FIFTY years of NAIDOC Week was celebrated at two community events at Urunga and Mylestom last month. The events were run by the Galangga Biindarray Indigenous Corporation, in partnership with the Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire, and explored the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme of “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy”. Held at the Urunga […]

FARMSAFE Australia has launched its 2025 National Farm Safety Week campaign with the theme “Second Chances – Who Knows How Many You’ll Get?” It comes with a national call to action. “If you’ve had a near miss on a farm, don’t just move on. Learn from it, share it safely, and use it to protect […]

COFFS Coast locals were among the more than 100,000 people who braved the weather to march across Sydney Harbour Bridge last Sunday, 3 August, to protest against the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The march, along with a rally of more than 25,000 people in Melbourne, was the culmination of protests around the country since the […]

BELLINGEN Shire Council has reaffirmed its long-standing support for the establishment of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP), continuing a series of commitments made over the past eight years to protect koala habitat, safeguard biodiversity, and promote sustainable, nature-based tourism in the region. Since Council first resolved to support the GKNP in principle in August […]

UTUNGUN Rural Fire Service (RFS) has purchased new safety and security equipment through funds donated by the Bowraville Theatre Singers (BTS). Last week BTS Vice President Gary Rumble and President Helen Kirkpatrick attended the Brigade to see first-hand how the money is being put to use. “We are delighted to be able to share some […]

A NEW Bellingen Shire Council policy allows urban residents to apply to “garden on the verge”. The verge is the area between a private property boundary and the edge of a road, and is traditionally covered with grass. Council’s new Verge Gardening Guidelines provide a framework for urban residents to start gardening on the verge. […]

THREE and six month NSW TrainLink Discovery passes have been reinstated, after being “paused” for a review of their suitability. A Discovery Pass offers travellers unlimited travel to destinations on the NSW TrainLink Regional train and coach network, with 14-day, one-month, three-month and six-month passes available. The six-month pass costs $420. The passes have not […]

THE eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) is endemic and one of the most iconic fish species found in New South Wales coastal waters. Recognised for its striking cobalt blue colouration and curious nature, this fish holds ecological, cultural, and conservation significance. Its visibility and frequent non-aggressive interactions with snorkelers and divers have made it an […]

The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and other marine life. The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and other marine life. MARINE algal blooms are the […]

Participants displayed a great degree of skill. During weather emergencies Marine Rescue NSW can be requested to assist by NSW SES. Marine Rescue NSW multi-purpose vessels were used in the exercise. Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from seven units across the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast took part in the Red Rock exercise. Participants from […]