What a wonderful evening we enjoyed last Thursday for the annual Countdown to Christmas community celebration.

There was certainly something for everyone as we came together for the eventful and hilarious mascot race, the main parade which was led by our Paralympian Ryley Batt, the wonderful entertainment on the main stage, the lighting of the tree and of course the spectacular fireworks finale.

A huge thank you must go to the many volunteers and community groups who gave so freely of their time and helped make the event such a success.

It is this true community spirit that really makes the Port Macquarie-Hastings such a great place to live.

To the many businesses that also supported Countdown to Christmas, your contribution is greatly appreciated.

If you couldn’t make it last Thursday, visit Council’s Facebook page for a video and photos from the evening.

NSW Touch State Cup

This week we welcome more than 239 teams to our region as they compete for bragging rights in the 40th running of the NSW State Touch Cup.

More than $3million will be injected into our local economy during the event, which is evidence of the growing popularity of touch football as both a competitive sport and for many a more casual form of recreation and exercise.

If you haven’t seen a game before you’ll be amazed at the skills and fitness of our top senior players.

There will be a lot of people about so expect increased traffic over the weekend, and if you are going to the airport please allow extra travel time.

Competition will take place at the Regional Sporting Complex & Tuffins Lane fields, kicking off this Friday 2 December with competition across the weekend, and finals being played on Sunday.

For more information including game times visit nswtouch.com.au/representative/state-cup