Mid North News

The driver of a B-double truck that crashed on the outskirts of Grafton overnight has been charged with drug driving. Around 8pm, emergency services were called to the Summerland Way at Carrs Creek, after the northbound heavy vehicle rolled onto its side and slid about 100m into a fence. The driver, a 43-year-old man from Concord, escaped without injury but the truck and its paper load, was extensively damaged. The driver returned a negative roadside breath test, but a drug test returned a positive result for methamphetamine. Officers searched the truck cabin and seized an ice pipe, during a further search officers seized 11 clear, re-sealable bags containing a crystal substance alleged to be ice. The man was arrested and taken to Grafton Police Station where he was charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, supply a prohibited drug, and …

A mother of four has died after being treated at a private medical clinic in Taree on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. It’s understood she lost consciousness, after being given an injection during her treatment.

A Park Beach man says he’s had enough of what he’s described as targeted harassment. In the latest incident, 59-year-old Warren Anderson was woken by banging on his door – only to be told his van had been deliberately set alight.

Aspiring gymnasts have been given a rare opportunity to learn from the best at workshops in Taree. A pair of Circus Oz performers have come to town, to show them how it’s done.

Community group, Gloucester Groundswell has taken its fight against the Rocky Hill coal mine to court. The Land and Environment Court will conduct a merit review of the proposal, after two development applications were previously knocked back. Gloucester Groundswell is fighting for a new location for the mine, to minimise its impact on residents and their homes. The court case will run in Sydney for the next three weeks. (VISION ONLY)  

Police have released a number of CCTV images from two armed robberies on the Mid North Coast, in the hope of tracking down those involved. The first of the two happened at Wauchope on May 27, when three men, armed with a samurai sword, wooden club and machete, entered a hotel on High Street. The men jumping the counter, and assaulting two staff members. The second robbery occurred at Krambach in the early hours of July 8, leaving a 27-year-old with minor injuries after four males broke into a service station on The Bucketts Way. Police are now hoping to speak with three men, who are described as being of Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander appearance and of a slim build. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

It’s been talked about for more than two decades, but the upgrade of Ocean Drive is now a step closer to reality. Port Macquarie Hastings Council is asking Lake Cathie residents to have a say on plans for the $26-million project.

A young Irishman with a big heart is doing his bit for drought-affected Australians. Harrison Badger is walking from Coffs Harbour to the Gold Coast, raising money for those in crisis.

An organisation tackling high rates of youth unemployment is fighting to keep its doors open. It’s hoped a new crowdfunding program can help the Nambucca Valley Youthie continue and expand its vital work.

Mid north coast residents have another six week weeks to make submissions to an inquiry into doctor Emil Gayed. Dozens of women from across the state have so far lodged complaints regarding treatment by the gynaecologist, who worked at Manning Base Hospital, as well as Kempsey District Hospital and Grafton Base Earlier this year, Dr Gayed was banned from practising medicine for three years due to professional misconduct. Now the independent inquiry is looking specifically into the care and safety of patients under his supervision. Submissions can be emailed to gayed review@health.nsw.gov.au. (VISION ONLY)