EMERGENCY departments in the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) are bucking statewide trends in the face of ongoing staffing and pay pressures and the shortage of GPs. The Bureau of Health Information’s (BHI’s) last “Healthcare Quarterly” report for…
MAKING it cheaper to see a doctor is expected to feature prominently in Labor’s election pitch, with the federal health minister committed to strengthening Medicare before the upcoming campaign. “There’s more we want to do to deliver – more doctors,…
SMARTER use of common household appliances – fridges, washing machines and even the toaster – could cut power bills in 2025, an electricians’ network says. The toaster may be a smaller contributor to the power bill but is still worth…
THE STATE Government is encouraging farmers to take part in a trial that exempts farm vehicles used to fight fires from registration. Under the trial, participants can nominate a Farm Fire Fighting Vehicle (FFFV), or a vehicle used for firefighting…
SCAMMERS are cunning and use persuasive words and techniques that can trick us into false offers and situations we would not choose to be in if we had understood the implications better. Helping us to spot scams and see through…
WHILE one break-in or assault is too many, the latest crime statistics show overall rates are holding steady across regional NSW for the first time since the end of the pandemic. The quarterly report of the Bureau of Crime Statistics…
CALLS for further reforms to create a universal childcare system are mounting, after major government announcements to improve access for families. Anthony Albanese has promised a re-elected Labor government would abolish the childcare activity test and offer three days of…
AN extra 5000 social homes will be built through $3 billion in joint funding as part of a fast-tracked round of Labor’s signature housing policy. Housing Minister Clare O’Neil will announce a new partnership with the states and territories to…
PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese says Peter Dutton is “hiding from scrutiny” of his $330 billion nuclear energy plan by releasing it weeks before Christmas. Mr Albanese also criticised the bill for the opposition leader’s plan, telling journalists it would be…
A POO-SNIFFING English springer spaniel named Max has identified a new group of koalas inland of Coffs Harbour that appear to be chlamydia free and genetically different to the rest of the koala population. Chlamydia is one of the leading…