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.
Local News
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.
Posted inMaclean
Funding boost helps Maclean Show Society maintain grounds
The Maclean Show Society has received $17,250 through the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program to purchase a new mower, helping volunteers maintain the popular showground and keep it safe for community use.
Posted inBallina Shire, Environment, Lennox Head
Red alert issued for Lake Ainsworth
A red alert has been issued for Lake Ainsworth in Lennox Head after tests detected high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae, with WaterNSW urging people to avoid swimming and other recreational activities until the warning is lifted.
Posted inEducation, North Coast Surrounds, Politics
Williamson backs community preschools in fight for fair pay
Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has joined educators in a state-wide push for pay parity, calling on the NSW Government to deliver fair funding for community-based preschools and address what he says is a “crisis” in the sector.
Posted inEnergy, Environment, Rappville, Richmond Valley
Richmond Valley solar farm approved to power 175,000 homes
A $1.2 billion solar farm near Rappville has been approved, set to power 175,000 homes, create more than 300 construction jobs and deliver $11 million in community infrastructure funding for the Richmond Valley.
Posted inEnvironment, North Coast Surrounds, Politics
Nationals say koala park plan will hit North Coast industries hard
The NSW Nationals say the Minns Labor Government has failed to protect North Coast workers and industries affected by the creation of the Great Koala National Park.