Welcome to the new financial year.

Miyachi's Sushi New Home

Congratulations to Miyachi and the ladies from Miyachi's Sushi who have moved into their new larger premises in Sea Scape Mall Nambucca Heads. In addition to their beautiful meals, they also have a wide range of Japanese grocery items. Drop in and say hello Mon - Fri 10am - 4.30pm.

Congrats Valla Beach Tavern

Congratulations to Valla Beach Tavern being named as a finalist in the NSW Regional Tourism Awards. The winners will be announced at the North Coast Tourism Symposium in Coffs Harbour later this month. You haven't got you tickets yet get in quick.

Scotts Head Master Plan Update

We’re starting the second phase of community consultation for the Scotts Head Master Plan. The projects background paper shares the outcomes of the initial project stages and explains how and why aspects of the master plan elements are proposed.

You can give feedback on the background paper by taking the online survey which is open for community feedback until 18 July 2026. 

Nambucca Heads Master Plan

The first meeting of the Community Reference Group working with Council on the development of a new Nambucca Town Centre Master Plan was held last week.

There will be a number of opportunities for the community to be involved over the course of the project. Updates will be posted on Council's website and social media channels.

Civil Construction Finalised at VUGA

New industrial opportunities adjacent to the Pacific Motorway and strategically located between Sydney and Brisbane will soon be released to market now civil works for Stage One of the Valla Urban Growth Area (VUGA) are complete.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the completion of Stage One was a significant milestone that would unlock new economic opportunities for the Nambucca Valley.

North Coast on Show

The North Coast took centre stage recently on a tree-day Trade Mission that included delegates from eleven countries experiencing the regions world-class industries, investment opportunities and economic potential.

In addition to site visits, the delegation attended a dinner where Nambucca Valley Council Mayor Gary Lee and Director Corporate & Community Services Kristian Enevoldson spoke to the opportunities available within the Nambucca Valley.

New Seafood Labeling Laws

One of the key changes starting this financial year requires local hospitality businesses to label seafood origin on menus (Australian, Imported, or Mixed).

 These changes aim to give customers clear information about the origin of seafood served in restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs and other venues.

Open Streets 2026

Open Streets Festival is coming back to Macksville in September 2026. In October 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 this time can email Joel Grimson, Event Coordinator.

Hemp Industry Development Plan

The NSW Government has recently released the Hemp Industry Development Plan.

The Plan sets a clear roadmap to grow a high-potential, sustainable industry across our state. Built in collaboration with industry stakeholders, the plan outlines a vision and objectives to focus on where government, industry and stakeholders can collaborate to support the growth of an innovative hemp industry in NSW.

Organic Horticulture R&D Strategy

The Australian Organic Horticulture: Research, Development and Innovation Strategy 2026–2035 targets certified organic horticulture production as a high-growth segment of the organic industry, which contributes an estimated $2.6 billion to the economy.

A working group is now being formed to provide ongoing governance and strategic oversight of the Strategy. Whether you are a certified organic grower, a researcher, a policy professional, or a supply chain leader submit your EOI to join the Working Group by 30 July 2026.

Costs of Doing Business Forum 

Join Business NSW Mid North Coast for a focused forum bringing together senior leaders, businesses, and medical professionals to explore practical, collaborative solutions to improve workers’ compensation outcomes.

The program will also include an interactive session with the Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) team.

Wednesday 29 July, 9.00am - 1.00pm, D Block Theatre, CHEC, 363 Hogbin Drive

Thailand-Australia Exchange

The Thailand-Australia Venture Exchange Program (VEP) is a twelve-week program that connects Thai and Australian agrifood startups and small-to-medium enterprises with research, industry and market opportunities across both countries. Three rounds will be delivered over 2026 and 2027, focusing on sustainable agrifood systems development.

Applications for round one close 31 July 2026.

Advancing Australian Manufacturing  

The University of Technology Sydney has released its 2026 guide to advanced manufacturing facilities, providing industry with access to world-class equipment, testing services and technical expertise to support innovation, prototyping and commercialisation.

Through facilities such as Tech Lab, ProtoSpace and the Advanced Fabrication Research Lab, businesses can access capabilities in additive manufacturing, robotics, automation, materials testing, AI, engineering design and product development.

NSW FLIP - Applications Open

Women across NSW are starting businesses, solving problems in their communities and leading change, often without ever calling themselves founders. FLIP is here to change that. It's a free statewide program built to give women the skills, confidence and network to take their ideas further, wherever you are in NSW and wherever you are in your journey.

Delivered in two phases, a seven-week program, helping you work out whether your idea is worth pursuing. From there, you're invited to apply for the FLIP Pre-Accelerator Intensive, a nine-week program with the coaching and support.

Applications close 19 July 2026.

Housing Innovation Grants

Backed by nearly $4 million in funding, the Housing Innovation in Construction Fund and Housing Innovation Network Grants Program will help accelerate the uptake of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) across NSW, supporting new approaches to designing, building and delivering high-quality homes sooner.

The Housing in Construction Fund will support commercially established manufacturers to assess and adapt MMC for mid and high-rise housing, while the Housing Innovation Network is helping NSW SMEs pilot innovative housing products, digital tools, building materials and service models in real public housing environments.

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.

EV Fleets Kick-start Funding FY26

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.

Any eligible organisation with an ABN can procure up to 15 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for business use, along with optional smart chargers that comply with the specifications outlined in the guidelines.

Applications close 30 November 2026

Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships

The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship program assists first-year apprentices in NSW experiencing financial/personal hardship to successfully complete their apprenticeship. Grant recipients may receive up to $15,000 over three years.

The program aims to encourage more apprentices to achieve their goals and make a valuable contribution to their local communities. Applications for the scholarship may be made by the apprentice or another person on their behalf by 30 September 2026.

Draft Rural Residential Land Release Strategy

Nambucca Valley community members can now view and give feedback on an important planning strategy Council has reviewed, the draft Rural Residential Land Release Strategy.

You can read the strategy here and provide feedback on it in writing to Council up until Monday 3 August. To make a submission, send an email to council@nambucca.nsw.gov.au addressed to the General Manager, Nambucca Valley Council, or write a letter and post it to PO Box 177, Macksville NSW 2447.

Employment Services - Have Your Say

The Australian Government is reforming mainstream employment services to better meet the needs of individuals, employers, communities, and the economy. 

The department has released a discussion paper to seek public input on the detailed policy and program design of core elements of the reformed mainstream employment service. It provides an opportunity for individuals, organisations and the broader community to contribute to the design of the future system, submissions close 31 July 2026.