TERRY makes a will, leaving his large estate to his six children subject to some very unusual conditions. His first child only receives his inheritance if she is baptised. His second child only receives her inheritance if she abstains from alcohol consumption for twelve months. His third child only receives his inheritance if he obtains […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, HOW do we agree on a movie as a family? I’m so sick of scrolling through trying to locate a movie everyone will enjoy. Heather P. Dear Heather, You are right. Trying to find a movie that incorporates everyone’s interests is a nightmare. How is it possible, for example, to find a movie […]
Rural residents urged to report connectivity issues
FED up farmers and families facing poor regional, rural and remote mobile services are being encouraged to “keep complaining”. The latest report from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) revealed an increase in complaints in NSW, with almost a quarter coming from regional areas. A total of 4,285 complaints were made by people in NSW, up […]
Council to review Bellingen’s library services
BELLINGEN Shire Council is inviting the community to have its say on local library services as part of a comprehensive Library Service Review. Residents are encouraged to share feedback on what is working well, what could be improved, and how libraries can continue to meet the needs of the community into the future. The survey […]
Buyers are once again looking to escape to the regions in search of a better value and quality of life. Photo: PMHC.
Regional housing market booms, outpacing capital cities
WITH the prospect of paying at least $1 million for a home in many of Australia’s capital cities, buyers are once again looking to escape to the country. The regional property market surged in the three months to January, outpacing the capitals, according to figures from data firm Cotality released on Wednesday. Dwelling values rose […]
Record remand numbers drive growth in NSW prison population
NEW data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows the state’s prison population reached 13,133 in December 2025, an increase of 8.5 percent (1,026 people) over the past two years. The growth has been driven by a sharp rise in the number of people held on remand. Between December 2023 […]
$15 million investment in state’s renewable energy workforce
THE NSW and Federal governments are investing $15 million over four years to train the skilled workforce needed for the state’s renewable energy rollout, set to create thousands of jobs in regional NSW. The investment underpins the state’s Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, launched last week by Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe and Minister for Skills, […]
A review led by Transport for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age between 12 and 16 for riding an e-bike in NSW. Photo: NSW Gov.
New minimum age for e-bike usage in NSW
A MINIMUM age to ride an e-bike is being introduced in NSW. Under current NSW Road Rules, a child of any age can ride an e-bike and bicycle riders of any age can carry passengers if the bike’s design allows. A review led by Transport for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age between 12 […]
Back Arguing
Times Gone By: Foreshore’s foundations
COFFS Harbour Jetty Foreshores was an idea promoted by Harry Lovett in an editorial printed in the Advocate-Opinion in 1968. He had moved to Coffs Harbour in 1934 and worked as a correspondent for the Daily Examiner and Sydney Morning Herald before serving in the 2/2nd Infantry Battalion as Lieutenant. After his capture at Veria […]
