March 12, 2026
‘Coffs Christmas Day Lunch 4 U’ a heart warmer Maree Sanders with her Mmm Aunty Coffee cart.
Community

‘Coffs Christmas Day Lunch 4 U’ a heart warmer

Maree Sanders with her Mmm Aunty Coffee cart. Morning shift volunteers. CHRISTMAS Day 2025 saw almost 200 community members attend the Coffs Christmas Lunch 4 U (CCL4U) 2025 at the Exhibition Hall to enjoy a day of good food, entertainment, Santa and a feeling of inclusiveness.  Organisers Ange Anderson and Nick Newling designed the event […]

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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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Lifeline training for when crisis calls
Community

Lifeline training for when crisis calls

LIFELINE North Coast Crisis Support Manager and Trainer, Sunjii Doohan, shares her lived experience in a way that beautifully illustrates the importance of asking for help. Her story also provides valuable insight into Lifeline’s Crisis Support volunteer training. “Have you ever faced a crisis and felt you had no one to turn to?,” Sunjii poses. […]

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SCU streamlines credit recognition across 300-plus vocational pathways Deputy Secretary, Education and Skills Reform, NSW Department of Education Jeremy Kurucz; Chief Executive Officer ETC Damon Munt; Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Innovation) at Southern Cross University Professor Erica Wilson (panel chair); Associate Director Engagement, Partnerships & Growth at TAFE NSW Marty Braley; and Acting Executive Director at Jobs and Skills Australia Cliff Bingham.
School

SCU streamlines credit recognition across 300-plus vocational pathways

SOUTHERN Cross University (SCU) is streamlining its recognition of TAFE and vocational qualifications, improving clarity around existing pathways and enabling students to receive greater credit towards a wide range of undergraduate degrees. The refined pathways framework draws together more than 300 formal credit arrangements already in place with TAFE and other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). […]

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SCU students awarded for ground-breaking coastal management work Emeritus Professor Bruce Thom AM with PhD candidates Chris Klaas and Muhammad Islami. Photo: East Coast Conferences.
School

SCU students awarded for ground-breaking coastal management work

Emeritus Professor Bruce Thom AM with PhD candidates Chris Klaas and Muhammad Islami. Photo: East Coast Conferences. Student award winners Chris Klaas and Muhammad Islami with their supervisor Professor Kirsten Benkendorff. Chris Klaas with a leaf oyster. Photo: Chris Klaas. Muhammad Islami on his River Research project. Photo: Southern Cross University. TWO PhD candidates from […]

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