A woman has died and a man remains in hospital following a shark attack at Crowdy Bay on the New South Wales Mid North Coast.
Kate Brown
Kate is a proud mum of two with a wealth of journalism, media and communications experience across the New England and its surrounding regions. She raises guide dogs in her spare time, loves a good chat with her friends and colleagues, and enjoys living her best life floating between country living and the big smoke. In addition to being one of our main story writers, Kate helps manage our newsdesk and freelancers.
Posted inEnergy, Environment, Feature, Local News
New handbook helps regional communities shape their energy future
As regional communities again find themselves at the centre of debates over Australia’s net-zero future, a new handbook launched that will help them play a more active role in shaping how renewable energy projects are developed in their region.
Posted inFeature, Local News, Volunteering
North Coast finalists bound for 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards
A group of outstanding volunteers from the North Coast region will travel to Sydney next month to represent their community at the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Posted inFeature, Health, Kempsey, Port Macquarie
North Coast nurses and midwives honoured at statewide excellence awards
Healthcare workers from the Mid North Coast have been honoured at the 2025 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, with Kempsey and Port Macquarie nursing staff taking out two of the night’s top accolades.
Posted inBusiness, Feature, Local News
RAB members greenlight merger with Summerland Bank
Members of Regional Australia Bank and Summerland Bank have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a proposed merger between the two customer-owned institutions.
Posted inBusiness, Feature, Local News
Westpac’s regional banking plan slammed as “Tokenistic” by Banking Alliance
Westpac is facing sharp criticism over its newly announced regional banking initiative, with a coalition of regional banks labelling the move a “tokenistic and cosmetic”.
Posted inAnimals, Kempsey, Sport
Call for Parliamentary Inquiry into GRNSW
Barwon MP Roy Butler is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW after a report recommended shutting down 15 country tracks, including Kempsey.
Posted inCasino, Feature, Water
Queensland trumps New South Wales in 2025 IXOM Water of Origin competition
Gympie Regional Council has taken out the 2025 IXOM Water of Origin title for QLD, edging out NSW’s Richmond Valley Council.
Posted inCoffs Harbour, Feature, Roads and Infrastructure
Traffic changes in place for Coffs Harbour bypass works
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions in and around Coffs Harbour next week as work continues on the Coffs Harbour bypass.
Posted inEducation, Local News
TAFE NSW to receive stable funding
The State Government has announced a major reform to TAFE NSW, removing it from the contestable funding model and committing to a stable, long-term budget.