HUNDREDS of parents have entrusted the care of their young children to Libbie Dark – perhaps their child’s first non-family carer – over the past 21 years.

IN just nine months, 25-year-old Hamilton man, Jack Claridge has experienced more in life than most people, but as opportunities arose, he grabbed them with both hands and marched on.

BUILDING a strong connection with the local community will be the first priority for Coleraine’s newest police officer, Shaun McCulloch.

FISHING restrictions may have been lifted, and the fish are biting, but that has sparked concerns about a possible influx of out-of-towners to the region.

WITH a generous donation from an anonymous local business owner, a group of local figures have united to create the Greater Hamilton, Food Store.

THE Portland Community Garden is continuing to supply produce to locals, albeit with some adjustments made to their delivery in the midst of COVID-19.

MENTAL health awareness is being brought into focus by local social worker Pat Pekin who is challenging locals to get involved in the ISO232.

BUSINESSES won’t start receiving JobKeeper payments for another couple of weeks, but the promise of Federal Government relief has allowed a Hamilton café to retain more than half its staff during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

IT will be Anzac Day tomorrow, but not as we know it.

BEFORE the pandemic, one in five Australians experienced mental illness, but due to the uncertainty and instability around coronavirus (COVID-19), there is a potential for the number of people seeking support to rise.