March 17, 2026
Sawtell’s Viv Simpson volunteers ‘just because’
Community

Sawtell’s Viv Simpson volunteers ‘just because’

VIV Simpson hates to see people feeling lonely or abandoned. The Sawtell resident, who’s in his early seventies, spends much of his time with aged care residents or dementia patients who have no one else visiting or looking out for them. “I consider it an honour,” he told News Of The Area. “Just listening and […]

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Coffs Colon Care support group spreading bowel cancer awareness Coffs Colon Care (CCC) support group members Sharen Hackfath, Donna Harper and Julie Williams with colorectal surgeon Wilson Petrushnko and Baringa Private Hospital CEO Jo Brown.
Community, Health

Coffs Colon Care support group spreading bowel cancer awareness

Coffs Colon Care (CCC) support group members Sharen Hackfath, Donna Harper and Julie Williams with colorectal surgeon Wilson Petrushnko and Baringa Private Hospital CEO Jo Brown. Cancer survivor Julie Williams. COFFS Harbour’s Coffs Colon Care (CCC) support group is raising awareness of bowel cancer and Red Apple Day. Organised by Bowel Cancer Australia, Red Apple […]

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Recovery effort dedicated to fallen Bellingen soldier Volunteers are assisting with recovery tasks such as damage assessments, debris removal, chainsaw operations, and property clean-ups.
Community

Recovery effort dedicated to fallen Bellingen soldier

Volunteers are assisting with recovery tasks such as damage assessments, debris removal, chainsaw operations, and property clean-ups. DISASTER Relief Australia (RDA) volunteers have been hard at work across Nambucca, Kempsey, Port Macquarie and Taree helping residents with flood recovery. Volunteers are assisting with recovery tasks such as damage assessments, debris removal, chainsaw operations, and property […]

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Young Citizen of the Year bridges the tech gap for seniors Nathan Armstrong provided tech help for seniors like Annette at The Shoreline.
Community

Young Citizen of the Year bridges the tech gap for seniors

Nathan Armstrong provided tech help for seniors like Annette at The Shoreline. Brian needed help with GPS Navigation. RESIDENTS at The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living in Coffs Harbour recently attended a presentation designed to bridge the tech gap for older generations. It was delivered by the 2025 Young Citizen of the Year, Nathan Armstrong. Born […]

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Construction imminent on Urunga boardwalk upgrade Upgrades to the boardwalk are expected to be completed next year.
Community, Government

Construction imminent on Urunga boardwalk upgrade

Upgrades to the boardwalk are expected to be completed next year. CONSTRUCTION on the long-anticipated Urunga Boardwalk upgrade is set to officially commence on Monday 16 June. All tenders for the Boardwalk project have been locked in, and the first stage will involve establishing a site compound to support construction works. The boardwalk will be […]

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Finalists announced for Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards The awards will be held in the River Oak Room (Council Chambers) from noon on Monday, 7 July as part of the City’s NAIDOC Week activities.
Community

Finalists announced for Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards

FIFTY finalists have been announced in the Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards. The awards are hosted by the City of Coffs Harbour and the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee. 2025 Finalists Grace Roberts Memorial Community Development Award: Steven Skinner, Kerrie-Rae Ellis, Noelene Skinner, Michelle Sinclair, Anau Speizer, Holly Heinz, Dean Kelly, Karly Morris, Cylie Brown, […]

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Dave Owens appointed Hunter and Mid-North Coast Recovery Coordinator Former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens.
Community

Dave Owens appointed Hunter and Mid-North Coast Recovery Coordinator

FORMER NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens has been appointed as the Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid-North Coast in the wake of devastating floods. Mr Owens commenced the role last week and will be based out of Taree. “Dave Owens has a lot of experience helping communities after natural disasters, so I am […]

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Community meeting calls for mining ban within water catchment Dr Lian Sinclair, Janet Walk, Aunty Alison Buchanan, Mark Graham, Dr Jaqueline Williams, Julian McKinlay King, Cate Faehrmann MLC, Shae Fleming and Dean Kelly. Photo: BEC.
Community, Health

Community meeting calls for mining ban within water catchment

MORE than 200 people have gathered to express concern over antimony mining and exploration within the Coffs-Clarence regional water supply catchment. The Bellingen Environment Centre (BEC), the Blicks River Guardians and Lock the Nambucca Valley hosted the information and community planning event at the Never Never Mind community centre in Dorrigo on Saturday, 31 May, […]

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‘Adopt a Street’ to connect businesses with flood-affected neighbourhoods ‘Adopt a Street – Flood relief’ - by locals, for locals. Image: supplied.
Community

‘Adopt a Street’ to connect businesses with flood-affected neighbourhoods

Founder Dr Jake Little donating items and helping out with the clean-up, which sparked his idea for Adopt a Street. Photo: supplied. ‘Adopt a Street – Flood relief’ – by locals, for locals. Image: supplied. A NEW community-driven initiative is bringing together local businesses and residents from flood-impacted streets, in a demonstration of support and […]

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One step at a time: Brooke’s run to heal a nation’s silent pain Brooke McIntosh arrived in Coffs Harbour last week as one of her stops on her marathon campaign to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Photo: Belle Verdiglione Photography.
Community, Health

One step at a time: Brooke’s run to heal a nation’s silent pain

BROOKE McIntosh is midway through a mission to run two marathons a day for six months straight, aiming to raise $1million for mental health charity The Blue Tree Project. She also hopes to become the fastest female to run around Australia. Brooke’s journey is about more than endurance however, she’s meeting everyday Australians, having honest […]

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