City of Coffs Harbour acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Gumbaynggirr people, who have cared for this land since time immemorial. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging, and commit ourselves to a future with reconciliation and renewal at its heart.
Local focus: Sawtell Rock Pool by Geoff Hampson. Want to share your images of home, the beautiful place we live, work and play? Email comms@chcc.nsw.gov.au
Autumn on the Coffs Coast
By Mayor Nikki Williams
Autumn on the Coffs Coast has already delivered some pretty unforgettable moments, none more so than our giant human banana world record attempt at Jetty Beach earlier this month. Seeing hundreds of locals come together, dressed in yellow and ready to have a bit of fun, was a great reminder of what makes this place so special. It was bold, it was joyful, and it captured the spirit of our community perfectly.
That same energy carries right through this edition.
There is so much happening across the region, from community events and festivals to creative programs and local stories that bring people
together. If you have not yet had a chance to visit Yarrila Arts and Museum, now is the time. RELICS: A New World Rises is on show until 19 July and is already drawing visitors from across the region. It is a fantastic example of the kind of experiences we can offer right here in Coffs Harbour. This edition also celebrates the people who make our community what it is. From welcoming new citizens on Australia Day to recognising the contributions of our seniors and sharing stories like A Whole Lot of Okra, there is a strong sense of connection and pride across the Coffs Coast.
As we head into the cooler months, I encourage you to get out and enjoy what is on offer. Support local events, visit our cultural spaces, explore our beaches and hinterland, and take part in the many activities happening across the region.
This is a community that shows up, gets involved and takes pride in where we live. It is something worth celebrating.
I hope you enjoy this edition.
This is a community that shows up, gets involved and takes pride in where we live.
Nikki Williams
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor,
Ya n d a a r ra
A u n t y G r a ce Ro b e r t s
C o m m u n i t y Awa rd s 2 0 2 6
Nominate an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, business or organisation doing great things in the local community.
Nomination now open 7 award categories
Awards will be presented during NAIDOC Week Nominations close Friday 29 May
Anyone can nominate - and all are welcome to join the celebrations!
Nominate now.
In honour of the legacy of Aunty Grace Roberts, who worked tirelessly for her community and is remembered for her leadership, guidance and lasting impact.
Proudly presented by City of Coffs Harbour and the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
A season of getting to know the Coffs Coast
By General Manager Murray 'Muz' Wood
Since stepping into the role, I have been spending time getting out across the Local Government Area and seeing the region firsthand.
It has been a great way to understand how people live, where they spend their time and what matters most to the community.
I have already found a few favourite spots along the way, like having a meal at the Ulong Ex-Services Club verandah looking at the surrounding landscape, getting in the ocean as the sun comes up on another cracking Autumn morning and looking for the best bacon and egg roll in the LGA. What stands out is the diversity of the area. From the coastline to the hinterland, there
is a lot to take in and a strong sense of local identity across each community.
This edition is a bit like that. You will see stories about local initiatives, community programs and the spaces people use every day. They are a reminder that the City’s role is not just about infrastructure and services, but about supporting the way people experience where they live.
There is also a clear focus on improving how we operate. That means being consistent, delivering on commitments and continuing to strengthen how we work across the organisation.
Planning for the future is part of that. Whether it is improving how people move around the City or making sure our services are accessible to everyone, the emphasis is on practical outcomes and steady progress.
There is a lot of opportunity ahead. The focus is on making sure we deliver, stay accountable and keep improving over time.
I look forward to continuing to get out and about, meet more people and better understand the communities that make up the Coffs Coast.
It has been a great way to understand how people live, where they spend their time and what matters most to the community.
Manager, Murray Wood
A little bit bananas (in the best possible way)
The kind of morning that only really makes sense in Coffs
There are definitely less interesting ways to spend a Saturday morning than standing on the beach in a sea of yellow, waiting to be told where to go so you can become part of a giant banana.
In mid April Jetty Beach played host to one of the most on-brand events the region has seen in a while, and honestly, it couldn’t be more “Coffs”. More than 500 people turned out to attempt a world record for the largest banana formation made by people, and somehow it felt completely normal.
Families, friend groups, sporting teams and a steady stream of “we’ll just come for a look” attendees quickly found themselves part of the action.
Dressed mostly in yellow, with a few creative interpretations, the crowd stretched across the sand to form a perfectly imperfect banana.
Bananas are more than some fruit in Coffs Harbour. They are part of our identity. From our banana-growing roots to the Big Banana, which has been drawing visitors since 1964, it is a story that continues to evolve in its own slightly unexpected ways.
The morning was hosted by Mayor Nikki Williams and Channel Nine’s Jane de Graaff, who both captured the mood of the day: relaxed, joyful and unmistakably local.
