July 24, 2026
Six decades on patrol: Phillip Lane’s service to Surf Life Saving and his community Phillip Lane has been central to the club’s IRB operations since the 1970s.
Community

Six decades on patrol: Phillip Lane’s service to Surf Life Saving and his community

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 […]

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From Talarm to Sandakan: Soldier’s sacrifice remembered
Community

From Talarm to Sandakan: Soldier’s sacrifice remembered

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 […]

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Nominations open for 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards Molly Croft, the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year, with Minister Jodie Harrison (left), her mother Ange, and Minister Jihad Dib. Photo: Salty Dingo.
Community

Nominations open for 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards

NOMINATIONS for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open, with family, friends and work mates urged to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state. The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in […]

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Nashos honoured at moving commemorative service in Nambucca Heads
Community

Nashos honoured at moving commemorative service in Nambucca Heads

The moving commemorative service was led by Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch President Denis Lane. Among the large number of attendees at the service of commemoration on National Servicemen’s Day were these proud former National Servicemen who answered when their nation called. A COMMEMORATIVE service honouring Australia’s National Servicemen was held on Saturday 14 February, led […]

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Royal Life Saving runs schools training program across the Coffs Coast Learning CPR.
Community, School

Royal Life Saving runs schools training program across the Coffs Coast

First Aid training in Bellingen. Learning CPR. Practising pool rescues. FOR 2,000 teachers and education staff across Northern NSW, including in the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Valley Local Government Areas (LGAs), the school year began with critical professional development. Eleven trainers from Royal Life Saving’s Northern Regional Office covered over 7,200 kilometres to deliver […]

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Nambucca Valley takes next step toward stronger tourism identity Nambucca Valley Council Manager Economic Development and Tourism Janice Rooney and Destination North Coast General Manager Michael Thurston. Photo: supplied.
Community, Government

Nambucca Valley takes next step toward stronger tourism identity

Nambucca Valley Council Manager Economic Development and Tourism Janice Rooney and Destination North Coast General Manager Michael Thurston. Photo: supplied. Tourism businesses and accommodation providers at the destination branding workshop and networking event. Photo: supplied. TOURISM operators from across the Nambucca Valley gathered last week for a networking event and workshop aimed at shaping the […]

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Rock and Roll Weekend strikes the right chord in Nambucca Heads
Community

Rock and Roll Weekend strikes the right chord in Nambucca Heads

Brian Dwyer, Robert Nicholls and Sue Copeland with an amazing 1965 Galaxie Convertible. Rusty the Dog takes pride of place on his dad Peter Armytage’s 1935 Hudson Terraplane. Dancers rocking out to the sounds of Buddy Love and The Tremors. THE Nambucca Heads RSL Club auditorium took a leap back in time from 12–15 February […]

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New Launch Pad program fuels youth entrepreneurship in the Nambucca Valley Julie Humphris giving a business continuity workshop in Macksville as part of Small Business Month in October 2025. Photo: supplied.
Community

New Launch Pad program fuels youth entrepreneurship in the Nambucca Valley

YOUNG people with a business idea or entrepreneurial ambition are invited to apply for a new support program, with applications open until 28 February 2026. The Launch Pad Youth Entrepreneur program is a free, 12-week business support initiative designed for people aged 18 to 30 who have a business idea or are already running an […]

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Welcome event helps new residents connect at Open Streets Festival
Community

Welcome event helps new residents connect at Open Streets Festival

PEOPLE who are new to the Nambucca Valley, including families and recent arrivals, are being encouraged to take a relaxed first step into community life at a dedicated Welcome to the Valley event. The informal meet-and-connect opportunity will be held during the popular Open Streets Festival on Saturday 14 February from 2pm, giving newcomers a […]

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High-pressure cleaning marks first stage of Valla Beach Reservoir upgrade The Alfab Services team high-pressure blast cleaning the inside of the Valla Beach Reservoir. Photo supplied.
Community

High-pressure cleaning marks first stage of Valla Beach Reservoir upgrade

LAST week News Of The Area reported that significant works had begun at Valla Beach with the intent of increasing the lifespan of the Valla Beach Reservoir. Council has advised NOTA that work is progressing well on the refurbishment of the reservoir, with specialist contractors Alfab Services making a strong start on the complex internal […]

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