AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel – more than a month’s supply – as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand. The country is “as prepared as possible” with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days’ supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday. The stockpile […]

REPORTS of domestic and family violence are soaring yet support services are grossly underfunded and struggle to meet demand. New data from Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW) shows that two out of three victim-survivors cannot be assigned a case worker, leaving them vulnerable to escalating danger. Commissioned through Equity Economics the “Unmet Demand” report shows the […]

RATIONING fuel in Australia’s major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic and social issues, a peak motoring body says. Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil corridors, after the country was attacked by US and Israeli forces. The conflict in the Middle East has spiked […]

THE NSW Liberals and Nationals have revealed a plan to introduce a licence plate scheme for e-bike riders. Announced on Friday 13 March in Port Macquarie, the proposal aims to improve safety across the state, targeting young riders and commercial operators. The initiative responds to growing concerns about unsafe e-bike use in busy public areas […]

GWAC CEO Gulwanyang Moran celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in Wauchope. Photo: @KAMRAfilms. Children celebrating at the Gathangga Wakulda Language and Culture Picnic in the park. Photo: @KAMRAfilms. GATHANGGA Wakulda Aboriginal Corporation (GWAC) has launched its Strategic Plan, setting out a community-led roadmap for the future of Gathang language across the […]

Contemporary dancers Bejae Ingate and Steph Maddren. Photo: supplied. Tim Maddren and Mat Brooker tell the story of ‘The Man From Snowy River’. Photo: supplied. THE crew from Got Ya Back Productions weaved their way through Banjo Paterson country last week, as they began a NSW run of their theatrical production, “BANJO”. The musical intertwines […]

LAND Cookery, a Country Women’s Association competition, is celebrating its 75th year. Ahead of the CWA state conference in Forster in May, the Wauchope branch hosted the Mid North Coast Group’s Land Cookery and Friendship Day at Wauchope RSL Club on Thursday 19 February. It was attended by 52 members from 11 branches, spanning Gloucester […]

INDIGENOUS creatives across the Mid North Coast are being encouraged to apply for the fourth annual Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, with applications now open for the 2026 program. The initiative offers meaningful financial backing and professional mentorship, creating a pathway for Indigenous creatives to develop their work and confidence while remaining connected to culture and community. […]

DEBATE over the merits of an offshore wind farm off the Port Stephens and Myall Coast has reintensified in the week since Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen opened applications for a Research and Demonstration licence. Supporters of the project, including the Hunter Jobs Alliance (JA), say those who want the declared wind zone withdrawn […]

A FUNDRAISER has been launched to repatriate the bodies of the two men who drowned in the Never Never River near Bellingen on Sunday. Launched on GoFundMe by Sunita Kalkal of Melton West in Victoria, the stated aim is to cover the cost of repatriation to India and funeral expenses, and to support family members […]