“This was such a fun way to celebrate our community,” Mayor Williams said. While technically a world record attempt, the energy on the beach was less about the record and more about the moment. It also comes at a time when Coffs Harbour has been named a finalist for NSW’s Top Tourism Town. The idea was simple. Remind people why they love this place, get the community talking, have a bit of fun, and in the process, build momentum behind the vote.
Because while the Coffs Coast is known for its beaches, hinterland and laidback lifestyle, it is the community that brings it to life. The kind of community that turns a quirky idea into something shared, and a Saturday morning into something worth talking about.
This was such a fun way to celebrate our community.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams
Ulong’s mountain mad wheels: A community triumph
Play revolution hits top gear
High in the lush Coffs Coast hinterland, the tiny village of Ulong has delivered something big, and it’s already bringing smiles, speed, and a whole lot of community pride. The brand new BMX track, Mountain Mad Wheels, officially opened in late February alongside a refreshed playground designed with direct input from local families.
The upgrades are a proud milestone for Ulong, a resilient village of around 215 people. They also show what’s possible when locals and the City work side-by-side to deliver facilities designed for the community.
Wheels were set in motion in 2024 when the Eastern Dorrigo Community Hall & Showground Facility Management Committee was awarded a City of Coffs Harbour Community Infrastructure Renewal Grant for $21,723.
This was used for a complete upgrade of the old track facility. A professional BMX track builder was enlisted and the local management committee
project-managed the works. Add local fundraising, volunteer hours, and donations from residents, and the result is a track that feels truly owned by the community.
The new playground is equally impressive. Designed with input from local families, it replaces older equipment that mostly catered to very young children. Now, toddlers through to teens have a modern, multi skill space that encourages movement, imagination, and outdoor play.
It’s part of a broader wave of playground upgrades across the region, including Emerald Beach, Sawtell, and the upcoming destination playground at Park Beach.
Mayor Nikki Williams said outdoor spaces are about more than recreation. “They’re about connection, health and belonging, giving people places to be active, to challenge themselves, and to enjoy being outdoors with friends and family,” she said.
They’re about connection, health and belonging, giving people places to be active, to challenge themselves, and to enjoy being outdoors with friends and family.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams
$21,723 215 3 1
A new destination playground is on the way
Community chooses Park Beach fun zone
Park Beach is about to become even more of a family favourite, with work on a million dollar destination playground set to begin this financial year. After months of community input, the winning design, Adventure Cove, captured the hearts of locals, earning 46% of votes.
“This is going to be a very special place for locals and visitors,” said Mayor Nikki Williams.
That’s because the new playground will replace the ageing equipment currently on site, transforming the reserve into a vibrant, multi dimensional play space designed to spark imagination and adventure.
A display at the Park Beach Reserve Twilight Markets back in November and an exhibition on the City’s Have Your Say webpage saw more than 800 responses, reflecting strong interest from the community. That engagement has shaped a design that blends creativity, accessibility, and pure fun.
Adventure Cove will include:
A towering climbing and slide structure
A large basket swing
An accessible carousel
Junior swings
A rocking element
Nature and sound play
A small water play zone
A basketball/netball hoop
Shade sails and planted shade
Two hamster wheels.
City Infrastructure Director Andrew Beswick said destination playgrounds are more than just play spaces; they’re attractions in their own right. With Park Beach already a bustling recreational hub, this upgrade will draw families from across the region and beyond.
To fast track the project, the City has brought forward $240,000 from the 2026–27 budget into the current financial year. The successful tenderer, For Park, will now develop the detailed design for the site. And soon, Park Beach will be home to a play space worthy of its spectacular coastal backdrop.
This is going to be a very special place for locals and visitors.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams
Celebrating community, connection and new citizens
From sunrise on the water to heartfelt celebrations in the park, Australia Day on the Coffs Coast brought people together to enjoy the best of our lifestyle and to recognise those who make our community stronger. As the sun rose at the Jetty, locals took to the water on colourful inflatables, with a local DJ providing the soundtrack for a laid-back morning coffee rave. Celebrations then moved to Brelsford Park for family activities and the annual Australia Day Awards, honouring residents and organisations whose service, leadership and care for others help Coffs Harbour thrive.
Citizen of the Year Keelan Birch
Young Citizen of the Year Mayada Oso
Senior Citizen of the Year, the late Lorraine Kaempfel
Aussie Spirit Award (Organisation) Lifehouse Care Pantries
Aussie Spirit Award (Individual) David Cole
The day concluded with an uplifting citizenship ceremony at the C.ex Coffs club, where 110 people originating from 35 nations pledged their allegiance to Australia. “Diversity and acceptance are two of the biggest strengths of our Coffs Harbour community,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
What’s on in your library
Woolgoolga Library - reopening 30 April 2026
Thanks to the support of the State Library of NSW and City of Coffs Harbour, our much-loved Woolgoolga Library has been refreshed and reimagined — and we can’t wait to welcome you back. Discover our beautifully reimagined library including some new and exciting collections. Also, join us on 4 May for a community celebration morning tea. Come and see our new space, be in the draw for a lucky door prize, enjoy morning tea with us and encourage the kids to find our hidden whales.
