues, and safely disposing of hazardous chemicals.