DISASTER assistance payments are now available to people whose home or livelihood has been affected by recent flooding. There are two payment streams: 1. Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) provides one-off financial assistance to eligible Australians adversely affected by the NSW East Coast Severe Weather (from 18 May […]
Community worker quietly making a difference for region’s homeless
SOCIAL and economic factors have bedevilled attempts to ease the homelessness crisis, leading to generational disadvantage among the most vulnerable in the community. It is in this context that builder and community worker Troy Arvidson of Food Fix has been quietly making a difference. It all started after a fundraiser at the Coffs races for […]
Advocacy on the agenda for Coffs Harbour, Sawtell and Bellingen CWA
CWA members Coffs Harbour Branch, President Ros Hopwood with Ann Rehwinkel. Photo: Pauline Cain. Sawtell branch members (l-r) Lesley Berry, President Jackie England, Kaye Crockett, Jean Beby and Jenny Snodgrass. Photo: Pauline Cain. Bellingen CWA’s Faye Owner and Dorrigo’s Peg Parbury. Photo: Pauline Cain. NEWS Of The Area joined more than 600 delegates and another […]
Police will "throw the book" at anyone found looting as NSW residents continue their flood recovery. Photo: Adam Oswell/AAP PHOTOS.
Police warn against looting in flood-stricken towns
POLICE are pouring resources into Australia’s flood-ravaged towns to prevent a breakdown in law and order after two men were arrested for alleged looting. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said extra officers were on the beat in NSW’s mid-north coast and Hunter regions after the men, both aged 20, were arrested for allegedly stealing […]
Man charged after shots allegedly fired at police
A MAN has been charged after shots were allegedly fired at police following a pursuit. About 2.15am on Saturday morning, officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District attempted to stop a Subaru Impreza on Giinagay Way, Valla. The Subaru failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated before being terminated shortly after due to […]
Outback air racers book humanitarian speaker for RFDS fundraiser
COFFS Harbour’s Outback Air Race participants Tim and Marguerite Alexander, are holding their first fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) on 14 June. It is an afternoon tea at the Coffs Harbour Aero Club at 2pm, featuring guest speaker Dr John Parker. The Outback Air Race, which supports the RFDS, sets out from […]
A rare recount in a Sydney electorate will delay confirmation of Australia's next parliament. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
Knife-edge recounts could decide parliament’s make-up
IT could take weeks to confirm the members of Australia’s next parliament, with one seat sitting on a margin of only eight votes and an incumbent in another requesting a second tally. Independent MP Zoe Daniel has requested a recount in the Melbourne seat of Goldstein. The Australian Electoral Commission finalised a margin of 260 […]
DRA volunteers have been mobilised into communities including Taree, Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Nambucca to begin clean-up efforts.
Veteran organisation deployed to flood clean-up
MORE than 100 Disaster Relief Australia volunteers have deployed to assist communities of the Hunter and Mid North Coast with flood recovery. The veteran-led volunteer organisation has mobilised its volunteers into communities including Taree, Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Nambucca to begin clean-up efforts after the recent devastating weather event that has hit the region. Tasked […]
Authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the recent natural disaster through fake fundraising appeals. Photo: NSW SES.
Scamming behaviour tipped to spike following natural disaster
PREDATORY scammer activity is predicted to skyrocket in the wake of the recent rains and flood disasters. In the aftermath of severe flooding, the State Government is urging people to remain vigilant when donating to recovery efforts. As communities recover and rebuild, authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation through fake […]
Man charged with more than 80 offences under Strike Force Bungaree
A COFFS Harbour man has been charged with more than 80 offences relating to “break, enter and steal” offences alleged to have occurred in the local area. In May 2025, investigators from Coffs/Clarence Police District established Strike Force Bungaree to investigate numerous aggravated break, enter and steal offences in the Coffs Harbour area, with some […]