Relaxed morning of conversation, games, and friendship. A welcoming space for men to connect and enjoy social activities. Run by men, for men. Tea, coffee, and light refreshments available. A partnership between Coffs Harbour Libraries and MENtors for Men.
Harry Bailey Memorial Library on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. 10.30am - 12.30pm.
Sydney Writers Festival: Live & Local 21–24 May 2026
The Library is bringing the Sydney Writers’ Festival back to you in 2026, live and local! Come along and enjoy seeing the best of international and Australian writers and thinkers with us. Bookings essential. Book now
National Simultaneous Storytime
10.30am, Wednesday 27 May 2026
Come to a free, fun filled story time to read Luna Roo: the Kangaroo Baller with millions of children across Australian and New Zealand. At each library branch: Harry Bailey Memorial Library, Toormina Library, Woolgoolga Library
Staying Safe online: A free digital safety workshop for parents and carers
5-6pm Thursday 14 May
Keeping young people safe online matters. This free workshop helps parents start conversations using practical advice and real-world examples. More info and book here
Children’s Author Talk
Katrina Nannestad Visits the Coff Coast
Tuesday 23 June, 4-5pm
Join an afternoon of stories and imagination with award-winning children’s author Katrina Nannestad. Discover her unforgettable characters, celebrating family, friendship, and belonging. Supported by LITUP. More info and book here
A whole lot of okra
The humble okra became an unexpected vegetable hero
Grown locally on the Bonville farm managed by North Coast Settlement Service, okra is more than just an ingredient. It has evolved into a symbol of connection, culture and shared experience, bringing diverse people together through stories, traditions and food.
This collaboration, funded by a Social Cohesion Grant secured via Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), created a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with the region’s intercultural communities, and also expanded the library’s reach and role within the community.
At its heart, the project celebrated food as a universal language, one that connects people across cultures and generations.
The program unfolded in three parts. It began on the farm with a photography and videography series capturing the farmers and community chefs - local residents from refugee backgrounds who now call Coffs Harbour home - documenting the journey from soil to plate.
This was followed by a special dinner hosted by North Coast Settlement Service, where dishes were shared and prepared by the growers/cooks from three different backgrounds, Anuak from Ethiopia, Zomi Chin from Myanmar and Yazidi from Iraq.
The libraries’ contribution brought these stories to the wider community through a daytime showcase event, featuring the filmed interviews, shared experiences and the opportunity to taste a variety of delicious okra dishes. with more than 70 attendees lining up to sample the culinary delights.
The event laid the foundation for an ongoing, year-long focus for the library that will continue to celebrate diversity and strengthen Coffs Harbour Libraries as a welcoming and accessible resource for all community members.
Be sure to visit Level 2 of the Harry Bailey Memorial Library to experience a glimpse of the A Whole Lot of Okra: The Showcase until early June and stay tuned for future programs.
Okra is more than just an ingredient. It has evolved into a symbol of connection, culture and shared experience.
3 1 1 year
attendees at the showcase event cultural backgrounds represented (Anuak, Zomi
farm growing the okra for the project
ongoing library focus on diversity following the event
Chin, Yazidi)
Bonville
Fun facts about banana history
Coffs Harbour has deep roots in the banana industry, which played a key role in shaping the region. Our history is full of fascinating stories and facts about how bananas have been grown locally over the years.
The first bananas were planted in the Coffs Harbour region in the 1880s, however, the first commercially-successful banana farm was at Korora, established around 1911.
In 1922 banana crops around the NSW/Qld border suffered a disease outbreak, but Coffs bananas remained disease-free, boosting demand for our bananas.
After WW1, returned servicemen in the Korora area were shown how to grow bananas.
In the 1940s, more than 3500 acres were under production with 500 growers. In the last week of January 1948, a record consignment of 14,870 cases of bananas was sent to Sydney by train.
The banana industry also became associated with the local Sikh community who started arriving here in the late 1940s and became major growers of bananas.
During the 1960s and 70s, Coffs Harbour produced over 70% of NSW’s bananas.
The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour still holds the Guiness World Record for the The largest sculpture of a banana. During the first week of its opening in December 1964 it attracted 2000 people a day.
The Big Banana was created by owner John Landi, engineers Alan Chapman and builder Alan Harvey. The design was made by slicing a banana into 40 pieces and using the segments to inform timber framework, which was then covered in reinforced concrete.
