June 12, 2026
Letter to the Editor: Why fear campaigns work
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Why fear campaigns work

DEAR News Of The Area, I FIND it hard to find sensible discussion about migration coming from the opposition. Instead they seek to politicise the issue and turn it into a fear campaign. Fear campaigns work because they do not require facts, merely a grievance, and appeal to our natural desire for simple solutions to […]

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From the Mayor’s desk: Cr Nikki Williams
From The Mayor's Desk

From the Mayor’s desk: Cr Nikki Williams

FROM major sporting to community events and cultural experiences, the calendar has been packed and it’s fantastic to see locals and visitors alike getting out and enjoying what’s on offer. These events create great experiences and play an important role in supporting local businesses right across the coast. It’s no secret that many small businesses […]

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Letter to the Editor: How did we get here?
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: How did we get here?

DEAR News Of The Area, AGAIN, in response to Ashley Love’s Letter of 11 March 2026, I feel it is necessary to highlight his hypocrisy regarding plantations within the proposed Great Koala National Park footprint. His last two paragraphs say it all. Koalas trump taxpayer investment in plantations, no matter what. The plantations within the […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, MY daughter’s class is holding a fundraiser to raise funds to paint the play equipment. I’ve let the relatives know and now they are getting competitive with their offers. Kylie G. Dear Kylie, Fundraisers used to be done in a clandestine way, much like nanna slipping little Jimmy a cool fifty bucks in […]

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Government extends funding for two key programs
Coffs Coast

Government extends funding for two key programs

THE state government has extended funding for both the No Interest Loan Scheme (“the NIL Scheme”) and Aged-Care Supported Accommodation (“the ASCA Program”).  The Government committed $21.5 million in funding to administer the NIL Scheme for another five years, continuing its history of providing fee and interest-free loans to low-income earners since its establishment in […]

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Forestry Corporation fined $450,000 for latest breach
Local News

Forestry Corporation fined $450,000 for latest breach

FORESTRY Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) has been convicted and sentenced over the illegal logging of six giant and three hollow-bearing trees in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest near Coffs Harbour in June and July 2020. The organisation responsible for managing timber production in NSW’s state-owned native and plantation forests, FCNSW has been ordered to pay […]

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50-year medal for CWA North Coast Group stalwart Deidre Vanderveer
Community

50-year medal for CWA North Coast Group stalwart Deidre Vanderveer

HALF a century contributing to the good work of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) has seen Bonville member Deidre Vanderveer awarded a NSW Service Award. Deidre has held numerous roles including Branch Patron, President, Treasurer, Handicraft Officer, Cultural Officer, Land Cookery Officer, Social Secretary, and 12-time delegate to the State Conference. Deidre and her husband […]

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Guy Leech introduced Defib Hero at student event in Coffs Harbour Defib Hero ambassador Guy Leech at Stand Tall in Coffs Harbour.
Community, Health, School

Guy Leech introduced Defib Hero at student event in Coffs Harbour

Defib Hero ambassador Guy Leech at Stand Tall in Coffs Harbour. Eliott, the compact home-use defibrillator, is simple for anyone to use in an emergency. HEART health advocate and Defib Hero ambassador, Guy Leech, was in Coffs Harbour earlier this month speaking at “Stand Tall” suicide prevention events for high school students. The former Ironman […]

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State award for Coffs Harbour teacher of the deaf
Community, Health, School

State award for Coffs Harbour teacher of the deaf

TEACHER of the deaf Penny Proctor Ward has received state recognition. The Assistant Principal Hearing Support for Coffs Harbour and the Bellinger Valley, was honoured with an Outstanding Professional Service Award by the Professional Teachers Council (PTC), which incorporates the Institute for Educational Leadership in Australia (IELA). Penny was nominated by the NSW Educators of […]

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