Minute and mouse-like is the apt description given the smallest of Australia’s possum family - the pygmy or feather-tail glider.

The gliders, which enable this fellow to fly, can be partly extended behind the forelegs. The feather-like tail is delightfully soft to touch. Two of them were brought down to Port Macquarie last week after the tree they called home was felled by Forestry.  

The ranger released them in a most appropriate location — the home of the little people at Fantasy Glades.

New Marine Centre

First established close to forty years ago, the popular “in town” boatshed, renamed Port Macquarie Marine Centre, has had its most recent and most exciting face lift.

Almost completely rebuilt, the Marine Centre has been raised, three feet above the previous record flood height, and its interior has been spectacularly transformed to meet all the needs of the fishermen and the followers of water sports.

One hundred yards from the post office, and on the waterfront, the Marine Centre is ideally located. The new owner of the centre is Mr Alan Hannan.

He has added a long list of agencies to the Marine Centre, and a tremendous range of boats, motors, and fishing gear are now readily available. The centre has come a long way since the days of the late Bob Reckless and the few boats he began with.

Today, the variety of boats are available for hire and, for those with their own boats, there’s a public launching ramp beside the centre. The bright exterior and interior of the centre are revealed in the photographs herewith and the well set up service section speaks well both for Port Macquarie Marine Centre and its customers.

Second Strip for Airport

The Department of Civil Aviation has selected a site for the proposed cross strip at the aerodrome. The grass strip, 4000 feet long, should be in service sometime next year. It will form a ‘T’ with the present runway, extending east from a point south of Mr Alex Oliver’s hangar.

The strip will be used by light aircraft when the main runway is subject to hazardous cross-winds. In a letter to Oxley County Council, the Department of Civil Aviation asked that tree clearing be carried out within the aerodrome boundary. The Department said this would allow a more detailed survey of the eastern approach.

Red Phones

Something new for Port Macquarie will be popping up soon – one of those red telephones. Mr Bill Richmond, sales manager for Victa Telecommunications, at present in Port Macquarie, says it won’t be long before the associated advantages bring more red phones to Port Macquarie.

You come across them frequently in the city in business houses, accommodation places, clubs, and the like. You pop in your coin and dial the number you want its a public telephone in convenient places. Telephones bring to mind the PMG, and work commenced on the demolition of Port Macquarie’s 90-year-old post office to make way for the new one.

This is one of the outcomes of the town’s sesqui-centenary celebrations. The new post office will appeal to both locals and visitors.