March 15, 2026
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 […]

Read More
NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO research scientist, surrounded by fleabane weed. Image GRDC
Government

NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds

THE NSW Government has granted $1 million to Australia’s national science agency the CSIRO to carry out biocontrol research to help control invasive weeds.         Biocontrol reduces weeds by deploying natural biological agents, such as fungi or insects, and is considered increasingly important as an environment-friendly, self-sustaining and cost-effective weed-management tool. Invasive weeds cost Australian agriculture […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
Applications open for Council funding opportunities
Gloucester District

Applications open for Council funding opportunities

APPLICATIONS for several funding opportunities are open from 2 February to 13 March 2026. A total funding pool of over $235,000 is available via MidCoast Council. Last year’s funding rounds helped the community deliver over 50 projects. Some of the supported projects included the Forster Main Beach Mural, the purchase of back up power supplies […]

Read More
Mid Coast locals encouraged to walk to work for mental health campaign Walking to work can improve mental health. Photo: Walk to work Day.
Local News

Mid Coast locals encouraged to walk to work for mental health campaign

WALK to Work Day will take place on Friday, 26 March, encouraging Australians to build more walking into their daily routines while raising funds for better mental health outcomes nationwide. The annual campaign, led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, highlights the physical and mental health benefits of walking and this year supports the Black […]

Read More
Normal XPT services soon to return to Gloucester
Business, Community, Government

Normal XPT services soon to return to Gloucester

AFTER a 12-month disruption, normal XPT services are due to return to Gloucester in April 2026. However, a date has still not been announced for the introduction of the new regional fleet to replace the ageing XPT fleet. NOTA reported in March 2025 that XPT train services to and from Gloucester would be significantly disrupted […]

Read More
A passion for social justice inspires new event in Gloucester
Regional

A passion for social justice inspires new event in Gloucester

LONGTIME Gloucester resident Julie Lyford and newcomer Sonja Duncan have discovered a common passion: social justice. The two women are organising an event in Gloucester titled ‘Hidden In Plain Sight: Connection with Purpose’, which aims to spark community conversation about social justice issues both locally and internationally. Both women bring more than 25 years of […]

Read More