THE National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) hosted 100 community and environmental leaders from across the North Coast to celebrate the announcement of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP). Among those gathered in Bongil Bongil National Park south of Coffs Harbour last Saturday, 27 September, were NPA CEO Gary Dunnett, Greens MLC Sue Higginson, councillors […]
Chief of Operations - Residential Care Sanjila Verma and Chief of Operations - Seniors Living and Quality Louanne Riboldi, present Kristie Payne with her award.
Raleigh local named Mentor of the Year by Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution
RALEIGH Urunga Masonic Village Lifestyle Supervisor, Kristie Payne, has been named Mentor of the Year in the Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution (RFBI) 2025 annual Showcase Awards. The program recognises the outstanding efforts of staff and volunteers from across the organisation in seven categories. The accolade bestowed upon Kristie is testament to her unwavering commitment to […]
Three new trained digital mentors ready to lead the next round of Digital Sisters: Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre’s Lauren Mills with Enas Qasim, and Kamla Khalaf and Jameela Hakrash.
Empowering Yazidi migrants and refugees through digital education
THE Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre (CHNC) is running Round 3 of its successful, fee-free Digital Sisters program; an initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds in the Coffs Coast region. Funded by the Good Things Foundation Australia, the program is part of CHNC’s broader commitment to social inclusion, […]
Bellingen Shire Council River and Biodiversity Officer Celeste Lymn with a new shorebirds sign on Urunga Island.
Shorebird season prompts message to ‘take care and share the shore’
Bellingen Shire Council River and Biodiversity Officer Celeste Lymn with a new shorebirds sign on Urunga Island. Scientists and Bellingen Shire Council staff conducting threatened shorebird surveys on Bellingen Island. The ‘Dogs Breakfast’ educational event at Hungry Head. SHARE the shore is Bellingen Shire Council’s message to the community now that shorebird season has arrived, […]
Coffs Community Garden gets new greenhouse thanks to government grant
THE South Coffs Community Garden (SCCG) has received a $15,632 NSW Government grant under the 2025 Community Building Partnership program. Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the grant will enable the Community Garden to install a freestanding polycarbonate greenhouse to allow year-round production of seedlings, cuttings and plants. In its grant application, the SCCG […]
Bush Fire Danger Period begins on the Coffs Coast
THE Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) began on the Coffs Coast and across the broader North Coast on 1 October. Rural Fire Service (RFS) Superintendent Sandra Huer said following several wet years, fuel loads remain high across the state and the risk of serious bush and grass fires is returning. “Now is the time to […]
New lifeguard tower installed at Sawtell
A NEW purpose-built lifeguard tower has been installed at Sawtell Main Beach. Prefabricated by Emineo Engineering Services, the new structure was bolted together on site and took just four days to build. “The incredible erosion we saw right across the East Coast undermined a lot of beach infrastructure and that included the old lifeguard tower […]
Investigation underway after two bodies found in Boambee
STRIKE force detectives are investigating the deaths of a woman and a visiting family friend after their bodies were tragically discovered late on Friday afternoon. Police were called to a house on South Boambee Road, Boambee, following the discovery of two bodies just after 5pm on Friday. Local crime manager Detective Inspector Peter O’Reilly said […]
Student Action for Aborigines members standing alongside the bus in February 1965. Photo: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and SEARCH Foundation.
Help shape 1965 Freedom Ride Blue Plaque Trail
COMMUNITIES across NSW are being asked which towns and specific locations should be commemorated with a blue plaque to create a Freedom Ride Blue Plaque Trail, honouring a significant chapter in Australia’s civil rights movement. The 1965 Freedom Ride brought national attention to racial injustice and discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Taking […]
Vivian Simpson promotes the personal benefits of volunteering
VIVIAN Simpson is speaking out to promote the personal benefits of volunteering. The recent recipient of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his community service, Mr Simpson has been involved with Sawtell Catholic Care, providing aged care; Coffs Harbour Salvation Army, providing welfare and emergency services; the Federal Government’s community […]
