April 24, 2026
Walkable towns help regional Australians exercise 75 minutes more each week The report shows walkability has a bigger impact on the amount of time spent walking in regional communities. Photo: David Guerrero/Pexels.
Community

Walkable towns help regional Australians exercise 75 minutes more each week

AMID soaring fuel prices which are prompting Australians to explore alternative transport options, a new study highlights the health benefits of walkable neighbourhoods. New research shows that regional residents living in walkable towns and centres walk 75 minutes more each week, prompting calls for Governments to invest more in well-connected, safe footpaths to boost community […]

Read More
Grants open for port communities
Myall Coast

Grants open for port communities

LOCAL organisations doing important work across the Hunter and Northern Rivers regions are being encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 in the latest round of Port Authority of NSW’s Community Grants Program.  Funding is available to support eligible projects that strengthen community connections, promote sustainability, or enhance the wellbeing of people living and working […]

Read More
Inquiry into community safety concludes
Myall Coast

Inquiry into community safety concludes

THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities. The Committee’s final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations. Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change. “Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel […]

Read More
Household wealth rose by 2.5 percent in December
Myall Coast

Household wealth rose by 2.5 percent in December

TOTAL household wealth rose by 2.5 percent ($453.7 billion) in the December quarter 2025, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The value of residential land and dwellings rose 3.2 percent ($368.6 billion). This contributed two percentage points to the growth in Household wealth, while Superannuation assets contributed 0.3 percentage points. […]

Read More
Builders facing ‘triple threat’ from fuel spikes
Myall Coast

Builders facing ‘triple threat’ from fuel spikes

BUILDERS say they are under pressure from a ‘triple threat’ caused by spiking fuel prices. Matthew Pollock, Executive Director of Master Builders NSW, said builders are increasingly feeling pressure from fuel price rises from a triple pain point perspective. The cost of keeping diesel-fuelled commercial vehicles and equipment operating and getting to site. Rising transport […]

Read More
Fresh wave of baby names for NSW
Local News

Fresh wave of baby names for NSW

NSW PARENTS are embracing a new wave of contemporary baby names, with eight fresh entries joining the state’s Top 100 in 2025. Newly released data from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages shows a growing preference for names that feel meaningful and distinctive. Boys’ names saw particularly strong movement, with Fletcher making the […]

Read More
Report examines impact of ‘climate whiplash’ on MidCoast LGA Gloucester’s flooded main street in 2021.
Regional

Report examines impact of ‘climate whiplash’ on MidCoast LGA

Gloucester’s flooded main street in 2021. Gloucester District Park in January 2025 A NEWLY released report has highlighted how climate change is placing a significant strain on MidCoast Council finances, and on its residents.  The report released last week from the Climate Council, titled “Breakneck Speed: Summer of Climate Whiplash” examines what this just-gone summer […]

Read More
Mid North Coast CWA branches gather at Bulahdelah for Group Council meeting Bulahdelah Junior CWA members.
Regional

Mid North Coast CWA branches gather at Bulahdelah for Group Council meeting

Bulahdelah CWA Branch President Belinda Moore with immediate Past State President, Joy Beames. Bulahdelah Junior CWA members. Mid North Coast Group members at the Group Council meeting. Treasurer Janella Leotta, President Lynn Moore and Secretary Eunice Roberts. Kathryn Jeanes from Wingham Branch admiring some of the handicraft on display. CWA Bulahdelah Branch members. BULAHDELAH Country […]

Read More
MidCoast Council proposes tighter controls on paper subdivisions
Government

MidCoast Council proposes tighter controls on paper subdivisions

MIDCOAST Council is seeking community feedback on its plans to change the rules around paper subdivisions. These are lots of land in non-urban areas that were historically recognised on paper but have no formed roads, drainage, sewerage or other infrastructure. Council is seeking to amend the State Environment Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) […]

Read More
New surveys probe childcare gaps on the Mid North Coast
Local News

New surveys probe childcare gaps on the Mid North Coast

IN March 2023, a Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) survey found that only 65 percent of childcare demand on the Mid North Coast was being met, a shortfall said to be costing local families an estimated $384 million in lost wages each year. The survey focused on the region covered by the MidCoast, […]

Read More