And just like that it's 2026!

Sustainable Fashion in Bowraville

Nelli and Carla have recently opened fashion boutique Heart Workx on High Street in Bowraville. The store is full of hand-crafted products that use ethically sourced materials, including some of Nelli's own designs featuring her original artwork. 

The store offers a range of clothing, homewares, earrings, wellness and lifestyle products. You will find them next door to Steam and Cedar Cafe, so if you are looking for a day out in the Valley Bowraville is the place to head!

Welcome: At Salut

Linda Ricci Lucchi and her family have established At Salut, an authentic Italian Deli in Bowra Street Nambucca Heads.

Opening Wednesday - Sunday 11am - 5pm they have a wide range of artisanal cheeses, cured meats and pantry items. In the new year they will also be providing freshly made salads, pastas and sandwiches. With future plans for evening tapas and wine this is sure to become a favourite spot with locals!

Welcome Linda!

Destination Branding Project Update

The team have spent the summer interviewing operators, gathering survey data, and hearing from young people to finalise stage one of the project. Stage two sees us moving into more formal workshops to deepen insights gathered in the earlier research.

We aim to create a brand that reflects our unique identity, supports our local economy, and helps create a more sustainable tourism industry and region. There are still two weeks to go until the survey closes so please take the time to give us your feedback.

Tourism Industry Networking Event

Council is hosting a destination branding workshop and industry networking event on Thursday 12 February.

Come along and be involved in developing our destination brand, hear from National Parks and Wildlife Service who will be providing an update on the Great Koala National Park and get to know other local operators.

Council will provide an update on the destination branding project, visitor information centre and future roadmap for destination marketing.

Save the date: Valley Business Leaders 

Council will host a number of networking events for the business community in 2026, further details including times and venues will be provided in next month's newsletter.

Tuesday 24 February 2026
Brad Donnan from the Industry Capability Network will provide an overview of how they can support economic activity through strategic procurement.

Thursday 26th March 2026 
Glenn Capuano from Profile ID will provide an economic update on the Nambucca Valley and provide businesses with information on the Profile ID data platform that Council subscribes to.

Scotts Head Masterplan

The Scotts Head Masterplan project is about to kick off. We are currently calling for Expressions of Interest from interested community members and young people who would like to join the Project Reference Group. EOI's close 12 January 2025.

The Scotts Head Masterplan aims to promote an integrated and coordinated management strategy that enables stakeholders to work together to improve their public spaces and foreshores.

Valla Urban Growth Area Update

Great progress was made on Stage One of the Valla Urban Growth Area this year great progress was made this year, with bulk earthworks almost completed and the water trunk main laid under the Pacific Highway.

Contractors AJ Civil Projects and Ledonne Constructions have worked hard this year and the project is on track to finish Stage One works by mid to late 2026.

Open Streets 2026

Open Streets Festival is coming back to Macksville on Saturday 14 February from 2-8pm. Last year businesses along River and Princess Street opened which helped create an awesome atmosphere as well as allowing them to benefit from a boost in trade. 

Businesses interested in being involved can email Joel Grimson, Event Coordinator.

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 grants support business development and industry engagement and allow designers to purchase essential equipment or pursue professional development opportunities.

Applications are ongoing until funds are exhausted.

Regional Business Improvement (RBI)

The RBI program, delivered through the NSW Governments Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, aims to help small to medium manufacturers in regional NSW identify and implement continuous improvement/lean principles in their business operations to drive efficiency and productivity improvements. 

 Eligible businesses receive department funded improvement audits.

Applications close 16 January 2026.

Selling to the NSW Government

The NSW Small Business Commission has developed an online course Selling to the NSW Government to help small businesses learn how to ensure their business is ready to sell to the government.

The module covers the essentials of government tendering and becoming a prequalified supplier. You'll also get practical tips on how to identify and respond to opportunities.

EV Fleet Incentive Program

Kick-start funding is designed for eligible businesses that are interested in piloting  battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to start their electrification journey.

Grant amounts range from $5K - $1.2M to accelerate the adoption of BEVs by supporting eligible organisations to transition their fleets to cleaner, low-emission technology. 

Applications close 29 May 2026, 5pm

Aquaculture Industry Development

The NSW Government have established the Aquiculture Industry Development Program which aims to enable regional industries to grow and adapt with structural and environmental change.

It looks to support aquaculture and commercial fishing industries to access new markets and expand while leveraging opportunities to position NSW as the market leader in sustainable seafood.

Applications from $100K - 2Mil and close 18 January 2026.

Ag Industries Innovation & Growth

The NSW Government has established the Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program to support the NSW agriculture sector by increasing the uptake of new innovative technology and equipment that will enable access to new export opportunities, improve supply chain productivity, and achieve lower emissions.

Grants range from $500K - $4Million with applications closing 23 January 2026.

NSW REZ Opportunities

The Industry Capability Network have developed a gateway for suppliers and buyers looking to engage with REZ projects and infrastructure initiatives.

Being in relatively close proximity to the New England Renewable Energy Zone this is an opportunity for Nambucca Valley businesses to be involved in the delivery of goods and services.

Future Made in Australia

The Federal Government are developing Community Benefit Principles which aim to ensure that the benefits of significant public investment flow to local workers, industries and communities.

They are encouraging individuals, communities, and industry to review the draft guidance and share their feedback to help make sure the principles reflect the needs and expectations of all Australians.

NSW Strategic Planning Framework

Planning NSW is seeking feedback on A New Approach to Strategic Planning: Discussion Paper.

The discussion paper outlines the role of a new State Land Use Plan, how the new structure will work, and what it means for communities, councils and industry. The discussion paper is now on public exhibition, and your feedback can help shape the final plan.

Submissions Close: 5pm 27 February 2026

Local Jobs First Bill 2025

The NSW Government are legislating to establish the Local Jobs First Commission and Commissioner, with the Local Jobs First Bill 2025 being part of an ongoing process to reform government procurement to maximise the use of government spend to support local businesses, local jobs and the community.

The NSW Government are inviting interested stakeholders to have their say by uploading a written submission or filling in a short survey by 11:59pm, 20 February 2026.