CORAMBA Hall was packed to the rafters on Saturday night as Friends of Mount Coramba hosted the sold-out “Bush Dance for the Forests”.
Around 100 people enjoyed the joyful and powerful community event to raise awareness and funds to protect the forests of Mount Coramba.
Supporters from across the Coffs Coast joined locals in traditional bush dancing, live local music and calls to save local native forests.
Revellers danced to the rhythms of Carnaval Republic and the music of local duo Chris Aronsten and Mark Feeney and the Allsorts bush band
Nikki Read, who helped bring the event to life, said it was incredible to see so many people come together.
“Not just to dance, but to stand up for what really matters.
“We’re here to protect something that cannot protect itself.”
The Mount Coramba forests represent critical habitat for the Mid North koala population, and locals are demanding that NSW Labor deliver on its election promise to protect koalas in the wild.
“The koala is now endangered in NSW due to widespread habitat destruction,” Ms Read said.
Peter Elzer, known as KoaLaMan, has just walked to Sydney to raise awareness.
He said he was overjoyed by the strength of the community.
“The forest is alive, and so are we in our fight to save it.”
“This event proved we are building momentum and people are excited for the long-awaited announcement of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).”
Councillor Jonathan Cassell said, “Events like this show that saving our forests is bringing people together across political divides.
“It’s about community, country, and common sense.”
“The bush dance was driven by good, honest people who are not motivated by greed but by a deep love for our forests.
“It was a heartfelt celebration of the human spirit, standing firm against exploitation and destruction.”
Cr Cassell said the night was more than a fundraiser – it was a celebration of resilience, unity, and an urgent call to action to protect what remains.
The funds raised will go to the campaign to save Mt Coramba and to support the people who were fined $1400 for a forest walk-on in June.
By Andrew VIVIAN
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