Most of this information, and all the photos, are from a great free local resource: coffs.recollect.net.au, a service from Yarrila Art and Museum.
Page 20: Levi Bannerman, Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool by Darren Heelis Photography.
Page 21: Byron Morris, Before the wind and cold change arrived, Sandy Beach by Geoff Hampson, Gallows by Geoff Hampson. Page 22: Levi Bannerman, Levi Bannerman.
Why tourism matters
(and how it’s changing for the better)
For some, tourism can feel like weekend traffic, busy beaches and a long line at the café. But behind those scenes is one of the biggest drivers of jobs and investment in our region, and Coffs is now focusing on a smarter kind of growth - quality experiences that protect the place we love.
Tourism has long been a pillar of the Coffs Harbour economy, supporting local businesses well beyond the obvious hotspots. When visitors stay overnight, they don’t just pay for accommodation. They also spend on restaurants and groceries, tours and attractions, shopping, fuel, and local services. That flow of spending helps keep doors open and light on all year and creates local employment opportunities.
But for tourism on the Coffs Coast, the focus is quality rather than quantity with promotion of experiences that respect our natural environment and strengthen the community, such as well-managed nature-based tourism, events, culture, and family travel that leaves a lighter footprint.
A big milestone for Coffs Harbour was becoming NSW’s first certified ECO Destination; recognition earned by a genuine and measurable commitment to sustainable tourism (and we have just received recertification after an independent
assessment), confirming that the region is serious about balancing visitor growth with caring for our beaches, waterways, hinterland and wildlife.
City of Coffs Harbour plays a direct role in tourism through visitor information services, marketing and promotion, managing and improving key infrastructure (including sports and cultural facilities), regulation, ECO Destination certification, and support for local operators. The goal is straightforward: attract visitors who value what makes the Coffs Coast special, and ensure the benefits are felt locally.
When tourism is done well, it helps fund the services and facilities you also use, such as better maintained public spaces, stronger event calendars, and a more resilient economy when other industries slow. It also creates pathways for small businesses to start, grow and innovate right here in our backyard.
Next time you see visitors in town (or invite your family and friends to stay), remember their holiday dollars help support local livelihoods and help create experiences that make Coffs Harbour feel vibrant. By continuing to back sustainable, high-quality tourism, we can protect our natural assets while keeping the local economy strong for residents, now and into the future.
Tourism in Coffs, by the numbers
830 1.8 million 10%+
tourism businesses operate across the LGA
visitors spent more than $1 billion locally in 2024/25 (12 months)
of all jobs in the LGA come from tourism
About 4,000
people are employed directly or indirectly in tourism
Tiny worlds, big imagination
RELICS brings LEGO® magic to Yarrila Arts and Museum
One of Australia’s most talkedabout exhibitions has landed in Coffs Harbour, and it’s packed with detail that rewards curious minds of all ages.
RELICS: A New World Rises is now open at the City of Coffs Harbour’s Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM), arriving direct from a major run at the Australian Museum in Sydney.
It’s a coup for YAM to host the exhibition; Coffs is the only regional town to host the it so far.
The exhibition centres on 12 vintage objects, from an ATM to a refrigerator, with each transformed into a miniature world built from LEGO® bricks. Inside every ‘relic’, tiny societies have adapted to their new homes, revealing hundreds of hidden stories and surprising details.
The intricate micro-worlds are the creation of Perth duo Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, mates from high school and winners of Channel 9’s LEGO Masters (2020).
YAM is also adding local experiences to make the visit even richer. Museum and Gallery Service Leader Carrie Kibbler said the City has developed stay-andplay packages to welcome visitors, and a RELICS-themed augmented reality, Pokémon GO-style game on the Coffs Coast Explorer app (free to download). The mission is to catch nine minifigs hidden around Coffs, with a little help from an avatar of Mayor Nikki, then visit YAM to claim a reward.
RELICS
tickets and value options
Tickets: Adults $21, Kids $13 (under 3 free), Concession $15, Family Pass $55. Book at yamcoffs.com.au/relics
Tell your friends and family about the Stay-and-play packages, or give yourself a staycation (valid for stays until 19 July 2026, excluding school holidays and the Easter long weekend):
BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park: Two nights in a Beach Villa plus a family pass (2 adults + 2 children) to the exhibition: $412.
The Observatory: Two nights in an Ocean View Studio Apartment for two guests, plus two adult exhibition tickets and a $70 breakfast or dinner voucher for Stef & Co: $595.
Your ticket also includes hands-on fun: an interactive build area where you can create and display your own model, plus scavenger hunts designed for both children and adults.
An accessible audio description guide is available to download to your device before you arrive. Please bring your own headphones for the best listening experience.
