February 17, 2026
Award-winning author Tim Ayliffe explores extremism at Yarilla Library
Regional

Award-winning author Tim Ayliffe explores extremism at Yarilla Library

TIM Ayliffe award-winning Australian author is visiting the Yarrila Library in Coffs Harbour on Monday, 2 February to give a talk on his latest crime thriller “Dark Desert Road”. Set in the NSW Riverina, the novel delves into the rise of sovereign citizen movements and extremist ideologies in regional Australia. While the story is fictional, […]

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Family says current to blame for river deaths of two men near Bellingen The two men Sachin and Sahil with their unnamed partners in a photo shared on GoFundMe.
Regional

Family says current to blame for river deaths of two men near Bellingen

A FUNDRAISER has been launched to repatriate the bodies of the two men who drowned in the Never Never River near Bellingen on Sunday. Launched on GoFundMe by Sunita Kalkal of Melton West in Victoria, the stated aim is to cover the cost of repatriation to India and funeral expenses, and to support family members […]

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$4.2m to improve shark detection
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$4.2m to improve shark detection

NEW research, real-time tracking and expanded drone surveillance lead a $4.2 million NSW Government initiative to keep people safer in the water this summer. The investment follows an unprecedented number of attacks in recent weeks and the need for better education and community messaging on shark behaviour – particularly before and after weather events. Surf […]

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The Smith Family’s 2026 Back to School Appeal launched CEO Doug Taylor talked to school students ahead of the launch of the Smith Family appeal. Photo: The Smith Family.
Regional

The Smith Family’s 2026 Back to School Appeal launched

AS families across the Mid North Coast prepare for the return to school, new research has revealed the growing pressure many households face simply trying to meet the basic costs of education. The latest Pulse Survey of families supported by The Smith Family shows that more than four out of five parents and carers are […]

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NSW foster and kinship carers to receive allowance boost Member for Port Stephens and Families and Communities MP Kate Washington.
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NSW foster and kinship carers to receive allowance boost

FOR the first time in more than two decades, foster and kinship carers across NSW have received a 20 percent increase to their care allowance. The increase aims to ease cost-of-living pressures and strengthen support for vulnerable children in out-of-home care. The tax-free increase took effect from 1 January 2026 and applies to authorised carers […]

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Region’s national parks users urged to ‘stay vigilant and safe’ The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS.
Regional

Region’s national parks users urged to ‘stay vigilant and safe’

The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS. Kayaking in the Barrington River. Photo: NPWS. WITH temperatures high and visitors flocking to the region’s stunning beaches, rivers, and waterholes, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is urging everyone to stay vigilant and safe. National parks offer countless opportunities for swimming, fishing, […]

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NSW Government releases report to guide primary industries to lower emissions The report identifies near-term priority emissions abatement measures for industry subsectors including livestock production, dairy, fisheries, cropping, horticulture, and forestry. Photo: Leanda Connor.
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NSW Government releases report to guide primary industries to lower emissions

THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has released a report to guide farmers and primary industries so they can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while maintaining or enhancing productivity and sustainability. The NSW Land and Primary Industries Low Emissions Options Report identifies near-term priority emissions abatement measures for industry subsectors […]

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Christmas symbols and decorations steeped in ancient history Some of the symbols and decorations associated with Christmas date to ancient times.
Regional

Christmas symbols and decorations steeped in ancient history

HAVE you ever wondered why we decorate cone-bearing trees, eat turkey and ham, light candles, pull bonbons, hang Christmas stockings, decorate homes, make wreaths and credit Santa with delivering presents via flying reindeer? Most of us know that many Christmas traditions from the Northern Hemisphere sailed south with immigrants. But many so-called Christmas traditions originated […]

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Positive picture of Coffs Harbour in Council’s annual report The report highlights strong visitor numbers at community facilities. Photo: CoCH.
Regional

Positive picture of Coffs Harbour in Council’s annual report

THE City of Coffs Harbour has released its annual report, which paints a very positive picture of the city’s performance in the 2024-25 financial year. Mayor Nikki Williams said, “From cover to cover, this document details our unwavering commitment to ratepayers.” “The highlights reel for this period includes the opening of the Woolgoolga Whale Trail, […]

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Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.
Regional

Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing

CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals through audio cues and electric shocks. The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds. Minister for […]

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