October 21, 2025
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.
Community

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 […]

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Community unites to support Bellinger River District Hospital Bellinger Health Action Group president Pauline Murphy, C.ex Club's Barb Piggot, Urunga Lions President Louise Pope, Wal Tyson from Lions Club of Bellingen, Peter Kemp from Bellingen Lions, Bellingen Rotary's Phil Kennedy, BRDH Acting Director of Nursing Chantel Baker, Sebastian Corridore from Urunga Lions, Bellingen Lions Treasurer Jim Forbes, Tricia Helyar from Bellingen Showground and Graziella Reeson and Peggy Beehurst from Urunga Lions.
Community, Health

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 […]

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Bello Council announces community grant winners Taranta Festival 2024. Photo: Saskia Burmeister.
Community

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 […]

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Bellingen Council thanks volunteers The Volunteer Appreciation Event held at the Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre.
Community

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 […]

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’Hidden treasures from the Coffs Coast honoured Lesley Schoer, Hidden Treasure finalist 2025.
Community

’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 […]

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Grants open for projects which improve young lives in NSW Grant recipient Bianca Bellicanta was able to work alongside young emerging artists from across the Bega Valley to bring a stunning mural to life.
Community

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 […]

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Digital tourism recognition for City of Coffs Harbour The City of Coffs Harbour digital kiosk at Sawtell.
Community

Digital tourism recognition for City of Coffs Harbour

CITY of Coffs Harbour has been named a finalist in the Tourism, Hire and Services category of the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards. The recognition follows the launch of the Coffs Coast Explorer App and the installation of seven digital information kiosks across the Local Government Area. “These innovative digital tools have significantly enhanced […]

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Scammers on prowl as Tax Time begins
Community, Government

Scammers on prowl as Tax Time begins

A recently received scam email. A Commonwealth Bank infographic illustrates that Aussies are scam-aware, but a third of us still miss the clues. Image: CBA. THE clock is now ticking to get annual tax returns in before the 31 October deadline. Sadly, this window provides a veritable hunting ground for scammers, prompting warnings from the […]

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History of Bonville Reserve ‘a great read’ Mayor Nikki Williams (kneeling) with Pam Worland (seated) and members of the Sawtell Historical Society.
Community

History of Bonville Reserve ‘a great read’

Mayor Nikki Williams (kneeling) with Pam Worland (seated) and members of the Sawtell Historical Society. An old advertisement for the reserve. BEFORE Ossie Sawtell created his village in 1927, people regularly picnicked at the reserve across the creek. The Sawtell Historical Society has just released a history of the reserve titled “Bonville Reserve, The Manly […]

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