RELICS will be on show at YAM to 19 July.
(Note: LEGO® is a trademark of The LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse this exhibition).
The City has developed stay-and-play packages to welcome visitors, and a RELICS-themed augmented reality, Pokémon GO-style game on the Coffs Coast Explorer app.
City of Coffs Harbour Museum and Gallery Service Leader, Carrie Kibbler
Volunteering in Coffs Harbour
Connecting Community, One Helping Hand at a Time
In Coffs Harbour, community spirit is on display every day. Volunteers across the region give their time to support local organisations, events and services - helping create a more connected, welcoming and vibrant community.
Across the City of Coffs Harbour and many local groups, volunteers play a vital role. From assisting at libraries and cultural spaces to supporting events, committees and environmental programs, their contribution delivers real social, cultural and environmental benefits for our whole community. Volunteering isn’t just about giving back - it’s also about what you gain. It’s a chance to meet new people, build confidence, learn new skills and gain valuable experience. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to get involved more regularly, there are opportunities to suit all interests and availability.
Ready to get involved?
If you’re looking to volunteer, you can explore local volunteering opportunities through the Coffs Coast Volunteering website. It allows you to search by your interests, availability and location, and apply for roles that suit you. You can also volunteer directly with the City, with opportunities across events, libraries, cultural facilities and community programs.
If you’re part of a local organisation, you can register your volunteer opportunities on the Coffs Coast Volunteer Involving Organisations Portal to connect with people in the community who are ready to give their time. It’s a simple way to promote your roles, reach new volunteers and be part of a region-wide campaign supporting volunteering.
Visit Volunteering in Coffs Harbour | City of Coffs Harbour for more information.
Because in Coffs Harbour, volunteering isn’t just something you do - it’s what brings our community together.
Sustainable living here in Coffs Harbour
Opportunities to learn how to protect our environment
Hundreds of residents have already participated in the Sustainable Living Program by attending talks, workshops and other events that offer practical ways to live more sustainably, strengthen your connection to nature, and support a healthy, balanced and meaningful way of life.
However this City-funded initiative goes far beyond the events; it is a strategic, place-based approach to environmental education and community engagement, designed to empower residents like yourself to actively participate in building a more sustainable and resilient city together.
Guided by the MyCoffs Community Strategic Plan, the program translates high-level environmental goals, like climate action, biodiversity protection and sustainable resource use, into meaningful, everyday actions for the community to be involved in. It is incorporated into many of the areas the City looks after, such as biodiversity, parks and gardens, libraries, and galleries. This ensures sustainability is not delivered in isolation, but embedded across cultural, social and environmental
initiatives, reaching diverse audiences in relevant and engaging ways.
The program is also deeply connected to place and culture. Through strong partnerships with the Gumbaynggirr community, it supports knowledgesharing and fosters a deeper understanding of Country, creating opportunities for learning that are both environmentally and culturally rich.
Delivered across a wide range of locations from coastal headlands to community libraries, the program brings sustainability directly into the spaces where people live, gather and connect.
Getting involved is an opportunity to build practical skills, contribute to local environmental outcomes and connect with a community that values stewardship and innovation. More than that, it’s a way to play an active role in shaping the future of Coffs Harbour!
To get involved, explore upcoming programs and events via Council’s Sustainable Living webpage, follow us social media, or subscribe to the newsletter for the latest opportunities. This is sustainability in action, local, collaborative and driven by community!
Seniors live life in colour
Older community members enjoyed a wide range of activities during the NSW Seniors Festival in March, with many of the events free.
“Coffs Harbour has a sizable and valuable seniors community, many of whom give back to society through volunteering. A recent report found that those aged 60 to 74 is our single biggest community cohort,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
Events included:
Yarrila Seniors Fest: Live Life in Colour - a free social, informationfilled morning with presentations and morning tea plus lucky door prize. Visitors learnt about seniors’ rights, travel apps, digital tips,
volunteering and library programs to help you stay informed and connected.
Guided gallery tour with Yarrila Arts and Museum’s (YAM) Senior Curator
Jetty Flicks: The Aegean - a welcoming cinema experience at the Jetty Memorial Theatre featuring an Australian drama about unexpected friendship and purpose, with discounted tickets.
Petals and Preludes - a free outdoor concert by Coffs Harbour City Orchestra, performing a colourful mix of classical and popular orchestral pieces inspired by the theme Live Life in Colour in the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.
Making Coffs Harbour more inclusive for all
City of Coffs Harbour is taking the next step toward a more welcoming and inclusive community with a new Disability Inclusion Action Plan (2026 – 2030) . The plan was recently on public display and the City is now considering public feedback.
