OCTOBER is Mental Health Month; a timely reminder that Mid North Coast residents can access free support programs through Healthy Hub Connect. The service, funded by the Healthy North Coast Primary Health Network, provides a range of free, accessible support options from Kew to Tweed Heads. Permanent hubs operate in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour […]
Social and community issues the focus of Council grant program
NAMBUCCA Valley Council has announced the launch of its first Community Grants Program for the 2025-2026 financial year. With a total allocation of $50,000, this newly introduced initiative aims to empower community-led projects across the region, fostering innovation, cohesion, and local impact. The first round of funding, a release of $25,000, is now open and […]
Councillors and staff lock horns over Land Disposal and Acquisition Policy
NAMBUCCA Valley Council still has no policy regarding the selling of council-owned land assets after a new draft policy prepared by staff was knocked back by councillors at the 20 August general meeting. Councillor Jane Smith said she could not support the new draft Land Disposal and Acquisition Policy unless it includes specifications that land […]
Changes to government payments and deeming rates
A NUMBER of changes to social security payments, rates, and limits will commence from 20 September 2025. People receiving the full single rate of Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment will see a $29.70 boost to their fortnightly payment. People receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance, JobSeeker, ABSTUDY (aged 22 and over), and Parenting Payment […]
Councillor Cassells appeals to Premier for GKNP decision
CITY of Coffs Harbour Councillor Jonathan Cassell is calling on the Minns Government to follow in the footsteps of past Labor leaders like Bob Carr, to secure NSW’s environmental future. Cr Cassell is an Advisory Panel member for the Great Koala National Park (GKNP). He is urging Premier Chris Minns to seize a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” […]
Calls for childcare register to include work histories
A NATIONAL childcare worker register should show the employment history of staff after revelations an accused child abuser was sacked from one facility but continued working unimpeded. Joshua Dale Brown, 26, has been charged with more than 70 sex offences against eight alleged victims aged under two at a childcare centre in Melbourne. Authorities have […]
NSW farmers gather for annual conference
FARMERS from all corners of NSW will meet in Sydney this week to discuss critical issues such as the future of farming and the energy transition. NSW Farmers’ Chief Executive Annabel Johnson said the NSW Farmers’ Annual Conference was a chance to bring the perspective from the paddock to the city as Australia faced a […]
Wanted: 10,000 households to plug in to energy research
MORE than 10,000 Australian households and businesses will be asked to share ways they generate and use electricity for research to accelerate the net-zero transition. The nation’s science agency CSIRO on Thursday launched the National Energy Analysis Centre that will capture real-world energy use, which has been modelled on a similar body in the UK. […]
Inquiry launched into conservation hunting bill
AN Upper House inquiry has been established to examine the Game and Feral Animal Legislation Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025, a private members’ bill introduced by Robert Borsak MLC of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party. The bill proposes a number of amendments to the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002, including to abolish […]
Grants up for grabs to boost community projects
NOT-FOR-PROFITS schools and councils are being encouraged to apply for the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program, which is now open and offering between $50,000 and $300,000 to fund community-focused projects. Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund is an excellent opportunity to secure funding for projects that make a lasting impact […]