May 27, 2026
What goes into your petrol pump price? The prices of petrol and diesel at Tea Gardens on Friday, 20 March. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
Local News

What goes into your petrol pump price?

GLOBAL events, most notably the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, have seen petrol and diesel prices skyrocket in the last few weeks, with a jump of 10 cents per litre (c/l) seen in a matter of days. As of Sunday 22 March 2026, crude oil prices are around US$122 per barrel – high by […]

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Statewide compliance blitz on fuel prices FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state. Photo: NSW Gov.
Regional

Statewide compliance blitz on fuel prices

THE NSW Government has fast-tracked a statewide fuel compliance blitz to “strengthen fuel price transparency” and protect motorists from misleading pricing. At the NSW Fuel Security Roundtable held last week, retailers agreed to use the FuelCheck app to inform the Government when they have run out of fuel. FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel […]

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Technology transforming fire responses in rural NSW RFS volunteers now have improved access to real-time imagery, particularly in remote and high-risk areas.
Local News

Technology transforming fire responses in rural NSW

Footage captured by an AI-powered camera system on a watch tower. Photos: supplied. RFS volunteers now have improved access to real-time imagery, particularly in remote and high-risk areas. Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds. RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen communications […]

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Afternoon tea delight at Stuarts Point during Seniors Week Locals and visitors enjoyed table service and great conversations.
Community

Afternoon tea delight at Stuarts Point during Seniors Week

THE Stuarts Point and District Community Organisation (SPaDCO) hosted an elegant afternoon tea designed to celebrate the diverse elder community on Friday, 13 March, during NSW Seniors Week. The volunteer caterers and a team of helpers produced a fine fare of delights, impressing dignitaries such as Kempsey Shire Mayor Kinne Ring. Entertainment was provided by […]

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Pet care day set to support Nambucca Valley pet owners Midcoast Vets veterinarian Patrick O’Donoghue. Photo: supplied.
Community

Pet care day set to support Nambucca Valley pet owners

KEEPING on top of a pet’s health and legal requirements can be overwhelming for many owners, but a new community initiative aims to make it easier. Nambucca Valley Council has partnered with Midcoast Vets to deliver a Pet Care Day in Macksville on Wednesday 1 April, offering discounted vaccinations, health checks and helpful information for […]

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Mid North Coast waterways under EPA testing for pesticide presence An EPA scientist tests for pesticides. Photo: supplied.
Community

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 […]

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Hundreds march for forests in the Bellingen rain After the march, some went to Pine Creek State Forest to highlight their call for a forest bridge. Photo: supplied, Bob Brown Foundation.
Local News

Hundreds march for forests in the Bellingen rain

The crowd gathered at Bellingen Park. Photo: supplied, Bob Brown Foundation. Marchers went up and down Bellingen’s main street. Photo: supplied, Bob Brown Foundation. After the march, some went to Pine Creek State Forest to highlight their call for a forest bridge. Photo: supplied, Bob Brown Foundation. APPROXIMATELY 500 people braved the rain to take […]

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No new mines but coal expansions given green light Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos (left) talks through the coal industry outlook for 2026-2050. Photo: Courtney Houssos MP.
Local News

No new mines but coal expansions given green light

COAL mine expansions are on the cards for at least another 25 years under NSW’s new mining road map at odds with its environment commission. The NSW government announced its coal industry outlook for 2026-2050 on Thursday, saying it will no longer consider new coal mines but applications to extend existing mines will be assessed. […]

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Vital link reopens between Bellingen and Dorrigo
Local News

Vital link reopens between Bellingen and Dorrigo

AFTER being closed for two months, Waterfall Way was opened to traffic on Sunday – restoring a vital link for the North Coast. The major access route between Bellingen and Dorrigo has been closed since 19 January due a landslip, causing significant impacts to residents, businesses and organisations in the Bellingen Shire. Temporary repairs to […]

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Top honours for Bowraville Central School Cattle Team as Lily heads to Sydney Lily Kennedy with Breffni Quinn. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Top honours for Bowraville Central School Cattle Team as Lily heads to Sydney

Lily Kennedy with Breffni Quinn. Photo: supplied. Bowraville Central School’s Cattle Team performed superbly at the recent Wingham Show: Amarli Whit, Lailana Heather, Lily Kennedy and Thea Heather. Photo: supplied. AN impressive series of results has put Bowraville Central School’s cattle team firmly in the spotlight, with standout student Lily Kennedy earning selection to compete […]

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