DEAR News Of The Area, IN the NOTA article of 18 February 2026 titled “Forestry organisations promote sustainable management in new report”, Steve Dobbyns, the Chair and Director of Forest and Wood Communities Australia, accused proponents of the Great Koala National Park of “hypocrisy” in telling Australians that plantations would replace native forests. Telling the […]
Lorraine Sarah (Assistant Treasurer), Catherine Shepherd (Committee/events assistant), Sharon Watts (Student Liaison and Welfare Officer), Maggie Jones (Vice President), Shirley Lamberth (Treasurer), Beverley Gibbs (Assistant Secretary), Dina Wallbank (Program Officer), Lyn McGuigan (Delegate and Program Assistant), Marguerite Hamilton (Secretary), Mary Walsh (Publicity Assistant), Sue Kempton (Program Assistant), Janne Henn (Publicity Officer), Elizabeth Newman (President), Cynthia Guyenette (Retiring President). Photo: supplied.
AS families across Australia continue to feel the strain of rising living costs, a Nambucca Valley women’s group is continuing its efforts to ensure children experiencing disadvantage can stay engaged in school. Nambucca River VIEW Club is supporting The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, which assists students whose families are struggling to afford essentials […]
Phillip Lane has been central to the club’s IRB operations since the 1970s.
Phillip Lane has given six decades of frontline service with the Macksville–Scotts Head Surf Life Saving Club. Phillip Lane has been central to the club’s IRB operations since the 1970s. FEW volunteers can claim six decades of frontline service, but Macksville–Scotts Head Surf Life Saving Club member Phillip Lane is doing exactly that, marking 60 […]
Eric Higgins. Bruce Mackie. Glen Pearce. THREE Coffs Coast cricketers have been chosen to represent Australia. Glen Pearce, Eric Higgins, and Bruce Mackie have been selected to represent Australia at the Masters Cricket level in 2026. The three Australian selectees are part of the fast-growing Coffs Coast Masters Cricket Club, and still play locally for […]
The family of Private Victor Harold Pride gather in Canberra for a moving Last Post Ceremony. His nephew, Keith Buckley, is pictured centre rear. Photo: supplied. Private Victor Harold Pride from Talarm was remembered by the nation at a Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial Canberra last week. Photo: supplied. Private Pride’s name […]
THE NSW Government has released a new guide to support councils to undertake land audits to identify vacant operational land that could be used to deliver affordable housing projects. The “Council Led Affordable Housing on Operational Land Guide” released by the Office of Local Government provides step-by-step guidance for councils on identifying and managing affordable […]
The crossing over Deep Creek heads to South Valla Beach. A sign warns against jumping from the bridge. Photo: Sue Stephenson.
AN investigation is underway into the death of a 17-year-old boy at a popular swimming spot near South Valla Beach. About 1.20pm on Tuesday 17 February, emergency services were called to the Deep Creek crossing at the end of Ocean View Drive. Officers from the Mid North Coast Police District were told the teenager had […]
DEAR News Of The Area, THE recent refusal of the Land and Environment Court to acknowledge agricultural polytunnel structures as ‘structures’ requiring development approval, highlights once again the need for urgent State-based planning reforms encompassing all zoned land, including rural lands. While we all recognise the value of the Industry, the current established laws have […]
Goodstart Early Learning CEO Dr Ros Baxter says nothing is more critical than children's safety. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS.
AUSTRALIA’S childcare workers are on “ick” alert as they scramble to rebuild public trust after the sector was engulfed in sexual abuse scandals and widespread safety concerns. A Senate inquiry into the troubled industry moved to Brisbane on Monday as it probes quality and safety in the nation’s early childhood education and care system. It […]
