December 18, 2025
Letter to the Editor: Climate action laggard
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Climate action laggard

DEAR News Of The Area, I BELIEVE Council can no longer claim to be a climate leader but are now a climate action laggard. In the last two meetings, Council have deliberately set their intent to scale back climate action commitments from previous terms of Council. Bellingen Shire Council, on the other hand, is leading […]

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Christmas under the stars: The sky that started a story A tale as old as Christmas itself: the mystery of the so-called Christmas Star.
Local News

Christmas under the stars: The sky that started a story

EVERY year, as the festive season picks up speed, the night sky quietly rolls out its own holiday display- no tinsel, no blinking bulbs, just a crisp dome of stars performing the same cosmic pageant they’ve been staging for thousands of years. And woven into that ancient canvas is a tale as old as Christmas […]

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Coffs Harbour nurses pay tribute to their Bondi colleagues
Community, Health

Coffs Harbour nurses pay tribute to their Bondi colleagues

IN a statement from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), members have expressed their deepest sorrow to the entire Jewish community, following the horrific mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday 14 December. Extending heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who have lost loved ones, and the dozens of victims who remain in […]

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Positive picture of Coffs Harbour in Council’s annual report The report highlights strong visitor numbers at community facilities. Photo: CoCH.
Regional

Positive picture of Coffs Harbour in Council’s annual report

THE City of Coffs Harbour has released its annual report, which paints a very positive picture of the city’s performance in the 2024-25 financial year. Mayor Nikki Williams said, “From cover to cover, this document details our unwavering commitment to ratepayers.” “The highlights reel for this period includes the opening of the Woolgoolga Whale Trail, […]

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Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.
Regional

Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing

CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals through audio cues and electric shocks. The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds. Minister for […]

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Modern Slavery Committee meets in Coffs Harbour A parliamentary inquiry is underway into the risks faced by temporary workers in regional NSW. Photo: Anti-Slavery Australia.
Local News

Modern Slavery Committee meets in Coffs Harbour

THE NSW Parliament’s Modern Slavery Committee travelled to Coffs Harbour to hold its fifth public hearing last week as part of its inquiry into the risks faced by temporary migrant workers in rural and regional NSW. The committee heard from service providers who work directly with victim-survivors of modern slavery in the Mid North Coast […]

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ADVERTISING FEATURE: Discover summer adventures with NPWS North Coast From twilight tours to rainforest walks, there’s something for everyone.
ADVERTISING FEATURE

ADVERTISING FEATURE: Discover summer adventures with NPWS North Coast

From twilight tours to rainforest walks, there’s something for everyone. From twilight tours to rainforest walks, there’s something for everyone. From twilight tours to rainforest walks, there’s something for everyone. LOOKING for unforgettable experiences this summer? The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) invites you to explore nature, history, and culture across our stunning […]

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ADVERTISING FEATURE: Show off the Coffs Coast this summer The Coffs Coast offers a range of unique opportunities for exploration and adventure.
ADVERTISING FEATURE

ADVERTISING FEATURE: Show off the Coffs Coast this summer

The Coffs Coast offers a range of unique opportunities for exploration and adventure. The Coffs Coast offers a range of unique opportunities for exploration and adventure. WITH family and friends arriving for Christmas, New Year and school holidays, many locals find themselves playing tour guide – and the good news is it’s never been easier […]

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ADVERTISING FEATURE: Holiday adventures at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden There is so much to experience for children and families these summer holidays at the Botanic Garden.
ADVERTISING FEATURE

ADVERTISING FEATURE: Holiday adventures at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden

THERE is so much to enjoy at the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden these summer holidays. Young and old alike will enjoy fun-packed activities with a difference. The wonderful adventures on offer include exploring macro photography, a chance to build connection to Country through observation and reflection, interpreted using photography and digital art. A fun and […]

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AOC rolls out $50-million athlete funding package Anna Meares said it took her three Olympic cycles to have the confidence to be backed financially. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS.
Sport

AOC rolls out $50-million athlete funding package

SPORTING mums and retiring athletes are key targets of a $50 million funding package from the Australian Olympic Committee. It’s being hailed as the AOC’s most significant athlete-funding initiative since the buildup to the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Capitalising on a boost from its sizeable investment portfolio, the AOC will set up the $20 million Olympian […]

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