CITY of Coffs Harbour has been named a finalist in the Tourism, Hire and Services category of the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards. The recognition follows the launch of the Coffs Coast Explorer App and the installation of seven digital information kiosks across the Local Government Area. “These innovative digital tools have significantly enhanced […]
Scammers on prowl as Tax Time begins
A recently received scam email. A Commonwealth Bank infographic illustrates that Aussies are scam-aware, but a third of us still miss the clues. Image: CBA. THE clock is now ticking to get annual tax returns in before the 31 October deadline. Sadly, this window provides a veritable hunting ground for scammers, prompting warnings from the […]
Increase in domestic violence, sexual assaults and retail theft, data shows
NEW data reveals rates of domestic violence, sexual assault and retail theft have increased in NSW over the last two years. The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released its latest report on 13 major criminal offences. Stealing from a motor vehicle was the only major offence to show a significant decline […]

History of Bonville Reserve ‘a great read’
Mayor Nikki Williams (kneeling) with Pam Worland (seated) and members of the Sawtell Historical Society. An old advertisement for the reserve. BEFORE Ossie Sawtell created his village in 1927, people regularly picnicked at the reserve across the creek. The Sawtell Historical Society has just released a history of the reserve titled “Bonville Reserve, The Manly […]
Community and business get behind domestic violence safe phone initiative
COFFS City Rotary, in partnership with local hotels and domestic violence agencies Warrina Women’s Refuge and Bluesky, launched the Domestic Violence (DV) Safe Phone initiative on Thursday 12 June at the Toormina Hotel. Since 2020, the charity DV Safe Phone has collected, repaired and distributed free mobile phones to domestic violence victims through their nationwide […]
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 […]

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 […]

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 […]
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 […]
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 […]