Their inquiries are still ongoing however, and they continue to appeal for anyone with relevant footage or information to contact officers from the Mid North Coast Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

There was nothing fire crews could do to save the historic building and popular riverside stopover.

They managed to save surrounding structures and boats, but as News Of The Area reported on 24 January, their efforts were complicated by the fact the nearest water hydrants weren’t working.

A spokesperson for Port Macquarie Hastings Council has now confirmed to NOTA that “the new section of watermain and associated hydrants on Mill Street have been commissioned”.

“A new length of watermain remains to be completed on Bold Street, with any out of service hydrants now marked with that status.”

Community support for those affected by the fire remains strong.

On 2 February, Active Discovery Project hosted an Ice Bath fundraiser for local fishermen.

The $1300 raised will be put towards the donations of ice that Peter Poole of Laurieton Service Station is providing.

Brigade members of Laurieton 358 and Port Macquarie 424, who attended the fire on the night, also took part in the chilly challenge.

Meantime, support for the Auction Night planned for Saturday night has been so strong, that it has been postponed to deal with the resulting red tape.

Organiser Brice Hayward shared this update with the community.

“The priority of the auction night organising committee has always been to ensure that the fundraising events are of the highest integrity and that the funds raised will be managed and distributed in compliance with any relevant laws and regulations.

“Due to the incredible support of the community and local businesses, the auction night scheduled for this Saturday, 8 February, was set to be bigger than expected, with the potential to raise significant funds for those affected.

“It has come to the attention of the committee that there are some legal requirements that need to be met in regards to the operation of an event of this size and there are a few boxes that must be ticked.

“Unfortunately, it will not be possible to tick those boxes during the next [few] days as we had hoped.

“With this in mind, the difficult decision has been made to postpone the auction night… to a date to be advised, which is still anticipated to be within the next few weeks.

“We’d like to assure everyone who has donated prizes or bought tickets for the event, that the only reason for this difficult decision is to ensure that the event can be operated in the most compliant and transparent manner, [to] confirm our commitment to supporting the fishermen from the Co-op, and Cody, owner of the seafood retail and takeaway business.

“The Laurieton United Services Club (LUSC) has confirmed that any tickets already purchased will be valid for the new date, when it is available.

“Anyone who is unable to attend the new date will be entitled to a full refund. If you would prefer a full refund now and re-book when the date is set, please contact LUSC to make arrangements.

“Once again, we apologise for any inconvenience, but can’t wait to bring you this fundraiser in a few weeks time [while] meeting all regulatory requirements along the way.”

By Sue STEPHENSON