The NSW Government has renewed its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases by unveiling its new $2.5 million state-of-the-art Lung Health Mobile Clinic, which will provide lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW, including Coffs Harbour and Tweed in April.These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.Commencing this month, the icare Lung Bus will travel the length and breadth of the state, including visits to Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Tuncurry, Spears Point, Tweed Heads, Gosford, Nowra, Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Bathurst, Dubbo, Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Tamworth.The new mobile clinic features several innovations, including:Digital chest X-ray technology, providing precise and reliable first instance imaging.Enhanced spirometry (lung function) testing equipment to evaluate breathing capacity and respiratory performance.Digital monitoring systems to streamline diagnostics and care.A backup power supply to ensure uninterrupted operation in remote locations.Greater accessibility and comfort, with larger clinical space designed to support both staff and clients.The brand-new Lung Bus continues the legacy of the state’s original mobile service, which served the community for nearly 16 years.That Bus travelled more than 700,000km (more than 17 times around the world), screening more than 53,000 people and visiting over 300 destinations across NSW.This is the latest measure to protect workers from dust diseases, including those caused by silica and asbestos.The NSW Government is funding a team of dedicated silica safety inspectors to ensure businesses are complying with its strengthened laws.Since September, our Silica Compliance Team has conducted 140 inspections, with more than 125 improvement notices issued and seven prohibition notices in workplaces.The NSW Government has pledged $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI). Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.More information on the full list of Lung Bus destinations can be found here: https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/injured-or-ill-people/work-related-dust-disease/services-and-support/lung-screening-service/workers-mobile-clinic-lung-bus-bookings-for-workersFor more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, visit: https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/employers/employer-obligations/lung-screening-serviceMinister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said, “The new Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.“Along with enforcement of the recent ban on engineered stone, the new Lung Bus demonstrates our commitment to improve outcomes for workers exposed to hazardous dust across NSW.”Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, “I welcome the $2.5 million investment into the new icare Lung Bus which will provide thousands of health checks for people living in regional NSW.“Our regional communities remain front and centre when it comes to ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma.”Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Britt Coombe said, “A lung health check could save your life.“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

Communities across the Kyogle Local Government Area (LGA) are being asked to share what’s important to them and their hopes for the future, as part of Kyogle Council’s review of its Community Strategic Plan.The Community Strategic Plan, or CSP, is Kyogle Council’s highest level strategic plan. It sets out the community’s priorities and helps guide Council’s Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan.The current CSP was developed in 2022 based on community feedback gathered at the time, and with the new Council elected in September 2024, it’s time for a review.Kyogle Council Mayor, Cr Danielle Mullholland, said she was excited by the opportunity for meaningful consultation with the community.“One of the things I and my fellow councillors are extremely passionate about is opening up the lines of communication between Council and the community,” Cr Mulholland said.“Our local residents, businesses, young people, volunteers and community organisations are at the heart of what makes the Kyogle LGA so special.“Listening to their diverse voices is vital to getting the CSP right, but more than that, this consultation is about continuing to build the relationships and networks we need to collectively deliver the outcomes of the plan,” she said.In order to hear from as many people as possible, Council is offering a range of ways for the community to have a say.A community survey, which opened today, will be available online until Sunday, 16 March 2025. Paper copies are also available at Council’s administration centre.There will also be consultation with local schools and young people and a number of face-to-face community consultation sessions across the LGA in Kyogle and the villages, including Woodenbong, Bonalbo and Tabulam. A drop in information and feedback hub will be held at the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall on Thursday, 6 March 2025.To find out more about how to have your say in shaping the future of local towns, villages and places, visit Kyogle Council’s project webpage: https://www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au/council-engagement/strategic-direction-guiding-documents/community-strategic-plan/ or contact Council by email (council@kyogle.nsw.gove.au), phone 6632 1611 or in person at the Council administration centre at 1 Stratheden Street, Kyogle.

