March 18, 2026
Motoring group puts brakes on city fuel ration push The cost of fuel has shot up amid concerns about shortages stemming from the war in the Middle East. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Regional

Motoring group puts brakes on city fuel ration push

RATIONING fuel in Australia’s major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic and social issues, a peak motoring body says. Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil corridors, after the country was attacked by US and Israeli forces. The conflict in the Middle East has spiked […]

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Fuel stockpile topped up as minister says supply secure Fuel has been running short in regional areas, prompting calls for supply to be rationed in cities. Photo: Jay Kogler/AAP PHOTOS.
Regional

Fuel stockpile topped up as minister says supply secure

AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel – more than a month’s supply – as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand. The country is “as prepared as possible” with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days’ supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday. The stockpile […]

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Increased traffic putting residents’ safety at risk North Bellingen residents have voiced their concerns about traffic issues. Photo: Caroline Joseph.
Local News

Increased traffic putting residents’ safety at risk

WHENEVER a major road is disrupted, it isn’t just its regular users who are inconvenienced: residents in formerly quiet, urban streets also experience significant traffic changes. Forty residents attended the Bellingen Showground Luncheon Pavilion earlier this month to air their concerns about the impact the closure of Waterfall Way is having on them. Hammond and […]

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Coffs yachtsman Eric Marsh completes round the world yacht race Eric Marsh completes the 2025/26 McIntyre Mini Globe Race.
Local News

Coffs yachtsman Eric Marsh completes round the world yacht race

Eric Marsh completes the 2025/26 McIntyre Mini Globe Race. Coffs yachtsman Eric Marsh sails back to Antigua after 14 months. Aged 72, Eric was the oldest in the race. Eric and Brenda Marsh enjoy a welcome hug. COFFS Harbour yachtsman Eric Marsh, 72, has made it round the world. He sailed into Antigua on 10 […]

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Washpool weekend brings runners and community together Competitors in a previous Washpool event. Photo: supplied.
Sport

Washpool weekend brings runners and community together

COFFS Trail Runners will host the 16th Washpool World Heritage Trails event this Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March. The weekend sees trail runners challenge themselves on picturesque courses through World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests in Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks. “Runners flock to Washpool World Heritage Trails because it offers a rare combination of […]

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Letter to the Editor: Iran war is illegal under UN Charter
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Iran war is illegal under UN Charter

DEAR News of the Area, All wars are tragic, inevitably causing unnecessary death, destruction, chaos and misery, at great financial and social cost. Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter prohibits war, calling for member states to: “refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political […]

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Partnership boosts first aid training for North Coast Football North Coast Football has partnered with Royal Life Saving to boost First Aid training across the region.
Sport

Partnership boosts first aid training for North Coast Football

A NEW partnership will see Royal Life Saving NSW become the official First Aid training partner for football clubs across the North Coast. The partnership with North Coast Football (NCF) will provide clubs, coaches, volunteers and community members with easier access to nationally recognised First Aid and CPR training, helping create a safer match day […]

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Coffs hosts Australian Kart Championship Luca Auriemma crossing the line for his maiden round win in KZ2. Photo: Pace Images.
Sport

Coffs hosts Australian Kart Championship

COFFS Harbour Kart Racing Club has hosted the country’s best kart drivers during the opening round of the Australian Kart Championship. The opening round was held over three days of world-class racing, as the Australian Kart Championship series got underway in Coffs Harbour. Seth Huth was one of the many visiting drivers from across Australia […]

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Legal Hypothetical: Did he have capacity?
Hypothetical

Legal Hypothetical: Did he have capacity?

MICHAEL has been suffering from chronic schizophrenia since the 1980s and his affairs are under the control of the Trustee and Guardian. When he passes away, his cousins stand to receive the whole of his estate, on the basis that they understand that Michael did not leave a will and that his estate would be […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, I am doing a complete clean out of my home, but I can’t decide what to keep and what to cull. How do I make these decisions? Claudia D. Dear Claudia, I am the wrong person to ask about this. When I decide to clean my bedroom, I enter the zone of nostalgia. […]

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