All NSW councils are required to develop a Disability Inclusion Action Plan every four years and report annually on progress. The plan helps guide practical improvements — from the way we design public spaces to how information is shared and services are delivered.
“The City has worked closely with the Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee to develop this blueprint, which is our statement of ambition for a fairer go for all,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“Apart from being the right thing to do, making our city more accessible makes sense given almost one-in-five people in our Local Government Area identified as having disability in 2021,” she said.
A case study in the draft plan features Connor Bryant, Chair of the Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee, who lives with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
“I have experienced first-hand the barriers people with disability face
when accessing housing, services and community life — both independently and with support,” Mr Bryant said.
“Through my lived experience, advocacy and leadership, I remain committed to helping create a community where everyone — regardless of ability — can feel valued, supported and included.”
The draft plan sets out four focus areas and a practical mix of shortand long-term actions. Examples include exploring a beach access mat at Woolgoolga Beach Reserve, embedding accessibility outcomes into new City projects, improving information for residents and visitors (such as mobility maps and accessible guides), and reviewing infrastructure like accessible parking and bus stops.
City Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon said improvements to accessibility can deliver widespread, lasting benefits for everyone, from better pathways, crossings and ramps to accessible seating and playgrounds.
The draft plan also recognises that inclusion is about more than the built environment. It proposes stronger engagement and communication, including promoting the achievements of people with disability through City publications, social media and marketing materials.
The City has worked closely with the Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee to develop this blueprint, which is our statement of ambition for a fairer go for all.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams
Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee Chair Connor Bryant
Making it easier to walk, ride and roll around Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is set to move a little more smoothly with Council adopting a new 10-year Active Transport Plan to guide safer, more connected routes across the city.
Think better links between our centres, schools, parks and beaches, with clearer crossings and fewer “missing links” that make everyday trips feel harder than they should.
The draft plan went on public exhibition and drew almost 200 submissions. Feedback was generally supportive, with a strong message coming through on safety and a clear call for better lighting along key routes.
Mayor Nikki Williams said the City is taking that on board, with work planned to audit and improve lighting on strategic paths and to make the most of off-road opportunities, like our creek corridor networks, as new links are delivered.
“The City has taken that onboard and will look to audit and improve the lighting on our strategic paths,” Mayor Williams said. “There’s also the
opportunity to use off-road paths like creek corridor networks when delivering active transport projects.”
The plan targets annual investment of $600,000 to $1.5 million (around $6 million to $15 million over 10 years). Funding would come from the City’s capital works budget, developer contributions, targeted NSW Government grants, and complementary infrastructure delivered as part of other projects (including road reconstructions and sporting field upgrades).
To put that in context, City Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon noted Copenhagen is estimated to spend about $30 per person per year on cycling infrastructure.
“We are significantly increasing our commitment, with planned investment rising to around $17 per person per year over the next 10 years,” he said.
The plan has three big focus areas: helping kids walk and ride to school more safely (including better crossings), creating connected strategic paths
We are significantly increasing our commitment, with planned investment rising to around $17 per person per year over the next 10 years.
City of Coffs Harbour City Planning and Communities Director, Ian Fitzgibbon
that link key centres and precincts, and tackling missing links along busy roads and intersections where speeds are higher.
High priorities already underway include Arthur Street (Park Beach) and Toormina Road crossings. The plan also flags ‘quick wins’ that can make an immediate difference, like clearer line-marking to define travel lanes and create more consistent space for bike riders on key routes.
Mayor Williams said the aim is simple:
give people the option to walk or ride for shorter trips to shops, school, work, and health or aged care services by making routes safer and more comfortable.
While the plan is ambitious, many projects will rely on substantial external funding, so delivery will be staged over time. In the meantime, it gives the City — and the community — a clear roadmap for priorities, partnerships and grant opportunities over the next decade.
Stay swimming this winter
Coffs Harbour War Memorial Pool remains open throughout the cooler months and is now heated after a recent upgrade. Updated winter hours are in place.
Coffs Harbour War Memorial Pool
Winter hours (May – August)
Monday to Friday 5 .30am – 6pm
Saturday 8am – 5pm
Sunday 10am – 5pm
Seasonal closures
Sawtell, Woolgoolga and Orara Valley pools are now closed for the winter season and will reopen in spring .
Plan your visit here
The City of Coffs Harbour Event Funding Program is now accepting applications for events planned to run prior to 30 June 2027. Funding is available in two categories;
•Event Destination Marketing Funding
•Event Seed Funding
Applications close: 12pm, Monday 25 May
Scan QR code to check your event eligibility and complete your application
W: www. coffscoastevents.com.au
Aiming for $1 million for Moonee
Moonee Beach could be in line for a $1 million boost with the City seeking NSW Government funding toward a new Moonee Community Hub.
