THE State Government last week announced it would immediately double the number of staff members working on the processing of Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) Recovery Grants for primary producers impacted by the May floods. Since June, the RAA has received almost 2,000 applications and has approved more than $23 million in payments, however the Government […]

ST VINCENT de Paul Society’s “Pete’s Place” in Coffs Harbour has been granted $20,000 from enterprise and training company ETC’s Community Support Fund. Pete’s Place is in Coffs Harbour Community Village and is a drop-in service for people experiencing, or at risk of,  homelessness. ETC’s donation will assist the service in providing essential food support […]

DISABILITY care organisation Pathfinders has won a prestigious Enablement Award for The Most Outstanding Regional Not-for-Profit Providing NDIS Services for Children, Youth and Families. The award was in the Care Services category and recognises organisations that demonstrate market leadership, inspirational performance, innovative service models and a commitment to enhancing the customer experience in the disability […]

YAZIDI community members in Coffs Harbour, who have been petitioning the government for official recognition of their language, religion and ethnicity in the 2026 Australian Census, have received a mixed response. Sami Sheebo, principal petitioner, said the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has decided not to include Yazidi as a language category, but Kurmanji (Northern […]

THE NSW Government has begun consultation on potential offences for landlords who knowingly lease premises to retailers selling illicit tobacco and illegal vapes. The consultation includes engagement with landlord representatives, retailers, health advocates, partner government agencies and other key stakeholders. The outcomes of the consultation will be reviewed by the Government’s cross-agency NSW Illicit Tobacco […]