April 11, 2026
Extension of AgSkilled program welcomed by farmers Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Photo: Tara Moriarty LMC FB.
Business

Extension of AgSkilled program welcomed by farmers

THE NSW Government has announced a $15 million investment to extend the AgSkilled program over the next three years. Announced at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the funding will support the continued delivery of practical, hands-on training across key agricultural sectors including livestock, horticulture, grains and fibre. The program is designed to give workers job-ready […]

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High fuel prices drive ‘massive spike’ in e-bike sales More people are contemplating buying e-bikes, Bicycle Industries Australia members say. Photo: Darren England/AAP PHOTOS.
Business

High fuel prices drive ‘massive spike’ in e-bike sales

ELECTRIC bike sales are surging as rising fuel costs push commuters to find a cheaper way to get around, industry figures say. While Australian e-bike sales have been climbing for years, retailers say recent fuel price pressures have sharply accelerated the trend. “We’ve seen a massive spike in interest in e-bikes in the last couple […]

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Grassy Head coffee roasters celebrate global success
Business, Community

Grassy Head coffee roasters celebrate global success

A SMALL-BATCH specialty roastery tucked away in Grassy Head is currently celebrating a remarkable run of recognition on the world stage. The Painted Blue Coffee Roasters team, headed up by Dan Klingsporn and Charelle Harkins, recently earned multiple medals at the ‘Golden Bean World Series’, the world’s largest coffee‑roasting competition, where leading roasters from Australasia, […]

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New recruits for state’s transport and roads agency Bridge Construction and Maintenance apprentice Maddi Ormsby. Photo: NSW Gov.
Business

New recruits for state’s transport and roads agency

SEVENTY-ONE new apprentices and trainees are kicking off their careers at Transport for NSW worksites this month. From filling potholes to rebuilding flood‑damaged roads, planning major works and maintaining heavy vehicles, the new Roads Maintenance and Resilience recruits will join and support frontline teams strengthening the state’s transport network. Following group inductions in Wollongong, Newcastle […]

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Wine and taxes: only one certainty for small producers Ian Napier was slugged with five years' worth of land taxes after diversifying his winery business. Photo: Peter Stoop/AAP PHOTOS.
Business

Wine and taxes: only one certainty for small producers

UNDER the shade of a weeping willow on the banks of a sparkling dam, wine lovers can look out across a sprawling national park while sipping chilled Chardonnay. Members of the Wombat Crossing Vineyard, in the heart of the NSW Hunter Valley wine region, can also stay in a cosy lodge with a fireplace, aptly […]

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NVC Group recognised in National Australian HR Institute Awards CEO Australian HR Institute Sarah McCann-Bartlett with People Support Manager Wilson Loyo, who accepted the awards.
Business, Community

NVC Group recognised in National Australian HR Institute Awards

CEO Australian HR Institute Sarah McCann-Bartlett with People Support Manager Wilson Loyo, who accepted the awards. NVC Group People Support Manager Wilson Loyo, signing up new entrants ready to kick start their career. NVC Group, a local not-for-profit organisation, was honoured at the National Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Awards held in Melbourne on Friday 5 […]

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Valla Urban Growth Area stage one earthworks near completion State Member for Oxley Michael Kemp, Nambucca Valley Council Director Engineering Services David Moloney, and AJ Civil Projects Project Manager Jack Gilchrist.
Business, Community, Government

Valla Urban Growth Area stage one earthworks near completion

THE Valla Urban Growth Area (VUGA) is quickly taking shape, with bulk earthworks for Stage One now 90 percent complete. Construction began in May 2025 to transform the site into a new hub for industry, investment and jobs in the Nambucca Valley. Local contractor AJ Civil Projects has moved a staggering 120,000 cubic metres of […]

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Golden Sands drag event raises key funds for ShoreTrack The new management team at the Golden Sands Tavern, Mark and Michelle McCarthy, hand over a donation of $550 to ShoreTrack representative Geoff Batten. Photo: supplied.
Business, Community

Golden Sands drag event raises key funds for ShoreTrack

THE Golden Sands Tavern has kicked off its new chapter in the Nambucca Heads community with colour and generosity, raising $550 for youth support organisation ShoreTrack during a sparkling Drag Bingo event. The high-energy evening drew a lively crowd, with Brisbane’s leading drag queen Abril La Trine delivering quick wit, bold style and plenty of […]

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Nambucca Valley Council celebrates Small Business Month Lousi Birks presents AI for Small Business Workshop as part of Smal Business Month.
Business

Nambucca Valley Council celebrates Small Business Month

NAMBUCCA Valley Council is supporting Small Business Month this October, an annual initiative that celebrates, supports, and connects small businesses across the state. This year’s theme focuses on strengthening local business skills, creating networking opportunities, and showcasing the vital role small businesses play in building resilient communities and economies. Council, Nambucca Valley Business Women’s Network, […]

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Hunter residents warned as money mule scams rise through social media Locals are being urged to be aware of scammers. Photo: supplied.
Business

Hunter residents warned as money mule scams rise through social media

MID NORTH COAST residents are being urged to stay alert as cyber criminals step up efforts to recruit so-called “money mules” through social media, fake job offers and online scams. NGM Group, the parent company of Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent, has reported a 20 percent rise in fraudulent online account openings, with criminals attempting […]

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