AUSTRALIANS are counting the ballooning cost of extreme weather events after they caused almost $5 billion in insured losses in 2025, more than 700 percent up on the previous year. And the financial toll is only expected to get worse, with independent analysis indicating it could blow out to $35 billion annually by 2050. The […]

THE Markham sisters have been part of the backbone of the Wauchope Show for more than 55 years. The family’s involvement, however, goes back to 1956, when Les Markham started carting Hill brothers’ cattle from Yarras Station to the showgrounds for the campdraft and bulldogging competitions. Les and his wife Pattie spent hours assisting with […]

Lyne MP Alison Penfold (centre) with CWA members (l-r) Deirdre Pfeiffer, Gail Kirkpatrick, Jenny Gaudry, Doreen Burns and Mary McEnallay. Photo: supplied Wauchope CWA members (l-r) Doreen Burns, Gail Kirkpatrick, Donna McKenzie, Deirdre Pfeiffer. Photo: Pauline Cain. Mid North Coast CWA Group President Lynn Moore and member Lea Taylor. Photo: Pauline Cain. Damage to Wauchope […]

Cutting the cake with inaugural members (l-r) Lynne Magni, Majorie Stone, Zone Councillor Evelyn Lockhart, Jennifer Brett, President Karen Swain, Noeline Millward and Cheryl Corbett. Zone Councillor Evie Lockhart presenting member Lorraine Jose with her 20-year service pin. Guest speaker Debbie Sommers, Assistant Secretary Sue Hudson, guest Suzanne Steel, President Karen Swain, Secretary Cheryl Corbett, […]

Cookery Stewards, Lorraine Wedge and Lexie Burton. Photo: Pauline Cain. Sheryl Workman was the most successful cookery exhibitor. Photo: Pauline Cain. Evelyn Park was the most successful competitor in the junior cookery competition. Photo: Pauline Cain. Anzac Biscuits were the most popular class. Photo: Pauline Cain. THE Wauchope Showground pavilion was bursting with treats during […]

MID North Coast residents, like most in regional Australia, are known for helping others in need. But changes to charity funding rules have led to concerns that the system isn’t working as well as it could. The Federal Government has announced that “Giving Funds” will be required to distribute six percent of assets each year, […]

THE coalition’s hardline migration plan has been lashed as divisive and Australia’s multicultural communities say they are tired of being dehumanised by all sides of politics.  Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled a plan to boot migrants from the nation if they do not exhibit “Australian values”, shut the door on some asylum seekers and […]

Port Oyster Co.’s Paul Wilson on the ‘farm’. Photo: Port Oyster Company/Facebook. Cowper MP Pat Conaghan with Bob St John, GM of Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co Op. Photo: supplied. THE loss of a key mental health program for Australia’s seafood industry has prompted urgent calls for funding to be reinstated.  Federal Member for Cowper Pat […]

Carly Marchment won Best in Show. Photos: Pauline Cain. Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac, Hastings Fine Art Society committee member Jill Cairns and judge Vivianne Hazenveld. Suzanne and David Edwards, Christina Unger, Michelle Randone, Kerry Fox and Chris Higginbotham. Artist Maddalena Piola with friend Suzi Nichols. Julie Mills with her artwork ‘Bonny’s Due North.’ Artist Kim […]

The Grand Champion pumpkin. Photo: supplied. Year 7 Food and Agriculture students from St Joseph’s Regional College with their award winning pumpkin. Photo: supplied. Preparing the ground for next season’s crop. Photo: SJRC/Facebook. YEAR 7 Food and Agriculture students at St Joseph’s Regional College have been enjoying the fruits (or rather, vegetables) of their labour. […]