Drivers travelling between Armidale and the coast on Waterfall Way should allow extra time from Monday, 26 October, to Sunday, 8 November. Transport for NSW says a string of maintenance jobs and projects may cause cumulative delays, with some sections of up to 10 minutes. Vehicles wider than 3 metres face restrictions on parts of the route, and a permit is needed. Motorists can follow signs and directions from traffic controllers, or use alternative routes including the Oxley Highway, Gwydir Highway or New England Highway.
For Small Business Month, three regional enterprises are profiled. In Tenterfield, The Bungalow and Ivy Leaf Chapel run a boutique bed and breakfast, wedding venue and garden destination on a historic 1915 timber property. Dorrigo Transit, launched in October 2021, offers shuttles, door-to-door transfers and charters linking the North Coast and New England. At Mullumbimby Showground, a not-for-profit community reserve, markets, hireable halls, camping and the annual agricultural show bring people together.
Carers across Bellingen Shire are invited to a free community lunch in Dorrigo on Thursday, 22 October, held as part of National Carers Week. The event will feature guest speakers Susan Murphy and Graeme Atkins, who will share their experiences of caring and living with dementia. Attendees can take part in a Rocks of Gratitude activity and learn about local support services. The lunch runs from noon to 2pm at The Never Never Mind on Cudgery Street. Registrations close on Thursday, 15 October.
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The Bellingen and Dorrigo swim centres reopened on Monday, 28 September, for the 2026-27 summer season. Both offer casual entry, season passes, swimming lessons, squad training and aqua-fit classes. Community Aquatics pool contract manager Brad Paterson said both centres had lane markings refreshed and pool furniture updated. The centres are recruiting learn-to-swim instructors, with free training courses in October and November. Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan said the Bellingen centre will open for the full season after last year's delay caused by work at the Connell Park Sporting Precinct.
A Rotary men's health van is returning to the Coffs Coast with free checks at four stops. It will visit Woolgoolga's Surf Club car park on 26 and 27 October, Sawtell on First Avenue on 28 and 29 October, and Coffs Harbour's Bunnings on Cooks Drive on 30 and 31 October. Dorrigo follows on 2 November. A registered nurse runs the mini consulting room, testing blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. The program targets men, though everyone is welcome. Local Rotary clubs fund the tours through community barbecues. The van opens daily from 9.30am to 4.15pm.
