14 October 2026

The AUKUS money hole

A33 million a day and counting! Independent defence analysts, former diplomats, and even factions within the ruling Labor Party are increasingly warning that Australia’s headlong rush into AUKUS represents a profound geostrategic folly. Rather than securing sovereign independence, critics argue the project is anchoring Australia into an irreversible, one-sided reliance on Washington.

14 October 2026

And the money keeps rolling in

As Ampol war profits surge by 376 percent the increasing price of fuel is pushing Australians further into the red, leaving them under the pump at the bowser, and making impossible choices between paying for fuel or the rent.

14 October 2026

High Court ruling puts fossil fuel giants on notice

The High Court ruling last week was a landmark step that striped bare the government's excuses that they are not responsible for the emissions burned overseas. The High Court made it clear that 80 per cent of our coal and gas that is exported overseas is their responsibility.

14 October 2026

Stacked AI committee delivers utterly captured message

The federal crossbench has launched a scathing attack on the Albanese government’s Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence, labelling its interim findings an “utterly captured message” that capitulates to multi-billion-dollar US tech giants at the expense of Australian creators and national sovereignty.

14 October 2026

Half of coast women overdue for breast screen

More than half of women on the Central Coast are overdue for a life-saving screen for breast cancer. Health Department figures reveal 51.4 per cent of eligible women aged 50 to 74 years on the Central Coast are now overdue for a breast screen.

14 October 2026

Betraying the coastal public trust

The Coastal Lands Protection Scheme was established for one clear purpose: to take precious foreshore land out of commercial reach and protect it permanently for the public. Last week the Grapevine reported that the first decision of the new mayor has put community land under threat.

14 October 2026

Three ways to celebrate unpaid carers

The State Government is delivering an $5,800 investment to support three National Carer Week events to put the spotlight on unpaid carers in the Gosford, Wyong and The Entrance electorate.

14 October 2026

Final garage sale trail

Central Coast residents are being encouraged to take part in the final Garage Sale Trail this November, with the national sustainability initiative set to conclude after its 2026 event.

7 October 2026

The human toll: punishing mortgage holders, rewarding asset rich

Last week the Grapevine reported in depth the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) misreading of Australia’s real economy, plunging millions of mortgage holders into severe financial strain, triggering immediate and intense backlash across the nation.

7 October 2026

Oil is flowing again, but at what price?

Mad King Donald’s. war with Iran has revealed the full extent of the power Iran possesses to hold the global economy to ransom by closing the Strait of Hormuz. For months, despite the world witnessing the full extent of the ‘lunatic in the White House’s’ fantasies and outright lies,  America’s struggle to reopen it up again was to little avail.

7 October 2026

First decision of new Mayor puts community land under threat

A move to correct a previous decision of Council was not allowed by new Mayor John McNamara only minutes after taking the chair. On 22 September, a report to Council proposed the transfer of 6 parcels of land from the NSW Government to the Central Coast Council.

7 October 2026

Data shows government spend on KPMG nearly doubled

The Labor Government continues to spend big on consulting firms, despite the myriad of scandals that have plagued the Big 4 firms, according to newly compiled data from the Parliamentary Library.

7 October 2026

Federal Government must reject Hunter Valley coal mine

The Australian Greens are calling on the Albanese Government to rule out federal approval for the Hunter Valley Operations coal mine expansion, so as to give credibility to Australia's representation at COP31.

7 October 2026

Construction commences on new Lisarow Ambulance Station

The Central Coast community is set for a major boost to frontline emergency care, with construction now underway on the new Lisarow Ambulance Station.

7 October 2026

MindFest returns to The Entrance this Friday

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to MindFest 2026, a free mental health and wellbeing event being held during Mental Health Month to bring people together, reduce stigma and encourage open, supportive conversations.

7 October 2026

Inaugural food resilience lab

With continuing global supply chain disruptions, rising living costs, and extreme weather events putting pressure on household pantries across Australia, Central Coast locals will gather on World Food Day (16 October) to take food security into their own hands. Health Month to bring people together, reduce stigma and encourage open, supportive conversations.