WORLD Autism Month is highlighting the voices of autistic people, families, and advocates. Coffs local Sienna*, 19, who lives with autism and anxiety, says professional support boosted her confidence enough to secure her first job. She had applied for more than 10 positions without success; from hospitality roles to “random little jobs here and there”. […]

A GRASSROOTS recycling initiative has turned everyday waste into meaningful support for koala habitat restoration, with $1500 raised and donated to Bangalow Koalas. Valla Beach man Darren Squibb recently presented the funds to Linda Sparrow of Bangalow Koalas in Bangalow, the result of his community-driven ‘Cans for Koalas, Bottles for Boobooks’ campaign. The funds were […]

LABOR has thrown its weight behind an above-inflation wage rise for low-paid workers, but business groups warn the move could worsen price pressures and fuel further interest rate rises. The federal government repeated its 2025 call for a pay bump above the inflation rate in its submission to the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review. […]

THE NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has ramped up water quality monitoring across the Mid North Coast to better understand pesticide levels in local waterways. The program focused on key catchments in the Nambucca Valley and Coffs Harbour, combining scientific testing with on-ground compliance activity to address community concerns. NSW EPA Director Operations John Forcier […]

AN artificial reef will be deployed off Coffs Harbour within weeks, following the recent installation of a new reef off the Ballina coast. Costing $1.35 million each, the reefs are being delivered with funding from the NSW Government’s Recreational Fishing Trust and the Marine Estate Management Strategy. The reefs imitate the environment of natural reefs […]

A LOVE story that began in country New South Wales more than seven decades ago was celebrated recently when Barry and Beryl White marked their 70th wedding anniversary. The much-loved local couple, who now call Nambucca Heads home, celebrated the milestone on Friday 13 March. Originally from Parkes in central NSW, the couple’s story began […]