THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities. The Committee’s final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations. Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change. “Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel […]
Technology transforming fire responses in rural NSW
Footage captured by an AI-powered camera system on a watch tower. Photos: supplied. Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds. RFS volunteers now have improved access to real-time imagery, particularly in remote and high-risk areas. RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen communications […]
Woolgoolga Beach Reserve to host Easter craft extravaganza
THE foreshore of Woolgoolga Beach Reserve is set to burst into colour over the Easter long weekend. Groups and individuals who have chosen to participate in making paper sculpture gardens – ingeniously created by bringing individual flowers and butterflies together – have been busy crafting and painting their contributions. The final result will be open […]
‘Cruisey’ life for Coffs Harbour sand artist
FOR Coffs Harbour artist John Thiering, work can be tough – especially when it involves travelling the world on cruise ships and performing to packed audiences. “I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember,” he said. After studying art in Sydney and holding his first solo exhibition in 1987, John eventually made his […]
Quiet EV
Coffs artists share Behind the Secret Door
Coffs artists Denise Baffis and Annie Houston. CHCAG member Joy Bentley. CHCAG artist Maxine Kohlhagen. People’s Choice winner Jos Challis with CHCAG President Sue Roberts. Raffle winners, Diane and Cr Tony Judge. “BEHIND the Secret Door”, Coffs Harbour Creative Arts Group’s (CHCAG) newest exhibition, is open at the Showground Gallery. The exhibition invites viewers to […]
Bumper year for Rotary Coffs Harbour’s BookFest
Rotarians Ray Silins and Michelle Swinden. Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour Club members and volunteers ready for opening. BookFest coordinator Tony James and long-term BookFest volunteer Di Gillett. Happy customers at BookFest 2026. Jim Nolan, a former member of the now-retired Coffs Harbour South Rotary Club, who started BookFest in 2000. ANTICIPATING the final fundraising […]
Refugee farmers share passion for food at ‘A Whole Lot of Okra’ event
Ariet Ombali Odola from Africa. Thang Ngaih Cin from Asia. Tamar Qasim Jardo from Iraq. Okra inspired the food offering. Guests mingling at the National Cartoon Gallery. A SPECIAL community event titled “A Whole Lot of Okra” was held at National Cartoon Gallery on Tuesday, 17 March. The evening was organised by the North Coast […]
FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state. Photo: NSW Gov.
Statewide compliance blitz on fuel prices
THE NSW Government has fast-tracked a statewide fuel compliance blitz to “strengthen fuel price transparency” and protect motorists from misleading pricing. At the NSW Fuel Security Roundtable held last week, retailers agreed to use the FuelCheck app to inform the Government when they have run out of fuel. FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel […]
Empty bowls to warm hearts at pottery fundraiser
The team at Village Pottery Company is hosting the ‘Empty Bowls’ event. A range of distinctive ceramic bowls will be created on the night. Zara turning a bowl at Village Pottery Company in Valla Beach. . A FAMILY-friendly community event with a twist is being held in Valla Beach, involving a bowl of soup and […]
