A LOVE story that began in country New South Wales more than seven decades ago was celebrated recently when Barry and Beryl White marked their 70th wedding anniversary. The much-loved local couple, who now call Nambucca Heads home, celebrated the milestone on Friday 13 March. Originally from Parkes in central NSW, the couple’s story began […]
Community unites for third Rainbow Coffs Harbour Pride Walk
RAINBOW Coffs Harbour (RCH) have announced their popular Rainbow Pride Walk event is going ahead this year, with another local organisation stepping in to host them. Robyn Dever, Director and one of the original co-founders of RCH, spoke with News Of The Area about the updates. “As an unincorporated community group, we lack the resources […]
‘Poorly designed’ minor drug diversion scheme panned
LESS than a quarter of people eligible for a diversion program for minor drug possession incidents are having their matters dealt with outside of court. Crime statistics analysis from NSW, the last Australian jurisdiction to introduce a drug diversion program, shows nine per cent of nearly 12,000 relevant drug events between February 2024 and March […]
Urunga VIEW Club thanks Club Urunga for year-long support
IT WAS all about “thank yous” at a meeting of Club Urunga manager Troy Gale and members of Urunga VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education for Women). Throughout 2025, Club Urunga supported Urunga VIEW by inviting local and visiting patrons to chip in to various fundraisers. “In December, Club Urunga had a fabulous Christmas tree which […]
Three Coffs Coast artists win a place in Shared Practice
Shared Practice participant, Kelly Joy. Shared Practice participant Tori Anne Donnelley. Photo: andthetreesphotography. Shared Practice participant Kelly Finlay. THREE visual artists from the Coffs Coast are amongst 10 artists who have been selected to take part in the Mid North Coast Shared Practice, a new 18-month artist development program delivered by Arts Mid North Coast. […]
Inquiry into community safety concludes
THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities. The Committee’s final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations. Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change. “Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel […]
Technology transforming fire responses in rural NSW
Footage captured by an AI-powered camera system on a watch tower. Photos: supplied. Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds. RFS volunteers now have improved access to real-time imagery, particularly in remote and high-risk areas. RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen communications […]
Woolgoolga Beach Reserve to host Easter craft extravaganza
THE foreshore of Woolgoolga Beach Reserve is set to burst into colour over the Easter long weekend. Groups and individuals who have chosen to participate in making paper sculpture gardens – ingeniously created by bringing individual flowers and butterflies together – have been busy crafting and painting their contributions. The final result will be open […]
‘Cruisey’ life for Coffs Harbour sand artist
FOR Coffs Harbour artist John Thiering, work can be tough – especially when it involves travelling the world on cruise ships and performing to packed audiences. “I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember,” he said. After studying art in Sydney and holding his first solo exhibition in 1987, John eventually made his […]
Coffs artists share Behind the Secret Door
Coffs artists Denise Baffis and Annie Houston. CHCAG member Joy Bentley. CHCAG artist Maxine Kohlhagen. People’s Choice winner Jos Challis with CHCAG President Sue Roberts. Raffle winners, Diane and Cr Tony Judge. “BEHIND the Secret Door”, Coffs Harbour Creative Arts Group’s (CHCAG) newest exhibition, is open at the Showground Gallery. The exhibition invites viewers to […]
