WEEKEND LONG READ: More than 3,200 hectares of native vegetation will go for the New England REZ transmission line, including 147 hectares of critically endangered New England Peppermint grassy woodland. And they’re allowed to do it because the law gives them a “free kick” as a state significant project.
New England Surrounds
Posted inGood News, North Coast
Ballina woman sole winner of $100m powerball
A Ballina woman spent the day spotting signs from a late loved one. By night, she had won $100 million. Hear the moment her family found out.
Posted inBoggabri, Environment, Hunter, Legal, Long Read, Mining and Resources, NSW Votes 2027, Politics
The High Court coal win that may close the door it opened
WEEKEND LONG READ: Much has been said about a High Court judgement this week relating to what climate impacts should be included in planning decisions. The backlash and election timing could shut Scope 3 emissions out of planning permanently and give workers and communities the confidence they desperately seek.
Posted inDorrigo, Local festivals and shows
Dorrigo Show offers up chocolate cakes, cattle, cowboys and a dash across the arena
From rodeo riders and livestock to woodchops, motorbikes, a dog high jump and a men’s chocolate cake competition, the Dorrigo Show has something for everyone.
Posted inAccidents and road closures, Hunter, Sport
Tragic start to grand final weekend as car hits Knights fans
Updated: Knights fans lined the road to send their team off to the grand final. Then a car ploughed into the crowd. Ten are injured including two 5 year olds and a 2 year old, two critically, and the driver is under arrest.
Posted inArmidale Regional, Lifestyle, Moree Plains Shire, New England Surrounds
The Great Barwon Banh Mi Hunt
It started, as most great quests do, with a craving and a Facebook post. Roy Butler MP, a self-confessed foodie with an “unhealthy obsession” with the Vietnamese pork roll, put out a call to the far west: where in Barwon can a person get a decent banh mi?
Posted inArts, Exhibitions and performances, Hunter
New England artists take centre stage at Sculptures in the Garden
Three New England artists are set to feature at this year’s Sculptures in the Garden, the popular outdoor exhibition returning to Mudgee for its 16th year.
Posted inAgriculture, New England Surrounds, Workers and Unions
Return help available for illegal farm workers, department says
Workers told the ABC they couldn’t afford to fly home. The Department of Home Affairs says return costs are usually covered, and help is available for those who need it.
Posted inAgribusiness, Agriculture, Dorrigo, Investigation, Long Read, New England Surrounds
Duped by the ABC: Food fraud investigation may be rotten
The ABC’s food fraud special ‘Duped’ made Australians afraid of what’s in their fridge. A closer look at the evidence, the lab behind it, and the sources it relied on tells a very different story.
Posted inLocal festivals and shows, North Coast
Two nights, two vibes: Bellingen’s Beyond Jazz Weekender is back
Bellingen Memorial Hall will transform into a jazz club for two nights this month, with the Beyond Jazz Weekender returning for its second year on Friday, 14 August and Saturday, 15 August.