June 20, 2026
Taskforce launched to accelerate hazard reduction in NSW The centralised body will support existing local arrangements by coordinating resources and using technology to plan and deliver hazard reduction more efficiently across the state. Photo: NSW Government.
Community

Taskforce launched to accelerate hazard reduction in NSW

A NEW multi-agency taskforce has been launched to accelerate hazard reduction and better protect communities across NSW. Launched by the NSW Government, Taskforce Fire Guard will bring together fire agencies and land managers to strengthen coordination and prioritise high risk areas over the coming months. Operating from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) State Operations […]

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AI cameras spotted more than 1000 bushfires over summer The technology is assisting firefighting forces to monitor more areas and predict the spread of more bushfires. Photo: NSW Rural Fire Service.
Local News

AI cameras spotted more than 1000 bushfires over summer

ARTIFICIALLY intelligent cameras detected more than 1100 bushfires in Australia over summer, including some that would have been missed by humans until they posed a greater risk. One fire outbreak caused by lighting strikes, for example, could have damaged a pine forest if cameras had not alerted firefighters. Pano AI revealed the findings on Tuesday […]

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Sydney to Grafton XPT service to resume this month The XPT trains have been painted to reflect their history.
Government

Sydney to Grafton XPT service to resume this month

The XPT trains have been painted to reflect their history. The XPT trains have been painted to reflect their history. THE Sydney to Grafton XPT train service is set to return from 28 April, after a year of coach replacements during fleet upgrades.  Sydney to Grafton train services – travelling through the Central Coast, Hunter […]

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Walkable towns help regional Australians exercise 75 minutes more each week The report shows walkability has a bigger impact on the amount of time spent walking in regional communities. Photo: David Guerrero/Pexels.
Health

Walkable towns help regional Australians exercise 75 minutes more each week

AMID soaring fuel prices which are prompting Australians to explore alternative transport options, a new study highlights the health benefits of walkable neighbourhoods. New research shows that regional residents living in walkable towns and centres walk 75 minutes more each week, prompting calls for Governments to invest more in well-connected, safe footpaths to boost community […]

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Nominations open for the 2026 Mid North Coast Volunteer of the Year awards Mid North Coast Adult Volunteer of the Year Tania Hrbacek was represented at the 2025 award ceremony by Ulong Public School Principal Surinder Kaler (centre). Cowper MP Pat Conaghan and Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer presented the award.
Community

Nominations open for the 2026 Mid North Coast Volunteer of the Year awards

IT’S time for people across the Mid North Coast to nominate family, friends or work mates for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state. The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the […]

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Stargazing: April showers set to thrill
Local News

Stargazing: April showers set to thrill

EVER stood under a quiet night sky and caught a sudden flash, like the heavens just struck a match? That fleeting streak we casually call a “shooting star” is anything but ordinary. And over the coming week, the sky is set to put on a show that rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to lose […]

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New direction for yacht club after withdrawal of potential investor City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams and Coffs Harbour Yacht Club Commodore John Wait.
Business

New direction for yacht club after withdrawal of potential investor

CITY of Coffs Harbour will take on responsibility for part of the Coffs Harbour Yacht Club facility on Marina Drive, following the withdrawal of a potential investor in the site. Bar and restaurant activities at the Yacht Club ceased on 30 March. Under revised arrangements announced on Tuesday, the Yacht Club’s board will now utilise […]

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Statewide approach to community consultation welcomed by building body
Coffs Coast

Statewide approach to community consultation welcomed by building body

THE NSW Government is attempting to introduce a statewide approach for how communities have their say on planning proposals. A draft statewide Community Participation Plan is now on public exhibition. Currently there are more than 100 different Community Participation Plans across the state, each with its own approach, timeframes and thresholds for consultation on planning […]

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Blue Plaque recognises Australian cartoonist and journalist Les Tanner Gurmesh Singh MP unveils the Blue Plaque with National Cartoon Gallery Vice President Margaret Cameron.
Community

Blue Plaque recognises Australian cartoonist and journalist Les Tanner

Gurmesh Singh MP unveils the Blue Plaque with National Cartoon Gallery Vice President Margaret Cameron. Coffs Harbour’s first commemorative Blue Plaque. Les Tanner’s work. Les Tanner’s work. COFFS Harbour’s first commemorative Blue Plaque has been installed at the National Cartoon Gallery in celebration of the work of well-known and respected cartoonist and journalist, Les Tanner. […]

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Small trees, big passion at Coffs Bonsai Show Dave Kennedy transforming a Juniper into a cascade-style bonsai. Photo: Kate Pye.
Community

Small trees, big passion at Coffs Bonsai Show

Coffs Harbour Tokonoma Bonsai Society President Cheryl Benn, with her bonsai tools. Photo: Kate Pye. Club members Issac and Nathan Bunny with their bonsai. Photo: Kate Pye. 1st prize: a 23-year-old Chinese Elm and three azaleas. Photo: Kate Pye. 2nd prize: a 16-year-old Monterey/Radiata Pine. Photo: Kate Pye. 3rd prize: a 20-year-old Juniper. Photo: Kate […]

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