Sixteen GEG members gathered for an early Autumn feast. Sixteen GEG members gathered for an early Autumn feast. Sixteen GEG members gathered for an early Autumn feast. Sixteen GEG members gathered for an early Autumn feast. THE Gloucester Environment Group (GEG) held its first seasonal feast of 2026 at the Minimbah Gardens in Gloucester District […]
Maintaining clear access to water meters
MIDCOAST Council is asking residents to make life easier for its staff by maintaining clear access to water meters. According to Council, meter readers have been encountering a variety of obstacles across the region as they undertake their quarterly readings, with the most common hindrances being water meters enclosed behind fences or overgrown by plants […]
Fire and Rescue NSW offer free safety visits to residents
FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is offering free fire safety visits to Mid North Coast residents. Port Macquarie Station Commander Tim George said FRNSW’s Safety Visit initiative is designed to educate the community about common household fire dangers. “Our Safety Visits are a great opportunity to remind residents about fire safety around the home,” Station […]
Top marks for sports uniform proposal to boost students’ physical activity
NEW research suggests most Australians support a simple change that could significantly boost children’s physical activity levels: letting students wear sports uniforms every day. The majority of young Australians are still not active enough, despite well-established evidence that regular physical activity improves children’s physical and mental health. Schools are seen as an important setting to […]
Port Stephens to Mid North Coast sees sustained migration as regional living remains in demand
A NEW wave of internal migration is reshaping regional Australia, with coastal communities from Port Stephens through to the Mid North Coast continuing to attract strong interest from city dwellers. While Queensland’s Sunshine Coast remains the top destination nationally, the NSW corridor spanning Port Stephens, the MidCoast, Port Macquarie, Nambucca and Coffs Harbour is maintaining […]
Full MidCoast flood recovery ‘likely by 2029’
RECOVERY continues across the MidCoast following the May 2025 flood event, however completion of works is not expected until 2029. The recovery program – one of the biggest in the region’s history – includes repairs to roads, bridges, drainage, and landslips. While work is underway, with Council working closely with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Mayor […]
Council supporting businesses to get eco-certified
MIDCOAST Council is currently sponsoring local tourism businesses to receive eco-certification through Ecotourism Australia. Three local tourism operators were supported through the process in 2025. Eco-certification indicates that a business meets globally recognised sustainability standards and supports businesses to improve their practices and build long-term resilience. Executive Manager Sustainable Development, Rachel Pleasant said the Ecotourism […]
Easter traditions still strong in Gloucester
WHILE each church in Gloucester gathered over the Easter weekend, they came together to observe Easter Sunday in a combined 6am service at Kia Ora lookout. This year Gloucester Baptist Church was rostered to organise the service while the Uniting Church provided tea, toast and a warm fire. Members from the Baptist, Presbyterian, Anglican and […]
Council issues update on roads and capital works
MIDCOAST councillors viewed reports on the progress and expenditure of capital works and roadworks programs at council’s last Ordinary Meeting. As of 13 March, Council is 70 percent of the way through the 2025-26 financial year, while the total maintenance expenditure is at just over 74 percent of the budget. Council says the effects of […]
The report shows walkability has a bigger impact on the amount of time spent walking in regional communities. Photo: David Guerrero/Pexels.
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 […]
