Get the appGun owners on the North Coast will have to wait months to surrender firearms under the NSW National Gun Buyback. Grafton is the only North Coast station opening from November 2. Lismore, Ballina and Tweed Heads stations start on February 8, 2027. The limit of 10 guns per licence holder is still a draft proposal, with exemptions under consideration. Walk-ins are not accepted, and surrenders require a booking through the Gun Safe portal.
Recreational boaters in Forster will soon be able to dispose of onboard toilet waste at two new public pump-out facilities. MidCoast Council, backed by the NSW Government, is building them at Memorial Drive and Forster Marina. The Memorial Drive site serves vessels in the calmer waters west of the Forster-Tuncurry Bridge, while the marina facility serves larger boats and the harbour east of the bridge. The project follows water quality investigations prompted by a norovirus outbreak in the lake. Both facilities are expected to be operational by Friday, 30 October.
MidCoast Council is inviting food business owners and hospitality workers to a free Food Safety Seminar at the Forster Civic Centre on Tuesday, 24 November, from 2pm to 5pm. The session covers safe food handling, storage and hygiene, and suits both experienced staff and newcomers. Speakers have more than 50 years of combined food safety experience. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance to help meet obligations under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Registration is free and open to chefs, cooks, kitchen hands and wait staff.