THE Coffs Coast’s extraordinary natural landscape is taking centre stage in April when the National Parks Association NSW Coffs Coast Branch hosts a free community evening celebrating the region’s unique position as NSW’s first certified ECO Destination.
“Whispers of Wilderness: Voices for Our Coast” will be held at the Jetty Theatre on Monday 13 April from 6:00pm, bringing together local leaders in ecotourism, economic development, conservation and wellbeing for an evening of film, conversation and connection.
The event builds on the success of the Whispers of Wilderness short film, which premiered to a packed Jetty Theatre in April 2025.
Made by local filmmakers Bathtime Productions and funded through the City of Coffs Harbour’s Environmental Levy Grant Program, the film is a love letter to the Coffs Coast, bringing together Traditional Owners, marine scientists, conservationists and local business people around the extraordinary natural world on our doorstep.
Grahame Douglas, Branch President of NPA Coffs Coast Branch and co-MC for the evening, said the film had opened an important conversation for the region.
“Whispers of Wilderness captured something very real about this place: the beauty of it, the significance of it, and why it matters so deeply to the people who live here.
“This evening takes that conversation into the business and tourism sector, exploring what our natural environment means for our regional economy and our community’s future.”
The evening features presentations from Ashley Gray, Industry Engagement Manager at Destination North Coast; Nicole McLennan, Section Leader Economic Development and Tourism at the City of Coffs Harbour; Phil Dawson, Business Coach; a Great Koala National Park expert, and Caitlin Jeremy, Clinical Psychologist.
Together they will explore nature-based tourism opportunities, the significance of the region’s ECO Destination certification, the proposed Great Koala National Park, business development pathways and the compelling evidence connecting time in nature with mental health and wellbeing.
The presentations will be followed by a screening of the Whispers of Wilderness film and an open conversation with speakers.
The evening also marks the public launch of the new Whispers of Wilderness website and a suite of nature-inspired wellbeing and inclusive resources, including a colouring book, jigsaw puzzle, postcards and bookmarks, all featuring original artwork inspired by the natural landscapes of the Coffs Coast.
These resources will be freely distributed through libraries, schools, hospitals, aged care facilities, visitor information centres and community groups across the LGA.
Liz Jeremy, President of the National Parks Association of NSW and co-MC for the evening, said the 13 April event was the first in a series of community events planned through to June, each exploring a different dimension of the Coffs Coast’s natural environment.
“The Coffs Coast sits at an extraordinary ecological intersection – the Macleay-McPherson Overlap, where tropical and temperate species meet in a way found nowhere else in Australia.
“Over the coming months we will be bringing our community together around the themes that matter most to this place, biodiversity, Indigenous culture and Country, the Solitary Islands Marine Park and the proposed Great Koala National Park.
“Full details of all events will be available on the new Whispers of Wilderness website.”
The event is free, with light refreshments. Numbers are limited and registration is essential.
Whispers of Wilderness: Voices for Our Coast will be held on Monday 13 April from 6:00–8:00pm at the Jetty Theatre.
Visit http://www.npanswcoffscoast.org for more information.
The event is funded by the City of Coffs Harbour Environmental Levy Grant Program.
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.