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) 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 […]

WILDLIFE rescue calls across the Mid North Coast have surged in recent years, with more animals becoming injured, orphaned, or displaced due to habitat loss, severe weather, and human impact. But while the number of animals needing help continues to rise, the number of trained volunteers has not. WIRES Mid North Coast is now urgently […]

NEW Federal Government legislation will reduce the cost of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriptions from 1 January. Under the changes, the maximum PBS co-payment fall to $25, down from $31.60, easing pressure on household budgets. The legislation follows advocacy from more than 20 health and community organisations, including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Patients Australia, […]

UNIVERSITY of South Australia scientists say they have developed a powerful new way to uncover the genetic interactions that fuel cancer progression, paving the way for earlier and more precise treatments. The AI-driven method, published recently in the Royal Society Open Science journal, reveals that tumour progression is driven by cooperating groups of genes, rather […]

This couple took the opportunity to relax and take it all in. The visiting Bulahdelah Garden Club was given a guided buggy tour of the gardens. THE North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is a sanctuary for locals and visitors to enjoy. The view from Sealy Lookout reveals it to be the green heart of Coffs […]

WOOLGOOLGA Library is turning a new page with a series of renovations that will brighten the space and significantly improve the visitor experience. The City of Coffs Harbour was successful in its application for a Public Library Infrastructure Grant from the State Library of NSW to the tune of $150,000 to refresh Woolgoolga Library. The […]

BELLINGEN Shire Council has marked the completion of the Fixing Country Bridges Program – one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the Shire’s history – with the official opening of Hobarts Bridge. Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan, recently joined Cowper MP Pat Conaghan, Oxley MP Michael Kemp and representatives from the Mid North Coast Joint […]

Nambucca Valley Writers’ Group’s final 2025 meeting and Christmas party at Urunga: Kiki Schnitzler, Georgia Cortes Rayner, Chris Heinicke, Elizabeth Newman, Rachel Burns, Carol, Diane Curran, Sohma and daughter Evie.” Member of Nambucca Valley Writers’ Group, Chris Heinicke sells his self-published horror/sci-fi books at local markets. THE Nambucca Valley Writers’ Group, a mentoring club for […]