BELLINGEN Shire Council has announced the recipients of the Community Grants and Environment Levy Community Program for Round 1 of the 2025/26 financial year. At the June Ordinary Council meeting, Council approved a total of $45,144 in grant funding across four categories: the Community Support Fund, Community Event Sponsorship Fund, Creative Placemaking Fund, and the […]

Sawtell Railway Station in service for 100 years
Dunkerley family on Sawtell railway station’s platform c.1955-56: David, father John Dyson Dunkerley (dec.), Christopher (current Sawtell resident), Roland (dec.). Photo by mother Jean Dunkerley (dec.). Sawtell railway station in the 1940s. Photo supplied to Sawtell Historical Museum by Linda Knight. July 2015, as the XPT zips past Sawtell Railway Station. Photo: Christopher Dunkerley. SAWTELL […]
Seeds of Renewal program opens grants for local projects
Grant recipient Bellingen based OzGREEN, developed Rethink Waste Coffs Harbour in 2023. Grant recipient Bellingen based OzGREEN, developed Rethink Waste Coffs Harbour in 2023. THE SEEDS of Renewal program is now open for grant applications from community groups. Over the past 23 years, the program has provided more than $6 million to support around 870 […]
Bellingen Council thanks volunteers
BELLINGEN Shire Council formally recognised the hard work and dedication of its approximately 170 volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation Event on Thursday 19 June at the Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre. The evening brought together volunteers from across Council programs to celebrate their invaluable service to the community. Volunteers play a vital role in delivering […]

Coffs Fire and Rescue focus on safety in the kitchen
Coffs Harbour’s Fire and Rescue Acting Station Officer Tim George talks with local residents about kitchen fire safety. Coffs Harbour’s Fire and Rescue unit members out and about in the community. Coffs Harbour’s Fire and Rescue unit members out and about in the community. COFFS Harbour’s Fire and Rescue Acting Station Officer Tim George and […]

Community unites to support Bellinger River District Hospital
A DONATION of $123,086.72 has been handed to the Bellinger River District Hospital (BRDH) for the purchase of medical equipment, thanks to a community fundraising collaboration led by the Lions Club of Bellingen. With the goal of raising enough funds to buy an ultrasound machine and an electric wheelchair, the local Lions set about rallying […]
Bello Council announces community grant winners
BELLINGEN Shire Council has announced the recipients of the Community Grants and Environment Levy Community Program for Round 1 of the 2025/26 financial year. At the June Ordinary Council meeting, Council approved a total of $45,144 in grant funding across four categories: the Community Support Fund, Community Event Sponsorship Fund, Creative Placemaking Fund, and the […]
Bellingen Council thanks volunteers
BELLINGEN Shire Council formally recognised the hard work and dedication of its approximately 170 volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation Event on Thursday 19 June at the Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre. The evening brought together volunteers from across Council programs to celebrate their invaluable service to the community. Volunteers play a vital role in delivering […]
’Hidden treasures from the Coffs Coast honoured
THE Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, a recognition program that acknowledges volunteer women and girls in regional, rural and remote NSW, has announced its 2025 recipients. Local honourees are Michelle Randall from Boambee East and Lesley Schoer from Coffs Harbour. In a joint message, Jodie Harrison MP and Tara Moriarty MLC said, “this annual tribute is […]

Grants open for projects which improve young lives in NSW
THE Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and Vincent Fairfax Foundation (VFFF) are inviting applications for grants of $50,000 from individuals to develop innovative ideas that enhance the lives of young people (aged 12-30) in remote, rural, and regional NSW. The grants are available through the Backing the Future program. In NSW, the program […]