Farmers have welcomed new interest rate cuts as the cost of feeding and clothing the world continues to soar. NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said city borrowers weren’t the only ones celebrating the first signs of relief from the cost-of-living crunch following the Reserve Bank’s decision on Tuesday.“The sky-high costs of key farm inputs like fuel and fertiliser are still increasing, and many farmers carry significant debts so they continue to grow the food and fibre for the planet,” Mr Martin said. “It’s our hope this decision will offer some small relief to the huge pressures many farm businesses are facing, so they can continue to get on with the critical job of ensuring food security for not just Australia, but the world.“We all need a farmer three times a day, every day, and we simply cannot let inflationary settings push any more farmers out of the game.”Further interest rate cuts would be necessary to relieve the pressure on the agricultural sector, Mr Martin said, with all banks urged to pass the benefits of any rate cuts on to farm businesses as soon as possible.“Aussie farmers must see relief from these rate cuts across their debts, so they can keep on farming for decades to come,” Mr Martin said. “Young farmers also need to be given a chance to get their foot in the door, so they can build the farms of the future.”

A man has been charged following the death of a man in a two-vehicle crash in Ballina last year.About 5.45pm on Wednesday, 18 September 2024, emergency services were called to Tamarind Drive, Ballina, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended the scene and found two vehicles – a Honda Accord and a Hyundai i30 – had collided.Police removed the 62-year-old driver of the Hyundai from the vehicle before he was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; but he was unable to be revived.The 18-year-old driver of the Honda was also treated at the scene before being transported to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment.A crime scene was established as specialist officers attached to the Crash Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.Following inquiries, the now 19-year-old driver was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, negligent driving – occasioning death, negligent driving and drive on /over continuous line near painted island.He was given a Court Attendance Notice today (Tuesday, 18 February 2025), to appear before Ballina Local Court on Thursday, 1 May 2025. The man’s licence has been suspended.

Excitement is building for Casino Beef Week 2025 following the highly anticipated 100-Day Launch event, where the official theme was revealed, sponsors were celebrated, and the entrants for the Beef Week Queen and Ambassador programs were introduced.Held at The Barn Steakhouse in Casino, the event marked the official countdown to Casino’s iconic festival, which takes place from May 24th to June 1st, 2025. In its 43rd year, The Casino Food Co-Op Casino Beef Week Festival remains an iconic celebration of the agricultural industry within the Northern NSW area. The night was full of anticipation and community support towards what promises to be another vibrant and memorable celebration of the region’s rich beef industry. Unwavering Support from our Festival SponsorsThe Launch Event provided a platform to acknowledge the valued sponsors—both new and returning—whose support ensures the success of Casino Beef Week year after year. The generous support from returning sponsors The Casino Food Co-Op, Richmond Valley Council, Casino RSM Club, The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Jack Link’s, NBN News, Westlawn, Achieve Australia, Bindaree Food Group and Tursa ensures that each year, Casino Beef Week is an event that is not to be missed. The night also allowed Casino Beef Week to happily announce their three-year partnership with Australian Food Super as a gold-level sponsor with naming rights of the Super Saturday Street Festival. Overall, each sponsor was celebrated for their invaluable contribution to Casino Beef Week and their part in one of Australia's most anticipated rural festivals.Casino Beef Week President Brody Lisha expressed excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “This year, we are proud to unveil the theme: Secrets Of The Museum. "This theme encourages curiosity, storytelling, and exploration. It will offer a unique combination of history, mystery, and discovery while drawing inspiration from ancient civilisations, iconic artifacts, and famous characters. It is a theme full of hidden treasures and forgotten history.”Introducing the 2025 Tursa Casino Beef Week Queen and Ambassador Entrants2025 will see nine young women participate and compete in the annual Casino Beef Week Queen Competition, supported by five Ambassador entrants. Proudly sponsored by Tursa, this program will run for the next 100 days leading up to the Official Opening Ball on Saturday, 24th May, where the Beef Week Queen will be crowned.The 2025 Beef Week Queen entrants:Mackenzie MurphyCaitlin WareLillian GreenKaitlin WalkerMishayla HayesIsabella MurphyCharlie MurrayGeorgia OwenIsabella GreenThe 2025 Beef Week Ambassadors:Sam McLennanStella-Grace DeanLacey ChaddertonElla BoagJasmine SherlockThese young women will represent the heart and soul of Casino, showcasing their knowledge, passion, and pride for the beef industry and local community.With under 100 days to go, preparations are in full swing to make The Casino Food Co-Op Casino Beef Week 2025 Festival the best yet. The community is encouraged to get involved by participating in events, supporting local businesses, or simply joining in the festivities.For more information on Casino Beef Week 2025, visit www.casinobeefweek.com.au or follow @CasinoBeefWeek on social media.

