April 25, 2026
Tea Gardens’ ‘Gallery in the Garden’s’ Mambo raffle supports local fire brigade GiG President Anne Stuart presents the symbolic cheque to Pindimar/Tea Gardens RFS Captain David Bright. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe.
Community

Tea Gardens’ ‘Gallery in the Garden’s’ Mambo raffle supports local fire brigade

PROCEEDS from the huge Reg Mombassa raffle at the Gallery in the Gardens (GiG) have been donated to the Pindimar/Tea Gardens Rural Fire Brigade, with a whopping record intake over the summer period. In October last year, when the GiG Committee and artists were planning their summer exhibition, “Mambo on the Myall, from Mombassa to […]

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On-site wastewater strategy on public exhibition
Government

On-site wastewater strategy on public exhibition

AN updated MidCoast Council strategy guiding how on-site wastewater systems are managed across the region is now on public exhibition. The draft 2026–2031 On-site Wastewater Management Strategy is on public exhibition until Thursday 12 March, setting out a proactive, risk-based approach to regulating around 13,000 septic systems across the MidCoast. Under the strategy, Council will […]

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Additional public holiday to follow Anzac Day
Myall Coast

Additional public holiday to follow Anzac Day

AN additional public holiday has been announced for NSW this year. It falls on the Monday following Anzac Day, 25 April, which falls on a weekend. “Each year, thousands of families rise before dawn on Anzac Day to commemorate and remember those who have served,” Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said. “The additional holiday […]

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Spotlight on road safety with free workshops Three separate workshops are being held to address key safety areas.
Local News

Spotlight on road safety with free workshops

MIDCOAST Council is hosting free workshops during March 2026 to improve road safety across the area. The free workshops are designed to increase participants’ knowledge and awareness of road safety. “The outcome is improved driver behaviour supporting a safer environment for all road users,” MidCoast Council said in a statement. “Three separate workshops are being […]

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Barrington Coast region continues on ecotourism journey The Barrington Coast is home to the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of the Barrington Tops and the Ramsar-listed wetlands of the Myall Lakes.
Local News

Barrington Coast region continues on ecotourism journey

MIDCOAST Council is celebrating one year of ECO Destination Certification for the Barrington Coast, as awarded by Ecotourism Australia. The region is renowned for its exceptional natural assets, including the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of the Barrington Tops and the Ramsar-listed wetlands of the Myall Lakes. The landscapes in the region continue to attract visitors […]

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NSW Farmers offer government suggestions for firearm rule improvements NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin addresses the media. Photo: NSW Farmers.
Local News

NSW Farmers offer government suggestions for firearm rule improvements

THE state’s peak body for farmers has presented the state government with a range of suggestions for improvements to firearms regulations. NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said that “sudden, sweeping changes” to firearms laws had created adverse and unintended consequences, with ongoing uncertainty causing major problems for food and fibre producers. “At the moment I’m […]

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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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604 people detected drug driving in statewide traffic operation
Local News

604 people detected drug driving in statewide traffic operation

MORE than 600 drivers were detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation last week. Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) commenced at 12am on Thursday 12 February and concluded at 4am on Sunday 15 February, targeting people driving while affected by alcohol, drugs and fatigue. During the operation, […]

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Charges laid after elderly targeted in carpark fraud
Local News

Charges laid after elderly targeted in carpark fraud

CHARGES have been laid as detectives investigate fraud and stealing offences allegedly committed in car parks in dozens of locations across NSW, including in Port Stephens and the Mid Coast. Officers attached to North West Metropolitan Region established Strike Force Pitstop to investigate incidents reported across the state, from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga and including […]

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Probus hears about Newcastle Airport’s amazing growth
Regional

Probus hears about Newcastle Airport’s amazing growth

Paul McFarlane speaks on the history of Newcastle Airport. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. Paul McFarlane speaks on the history of Newcastle Airport. Photo: Thomas O’Keefe. RETURNING members of the popular Hawks Nest and District Probus Club were treated to a fascinating review of the recent upgrade of Newcastle Airport at their first meeting of 2026, held […]

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