THE Regional Tech Hub has announced a new grants program, offering up to $3000 to community groups across rural, regional and remote Australia. The Connect Grants are open to grassroots projects that help people navigate the complex world of phone and internet connectivity. Regional Tech Hub General Manager, Jennifer Medway, said the program is about […]

EXPLAINER: Harmful Algal Blooms
The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and other marine life. The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and other marine life. MARINE algal blooms are the […]

EXPLAINER: Harmful Algal Blooms
NEWS_ALGAL BLLOMS1 NEWS_ALGAL BLLOMS2 MARINE algal blooms are the result of a rapid increase of phytoplankton in the ocean. While phytoplankton and algae are essential to marine ecosystems, forming the base of the marine food web, producing much of the world’s oxygen, and are a major sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide, their excessive growth can […]
Coalition’s tobacco legislation to be introduced next month
THE NSW Coalition will introduce its proposed Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Stopping Illicit Tobacco) Bill 2025 when Parliament resumes next month. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said the legislation could see people who sell illegal tobacco and vapes be jailed for up to seven years. “The increased activity involving the illegal sale of tobacco […]
Belt from TV series ‘Castaway’ returned to its Bonny Hills maker
The Bonny Hills-made belt gifted to the cast and crew of Castaway. Mike Dodkin and Ross Bennett with the Castaway belt. A LEATHER belt gifted to one of the cast and crew of the ABC TV series “Castaway” has been returned to its maker, Ross Bennett of Bonny Hills. Castaway was a 1974 Australian drama […]
Petition calls for return of Discovery train passes
LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald OAM has sponsored a petition to the NSW Legislative Council demanding the reinstatement of three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes. The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network. The longer term passes have recently been paused by the state […]
Marine Rescue NSW boosts flood readiness in North Coast exercise
Participants displayed a great degree of skill. During weather emergencies Marine Rescue NSW can be requested to assist by NSW SES. Marine Rescue NSW multi-purpose vessels were used in the exercise. Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from seven units across the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast took part in the Red Rock exercise. MORE than […]
KoaLaMan hits the road to find a home
DO not be alarmed if you encounter a large koala with a blue head trudging along the road to Sydney – it is simply “KoaLaMan looking for a home”. The 550km, 30-day walk from Coffs Harbour to Parliament House in Sydney, is the latest in Peter Elzer’s efforts to halt logging of koala habitat. He […]

Guulabaa shortlisted for World Architecture Festival award
GUULABAA – Place of Koala has been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025 Awards, recognised in the Completed Buildings: Civic and Community category. Held annually, the WAF is one of the world’s most respected design events, celebrating the best in built and future architecture across a broad range of categories. This year’s shortlist […]

Aussie icon John Williamson takes storytime to Wild Koala Breeding Visitor Centre at Guulabaa
John Williamson reads from his new children’s book ‘Koala Koala’ Photos: Koala Conservation Australia. Signing a copy of the book for two fans. AUSSIE music icon John Williamson has taken storytime to the bush with a visit to Koala Conservation Australia’s Wild Koala Breeding Visitor Centre at Guulabaa. The visit coincides with the celebration of […]