All the latest local news, information and opportunities for businesses in the Nambucca Valley.
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Welcome to the Valley Business News - keeping Nambucca Valley business informed, updated and across local, state, and national opportunities.
Support for business
We recently provided a quick update to keep you across assistance that is available to support business as global instability continues to create a complex and evolving environment.
There are a number of opportunities available to have your say on Master Plans being developed in Scotts Head and Nambucca Heads, see further details below.
We are also excited to be hosting regional business leaders from across the Mid North Coast here in the Valley in May as part of Business NSW's Regional Leaders program, there are still seats available on the bus if you'd like to join the fun.
Local stories from across the Valley
Scoop Doggs
From freshly made sushi to bubble waffle ice cream cones, hot dogs, shakes and bubble tea no matter what you are craving Scoop Dogs has you covered!
Drop in and see Jacinta and the crew from Tuesday to Saturday in Cooper Street Macksville, next to the butcher.
Mid Coast Trucks
Congratulations to Mid Coast Trucks who recently moved their Macksville saleyard into their new premises at 2 Centra Park Street, Macksville.
As a family business that started here in the Nambucca Valley and employes over 130 people this move will support the business's continued growth.
News and updates
Regional Leaders Visit
Join Business NSW Mid North Coast and Nambucca Valley Council for an afternoon of regional site visits showcasing the strength and diversity of the local economy.
Participants will hear directly from business operators and gain practical, on‑the‑ground insights into manufacturing, industry, hospitality and future growth, including visits to the Valla Urban Growth Area, Swale Industries and the iconic Pub with No Beer.
Date: Friday 8 May 2026
Time: 12.30pm - 4pm
Where: Bus from Nambucca Council Building, Princess Street, Macksville
EOI's Open Nambucca Town Centre Master Plan Community Reference Group
Expressions of interest are now open for community members, business owners and commercial property owners in Nambucca Heads to be part of the Town Centre Master Plan Community Reference Group.
The Master Plan will support Council to prioritise projects, develop supporting strategies and pursue grant funding opportunities. Further information can be found on Councils website, including eligibility criteria and the application form.
EOIs close Friday 8 May 2026, 5pm.
Scotts Head Master Plan Survey
You’re invited to share your thoughts on the Scotts Head Master Plan by completing the initial project survey, which is open to feedback for three weeks, until Sunday 17 May 2026.
The survey includes a range of questions across four theme areas to help identify potential future actions to maintain and improve the public land in the area and support a healthy and connected community.
There will also be a community drop-in session held this Sunday 3 May 2026 10am - 1pm at the Scotts Head Rec Hut.
Food & Beverage Webinar
North Coast food and beverage manufacturing businesses are invited to attend a free online information session hosted by the NSW Government's North Coast Regional Development & Delivery team with guest presenters from Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA).
This session will outline funding, partnership, and learning opportunities available to industry and how North Coast manufacturers can access them.
Date: Thursday 7 May 2026
Time: 10am - 11am
Location: Online
ShoreTrack Open Shed Success
ShoreTrack’s Open Shed event on Thursday 16 April was a huge success, with about 100 people gathering to stand together and experience the skills centre’s morning circle.
ShoreTrack Co-Founder and CEO Jill Ashley said the Open Shed event achieved its aim of bringing local businesses, industries and our region’s young people together. The event gave young people the opportunity to show off their skills and helped to change perceptions about the potential of young people in our community.
Service NSW Business Bureau
The Service NSW Business Bureau provides ongoing, one-on-one support in person in your local area or over the phone, to give your business the personalised support it needs. Get help with:
- accessing government programs and services
- setting up your business
- applying for licences and permits
- selling your goods and services to the NSW Government
- getting support to expand locally and overseas.
Child Care Survey
Back in 2023, RDA Mid North Coast found that only 65% of childcare demand in our region was being met, costing local families an estimated $384 million in lost wages each year. Since then, both Federal and State Governments have introduced a range of reforms to the Early Childhood Education and Care sector.
But has anything actually changed on the ground here? RDAMNC are running two short, anonymous surveys to find out:
Grants and opportunities
Instant Asset Write-off
The current $20,000 instant asset write-off can help eligible small businesses boost cashflow by claiming an immediate deduction on the business portion of an asset’s cost – instead of depreciating it over time.
The $20,000 limit applies per asset, so you can write-off multiple eligible purchases.
If you’re planning to buy business office equipment, tools or even vehicle upgrades, make sure they’re purchased and installed before the 30 June 2026 deadline.
Quick Response Fashion Grants
Quick Response Fashion Grants offer up to $10,000 for emerging designers, textile makers, and fashion businesses - prioritising First Nations, Western Sydney, and Regional NSW creatives.
The Program will enable designers to purchase essential equipment or pursue professional development opportunities. The Program supports emerging fashion professionals and businesses to grow, helping sustain NSW’s fashion industry.
Applications close 29 May 2026, 2pm
Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee
The NSW Government has established the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to accelerate the delivery of housing across the state, ease current supply challenges and provide greater certainty for the housing development industry.
Under the new program, the NSW Government will commit to purchasing off-the-plan dwellings in eligible residential developments to help developers secure finance lenders’ approval and commence construction sooner. Expressions of interest to participate in the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program are now open.
North Coast Farming Forum
Farming decisions are becoming more complex as climate, market and environmental pressures increase. The North Coast Farming Forum is designed to build confidence by providing practical knowledge, trusted advice and real‑world examples you can apply to your own enterprise.
In this 2-day North Coast Farming Forum, held 7-8 May 2026 in Clunes, industry experts will discuss environmental markets in practical, straight-forward terms so you can make confident decisions for your business. Cost is $25.
EV Fleet Incentive Program
Kick-start funding is designed for eligible businesses that are interested in piloting a few battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or for smaller fleets that want to start their electrification journey.
Grants of between $5,000 and $1.2M are available to ABN holders that operate an existing fleet, a taxi or a truck in NSW and meet the eligibility requirements.
Applications close 29 May 2026
Early Childhood Daycare Grants
Expanding Quality Access is targeted to not for profit providers of existing quality community preschools in NSW who want to transition to a quality not-for-profit long day care service.
The primary outcome of the program is for grant recipients to have transitioned the operations of one or more preschool to a quality, not-for-profit long day care service by 30 June 2028.
Applications close 8 June 2026
Have Your Say
Draft Annual Budget
Nambucca Valley Council last week resolved to place the 2026-27 Draft Annual Budget on public exhibition until Wednesday 27 May 2026.
The draft budget, which proposes expenditure of $56.11 million on capital works and services over 2026-2027.
You can view the 2026-27 Draft Annual Budget and other IP&R Documents here.
Proposed Statewide Community Participation Plan
The NSW Government is proposing changes to the community participation process as part of landmark reforms to make the planning system faster, fairer and more outcomes focused.
Two documents are now available for you to read and provide feedback on: a draft Community Participation Plan and a Discussion Paper. You can provide your feedback on both documents until 5pm Wednesday 3 June 2026.
