This week I attended the launch of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Sports Awards which offers more than $7000 in prizes to local athletes to help them achieve their sporting dreams.

It’s amazing just how much sporting talent we have in our region, and after chatting to some of last year’s recipients and hearing all they’ve achieved, I’m really looking forward to seeing who will be nominated by our community in 2018.

The Wayne Richards Sporting Scholarship will once again provide $4000 to a young local sports star. I encourage anyone, who is aged between 13 and 21 years and looking to take their sporting career to the next level, to submit an application.  After all, as experienced athletes know - you’ve got to be in it, to win it.

For more information and to apply for the Wayne Richards Sporting Scholarship, visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/2018wrss or to nominate a local sportsperson or volunteer for a Hastings Sports Award, visit sunrise-rotary.org.au/sportsawards.

Twilight Tastings success

It’s hard to deny that our region is fast becoming known as one of the east coast’s premier foodie destinations, and last week’s Hastings Co-op Twilight Tastings event definitely lived up to this claim.

Hundreds of our local community flocked to Wauchope Showground to experience all things fun, food, beer, wine and live entertainment.

The local producers in our region continue to grow and achieve great things, and as I walked through the market stalls it was clear to see just how far we’ve come!

From boutique beers and wood fire pizzas to cheese tastings and much more, it was definitely a great night the whole family could enjoy.

A big thanks to the Hastings Co-op for putting on another great local foodie event, I encourage everyone to continue to support our local producers, food makers and brewers who definitely create some truly amazing local products.