January 13, 2026
New report provides roadmap to strengthening regional music
Local News

New report provides roadmap to strengthening regional music

MUSICNSW has released a new report detailing how to strengthen regional and remote music, setting a map for action for government, industry and communities across NSW. The report gathers insights from 80-plus representatives from across the NSW music sector. The contributors participated in a NSW Roundtable held at the 2025 Regional and Remote Music Summit […]

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$15,000 fine for Greater Glider habitat damage near Dorrigo FCNSW was fined $15,000 for damaging Greater Glider habitat. Photo: Mark Graham.
Local News

$15,000 fine for Greater Glider habitat damage near Dorrigo

FORESTRY Corporation NSW (FCNSW) has been fined as a result of one of its many interactions with local conservationist, Mark Graham. For breaches of Section 60N(1) of the Local Land Services Act 2013 (unauthorised clearing of native vegetation in regulated rural areas) and Section 2.4(1)(a) of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (damage to the habitat […]

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Emerald Beach accountant wins APAC Award Award winner and CEO of Acspert Guy Hammond.
Local News

Emerald Beach accountant wins APAC Award

CEO of Acspert and Emerald Beach accountant Guy Hammond has been recognised in the APAC Insider Awards as “Best SME Accounting Software Specialist 2026” in New South Wales. Acspert was selected following a detailed evaluation process conducted by APAC Insider Awards in-house research and judging team. Mr Hammond told News Of The Area that the […]

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Maureen Darby is the Sawtellian of the Year 2026
Local News

Maureen Darby is the Sawtellian of the Year 2026

MAUREEN Darby was named Sawtellian of the Year 2026, presented by Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams and Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, at the village Fun Day on Thursday 1 January. Maureen was nominated by an anonymous community member for leading the Uniting Church of Sawtell’s Uniting U with Friendship, Inspiration and Training program […]

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Forestry clean-up in Orara East State Forest questioned Debris left behind in Orara East State Forest (Photo: reader supplied)
Local News

Forestry clean-up in Orara East State Forest questioned

Debris left behind in Orara East State Forest (Photo: reader supplied) An Orara East State Forest track A NEWS Of The Area reader has raised concerns that Forestry Corporation NSW (FCNSW) contractors have left Orara East State Forest in a “dangerous mess”. The Forest floor debris has the potential to be a major bushfire contributor […]

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Local wildlife in crisis as WIRES callouts surge
Local News

Local wildlife in crisis as WIRES callouts surge

WILDLIFE rescue calls across the Mid North Coast have surged in recent years, with more animals becoming injured, orphaned, or displaced due to habitat loss, severe weather, and human impact. But while the number of animals needing help continues to rise, the number of trained volunteers has not. WIRES Mid North Coast is now urgently […]

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PBS prescription costs drop from 1 January under Federal legislation Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan discusses the reduction in co-payments with Coffs Harbour pharmacist Samuel Ledger. Photo: supplied.
Local News

PBS prescription costs drop from 1 January under Federal legislation

NEW Federal Government legislation will reduce the cost of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriptions from 1 January. Under the changes, the maximum PBS co-payment fall to $25, down from $31.60, easing pressure on household budgets. The legislation follows advocacy from more than 20 health and community organisations, including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Patients Australia, […]

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New gene-mapping method unlocks hidden drivers of cancer
Local News

New gene-mapping method unlocks hidden drivers of cancer

UNIVERSITY of South Australia scientists say they have developed a powerful new way to uncover the genetic interactions that fuel cancer progression, paving the way for earlier and more precise treatments. The AI-driven method, published recently in the Royal Society Open Science journal, reveals that tumour progression is driven by cooperating groups of genes, rather […]

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Coffs Harbour’s Botanic Garden full of delights This couple took the opportunity to relax and take it all in.
Local News

Coffs Harbour’s Botanic Garden full of delights

This couple took the opportunity to relax and take it all in. The visiting Bulahdelah Garden Club was given a guided buggy tour of the gardens. THE North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is a sanctuary for locals and visitors to enjoy. The view from Sealy Lookout reveals it to be the green heart of Coffs […]

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New era on the horizon for Woolgoolga Library Woolgoolga Library.
Local News

New era on the horizon for Woolgoolga Library

WOOLGOOLGA Library is turning a new page with a series of renovations that will brighten the space and significantly improve the visitor experience. The City of Coffs Harbour was successful in its application for a Public Library Infrastructure Grant from the State Library of NSW to the tune of $150,000 to refresh Woolgoolga Library. The […]

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