Mid North News

Over the next three years, it’s predicted there will be five industries employing people on the Mid North Coast But with a skill shortages in key areas including manufacturing and construction, will there be the enough workers?

A potential $20-million expansion of Coffs Harbour’s Aanuka Resort has local residents extremely concerned. It’s feared the proposed four-storey building would create major traffic, enviornmental and noise issues.

Lake Cathie residents are being advised to avoid an area on the southern side of the lake’s entrance, due to the discovery of building materials which could contain asbestos. The area, near the corner of Bundella Avenue and Illaroo Road, has been restricted and signposted. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council says the location had been used as a dumping ground for building materials close to 30 years ago. The Environment Protection Authority has been notified and remedial action has been taken. The lake remains safe to use. (VISION ONLY)

A conversation can change a life – that’s what volunteers have found while working for Orange Sky Laundry. The service provides homeless people with an opportunity to clean their clothes and reach out for support.

An abandoned house in Forster has gone up in flames. At around 6:20 this morning a call was made to the gutted house which is believed to contain asbestos but thankfully, no one was injured.

The future of Australia’s only dedicated cartoon gallery remains in the balance. Chair Paul McKeon says a decision by Coffs Harbour City Council may see the gallery miss out on a once in a life time funding opportunity.

An elderly man has been flown to hospital following a two-car crash on the Mid North Coast. Emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway at Coolongolook, south of Taree, at around 7:30 this morning, following reports a Honda Jazz and a Ford Escape had collided and rolled. The 72-year-old man behind the wheel of the Honda was trapped for some time, before being flown to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition. The driver of the Ford, a 25-year-old man, was taken to Manning Base Hospital with minor injuries.

It stands out to begin with – but today Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana was even more noticeable than usual. The highway icon was decorated with a special ribbon to mark an annual appeal, for the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter.

The Manning Valley is doing its part to help drought affected areas in Tamworth, even if it’s just temporary relief. A group of Facebook friends are collecting formal wear to be donated to students for an old fashioned dress up.

Manning Valley Race Club hosted a big day out for people with a disability today. The event was all about inclusion and involved fashion and having a little flutter.