Farmers have warned the march of a destructive cactus through NSW could be only the beginning of the state’s weed woes unless ongoing funding for weed control is secured.NSW Farmers’ Croppa Creek and North Star Branch Chair Richard Doyle said farmers in the north of the state have reported a drastic surge in harrisia cactus infestations as the destructive cactus continues to spread south from the Queensland border.“This cactus has exploded due to recent good seasons,” Mr Doyle said.“Its huge spikes can also injure animals and while farmers are doing everything they can to fight its spread, they cannot win this battle alone.“Birds are spreading the cacti seeds in their thousands, while feral pigs and other animals are also scattering the seeds far and wide – it’s the perfect storm, and we are struggling to keep up with its spread.”Harrisia cacti are low-growing, spiny cacti with white flowers and red fruit. Herbicides and biocontrol from mealy bugs can help control the cacti, but Mr Doyle said containment would not be possible without serious and continued funding from the state and federal governments.“We need a cross-tenure, cross-landscape approach to managing weeds that’s more intensive and coordinated than anything we currently have in place,” Mr Doyle said. “This cactus is just one of thousands of invasive weeds that are costing farmers huge amounts of time and money to attempt to control, and we need real action – as well as real investment in research and control measures – if we want to get real results.“Farmers are only the front line of these aggressive threats, and the problem’s only going to get worse unless we say enough is enough on weeds.”

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Pacific Motorway at the Tugun Bypass Tunnel from Monday to carry out essential maintenance work.To minimise the impact to motorists, work will be carried out at night. The tunnel will be closed to all traffic from 8pm to 5am AEDT each night from Monday, 17 November to Thursday, 20 February 2025, reopening at 5am Friday, 21 February 2025, weather permitting.On the nights of Monday 17 and Thursday 20 February, northbound traffic will be diverted at the Gold Coast Highway (Tugun exit) onto Tugun Currumbin Road, rejoining the Pacific Motorway at Currumbin. Southbound traffic will be diverted at Tugun Currumbin Road (exit 95) onto Gold Coast Highway, rejoining the Pacific Motorway at Tweed Heads West (Gold Coast Highway on-ramp).On the nights of Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 February, northbound traffic will detour via Kennedy Drive (Tweed Heads exit), Sugarwood Drive/Gold Coast Highway and Tugun Currumbin Road, re-joining the Pacific Motorway at Currumbin. Southbound traffic will be diverted via Tugun Currumbin Road (exit 95), Gold Coast Highway and Cordyline Drive, re-joining the Pacific Motorway at Tweed Heads West (Kennedy Drive on-ramp).The traffic diversions are suitable for all vehicle types. Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes’ additional travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.Routine maintenance of the tunnel is carried out every three months and involves a range of measures such as inspecting the various operating and safety systems.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience while this essential maintenance work is carried out.Download the Live Traffic NSW app for up-to-date information. To receive notifications, go to Live Traffic NSW | Incident Details in your app and click Follow.

The body of a man has been recovered from the surf at a beach at Iluka, an hour south of Lismore.Shortly before 6pm yesterday (Friday, 14 February 2025), emergency services were contacted when a 68-year-old man failed to return to shore after entering the surf at Bluff Beach, Iluka, about 70km north of Grafton.Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District – with the assistance of the Marine Area Command, PolAir, Police Rescue and Surf Lifesaving – commenced a large-scale search for the man.About 7.30am today (Saturday, 15 February 2025), officers located the man’s body.A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Flooding and bad weather last November and December caused significant damage to around 40 roads across the Byron Shire. Council and contractors will be out in force fixing them over the next several months after the NSW Government retrospectively declared the event a natural disaster (AGRN1172). Council is expected to receive almost $3.8 million for repairs. Samuel Frumpui, Council’s Manager of Works, said that Council staff and contractors are already busy repairing roads.“Council staff and contractors have already begun repairing roads that were damaged by flash flooding late last year. This will be the key focus for us until early March,” Mr Frumpui said.“Due to guidelines, we need to get work completed as soon as possible, this may mean our other maintenance work is delayed for a short period of time, but we will be working our way through everything as quickly as we can.“We have completed Burnetts Road, Beacoms Road (east) and Dry Creek Road, and are currently working on Huonbrook Road and Main Arm Road,” he said.Other roads to be repaired include: Beech LaneBlackbean RoadBlindmouth RoadBuckleys RoadCampbell StreetCedar RoadCharltons RoadChinamans Hills RoadClays RoadCoopers Lane (west and south)Coopers Creek Road Coral Avenue Dudgeons RoadDurrumbul RoadEnglishes RoadHarkness LaneHollingsworth LaneMarri AvenueMcphails RoadMill RoadMontecollum RoadMotts RoadMyocum RoadRichards LaneRiley LaneSettlement RoadSt Helena RoadStudal LaneSynotts RoadThe Saddle RoadWaltons RoadWanganui RoadWard LaneYankee Creek Road.“It is expected that repairs to additional roads will be approved shortly. It’s a massive amount of work, and I want to thank all staff and contractors involved in the repairs. I also want to thank residents for their patience while we fix the roads,” Mr Frumpui said.

