Member for Port Stephens and Families and Communities MP Kate Washington.
FOR the first time in more than two decades, foster and kinship carers across NSW have received a 20 percent increase to their care allowance. The increase aims to ease cost-of-living pressures and strengthen support for vulnerable children in out-of-home care. The tax-free increase took effect from 1 January 2026 and applies to authorised carers […]
Centenarians Ron Carruthers and Noel Faddy celebrate with Coffs Harbour RSL sub-Branch members and guests. Photo: supplied. Cutting the birthday cake, complete with edible images of Ron and Noel. Photo: supplied. WWII veterans Ron Carruthers and Noel Faddy turned 100-years-old in 2025, with their centenaries recently celebrated by the Coffs Harbour RSL sub-Branch. The party […]
Pink Silks Committee members Nicole Knight (second from left) and Richard Hinton present the donated Hopkins hysteroscope to Coffs Harbour Health Campus operating theatre staff members Zoe Collins, Victoria Clark and Jordan Bellenger.
PINK Silks Trust has donated almost $20,000 to Coffs Harbour Health Campus to purchase Hopkins hysteroscopes to strengthen gynaecological services for women in the region. The Hopkins hysteroscope provides high-definition optics and superior illumination allowing specialists to diagnose and treat conditions such as abnormal bleeding, polyps, fibroids and early-stage endometrial cancer with unmatched precision. It […]
Deputy Mayor Cr Graeme Shephard speaking at the event.
Deputy Mayor Cr Graeme Shephard speaking at the event. Bellingen Shire Council General Manager Mark Griffioen enjoying lunch with the seniors. THE Dorrigo Support Centre hosted Christmas Lunch at the Dorrigo Community Hall for the town’s senior citizens and their support network. At the heart of the Dorrigo Support Centre is a clear and deeply […]
Maree Sanders with her Mmm Aunty Coffee cart.
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 […]
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 […]
FCNSW was fined $15,000 for damaging Greater Glider habitat. Photo: Mark Graham.
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 […]
Award winner and CEO of Acspert Guy Hammond.
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 […]
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 […]
Debris left behind in Orara East State Forest (Photo: reader supplied)
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 […]
