AN artificial reef will be deployed off Coffs Harbour within weeks, following the recent installation of a new reef off the Ballina coast. Costing $1.35 million each, the reefs are being delivered with funding from the NSW Government’s Recreational Fishing Trust and the Marine Estate Management Strategy. The reefs imitate the environment of natural reefs […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

Rotarians Ray Silins and Michelle Swinden. Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour Club members and volunteers ready for opening. BookFest coordinator Tony James and long-term BookFest volunteer Di Gillett. Happy customers at BookFest 2026. Jim Nolan, a former member of the now-retired Coffs Harbour South Rotary Club, who started BookFest in 2000. ANTICIPATING the final fundraising […]