The Tweed Heads community will soon enjoy an enhanced customer experience while completing NSW Government transactions when the new Tweed Heads Service NSW Centre opens. The Centre is relocating to a larger site, still within the Tweed Mall shopping centre, providing a larger space and an improved layout for customers.  Due to open mid-2025, the new centre will be located opposite the current site, ensuring a modern, purpose-built facility for people to complete the 1300 NSW Government services and transactions available at Service NSW.  The new centre will include a dedicated space for one-on-one appointments where customers can receive cost of living support in-person or over the phone with a Service NSW team member.  The team will also be able to connect business owners with the Service NSW Business Bureau for free, ongoing and personalised support for every stage of their business.  There were more than 77,000 customer visits to Tweed Heads Service Centre last year with people appreciating the efforts of the team, giving them a 97 per cent satisfaction rating.  Tweed Heads Service NSW Centre is open Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5pm and Saturdays 8:30am – 12:30pm. For more information, visit the Service NSW website.  Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said, “Service NSW is a vital part of our lives whether transacting individually or as a business, so we want the people of Tweed Heads to have an enhanced experience when requiring NSW Government services. “This move ensures Service NSW can support the customer demand in Tweed Heads and provide people with a welcoming space to complete government transactions. “Whether applying for a Seniors Card, renewing a driver licence or looking for cost of living support, Service NSW is a one-stop-shop for NSW Government services and transactions.” Duty MLC for Tweed, Emily Suvaal said, “The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering essential services like the Tweed Heads Service NSW Centre. “This new site will better serve the community, the location within Tweed Mall is bigger and better and only steps away from the current location. “The new centre makes life easier for locals now and will cater to their needs into the future.” 

Those who use Hinterland Way at St Helena will experience changed traffic conditions next week when Transport for NSW carry out slope stabilisation work just east of the intersection with St Helena Road. Work starting Monday, 17 March will be carried out weekdays from 6am to 6pm with some work possible between 6am and 6pm Saturdays.Work is expected to be complete by July, weather permitting.Single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during work hours for the safety of workers and road users. A speed limit of 60km/h will be in place outside work hours.Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.For the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Byron Shire Council has announced that the first Council meeting of 2025 will be held tomorrow (Thursday, 13 February).Byron council watchers take note…the starting times of Council’s Planning and Ordinary meetings have changed to 3pm.The change comes after a decision made by Council in November last year.Council decided to trial afternoon/evening meetings until July in recognition of the work commitments of some councillors.Previously, Council’s Planning meetings started at 11am with the Ordinary meetings starting at 9am.All meetings will now begin at 3pm, starting with public access and finish by 9pm.Esmeralda Davis, Director Corporate and Community Services, said members of the public are most welcome.“We are very fortunate that we have a community who is interested in and engaged in not only Council activities but our meetings as well and we look forward to seeing lots of people in our Mullumbimby Chambers at 3pm this Thursday,” Ms Davis said.The agenda for this week’s Planning meeting is on Council’s website.

