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 backs above-inflation wage bump for low-paid
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. […]
Mid North Coast waterways under EPA testing for pesticide presence
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 […]
The reefs imitate the environment of natural reefs and encourage a wide diversity of marine growth for fish to flourish in.
Artificial reef to bring fresh fishing opportunities to Coffs Harbour
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 […]
Still holding hands after 70 years: Barry and Beryl White’s beautiful marriage
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 […]
‘Poorly designed’ minor drug diversion scheme panned
LESS than a quarter of people eligible for a diversion program for minor drug possession incidents are having their matters dealt with outside of court. Crime statistics analysis from NSW, the last Australian jurisdiction to introduce a drug diversion program, shows nine per cent of nearly 12,000 relevant drug events between February 2024 and March […]
Urunga VIEW Club thanks Club Urunga for year-long support
IT WAS all about “thank yous” at a meeting of Club Urunga manager Troy Gale and members of Urunga VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education for Women). Throughout 2025, Club Urunga supported Urunga VIEW by inviting local and visiting patrons to chip in to various fundraisers. “In December, Club Urunga had a fabulous Christmas tree which […]
Three Coffs Coast artists win a place in Shared Practice
Shared Practice participant, Kelly Joy. Shared Practice participant Tori Anne Donnelley. Photo: andthetreesphotography. Shared Practice participant Kelly Finlay. THREE visual artists from the Coffs Coast are amongst 10 artists who have been selected to take part in the Mid North Coast Shared Practice, a new 18-month artist development program delivered by Arts Mid North Coast. […]
Technology transforming fire responses in rural NSW
Footage captured by an AI-powered camera system on a watch tower. Photos: supplied. Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds. RFS volunteers now have improved access to real-time imagery, particularly in remote and high-risk areas. RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen communications […]
Woolgoolga Beach Reserve to host Easter craft extravaganza
THE foreshore of Woolgoolga Beach Reserve is set to burst into colour over the Easter long weekend. Groups and individuals who have chosen to participate in making paper sculpture gardens – ingeniously created by bringing individual flowers and butterflies together – have been busy crafting and painting their contributions. The final result will be open […]
