May 20, 2026
War medal back home where it belongs Bob Wilson and Sharon Goodwin share a heartfelt moment during the medal presentation at Mr Singh’s electorate office.
Community

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 […]

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$40,000 raised at Pink Silks Trust Long Lunch Pink Silks Trust co-founder and Chair Tanya Johnson OAM speaking at the fundraiser.
Community

$40,000 raised at Pink Silks Trust Long Lunch

Pink Silks Trust co-founder and Chair Tanya Johnson OAM speaking at the fundraiser. The well-attended Pink Silks Trust fundraiser. THE 2026 Pink Silks Trust (PST) Long Lunch has raised an incredible $40,000, with funds contributing towards liver cancer research and the revamp of the Infusion Room at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus. What first began […]

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Bielsdown River footbridge showcases community-led art Sylvie Creenaune, Cr Graeme Shephard, Uncle Allan Phillips, Mayor Steve Allan, Uncle Cecil Briggs, Derek McCarthy from the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Council General Manager Mark Griffioen.
Community

Bielsdown River footbridge showcases community-led art

Sylvie Creenaune, Cr Graeme Shephard, Uncle Allan Phillips, Mayor Steve Allan, Uncle Cecil Briggs, Derek McCarthy from the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Council General Manager Mark Griffioen. The community-led artwork featured on the bridge panels. BELLINGEN Shire Council officially opened the Bielsdown River footbridge on Thursday 23 April.  In attendance were Dorrigo school students, Gumbaynggirr […]

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TAFE students make a difference at WIRES shelter in Coffs Harbour TAFE students from across the region rolled up their sleeves to work with WIRES volunteers. Photo: supplied.
Community

TAFE students make a difference at WIRES shelter in Coffs Harbour

A GROUP of dedicated TAFE students recently joined WIRES Mid North Coast (MNC) volunteers for a hands-on working bee at the new Wildlife Rehabilitation Shelter in Coffs Harbour. The working bee brought together the next generation of wildlife carers with experienced WIRES members, who have been working tirelessly to establish and maintain the facility with […]

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Tyre dumping in Lowanna raises creek contamination fears Tyres dumped in the creek at Lowanna. Photos: supplied.
Community, Government, Health

Tyre dumping in Lowanna raises creek contamination fears

Tyres dumped in the creek at Lowanna. Photos: supplied. Tyres dumped in the creek at Lowanna. Photos: supplied. Tyres dumped in the creek at Lowanna. Photos: supplied. A LOWANNA resident is calling on the City of Coffs Harbour to stop the pollution of creeks near his home.  The man, who News Of The Area is […]

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Living Well Expo coming to Coffs Showground More than 60 diverse stallholders will engage with expo attendees.
Community, Health

Living Well Expo coming to Coffs Showground

THE Coffs Harbour Living Well Expo on Wednesday 13 May will focus on helping people live their best lives by connecting them with essential services and support. The Expo, to be held at the Coffs Harbour Showground from 10am to 2pm, provides valuable information for older adults, people living with disability, and their families and […]

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Cooler weather sees spike in possums trapped in chimneys This image shows the tail of a possum seeking shelter in a fireplace. Photo: supplied.
Community

Cooler weather sees spike in possums trapped in chimneys

WILDLIFE rescuers across the Mid North Coast have responded to several calls in recent weeks involving possums becoming trapped inside chimney flues, as cooler weather drives them to seek warm, sheltered places to rest during the day. Inquisitive by nature, possums will investigate small openings they believe offer a safe sleeping spot. But long vertical […]

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Have your say on Bellingen Council’s draft financial plans An aerial view of the Bellinger Valley. Photo: Council.
Community

Have your say on Bellingen Council’s draft financial plans

THE community can now provide feedback on a suite of Bellingen Shire’s key strategic and financial planning documents, following their endorsement for public exhibition. The draft documents set out how Council will plan, deliver and resource services and activities across the Shire. Following the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 15 April, the following documents are […]

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Red Cross volunteer Judith Jackson strengthens community resilience across Coffs Coast Judith Jackson is a pillar of the community. Photo: supplied.
Community

Red Cross volunteer Judith Jackson strengthens community resilience across Coffs Coast

WOOLGOOLGA volunteer Judith “JuJu” Jackson has spent decades quietly strengthening her community, building connections and supporting others through some of life’s most challenging moments. Born in Melbourne, Judith moved to the Coffs Coast as a child. “It has always been home,” she said, reflecting on a lifetime shaped by community values and a strong family […]

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104-year-old cenotaph restored after vandalism The restored soldier cenotaph is back to its former glory in time for Anzac Day.
Community

104-year-old cenotaph restored after vandalism

RESTORATION works on the Dorrigo War Memorial have been completed in time for upcoming Anzac Day services. The 104-year-old cenotaph was vandalised in April 2025, with two visitors to the area later convicted and sentenced to pay for repairs in July 2025. Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan said the restoration marks an important outcome for […]

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