I would like to welcome all the visitors to our Shire, and wish you a safe and fun-filled holiday on the beautiful Macleay.

Being home to some of the best beaches on the coast, there’s nothing more relaxing than packing a picnic and heading to the beach for a great family day out. The surf lifesaving patrol season is still underway, so please stay safe by swimming between the flags.

If you are looking for things to do to keep the kids and grandkids entertained these school holidays, two fabulous activities are planned at Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Lighthouse.

WilderQuest combines the fascinating history of these two iconic Macleay landmarks with a good mix of mystery, exercise and fun for children five years and over. For details visit the National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Kempsey Library is holding craft and digital workshops that offer creative hands-on activities for primary school children, along with Taronga Zoomobile's Animals of the Dreaming tour. These are both fun and educational outings for schoolkids looking for something different these holidays.

The Rocks is hosting family fun activities this Easter weekend. Supported by local fishermen and Ocean Watch Australia, the Loaves and Fishers BBQ at the South West Rocks Surf Life Saving Club on Good Friday should be a wonderful day out for seafood enthusiasts, including a BBQ of sea mullet. The little ones aren't forgotten with the Easter Egg Raffle on Sunday at the Country Club.

The Macleay prides itself on the popular markets that showcase farm fresh produce, gourmet and home-made food, and creative clothing and artistic wares. Local markets are held regularly at different locations across the Shire, including Kempsey, Horseshoe Bay, Sherwood, Crescent Head and Gladstone.