IN March 2023, a Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) survey found that only 65 percent of childcare demand on the Mid North Coast was being met, a shortfall said to be costing local families an estimated $384 million in lost wages each year. The survey focused on the region covered by the MidCoast, […]

GREENS MP and gambling harm minimisation spokesperson Cate Faehrmann, says that recently-released NSW gaming data shows a staggering $9.3 billion was lost to pokies in 2025 – the highest ever. “[This] is not just a statistic, it’s a full-blown social and economic crisis unfolding in plain sight. “The harm is being concentrated in the same […]

AUSTRALIANS under the pump from sky-high fuel prices will get some financial relief after the federal government succumbed to pressure to halve the tax on petrol and diesel. The decision to cut the fuel excise from the start of April will save motorists about $19 on a 65-litre tank, or 26.3 cents a litre, Prime […]

A NEW draft plan of management for the Jetty Foreshores, which prioritises community benefit, has been developed by the City of Coffs Harbour. The plan covers three Crown Reserves – the largely open green space Foreshores (including the Community Building), the Jetty pier and the Yacht Club/former Deep Sea Fishing Club sites. It also takes […]

MUSIC lovers and collectors poured over rows of crates, hunting for rare records, hidden gems, and the thrill of the find during the Coffs Harbour Record Fair. Held 28–29 March at the showgrounds, the fair was organised by Jon Ordon from Bilpin and Matt Bowden from Byron Bay. Matt has been collecting records for over […]

THE Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy recently released its report about the causes and effects of climate change disinformation. The report was welcomed by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), which warns that lies are already harming communities. The ACF wants tougher action to stop falsehoods derailing climate progress. ACF […]

CITY of Coffs Harbour Council resolved at its meeting on 19 March to apply for membership to Regional Capitals Australia (RCA). RCA was formed in 2012 to bring Australia’s regional capital cities “together as one unified voice” to lobby the Federal Government. “I’m a firm believer that people and organisations are stronger when working together,” […]

COFFS City Inc. Probus Club recently held its AGM and changeover dinner, with John Williams re-elected President. Life Membership was awarded to Myra Capps for her tireless work for the club. Myra and her husband Ken have been members for 20 years. Myra has held various responsibilities – including for activities, welfare, arranging guest speakers, […]

DEMAND for second-hand electric vehicles is rising with the price of petrol, attracting more than double the number of enquiries since the fuel crisis began. But automotive experts say the record interest also extends to new vehicles and could cause delays as motorists buy electric cars still en route to Australia. Pickles released details of […]