The NSW Government’s Faster Assessment Incentive Program rewards councils that speed up development assessment timeframes, and because the City has been performing strongly, it is eligible to apply for $1 million in program funding for an infrastructure project.
And the Moonee Community Hub is that project.
Mayor Nikki Williams said the Hub is the best fit for the opportunity.
“There are a number of capital works projects in the 2025-29 Delivery Program which are unfunded, and staff have identified the Hub – which may comprise a community centre and a park on the corner of Moonee Beach and Sullivans roads – as the best fit for the funding,” she said.
“The Hub project is currently in the planning and design stage and is estimated to come in at around $3 million all up.
“$1m from the State will complement the near $2.2m already collected from
developers through the MooneeSapphire Contributions Plan.”
The hub design will be informed by the community of Moonee and surrounds, and typically it would include a multi-purpose gathering space and amenities.
Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon said the City has been making year-on-year improvements in development assessment timeframes.
In 2024-25, the City’s average DA assessment time stood at 90 days – four days better than the Minister’s expectation. In the current financial year (to 28 February), the City is averaging 76 days – 13 better than the benchmark.
“We are performing strongly in an area that has become a statewide focus given the challenges in the housing supply market,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“By strengthening our systems, streamlining processes, improving communication and delivering a more responsive customer service, we’ve been able to make solid progress to the point where we are now significantly ahead of the average assessment timeframe by NSW councils.”
The Hub project is currently in the planning and design stage and is estimated to come in at around $3 million all up.
Williams
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki
funding the City is seeking from NSW estimated total cost of the Moonee Community Hub current average DA assessment time (13 days better than benchmark) developer contributions already collected
The corner of Moonee Beach and Sullivans roads is a potential site for the Moonee Community Hub.
What's on
Mark these in your calendar
STEAM Explorers: Art in Motion Where science meets creativity. Design, build and test imaginative projects using everyday and repurposed materials. Explore movement, light and energy through drawing machines, glow experiments, kinetic artworks and more. For curious makers and young artists - designed to build confidence, creativity and skills through hands on making. Ages 10–15.
Studio Kids @ YAM A fun, imaginative art program exploring painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media. Each session begins with a guided gallery visit, followed by studio artmaking inspired by land, sky, movement and shadow. Ages 8-12. Places are limited, book early.
Art workshop in Ikebana Art in Bloom is a new Botanic Garden project inviting all ages to get creative with nature. Our first workshop is Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, led by local Ikebanist Shan Sun. Suitable for ages 10+, teens and adults.
Photo by Shan Sun
Chair Yoga Enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being with gentle Chair Yoga. Build flexibility, ease stress, and improve posture through accessible practices for all ages and fitness levels.
The Bugalugs Bum Thief Bums are missing… and time’s running out! Join Skeeta, Mick and Billy in The Bugalugs Bum Thief, a music-filled, laugh-out-loud adventure for kids and grownups alike.
Australia’s biggest comedy festival Join the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow as it journeys around Australia, delivering hot and tasty comic treats to audiences near and far. With a curated line-up of comedy legends and fresh faces from Australia and beyond, the Roadshow has all your comedy bases covered (no joke) – all in one side-splitting show!
Frequently asked questions
Did you know you can get answers to common questions about City services from the website? That means you can look it up anytime that suits you and saves a phone call. Here are some of questions people regularly call us about:
What can I do about the neighbour’s tree overhanging my place?
Step 1: The first step is to check if there are any restrictions that apply to the tree, by visiting removal of native vegetation. It could be that you need to ask us for approval, especially if the tree is on the significant tree register.
Step 2: Discuss your concerns with your neighbour. If you can't talk to your neighbour, write them a letter. Outline your concerns including the impact the trees are having and any photos, arborists reports etc.
If your neighbour doesn't live at the property and you don't know their address, you can send your letter to us with a cover letter requesting us to forward the letter to your neighbour on your behalf.
If your matter ends in court you will need to show physical evidence that you made 'reasonable efforts' to resolve the matter with your neighbour.
Step 3: If the issue cannot be resolved through talking or letters, the LawAccess website contains detailed information about how to resolve these and other types of disputes and what to do where an agreement cannot be reached between the parties. This includes resources such as guided pathways, sample forms, agreements and other documents.
Step 4. If negotiation is not an option or fails, you are allowed to cut a neighbour's overhanging branches or intruding roots back to the property boundary line (as long as you have checked any restrictions first).
Note that your neighbour is not obliged to contribute to the pruning cost, they own the overhanging branch, fruit or root material and the person carrying out the pruning is liable if the tree is damaged as a result of the pruning.
Remember, you cannot enter your neighbour’s property without their permission.
