STILL 2023’s winning artwork by Alana Hunt. Blak Douglas’ ‘Silent Cop’, the winning artwork in STILL 2021. FOR the first time, the “STILL: National Still Life Award” will recognise a local artist. The Coffs Coast Artist Award is open to those currently living and/or working in the Coffs Coast region – taking […]
The first astronomers: Australia’s Indigenous stargazers
LONG before observatories dotted the land and satellites blinked overhead, the First Peoples of Australia were reading the stars. For over 65,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have looked to the sky – not for abstraction, but for connection, direction, and survival. Theirs is the oldest continuous astronomical tradition on Earth. To these […]
Bishop Druitt College announces scholarship winners
FIFTY-TWO top-performing students have been awarded scholarships to attend Bishop Druitt College (BDC) in 2026 and beyond. The school stated that recipients reflect the region’s diverse community and scholarships were awarded to students from across the greater Coffs Coast. Students complete a rigorous application process, including endorsements from public referees, auditions or portfolios. This year, […]
Brian Clarke, R U OK? Community Ambassador Lisa Nichols, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, Teagan Swan and City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams.
Woolgoolga welcomes R U OK? Conversation Convoy
Brian Clarke, R U OK? Community Ambassador Lisa Nichols, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, Teagan Swan and City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams. The fluro came out on Friday for the R UK OK? Conversation Convoy in Woolgoolga. The fluro came out on Friday for the R UK OK? Conversation Convoy in Woolgoolga. […]
Leadership competition invites young leaders to life-changing Power Trip in Canberra
YOUNG rural women and non-binary students in Years 10 to 12 from across Australia will have the opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime ‘Power Trip’ to the nation’s capital. Country to Canberra’s (C2C) prestigious Leadership Competition launched on Monday, opening the door for young rural leaders to embark on a four-day leadership experience designed to help […]
Increase in domestic violence, sexual assaults and retail theft, data shows
NEW data reveals rates of domestic violence, sexual assault and retail theft have increased in NSW over the last two years. The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released its latest report on 13 major criminal offences. Stealing from a motor vehicle was the only major offence to show a significant decline […]
A family runs towards the sea at Booti Booti National Park, where park entry fees for motor vehicles apply. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE.
Veterans given free vehicle access to National Parks
THE Minns Government is extending free vehicle access to National Parks to all Commonwealth Veteran Card holders. Park entry fees for motor vehicles apply at 45 of NSW’s 895 national parks and reserves. A 2025-26 budget measure will enable veterans from around Australia to apply for a pass to enter for free. The pass is […]
NSW residents urged to purchase firewood collection authorisations this winter
FORESTRY Corporation is reminding residents to purchase firewood authorisations before collecting wood from State forests. Recent updates have been made to Forestry Corporation’s online firewood permit page. The conditions for firewood collection have also been updated and should be understood prior to entering State forests. The system now distinguishes some locations between pine and native […]
A parliamentary inquiry has been told imported fruit pickers were subjected to prolonged suffering. Photo: AP PHOTO/ Robert F. Bukaty.
Estimated thousands trapped in Australian farm slavery
A BACKPACKER hoping for a memorable working holiday on an Australian farm finds himself crammed into a house with 17 people, eating dry bread and deprived of sunshine and fresh air. After arriving on a visa from China, the young man had headed to a small town on the NSW coast in 2024 to pick […]
Dorrigo Dramatic Club celebrate 70 years
THE 70th birthday celebration of the Dorrigo Dramatic Club was held on Saturday 14 June in the town’s Old Gazette Theatre. Launched in 1955, the community theatre group continues to thrive today. Past and present members were invited to share a meal and enjoy reminiscing on decades of performances. “What an incredible display of creativity […]
