Mid North News

The partner of high-ranking Finks bikie Adam Smith has faced Port Macquarie Local Court charged with knowingly taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug, after police raided a home at Thrumster last Wednesday. 35-year-old Skye Smith pleaded NOT guilty to all three charges. She’ll re-appear on September 19. Adam Smith will face a raft of charges including kidnap, assault and drug supply, in early October. (VISION ONLY – NO AUDIO)

The Coffs Clarence Police District has welcomed its newest top cop. Superintendent Steve Clarke has hit the ground running, after taking over from Mark Holahan. “Extremely busy district the police here work very very hard, we have a great relationship with the community.” Superintendent Clarke says he hopes to build on that relationship, and better provide for the community as a whole. “Certainly on domestic violence and youth issues in this area, there will also be a focus on property crime, and also drugs are obviously always a concern as well.”

After years working in the Nambucca Valley, the Wesley Mission has opened a permanant office in Bowraville. The support centre will offer the organisation’s newest program, helping parents get back into the workforce.

It’s National Homelessness Week, and Coffs Harbour’s major shortage of affordable housing is back in the spotlight. An open day was held at Coffs Community Village, bringing together a number of support groups that are taking on the fight to find housing for those who are struggling. “It’s one of the difficult parts of this job is that we’re seeing a lot of young people in crisis and it’s just really hard for the demographic when they’ve got no support so we try and help out as best we can.” There were more than 37,000 homeless people in New South Wales in the most recent census. The homeless rate has spiked by 37 per cent since 2011.

Coffs Harbour could soon have its very own dolphin sanctuary. A feasibility study is being conducted, to determine if captive dolphins could be kept in a sea sanctuary off the Jetty.

In a game-changer for the Mid North Coast’s political landscape, Luke Hartsuyker has announced his resignation. The National Party stalwart is stepping away from politics and the role he’s held for the last 17 years.

Police have announced a dedicated taskforce to tackle domestic violence on the Coffs Coast. It’s been revealed 1800 locals have suffered violence in their own homes this past year.

A police officer has been treated in hospital after being bitten by a dog, and allegedly attacked with a metal rod during a dramatic arrest in Taree. Angry scenes broke out as police were trying to apprehend a 14-year-old boy.

Coffs Harbour City councillor Sally Townley has announced she’ll contest the seat of Cowper at the next federal election. The Greens candidate faces tough odds, determined to unseat long-standing member Luke Hartsuyker.

Volunteers are the backbone of so many organisations in our community, but they’re often overlooked. Today, Port Macquarie hosted an expo to not only highlight the hard work of not-for profit groups, but to attract new recruits.