May 4, 2026
Stargazing: The energy-producing power of the sun
Local News

Stargazing: The energy-producing power of the sun

HOW much energy does the Sun produce in one hour? Let’s just say it’s enough to make your brain hurt. In just one hour, our Sun releases more energy than all of humanity uses in an entire year. Seriously. Every house lit up, every car driven, every phone charged, every plane flown – all could […]

Read More
Small businesses on the Mid North Coast left behind in flood recovery funding Michael Kemp MP addresses the funding shortage. Photo: supplied.
Government

Small businesses on the Mid North Coast left behind in flood recovery funding

SMALL businesses across the Mid North Coast have been left behind in the wake of the devastating May floods, according to local business leaders who say the NSW Government has failed to deliver critical support. Team Taree (Taree Business Chamber) and the Macleay Business Representative Group are jointly calling on the NSW Premier to act […]

Read More
Court knocks back Mount Pleasant coal mine expansion The Mount Pleasant coal mine.
Regional

Court knocks back Mount Pleasant coal mine expansion

PLANS by mining company MACH Energy to substantially expand its Mount Pleasant coal mine in the Hunter Valley have stalled. The NSW Court of Appeal has found that the Independent Planning Commission’s approval of the mine’s expansion in 2022 was legally flawed. The approval would have allowed the mine to continue operating until 2048, and […]

Read More
Nominate now for 2026 Australian of the Year awards
Local News

Nominate now for 2026 Australian of the Year awards

TIME is running out to nominate for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. With days remaining, organisers are urging people across the country to nominate those whose actions, leadership or impact deserve recognition. Nominations will close at midnight AEST on Thursday 31 July 2025. This is the final opportunity to help bring the stories […]

Read More
Solar energy handbook for landowners released
Gloucester District

Solar energy handbook for landowners released

A NEW handbook guiding landowners and solar developers to “harness the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy” is now available. EnergyCo will launch the Agrivoltaics Handbook, a guide to preserving productive agricultural practices while meeting the state’s growing renewable energy needs. It was developed by Farm Renewables Consulting and Progressive Agriculture, with support from […]

Read More
Chance to explore one of Stroud’s best-kept secrets Signage at the monastery.
Community

Chance to explore one of Stroud’s best-kept secrets

LOCALS will have a unique opportunity to explore one of Stroud’s best-kept secrets at a special three-part open day event at the mud brick monastery on Saturday 30 August. Nestled in the bush beside the Stroud Golf Club on Bucketts Way, down St Claires Road, the monastery, often dubbed the “Assisi of the South”, will […]

Read More
‘We have not forgotten you’: flood recovery coordinator reassures Mid North Coast Flood Recovery Coordinator Dave Owens speaking with farmers at Gloucester. Photo: supplied.
Regional

‘We have not forgotten you’: flood recovery coordinator reassures Mid North Coast

Flood Recovery Coordinator Dave Owens speaking with farmers at Gloucester. Photo: supplied. Flood Recovery Coordinator Dave Owens speaking with farmers at Gloucester. Photo: supplied. THE Flood Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid North Coast is encouraging farmers and other flood-affected residents to continue to seek assistance. “We understand it is difficult but it is […]

Read More
Family’s appeal to find missing man Scott Hayden
Police

Family’s appeal to find missing man Scott Hayden

THE family of Tinonee resident Scott Hayden is pleading for the public’s help to help locate the missing 46-year-old. Scott was last seen on the evening of 30 May in his car on Thunderbolts Way, Tibbuc. The vehicle was found abandoned the following day, parked on the side of the road near Tibbuc Road. The […]

Read More
Free koala feed trees on offer in Gloucester Free koala feed trees will be handed out at the Gloucester Market on Saturday 9 August.
Local News

Free koala feed trees on offer in Gloucester

MIDCOAST Council is joining National Tree Day celebrations by giving away free koala feed trees at the Gloucester Market on Saturday 9 August, from 8am to 12pm at Billabong Park. This fun pop-up event is run by Council’s Koala Safe Spaces team and is a great way to learn how you can support the local […]

Read More
Billabong Park Footbridge reopened The newly reopened footbridge.
Community

Billabong Park Footbridge reopened

THE Billabong Park Footbridge has finally been reopened, having been damaged during a flood event in 2021. In the years that followed, there was a lengthy delay with the insurance process. The tender for the replacement of the bridge was awarded late last year to Jacobs Building who have now completed the work. MidCoast Council’s […]

Read More