October 5, 2025
Raleigh local named Mentor of the Year by Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution Chief of Operations - Residential Care Sanjila Verma and Chief of Operations - Seniors Living and Quality Louanne Riboldi, present Kristie Payne with her award.
Community

Raleigh local named Mentor of the Year by Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution

RALEIGH Urunga Masonic Village Lifestyle Supervisor, Kristie Payne, has been named Mentor of the Year in the Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution (RFBI) 2025 annual Showcase Awards. The program recognises the outstanding efforts of staff and volunteers from across the organisation in seven categories. The accolade bestowed upon Kristie is testament to her unwavering commitment to […]

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Empowering Yazidi migrants and refugees through digital education Three new trained digital mentors ready to lead the next round of Digital Sisters: Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre’s Lauren Mills with Enas Qasim, and Kamla Khalaf and Jameela Hakrash.
Community

Empowering Yazidi migrants and refugees through digital education

THE Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre (CHNC) is running Round 3 of its successful, fee-free Digital Sisters program; an initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds in the Coffs Coast region. Funded by the Good Things Foundation Australia, the program is part of CHNC’s broader commitment to social inclusion, […]

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Shorebird season prompts message to ‘take care and share the shore’ Bellingen Shire Council River and Biodiversity Officer Celeste Lymn with a new shorebirds sign on Urunga Island.
Community

Shorebird season prompts message to ‘take care and share the shore’

Bellingen Shire Council River and Biodiversity Officer Celeste Lymn with a new shorebirds sign on Urunga Island. Scientists and Bellingen Shire Council staff conducting threatened shorebird surveys on Bellingen Island. The ‘Dogs Breakfast’ educational event at Hungry Head. SHARE the shore is Bellingen Shire Council’s message to the community now that shorebird season has arrived, […]

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Coffs Community Garden gets new greenhouse thanks to government grant Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh with South Coffs Community Garden members.
Community

Coffs Community Garden gets new greenhouse thanks to government grant

THE South Coffs Community Garden (SCCG) has received a $15,632 NSW Government grant under the 2025 Community Building Partnership program. Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the grant will enable the Community Garden to install a freestanding polycarbonate greenhouse to allow year-round production of seedlings, cuttings and plants. In its grant application, the SCCG […]

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Help shape 1965 Freedom Ride Blue Plaque Trail Student Action for Aborigines members standing alongside the bus in February 1965. Photo: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and SEARCH Foundation.
Community

Help shape 1965 Freedom Ride Blue Plaque Trail

COMMUNITIES across NSW are being asked which towns and specific locations should be commemorated with a blue plaque to create a Freedom Ride Blue Plaque Trail, honouring a significant chapter in Australia’s civil rights movement. The 1965 Freedom Ride brought national attention to racial injustice and discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Taking […]

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Vivian Simpson promotes the personal benefits of volunteering Vivian Simpson OAM on the BBQ for Father's Day at Mater Christi Residential Aged Care.
Community

Vivian Simpson promotes the personal benefits of volunteering

VIVIAN Simpson is speaking out to promote the personal benefits of volunteering. The recent recipient of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his community service, Mr Simpson has been involved with Sawtell Catholic Care, providing aged care; Coffs Harbour Salvation Army, providing welfare and emergency services; the Federal Government’s community […]

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Woolgoolga Red Cross puts the call out for more Trauma Teddy knitters Trauma Teddy Coordinator Doreen Liddle with some of her team of volunteers.
Community, Health

Woolgoolga Red Cross puts the call out for more Trauma Teddy knitters

Trauma Teddy skins ready for stuffing at the working bee. Trauma Teddy Coordinator Doreen Liddle with some of her team of volunteers. Australian Red Cross Woolgoolga volunteer Robyn Rooth with Big Ted. Doreen Liddle with her ‘babies’. AUSTRALIAN Red Cross Woolgoolga Trauma Teddy Coordinator Doreen Liddle, is running low on volunteers to help her make […]

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Pink Auxiliary raises $30k for equipment at Bellingen Hospital Auxiliary members at the AGM (back L-R) Dawn Piddington, Waveney Ayscough, Merridy Huxley, Jacquie Hudson, (front) Craig Dempsey, Carol Gibson, Nancy Hobson, Paul Tipper and Margot Pleasant.
Community, Health

Pink Auxiliary raises $30k for equipment at Bellingen Hospital

BELLINGER River District Hospital has been gifted almost $30,000 in equipment and patient comfort items. Announced at the Annual General Meeting of the Bellingen branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA) of NSW, the donation includes two treatment recliner chairs for day procedures, comfort throws for patients, a vital signs monitor, a vein finder and […]

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Coffs Harbour welcomes new Aussies at citizenship ceremonies City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams and Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan celebrate with newly minted Australian citizens at Yarrila Place.
Community

Coffs Harbour welcomes new Aussies at citizenship ceremonies

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams and Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan celebrate with newly minted Australian citizens at Yarrila Place. Kevin Hogan MP, Badar and Shazeb Baig and Mayor Williams. Kevin Hogan MP, Isayas Seda, Birhane Kitla, Okuba Getahun and Mayor Williams. Kevin Hogan MP, Bae No and Mayor Williams. THEY came […]

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Coffs Coast leaders recognised in national Psychosocial Safety Awards General Manager Lifeline North Coast Angela Martin, Professional Coach Blyde Neser, and Chief Executive Health Voyage Tazmyn Jewell.
Business, Community

Coffs Coast leaders recognised in national Psychosocial Safety Awards

TWO Coffs Coast leaders, General Manager Lifeline North Coast Angela Martin, and Chief Executive Health Voyage Tazmyn Jewell, were among seven national finalists in the Outstanding Leadership category of the recently-held Psychosocial Safety and Leadership Awards. The awards celebrate leaders who take bold, thoughtful steps to reduce risks, improve inclusivity, and champion mental health as […]

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