Byron Shire Council has added four new Electric Vehicle chargers to its carparks in Mullumbimby and Byron Bay thanks to over $18k funding from the NSW Government EV Destination Charging Grants program. The carpark adjoining Council’s Mullumbimby offices and library, currently home to one EV charging station split over two car parking spaces, now has two new 22kW AC chargers. This brings the total number of charging stations available to the public in the Council carpark to four. The Mullumbimby EV charging stations are connected to a 99kW solar array. In Byron Bay, there is one EV charging station split over two parking spaces in the Byron Library carpark, and now two new 7kW charging units have been installed in the Lawson Street North carpark, behind the Byron Bay Pool. “We see the shift to electric vehicles playing an important role in reducing transport emissions in the Byron Shire, into the future, and we were thrilled to receive funding for these additional charging stations,” Council’s Sustainability Officer, Rachel Thatcher said. “We know that the Byron Shire has the highest EV ownership in the Northern Rivers and the second highest EV ownership in regional NSW next to Queanbeyan-Palerang. “We have around 517 EV registrations in Byron Shire alone, and this number is expected to continue to grow,” Ms Thatcher said. “As a tourist destination, we also need to be ready for the needs of our visitors – to help decrease the ‘range anxiety’ that is a common barrier to people buying EVs in the first place,” she said. “Increasing EV infrastructure in the Shire is key to supporting continued uptake and aligns with our Net Zero Emissions Action Plan and Power Up Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Strategy,” Ms Thatcher said. For more information see Council’s website.

Three people have been charged as a high-visibility police operation focused on preventing and disrupting crime in the state’s north continues.Strike Force Imperium formed on Monday, 3 February 2025, and is a proactive policing strategy involving police resources from Tweed/Byron PD, Richmond PD, Coffs/Clarence PD and Specialist Commands, targeting serious property-related crime.As a result of the operation, strike force detectives have so far made three arrests, with investigations ongoing into several other offences and inquiries continuing to locate outstanding offenders.Incidents of note include:About 12.30pm on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, police were patrolling Tweed Heads South when they attempted to stop a vehicle reported stolen from Queensland. When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated; however, was terminated a short time later when it entered Queensland. Following extensive inquiries police attended a home on William Street, Tweed Heads South, about 8am on Wednesday, 5 February 2025. A 25-year-old man was located and arrested in the garage of the property. A search of the man allegedly revealed stolen credit cards, a woman's bag and sunglasses. He was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where he was charged with two counts of goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, receive etc property stolen outside NSW, larceny, police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, and drive while licence cancelled. He was refused bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Monday 24 March 2025.About 1.30am on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, police were called to a home on Wollongbar Drive, Wollongbar, following reports of an aggravated break and enter. At the scene, police were told that four persons entered the property before stealing a bag and keys. Following inquiries, officers executed a search warrant at a home in Casino about 9am on Friday, 7 February 2025. A 15-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-armed, and break and enter house etc steal. In relation to other matters, he was also charged with drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, never licensed person drive vehicle on road, possess prohibited drug, and shoplifting. He was refused bail to appear before a children's court on Saturday 8 February 2025, where he was granted conditional bail to appear before a children's court on Friday 28 February 2025.Between 1am and 3.30am on Saturday, 25 January 2025, a unit on Barker Street, Casino, was allegedly broken into and a Honda hatchback was taken from the home. About 4.10am on Saturday, 25 January 2025, police attempted to stop the hatchback in Casino. When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated and continued to West Street where the hatchback crashed into a motorhome. The driver – a 16-year-old boy – was taken to Lismore Base Hospital, while the passenger – a 13-year-old boy – was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital where he remains in a serious condition. The driver was charged with five offences and remains before the courts. About 10am on Friday 7 February 2025, following further inquiries into the alleged break and enter, police arrested the 16-year-old boy at a home in Casino. He was taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-people there, aggravated break and enter with intent, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, and never licensed person drive vehicle on road. He was refused bail to appear before a children's court on Friday, 7 February 2025, where he was formally refused bail to appear before a children’s court on Tuesday, 25 February 2025.Three search warrants were also executed in relation to ongoing police investigations.Investigations under Strike Force Imperium continue.