If the neighbour's tree has already caused damage to your property - such as lifted concrete driveways, damaged foundations or branches that have destroyed your roof, you can apply to the Local or Magistrates Court for an order requiring your neighbour to remove the tree. This is a Court proceeding and you will need to provide evidence.
You can read more on Tree disputes | City of Coffs Harbour
What’s owing on my water or rates?
Did you know your water rates and property rates can be received via email and you can check your payment records online?
Sign up to E-Notices using your unique refence number, located on your rates notices, “under methods of payment” For step-by-step instructions go to: Sign up to receive your rates and water by email | City of Coffs Harbour
From “unadoptable” to unstoppable
Some stories don’t start with an easy win, sometimes they start with a challenge.
For Sally Spunner, that moment came when she spotted Douglas on the City’s Animal Management Centre (AMC) webpage. Or as she now calls him, Captain Handsome.
Douglas had already spent time in foster care with one of the AMC’s dedicated staff, making slow but steady progress. He had come from a difficult background and, like many animals who arrive at the Centre, needed time, patience and the right environment to feel safe again.
When Sally learned Douglas had been labelled “unadoptable”, it didn’t put her off. If anything, it did the opposite.
“That gave me a challenge,” she said. “To rehome him and give him a great life.”
The early days were quiet.
Douglas preferred the safety of small, dark spaces, emerging mostly at mealtimes before retreating back to his burrows. Sally gave him the time he needed, sitting nearby, talking to him, letting him adjust at his own pace.
Progress wasn’t immediate, but something else became clear.
“He would sing the chant of his
people at night,” Sally laughed. “A loud ‘Heeeeeoooooowwwwww’. I realised he was lonely.”
So Sally did what many animal lovers might consider a bold move. She got a companion for her companion. Enter Tuna.
Instantly affectionate, curious and full of personality, Tuna brought a completely different energy into the home.
“She’s a funny little bundle of joy,” Sally said. “I knew she was the little extrovert Douglas needed.”
After a careful introduction, the pair quickly became inseparable. These days, Douglas is a very different cat. He enjoys pats, scratches and even belly rubs, something Sally never expected in those early weeks. Together, Douglas and Tuna spend their time wrestling, practising parkour and generally causing the kind of chaos that comes with two very happy cats, before settling in for long daytime naps side by side.
Behind stories like this is the work of the City’s Animal Management Centre team. Every year, the AMC cares for animals at different stages of their journey, providing shelter, medical care, training and, importantly, the time needed to help them find the right home.
The staff at the AMC are incredible… They’re so caring and dedicated, giving these animals another chance.
For animals like Douglas, that extra time and care can make all the difference.
Sally is quick to acknowledge the role the team played.
“The staff at the AMC are incredible,” she said. “They’re so caring and dedicated, giving these animals another chance.”
It’s a reminder that adoption isn’t always instant, and not every animal fits the mould. But with the right support, patience and a bit of belief, outcomes can change.
Sometimes all it takes is someone willing to see potential where others might not.
And in Douglas’s case, that has made all the difference.
Thinking about adopting?
The City of Coffs Harbour Animal Management Centre helps rehome animals of all ages and temperaments, each with their own story.
Some settle in quickly. Others, like Douglas, just need a little more time, patience and the right match.
If you’re considering adopting, take a look at the animals currently available and speak with the team about finding the right fit for your home.
Visit: coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/amc
RELICS | A New World Rises 28 March – 19 July
A special ticketed exhibition where vintage objects meet miniature LEGO® brick worlds created by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler
Kate Mackay | Everything at once 23 April – 24 May
Drew Hopper | West of Somewhere East 28 May – 28 June Yaamanga (around here) Ongoing exhibition
SPECIAL EVENT | YAM Up Late: Steampunk Social Friday 22 May, 5 – 8pm
RELICS after dark, scavenger hunt, photobooth, prizes for best dressed, live DJ, creative mischief and artmaking, YAM Bar open with cocktails & craft beer, food trucks. Tickets include exhibition entry: Adults $21/ Concession $15
Images (top L-R): RELICS: A New World Rises; RELICS: A New World Rises - exhibition installation image, Auckland Museum. LEGO® is a trademark of The LEGO Group which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse this exhibition. (bottom L-R): Kate Mackay, 4 pieces, 2020 (detail); Drew Hopper, Hills Hoist, 2020 (detail), images courtesy of the artists.
Follow our socials, subscribe to our newsletter or visit our website for regular updates.
Social media
Newsletters
Subscribe here for council news, job alerts, library updates, sustainability programs and more!
Online services
Manage your payments, address changes, pet registrations, development approvals and more via the City website
Customer Service Centre
Our friendly team is ready to assist you in person, online or via phone from 9am - 3:30pm, Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays).
Address: Yarrila Place, 27 Gordon St Coffs Harbour
