MORE than 100 local businesses from the Mid North Coast have put their case to the NSW Premier for the creation of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) as a “game-changing tourism destination” to rival the Blue Mountains and the Great Barrier Reef”. The business coalition submitted a signed letter to Mr Minns at State […]
Flood victims wait in hope for future-proof solutions
FROM the door of Mel Connell’s gift shop, in shin-deep water, the only things still recognisable were a few hanging festoon and fairy lights. After 14 years as a small retailer, she had to refashion her premises after floods ripped through the northern NSW town of Lismore in February 2022. By September, Ms Connell had […]
Dealing with DV after funding ‘neglected’ for years
MORE than half a billion dollars will go towards dealing with domestic violence in a bid to undo years of “neglect” in Australia’s most populous state. The funding will go towards supporting victim-survivors and keeping alleged abusers behind bars to “build a safer NSW”. The government announced the funding pledges on Monday before the state […]
Direct Newcastle to Bali flights to launch in October
JETSTAR will launch a direct route between Newcastle and Denpasar (Bali) from 21 October. Denpasar is a major international aviation hub offering connections to over 40 countries. The service is set to be run three times a week, and will be the first international route offered from Newcastle’s new international terminal. Minister for Jobs and […]

Farewell to a surf film pioneer: Jack McCoy dies at 76
Surfers at Scotts Head last week celebrated the life and marked the passing of Jack McCoy with a traditional paddle-out in his honour. Surf cinematographer Jack McCoy after being injured at Teahupoo in 2003. Photo: AAP Image/ASP/Pierre Tostee. THE world of surf filmmaking has lost one of its most influential figures, with the passing of […]

Bravery & Betrayal screening draws strong support in Coffs Harbour
A POWERFUL new documentary titled Bravery & Betrayal was screened last week at C.ex Coffs Harbour. The film offers a raw and deeply personal insight into the experiences of the Australian Special Forces during their years of service in Afghanistan. It also examines the media scrutiny and personal toll of official investigations of these elite […]
Youth crime committee tables first report
THE first report of an inquiry into community safety has been tabled, highlighting an urgent need for early intervention to deal with the complex social drivers of youth crime in regional and rural NSW. Since adopting the inquiry on 20 March 2024, the Committee of Law and Safety received almost 200 submissions and conducted hearings […]
53-year-old granted conditional bail after alleged assault, animal cruelty
A 53-YEAR-OLD man has been granted conditional bail after allegedly assaulting four people and a dog at Nambucca Heads. Police were told about 10.30am on Sunday 1 June, an 87-year-old man was walking along the boardwalk on Riverside Drive, Nambucca Heads, when he was approached by an unknown man who allegedly pushed him in the […]
Press the button on Smoke Alarm Action Day
SMOKE Alarm Action Day is 1 June, a day when Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and fire services across Australia, prompt people to check they have a working smoke alarm. Their campaign slogan is, “Be smart. Take part. Check that you have a smoke alarm and test that it works”. “The most important button you’ll […]
Salvos step out for Red Shield Appeal
Nerida Suokallio from Coffs Eye Surgery. The Two Wolf Crossfit team. Local Salvos Major Grant Sandercock-Brown, Daniel and Jody Unterrheiner, with Madelyn Spencer. Ashlee Wood, Cheree and Wesley Chapman, with Nambucca Valley Christian School student Piper Wood. Walk for the Hood participants Maureen Hanson and Judith Herivel. THE Salvation […]