April 12, 2026
New guide to support councils in identifying land for affordable housing
Local News

New guide to support councils in identifying land for affordable housing

THE NSW Government has released a new guide to support councils to undertake land audits to identify vacant operational land that could be used to deliver affordable housing projects. The “Council Led Affordable Housing on Operational Land Guide” released by the Office of Local Government provides step-by-step guidance for councils on identifying and managing affordable […]

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Investigation into 17yo’s death at Deep Creek The crossing over Deep Creek heads to South Valla Beach. A sign warns against jumping from the bridge. Photo: Sue Stephenson.
Local News

Investigation into 17yo’s death at Deep Creek

AN investigation is underway into the death of a 17-year-old boy at a popular swimming spot near South Valla Beach. About 1.20pm on Tuesday 17 February, emergency services were called to the Deep Creek crossing at the end of Ocean View Drive. Officers from the Mid North Coast Police District were told the teenager had […]

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Childcare workers on ‘ick’ alert after abuse scandals Goodstart Early Learning CEO Dr Ros Baxter says nothing is more critical than children's safety. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS.
Local News

Childcare workers on ‘ick’ alert after abuse scandals

AUSTRALIA’S childcare workers are on “ick” alert as they scramble to rebuild public trust after the sector was engulfed in sexual abuse scandals and widespread safety concerns. A Senate inquiry into the troubled industry moved to Brisbane on Monday as it probes quality and safety in the nation’s early childhood education and care system. It […]

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Nominations open for 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards Molly Croft, the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year, with Minister Jodie Harrison (left), her mother Ange, and Minister Jihad Dib. Photo: Salty Dingo.
Community

Nominations open for 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards

NOMINATIONS for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open, with family, friends and work mates urged to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state. The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in […]

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Nashos honoured at moving commemorative service in Nambucca Heads
Community

Nashos honoured at moving commemorative service in Nambucca Heads

The moving commemorative service was led by Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch President Denis Lane. Among the large number of attendees at the service of commemoration on National Servicemen’s Day were these proud former National Servicemen who answered when their nation called. A COMMEMORATIVE service honouring Australia’s National Servicemen was held on Saturday 14 February, led […]

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Royal Life Saving runs schools training program across the Coffs Coast Learning CPR.
Community, School

Royal Life Saving runs schools training program across the Coffs Coast

First Aid training in Bellingen. Learning CPR. Practising pool rescues. FOR 2,000 teachers and education staff across Northern NSW, including in the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Valley Local Government Areas (LGAs), the school year began with critical professional development. Eleven trainers from Royal Life Saving’s Northern Regional Office covered over 7,200 kilometres to deliver […]

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Nambucca Valley takes next step toward stronger tourism identity Nambucca Valley Council Manager Economic Development and Tourism Janice Rooney and Destination North Coast General Manager Michael Thurston. Photo: supplied.
Community, Government

Nambucca Valley takes next step toward stronger tourism identity

Nambucca Valley Council Manager Economic Development and Tourism Janice Rooney and Destination North Coast General Manager Michael Thurston. Photo: supplied. Tourism businesses and accommodation providers at the destination branding workshop and networking event. Photo: supplied. TOURISM operators from across the Nambucca Valley gathered last week for a networking event and workshop aimed at shaping the […]

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Australian social media ban both a success and failure While gaining global traction, Australia's social media ban might not be ideal in addressing harm. Photo: Nadir Kinani/AAP PHOTOS.
Government, National

Australian social media ban both a success and failure

WHEN Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez revealed plans to ban children younger than 16 from social media, he did so based on a precedent set in Australia. His announcement at the World Governments Summit came two months after an Australian law directing tech giants including Google, Facebook and TikTok to take “reasonable steps” to prevent […]

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Varroa mite showing resistance to chemical treatments L925I significantly reduces the efficacy of pyrethroid miticides in managing affected mite populations.
Local News

Varroa mite showing resistance to chemical treatments

THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has confirmed the first case of Varroa mite pyrethroid resistance in the state. Laboratory testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute identified a known genetic mutation, L925I, which causes pyrethroid resistance in Varroa mites. DPIRD Honey Bee Technical Specialist, Elizabeth Frost, said L925I significantly reduces […]

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