Renters in NSW now have a dedicated Rental Taskforce to hold landlords and real estate agents to account and will address rental law violations following the Government’s most significant rental reforms in more than a decade. With an $8.4 million investment, NSW Fair Trading’s Rental Taskforce will analyse activities and trends within the rental market and conduct compliance activities such as inspections, audits, and blitzes to prevent and act on breaches of the law. The new taskforce is a multi-disciplinary team with new and existing resources drawn from across NSW Fair Trading and led by a newly appointed Rental Taskforce Manager reporting to the NSW Rental Commissioner, Trina Jones. The Rental Taskforce will focus on three key priorities:Ending solicited rent bidding Implementing renting reforms to prevent no-ground evictionsEnsuring improved responses to repairs and maintenance in the rental marketThe NSW Government is also working to deliver cost of living relief to renters by delivering a Portable Rental Bond Scheme, which is due to go live in the second half of this year.For more information on changes to NSW rental laws, please visit the NSW Fair Trading website at: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said, “The Minns Labor Government understands that more people are renting, and they are renting for longer.“That’s why we have established the Rental Taskforce to help create a more equitable market for the 2.3 million renters in this state.“Our inspectors will be out in full force to ensure real estate agents and landlords are complying with new and existing rental laws to ease the stress placed on renters by things like no grounds evictions and rent bidding.“While the majority of agents and landlords are doing the right thing, this $8.4m investment targets bad actors who make life tougher for renters.“With these resources, NSW renters can be assured we’re working hard on a fairer rental market for tenants.”Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said, “The Rental Taskforce is here to protect the rights of renters and hold bad actors to account.“It’s critical to provide renters and property providers with assurance that bad actors will not be permitted to cause harm in the market.“The Rental Taskforce is a dedicated and skilled team made up of new and existing roles focused on preventing and responding to breaches of rental laws.“This will support a fair and safe marketplace for rented homes in NSW and contribute to improved confidence in the rental market.”Leo Patterson Ross, NSW Tenants Union CEO said, "For too long, renters have been carrying the burden of dodgy behaviour. It is vital that such an important essential service as renting your home has an active and visible regulator to hold people to account for failing to deliver a fair renting experience.“We and the Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Services have long supported renters with services to support them in resolving issues, but without a responsive regulator there have often been limited options to truly hold dodgy operators to account.“We welcome the investment and the impact it will have, and we look forward to seeing further investment as needed in both regulatory activities and support services for renters into the future.”

Police are appealing for information as an investigation continues into a home invasion and assault on the state’s north coast last month.About 6am on Wednesday 8 January 2025, police were called to a home on Roderick Street, Maclean, about 45km north of Grafton, following reports of a break and enter.Police have been told that up to five people forced entry to the home and confronted the occupant, a 48-year-old man, demanding the keys to a Mercedes parked in the driveway.The man was then assaulted by the group - who were armed with a machete and a knife - resulting in facial and hand injuries.The house was ransacked with a 73-year-old woman also threatened by the group, demanding keys.The group then left the home, taking two wallets and cash.Police from Coffs/Clarence Police District were notified and attended. A crime scene was established and forensically examined.As inquiries into the incident continue, police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Coffs Harbour police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Two new pieces of equipment will significantly enhance care and support for patients at Grafton Base Hospital's Children's Ward and Women's Care Unit, thanks to the generous contribution of Westlawn Finance.The donation was recently presented by the Grafton-based financial services company to Our Kids, allowing the children’s health fund to purchase the new equipment for the hospital.The equipment includes a portable Nitrous Oxygen Unit for the Children's Ward, which helps to sedate children and babies when undergoing procedures, and a Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter, a high-tech monitoring system that assists medical teams in monitoring the respiration and oxygen levels of pre-term babies admitted to the hospital’s Special Care Nursery.(Westlawn Finance Business Development Manager Damien Rouse and Executive Director Geoff Scofield examine the new equipment purchased by Our Kids with funds raised at their recent Golf Day. Photo: supplied)Westlawn Finance's donation to Our Kids was made possible through funds raised during the annual Westlawn Charity Golf Day, an event that brings community and business partners together to support this worthy cause.Westlawn Finance Executive Director Geoff Scofield said he was thrilled to continue the company’s partnership with Our Kids."The amazing work Our Kids does to raise funds for much-needed equipment in the maternity and children's wards at Grafton Hospital is truly inspiring,” he said.“Our commitment to supporting local initiatives aligns perfectly with Our Kids’ mission to keep kids and families in our region, reducing the need for them to travel too far away from home."Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator Rebekka Battista thanked Westlawn Finance for their continuing support for community care in the region."A massive thanks to the Westlawn Finance team, their customers and supporters of the Westlawn Charity Golf Day – it is always a great day and the results impact so many families in the Clarence region. Thank you to all involved," she said.Our Kids hosts signature events like the Westlawn Charity Golf Day, the up-and-coming Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge, and Our Kids Day Out, along with contributions from donors and local businesses to help raise funds to purchase paediatric equipment for our local hospitals.To date, Our Kids has purchased more than $2.7 million in paediatric equipment for the Grafton, Lismore and Tweed hospitals. To find out more about Our Kids, or to become a financial or in-kind partner with Our Kids, please contact the Our Kids team on 0438 417 085 or email info@ourkids.org.au.

