Women are driving a surge in construction trades across regional NSW, boosting local workforces in Armidale, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour as enrolments more than double statewide.
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 inBusiness, Frederickton, Good News, Tourism
The new collective changing-up the Old Cheese Factory
There’s a village vibe to the collective hub taking shape under new ownership at Frederickton’s Old Cheese Factory.
Posted inCoffs Harbour, Education
New courses at Southern Cross University to boost local workforce and innovation
Southern Cross University will highlight a suite of new courses for 2026 as it welcomes more than 5,000 new students during Orientation Week next week.
Posted inCoffs Harbour
Proposed rates recovery to support Coffs CBD reset
Coffs Harbour Council will recover about $700,000 in deferred CBD business rates to fund city centre promotions. Read more here.
Posted inBusiness, Local News
Grants to back community-led digital initiatives in rural Australia
Rural and regional community groups can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to strengthen digital inclusion and resilience under Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program.
Posted inEnergy, Local News
NSW energy prices rise 20 per cent despite fall in wholesale costs, Minister says
Retail electricity prices in NSW have risen by 20 per cent despite a sharp fall in wholesale power costs, prompting fresh political debate over the State Government’s renewable energy rollout.
Posted inHousing, Tweed Heads
Tweed Shire Council takes housing crisis head-on with multi-front strategy
Tweed Shire Council has unveiled a three-pronged push to address the region’s worsening housing crisis. Read more here.
Posted inCoffs Harbour, Roads and Infrastructure
WEEKLY UPDATE: Night works, road closures and blasting set to disrupt Coffs Harbour traffic
Coffs Harbour residents can expect traffic delays, detours and overnight noise next week as work intensifies on the long-running Coffs Harbour bypass.
Posted inEntertainment, Parenting and kids, Port Macquarie, Tourism
ArtWalk 2026 to light up Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie’s flagship community event is set to return, with organisers promising a larger and more ambitious program for 2026.
Posted inClarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Women
North Coast women named finalists in 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards
Several women from NSW’s North Coast are among the 31 finalists announced for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards, recognising leadership, resilience and community impact across the state.