Westpac is promising to better support its regional bank brands after losing customers because of overpriced mortgage products for home owners.
Local News
Posted inLifestyle, New England, North Coast Surrounds
Support local this Christmas with a Seasons of New England hamper
This Christmas, skip the shopping centre chaos and give a gift that’s packed with local flavour, heart, and a personal delivery from the New England to your door.
Posted inCrime, Mullumbimby
Four charged, $2.3 million worth of illicit tobacco seized following week of action
The NSW Police Organised Crime Squad, together with NSW Health and the Australian Border Force, have charged four people and seized more than 18,000 vapes, 1.9 million illicit cigarettes, 74kg of loose-leaf tobacco and five unregistered firearms
Posted inFederal Politics, Local News, Roads and Infrastructure
Country mayors reject federal plan to lower default speed limits
Rural and regional councils across New South Wales have come out strongly against a Federal Government proposal to reduce default speed limits on country roads by 30 kilometres per hour.
Posted inEnergy, North Coast Surrounds, Regional Development
Clean Energy Council fails to consult with farmer groups on decommissioning model
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has unveiled a national model for decommissioning large scale renewable energy projects, but it appears the industry body did not consult any farmer groups while developing the proposal it says is designed to “protect farmers”.
Posted inBusiness, Good News, North Coast Surrounds
Walcha Coffee takes out top honours at State Business Awards
Walcha Coffee has been crowned the 2025 Business of the Year at the Business NSW State Business Awards, adding to its win for Outstanding Micro Business in a night of major recognition for business excellence in the New England North West region.
Posted inAwards, Ballina Shire, Community development
Nominations extended for 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards
BALLINA SHIRE: There is still time to recognise the local legends who make the community shine, with nominations for the 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards now extended until Friday 7 November.
Posted inCoffs Harbour, Education, NSW Politics
Singh backs fair pay for community preschool teachers
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh has called on the Minns Government to boost funding for community preschools to help address low wages and staffing shortages across the early childhood sector.
Posted inCrime, Kempsey Shire, NSW Politics
Weak bail laws failing regional communities, says Kemp
NSW Opposition MP Michael Kemp says weak bail laws are failing regional communities after violent youth offenders in Kempsey were granted bail despite serious repeat offences.
Posted inBallina Shire, Community development, Consultations and feedback
Community invited to have their say on Ballina’s future growth
Ballina Shire Council is calling for community feedback on its Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement, which will shape how the region grows over the next 20 years, addressing housing diversity, ageing demographics and employment opportunities.