Lions Road between Standfields Bridge and the Queensland border crossing will be closed to through traffic from Monday, 17 February to mid-June, while Council replaces six culverts damaged in the February 2022 floods.However, it’s likely the road closure will be extended to the end of the year so five major landslips can also be repaired. A decision on if, and when, the road closure will be extended will be made within the next month.Meanwhile, Council will attempt to re-open Lions Road for holidaymakers and travellers for two weeks over the NSW Easter school holidays from Friday, 11 April to Sunday, 27 April. The temporary re-opening will be dependent on weather conditions and the progress of the work.Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland said the closure, while inconvenient, would result in a safer, more flood-resilient road for all motorists.“Unfortunately, the section of Lions Road between Standfields Bridge and the border crossing where both lots of work is to be done is narrow and winding and it simply would not be safe to keep it open while the works are carried out,” Cr Mulholland said.“There will be large earth moving equipment in place and lots of heavy vehicles travelling the road, and there are very few places on the road you can construct by-passes.“I understand this is not ideal, and it will be inconvenient for both locals and travellers alike. However, it will allow Council to safely deliver a better, safer road that is more secure during intense rain periods.”The Lions Road closure between Standfields Bridge and the border crossing will not affect Gradys Creek Road which will remain open. However, motorists are urged to use caution as there will be increased heavy vehicle traffic using the road during the hours of 6.30am and 5pm while the work is undertaken.

Healthcare students and graduates living or seeking employment in rural, regional and remote NSW can now apply for nine types of scholarships designed to support their studies and boost the state’s regional health workforce.Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park today opened the first round of the NSW Government’s $5 million Rural and Regional Health Career Scholarships Program for 2025, which supports Students of Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, Dentistry and Allied Health. Applications are now open for the Diploma of Nursing Rural Travel Support Incentive, which provides financial travel assistance for Diploma of Nursing students from a rural area (Modified Monash Model locations 3 or above) and live more than 100km (one way) from the Registered Training Organisation. Eligible students can apply for a travel incentive of $5,000 to go towards the cost of travel and accommodation related to their Diploma of Nursing studies.Applications are also open for the New Graduate Nursing and Midwifery Rural Support Incentive, which provides a one-off payment of $1,000 to support relocation costs for non-local graduate registered nurses and midwives seeking employment in identified rural or remote LHD locations.These scholarships are expected to support more than 1,100 healthcare workers.The full list of scholarships include:·                Diploma of Nursing Rural Travel Support Incentive·                New Graduate Nursing and Midwifery Rural Support Incentive·                Allied Health Rural Generalist Program (Level 1) Scholarship·                Allied Health Rural Generalist Diploma Rural Practice (Level 2) Scholarship·                Rural Allied Health Assistant Scholarship·                Aboriginal Rural Allied Health University Student Scholarship·                Supporting Entry into University Medicine or Dentistry Scholarship (GAMSAT)·                Supporting Entry into University Medicine or Dentistry Scholarship (UCAT)·                Getting Started in Medicine Scholarship for First Year StudentsFor more information on the $5 million Rural and Regional Health Career Scholarships Program, including eligibility criteria and opening dates, visit the NSW Health website.These scholarships build on a series of measures The Minns Labor Government has introduced to strengthen the state’s health workforce including:·                Implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departments·                Providing permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basis·                Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in more than a decade for nurses and other health workers·                Investing an additional $200.1 million in key worker accommodation·                Beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities·                Boosting subsidies for regional health workers.Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said, “Staffing our regional, rural and remote healthcare facilities is a major challenge.“This year the program is expected to support 150 nursing and midwifery students, 100 medical and dentistry and 35 allied health students from regional, rural and remote locations while they undertake their healthcare studies. “This Program is helping to strengthen our regional, rural and remote health workforce in NSW, which will result in improved experiences for patients living in these locations.”Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, “Ensuring rural and regional communities have access to the best healthcare is a key priority for the Minns Government and also a significant challenge.“These scholarships are not just a great opportunity for regional and rural students looking for a career in healthcare, but they will also play a part in helping recruit and retain healthcare workers in our regional communities