Letter from the Editor: Fond farewell
By Doug CONNOR, Group Editor AFTER just shy of six years manning the News Of The Area news desk, I have made the difficult decision to leave my role as Group Editor. Before I officially depart next Friday (29 May), I wanted to take the opportunity to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has […]
LifeHouse Community Care Leader Tessa Spry.
More first-timers reaching out for crisis care
THE Community Care service at Lifehouse Care is experiencing an increase in people seeking support for the first time. These are people who would not normally need assistance to feed their families or manage day-to-day living costs, said Community Care Leader Tessa Spry. Many families are facing unexpected financial pressure due to rising rent, fuel […]
Forest protestors’ appeals upheld
LOCAL forest protestors left Coffs Harbour District Court with no convictions recorded and no fines, after successfully appealing charges related to a protest in Orara East State Forest in June, 2025. They were among approximately 30 people who took part in a community “walk-on” opposing logging out of concern for the impacts on water catchments, […]
Minister Sharpe examines plans for the Walk with Chris Petrov from NPWS. Photo: DCCEEW.
Construction begins on Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk
CONSTRUCTION on the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk is officially underway. The Great Walk is part of a $56.4 million investment by the NSW Government to redevelop the iconic Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and deliver the Dorrigo Escarpment multi-day walk. The project aims to position Dorrigo and the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park as a major nature […]
LifeHouse Care staff on one of the organisation's furniture trucks.
Advertising Feature: Lifehouse Care working for the peace and wellbeing of the community
LifeHouse Care staff on one of the organisation’s furniture trucks. Community members at a LifeWalk event. Coffs Harbour Care House in 1998. THIS June, LifeHouse Care marks 30 years of serving locals across the Coffs Coast and beyond – offering practical help, crisis support and ongoing care to individuals and families doing it tough. Founded […]
The 10km short course mixed race. Photo: Rob Cleary.
Three days of action for National Outrigger Championships
The 10km short course mixed race. Photo: Rob Cleary. Event Director Cherie Collison with Kimara Haronga and Jean Temoke. Photo: Kate Pye. Lorraine Paradero, Marc Lusted and Gina Cano from the Sydney Bluefins Outrigger Club. Bryan Wilkinson from Sunset Bay, QLD. Olive and Poppy Van Gool from Mooloolaba Outrigger Canoe Club. A sea of colour […]
Letter to the Editor: Space is available for more migrants
DEAR News Of The Area, IN his budget reply speech, the Opposition Leader claimed Australia’s immigration levels were too high for the number of houses available for them to live in. Since this speech, I heard some interesting statistics from an authoritative source about Australia’s migrant intake and the number of new houses being built. […]
Letter to the Editor: Ignoring public opinion
DEAR News Of The Area, RESIDENTS are continually asked to fill in surveys, letting the council know what we think or want to make our scenic region a better place to live or visit. Recently there have been calls for submissions on the Sandy Beach development, the Park Beach Movement and Place Plan and aquatic […]
Bob Wilson and Sharon Goodwin share a heartfelt moment during the medal presentation at Mr Singh’s electorate office.
War medal back home where it belongs
A WORLD War I medal is finally back home on the Mid North Coast, following a series of remarkable and unlikely events. The story began ahead of Anzac Day when Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh’s “The Spirit of Anzac” booklet landed in Coffs Coast letterboxes. This year’s cover depicted France’s VC Corner Memorial and […]