Mid North News

The Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, says tomorrow’s state budget is set to deliver for the north coast with major spending on education and infrastructure projects. She says the decision to scrap TAFE fees for apprentices will see more people in the region take up a trade.

Collectors and antique buffs have spent the weekend wandering through Westport High School, looking for the perfect piece of history to add to their collection. It’s the second year Port Macquarie has hosted the Antiques and Collectables Fair. Organisers were impressed with the overall turnout. “Normally we carry about 40-50 vendors, we’re doing star casino on the Gold Coast in January so it will be packed. This one is a very small one, Wyong had about 40 vendors there and 1,500 people through” (AUDIO IN PARTS)  

Today is World Croc Day, and a star attraction in Port Macquarie was out to inform the public about the misunderstood creature. Deemed to be a rogue crocodile in the Northern Territory, Shrek was relocated as part of improved conservation laws.  

A perfect winter’s day has seen a record crowd turn out for Coffs Harbour’s Caravan and Camping Expo. Thousands of people all keen to see the latest offerings for lovers of the outdoors.

Two work mates and their neighbours have watched on in disbelief as a raging inferno took hold of a Mid North Coast home overnight. Emergency services were quick to arrive, but could do little more than stop the fire from spreading to nearby properties in Wingham.  

The Coffs Harbour Snappers have rolled up their sleeves in memory of Grafton’s Holly Butcher. Now, they’re bringing the rugby union community with them – using today’s match to put out a call for blood donations.

Universities across Australia are coming to terms with the reality of a $2-billion federal funding cut. Southern Cross University says despite a $33-million reduction, it’s actively working to limit the impact on students.

A North Coast joint organisation comprising Nambucca Shire, Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour has been given the tick of approval by all three councils. Coffs Harbour City Council last night voting to lobby for a separate Joint Organisation to the proposed MIDROC J-O that includes Port Macquarie. General Manager Steve McGrath says council is adamant the interest is in having Coffs as a regional centre. “We’ve got to make representations to the Deputy Premier and others and try and convince them of the merits of doing something a little different and having another JO on the North Coast of NSW.”

Arts and literacy on the Coffs Coast are said to be the beneficiaries of a new $75 million civic precinct. Coffs Harbour City Council last night voting to move forward with the development.

The winds of change are blowing through Forster’s beachfront. Council spending today getting feedback on the latest plans to improve the area – although some locals aren’t sure it’ll be for the better.