The Latest Breaking News from ABC Mid North Coast

Chris Jones has spent 35 years working in libraries and remembers being warned in the late 1980s — just as the internet was emerging — that libraries would be "dead in five years".

Weather conditions across the NSW Mid North Coast have eased and water levels are receding but, for some, the impacts from this week's floods will be felt for months to come.

This year's Saltwater Freshwater Festival, which celebrates the art, music and culture of the Worimi, Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr nations of the NSW Mid North Coast, marks the start of Reconciliation Week and is a starting point for healing.

A 1970s drama series that helped Oscar-winning cinematographer John Seale launch his international career is back in focus as he helps to ensure the real castaways aren't lost for good.

Amusement rides are one of the biggest drawcards at regional shows, but escalating insurance costs put their future in doubt, according to the industry. Operators have held a 15-minute "ride strike" to highlight the issue.

Bruce Oehlman enjoyed taking the helm of busy workboats on Sydney Harbour in the 1960s. When he retired to northern New South Wales decades later, he rediscovered one of those boats and is now its unofficial "custodian".

Kate Buckman's home is cut off from town by a road damaged by floods earlier this year. She needs to access the town's services, so she's set up camp on the other side of a landslip.

Lauren and James Archer packed up a busy Sydney life several years ago to live off-grid in northern NSW. Despite a flooding scare, they say the rewards for their kids outweigh the risks.

NSW Mid North Coast tourism businesses say they've experienced some of their worst-ever trading conditions this year, but they hope the school holidays will change that.