All of the Libraries within the Hastings region have Local Studies collections that detail the history, development, people and places of the area. While each of the libraries holds copies of the most significant resources for our region, Port Macquarie Library has the most comprehensive collection. The branch libraries at Wauchope and Laurieton also hold items of significance to their local areas. The collections include books, maps, newspapers, photographs and Council documents.

The Hastings region is served by three weekly newspapers.

• The Port Macquarie News 1882 to date.
• The Wauchope Gazette 1920 to date
• The Camden Haven Courier 1954 to date

These newspapers are available to view on microfilm at the Port Macquarie Library. Each library also holds hardcopy of the newspapers from the 1950s onwards.

There is a project currently underway to digitize the local newspapers. So far, the following digital newspapers are available to view at each library:

• The Port Macquarie News 1882-1954
• The Wauchope (Hastings) Gazette 1920-1954
• The Camden Haven Courier 1955-1968
• The Macleay Argus 1885-1954
• The Macleay Chronicle 1899-1952

   Click here to see the first page of the Port Macquarie News from July 8,1882  

In addition, digital copy of the Port Macquarie News, The Express, the Hastings Gazette and the Camden Haven Courier is available from 2005 onwards at each library.

Volunteers have compiled  genealogical information on early families of the Hastings region. These files usually consist of family group charts and  newspaper articles. Some files have been digitized and are available online. Copies of those files not yet digitizedcan be provided on request.

Click on the links below to view the files held in our collection:

 A - F          G - M           N - S           T - Z

See the  Ackroyd Family file as an example of the type of information to be found. 

Family Search website has made available digital copies of the minute books from the Camden Haven Masonic Lodge for the years 1922 - 1947. Access the records here.

The Library holds a small collection of historic photographs of the local area and most of these are accessible through the library online catalogue. The Port Macquarie Historical Museum has a large photographic collection. Contact the Museum for access times and conditions.

A number of documents relating to the history of the Hastings region are available as downloadable PDF files. Some of these are listed on the table to the right while others are available from our library catalogue.