The festival will be on from April 10 until May 3, with the official opening family day at Rocks Ferry Reserve, Wauchope on Sunday April 12.

The three-week festival aims to showcase our unique local history and heritage and incorporates the Centenary of Rail to Wauchope celebrations.

This year’s festival theme is conflict and compassion and commemorates the Centenary of ANZAC and the impact of World War I on our national identity.

Conflict and compassion has also shaped our nation in many other ways. Local museums and heritage organisations have put together a series of events to commemorate, reflect, entertain, inspire and inform including walks, talks, tours and exhibitions.

Why not spend a little time reflecting on the past as you visit our many heritage places and celebrate our rich cultural heritage? 

Festival programs are available at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council offices and Visitor Information Centres, local museums and online http://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Heritage.

Photographs featured are from the Port Macquarie Historical Society collection. Historic photographs are also published in Pictures from the Past - Volume 2, a 72-page publication in black and white featuring many local historic photographs cost $15, and in Port Macquarie Then and Now, a 275-page colour publication, cost $45.

Both are available for sale at the Port Macquarie Museum, 22 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie.