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: View from Muttonbird Island, Coffs Harbour, by Ann Eva Cooling.
Want to share your images of home, the beautiful place we live, work and play? Email comms@chcc.nsw.gov.au
A CITY ON THE RISE
In these dynamic times, the City of Coffs Harbour has emerged stronger, more resilient, and more determined to maximise the value we deliver to you.
We are committed to not only maintaining but enhancing the quality of life you enjoy, and I am incredibly proud to share the successes that are shaping our city’s future.
Our bold financial transformation has delivered remarkable results, protecting you from the burden of special rate increases that many other communities across NSW are facing, while benefiting from some of the lowest residential rates in the region.
Through decisive actions and prudent financial management, we have safeguarded our city’s financial health, ensuring we can navigate challenges while continuing to invest in our future.
While natural disasters and economic pressures have tested us, we have proven that strategic planning and resourcefulness can overcome even the toughest hurdles.
This is evident in the way we’ve maximised value across multiple community projects, from the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the transformation of Brelsford Park.
Our forward-thinking approach has allowed us to deliver more than we initially promised, enriching your experience of Coffs Harbour.
In the latest Destination NSW Tourism Report, Coffs Harbour emerged as the premier destination for travellers, reaffirming our city as a beacon for sustainable and experience-based tourism.
Achieving this, alongside being recognised as NSW’s first ECO Destination, is no small feat and a testament to our shared commitment to preserving the natural beauty and unique character of our region.
As we look ahead, this strong financial footing not only shields us from unexpected costs but opens doors to new opportunities.
Our ability to continue delivering essential services and investing in community projects, all while avoiding special rate rises, speaks volumes about our dedication to your well-being and prosperity.
Together, we are creating a future where Coffs Harbour continues to thrive as a community and as a destination of choice.
In welcoming the new Council you have elected, I look forward to what we will achieve next.
BY GENERAL MANAGER NATALIA COWLEY
Our
bold financial transformation has delivered remarkable results, protecting you from the burden of special rate increases that many other communities across NSW are facing.
Natalia Cowley, City of Coffs Harbour General Manager
EXTRAS FOR YOU
OVER $200,000 OF BONUS CAPITAL
Reinvesting any capital savings and delivering extra value to the residents is embedded in the City of Coffs Harbour’s progressive mindset.
It’s all about proactively, responsibly and intentionally looking for opportunities to go beyond expectations and deliver more than initially set out to achieve.
Two current big ticket projects – the Woolgoolga Whale Trail and the emerging transformation of Brelsford Park – are cases in point.
Woolgoolga Whale Trail
The Whale Trail - a 570-metre long pathway which skirts the clifftops and includes about 110 metres of boardwalk – opened to public fanfare on 7 August.
The project, which also includes additional carparking, kerbing, fresh seating and lookouts, as well as the trail itself, with its jawgaping views, connects Woolgoolga Beach Reserve with the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
Drawing on the proactive cross-team collaboration and the utilisation of earlier project savings from elsewhere in the capital works budget – and thanks to some agile scheduling – the City was able to deliver way more than was originally planned and budgeted.
These bonus extras include some 100 metres of additional kerb and road formalisation and widening work adjacent to Arthur Street.
Other bonus add-ons saw a remediation seal on the top carpark (which had been dirt and grass) and a connecting 37m footpath adjacent to the Surf Club.
All up, it meant well more than $200,000 in extras for the community.
The Whale Trail was funded by a $1.1 million Federal Government grant through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts and a $330,000 contribution by the City, which also managed the project.
Brelsford Park 2.0
The Implement Brelsford Park Master Plan initiative has been earmarked by prudent project planning and collaborative stakeholder engagement.
The upshot of this considered approach has enabled the City to deliver additional works within the allocated grant amount, including:
• Additional kerb and guttering along Earl Street
• A concrete path around the Earl/Albany St corner
• More trees, grass, plants and hydroseeding
• A concrete path and lighting from Curacoa Street to the park; plus
• Additional lighting, bins, water station, picnic settings and seating at the precinct.
The final product that is Brelsford Park 2.0 will include an outdoor performance amphitheatres and new amenities block, and retain its open feel which lends itself to mass community celebrations such as the Coffs Coast Carols in the heart of the City.
Described as a ‘green lung’ in the City Centre, the Brelsford Park improvements are being jointly funded by a $4,997,620 grant under the Australian and NSW Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery fund, while the City has managed the project and the works have been undertaken by Van Mal Group Pty Ltd.
The Whale Trail project features a 1.8-metre-wide path along the scenic but rugged Woolgoolga Headland
As the name would suggest, the new accessible trail is a prime spot to watch the gentle giants of the deep as the ocean becomes something of a humpback highway during the annual migration
The works at Brelsford Park will enhance a precinct which already boasts a playground and a hugely popular skatepark
HOW YOUR CITY PROTECTED YOU FROM SPECIAL RATE RISES
City of Coffs Harbour’s financial transformation has boldly arrested any need for immediate special rate increases, protecting the community from additional cost of living pressures.
In 2021/22, the City recorded a $9.49 million operational deficit for the General Fund and it had projected over $17 million in cumulative operating losses for the General Fund over the following 5 years.
This was a financially unsustainable position which was proactively and decidedly resolved within 12 months through an organisational restructure, where core service provision and outdoor staff were quarantined.
“Prudent and proactive financial management has protected the community from special rate rises for the time being. We have secured a realistic working capital amount, otherwise known as unrestricted cash, which proactively buffers the community from unforeseen costs,” City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley said.
“As an example, the City had put in a claim for $13.23 million a couple of years ago after severe weather and flooding wracked our road network. We lodged this under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements but have recently been advised the City will only be reimbursed for just $3.55m.
“This means that $9.68m of natural disaster damaged essential public infrastructure, which needs significant repair, will not be funded by the Australian and State governments, and ultimately will fall on the
ratepayers. But that’s where the benefit of having unrestricted cash / working capital comes into play and therefore this $9.68 million will not be cost-shifted to the community.”
Ms Cowley said Coffs Harbour was making headway in an environment where most other NSW councils are struggling to make ends meet.
“We are in an enviable position, particularly when you consider that 56 per cent of the councils in NSW are making losses in the General Fund for 2022/23, and these include many of the big councils in NSW with experienced management teams.”
The General Manager said City of Coffs Harbour’s robust financial position provided working capital and meant it had not had to apply for a Special Rate Variation since 2016/17.
By contrast, in the past 2 years, the independent regulator IPART had approved 25 Special Rate Variations: 17 council applications to increase their general income by more than the rate peg in 2023/24, and a further 8 special rate variations for 2024/25.
“Benefiting from this diligent financial management, the City of Coffs Harbour’s Council can now determine whether they wish to use some of this working capital towards some needed service increases or towards some capital work or something else. Either way, this financial security offers the Council and the community choices,” Ms Cowley said.
We are in a sound position and can make choices, particularly when you consider that 56 per cent of the councils in NSW are ma king losses.
Cowley,
Armidale Regional Council
Bega Valley Shire Council
Bellingen Shire Council
City of Canada Bay Council
Federation Council (Partial Approval)
Hornsby Shire Council
Junee Shire Council
Lithgow City Council
58.8% over 3yrs 16.67% in 2023-24, 16.67% in 2024-25 and 16.66% in 2025-26
48.3% over 2yrs 24.0% in 2023-24 and 19.6% in 2024-25
31.06% over 4yrs 8% in 2023-24, 8% in 2024-25, 6% in 2025-26 and 6% in 2026-27
32.53% over 4yrs 15.49% in 2023-24, 4.81% in 2024-25, 4.69% in 2025-26 and 4.58% in 2026-27
39.2% over 2yrs (Temporary) 19% in 2023-24 and 17% increase in 2024-25
31.05% over 4yrs 8.5% in 2023-24, 7.5% in 2024-25, 6.5% in 2025-26 and 5.5% in 2026-27
32.19% over 2yrs 17.5% in 2023-24 and 12.5% in 2024-25
45.78% over 1yr
Liverpool Plains Shire Council 18.1% over 1yr
45.7% in 2023-24 plus 0.08% Crown Land Adjustment
Port Stephens Council 31.29% over 3yrs 9.5% per year in 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council 64.3% over 3yrs 18% per year in 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26
Snowy Monaro Regional Council (Partial Approval) 52.48% over 4yrs 12.25% in 2023-24 and 10.75% per year in 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Strathfield Municipal Council 92.83% over 4yrs 35.1% in 2023-24, 13.0% in 2024-25, 17.5% in 2025-26 and 7.5% in 2026-27
Tenterfield Shire Council (Partial Approval)
over 1yr
Tweed Shire Council 6.35% over 1yr
Walcha Council 57.74% over 3yrs 36.5% in 2023-24, 8.0% in 2024-25 and 7.0% in 2025-26 Woollahra Municipal Council
over 2yrs
IPART
2024/25
Special Rate Variation approvals
in 2023-24 and 7.5% in 2024-25
LOWEST RATES IN THE REGION
BENEFITING THE COFFS HARBOUR COMMUNITY
Let’s address the elephant in the room – the misconception that rates are high in Coffs Harbour comparatively to its neighbours.
The total residential ordinary rate for 2024/25 based on an average property value of $430,600 (the amount used in the City’s Statement of Revenue Policy) reveals:
Coffs Harbour $1,409.65
Port Macquarie $1,972.91
Kempsey $1,738.54
Nambucca Valley $2,179.80
Bellingen $1,522.22
Clarence Valley $1,970.31
“Accountability is one of the core values we embrace at the City. We are mindful of the cost of living pressures being experienced here and across the nation. That’s why we make every ratepayer dollar count and seek to provide maximum value for the community,” City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley said.
“Sure, that inevitably means that as the City, its assets and community expectations grow and have been growing for the past 7 years without a special rate increase, there are services that would benefit from a top up – but that can only happen if another service is reduced or rates are increased.
“But for now we’ve been able to sustain the community without the burden of
special rate variations, by absorbing the cost increases operationally through a restructure, having a realistic capital works program, more closely aligning outdated fees to costs and ensuring community equity by collecting long overdue rates.”
All of these hard decisions have meant that, regionally, Coffs Harbour is actually the cheapest – and unlike many councils across NSW hasn’t had to resort to a Special Rate Variation to help fund its operations since 2016/17*
The total amount of income a council can raise from certain rates and charges is constrained by what is known as the rate peg percentage, which is essentially the inflationary increase for the year.
The rate peg is determined annually by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) - and councils wishing to hike ordinary rates by more than the rate peg have to apply for a Special Rate Variation (SRV).
In addition to having the lowest residential rates, the City has continued to subsidise the rates and charges for its pensioners by not collecting approximately $3.2 million in pensioner rates and charges. Of this amount, the City voluntarily subsidises approximately $1.8 million and approximately $1.4 million is reimbursed by the State Government.
*Updated from 2014/15 to reflect the 2nd year of the 2015/16 SRV approved as a cumulative 2 year increase.
make every ratepayer dollar count and have the lowest residential rate in the region.
Natalia Cowley, City of Coffs Harbour General Manager
COFFS HARBOUR SHINES
AS A TOP TOURISM DESTINATION
In the just-released Destination NSW The Value of Tourism to North Coast report for 2023, Coffs Harbour secured the top spot as the premier location for domestic overnight travellers amongst the three major cities on the Mid North Coast with the following overnight visitor numbers:
• Coffs Harbour 878,000,
• Port Macquarie 801,000; and
• Ballina 424,000.
This achievement is even more impressive noting that Port and Ballina would have benefitted during the survey period from the presence of more diverse destination options offered by the now defunct budget air carrier Bonza.
Additionally, Coffs greeted 52,000 overseas overnight travellers, who spent $59 million, which is the equivalent of 22 per cent of the tourism spend by this market on the North Coast.
By comparison, while Port Macquarie hosted 53,000 overseas overnight travellers, their tourism spend was less than half of Coffs’, at $27 million or 10 per cent of the spend by this market on the North Coast.
In the Northern Rivers, Ballina had just 12,000 overseas overnight travellers who spent $10 million or four percent of the spend by this market on the North Coast.
The cherry on top for Coffs’ success as a tourist destination is underlined by the fresh Big Red Group report which singled out the City as the golden child on the North Coast of NSW for experience travellers.
In Autumn/Winter this year, Coffs grabbed a huge slice of the tourism market of people who value ‘stories over stuff’ with an eye-watering 52.4 per cent growth year-on-year.
“This is a fantastic result for Coffs Harbour and a reflection of the success of the progressive destination marketing campaigns we have proactively driven,” City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley said.
“Our messaging has focussed on destination awareness as many domestic travellers did not know about our walking trails, tours, hinterland, culture and bigticket events.”
The pitch for high-value experiencedbased tourism offerings is bedrocked by Coffs Harbour being accorded ECO Destination status, the first place in NSW to be so recognised.
Gaining the re-certification of the ECO Destination badge is an incredibly challenging process and recognises the City’s unflagging commitment to sustainable tourism.
Natalia Cowley, City of Coffs Harbour General Manager
$11,697 MOST OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS
in total visitor spending is delivered to the North Coast by tourism every minute of every day
of the day visitors to Coffs come from the local neighbouring areas for activities like eating out and seeing friends
Baby Boomers (34%) followed by Gen X (27 %) have been the biggest visitors to Coffs by generation
Image: Sara Jae Creative
LIBRARY OF OPPORTUNITIES
EMBRACED BY THE COMMUNITY
At City of Coffs Harbour libraries, yes, there are books, but that’s pretty much where the similarities with previous incarnations end.
And with some 57 per cent of the Coffs region now library members, the normbusting approach to providing innovative library services is proving to be a big hit with the community.
People can borrow jigsaw puzzles, Lego sets, STEM kits, board games, musical instruments and even exotic cake tins which ordinarily are expensive to buy and may be used only once for a special occasion like an 18th birthday party. A new seed library invites garden enthusiasts to ‘borrow’ seeds in the same way as they might borrow books.
The new Harry Bailey Memorial Library (HBML), which has been a crowd favourite since the doors opened last September, offers state-of -the-art facilities like 3D printing, laser cutting, a digital studio, a green screen and a sound-proof vocal recording space. Spread across three storeys, the library also includes a dedicated Gen-Alpha Library, a discovery and creation space for teenagers.
The past financial year saw the City of Coffs Harbour library service best the State Library of NSW visitation standard for the first time – with 351,464 physical
visits (achieving a target per capita of 4.46 compared to the benchmark of 4.03).
“Our Coffs Harbour Libraries continue to evolve and are vibrant community hubs,” Acting Director City Planning and Communities Ian Fitzgibbon said.
“As well as our diverse collections we offer a range of regular programs and one-off events; our programs include everything from chair yoga to baby rhyme time, and sessions showing people how to harness the creativity of airtificial intelligence, to workshops to help seniors navigate technology.”
“Latest event highlights include our Spring Family Fun Day which saw more than 1,000 people through the doors of HBML in a single day, and author talks with two of Australia’s most gifted and compelling crime fiction writers Michael Robotham and Chris Hammer, which have been hugely popular.”
Ian Fitzgibbon, City of Coffs Harbour City Planning and Communities Acting Director
57+% of the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area population are library members
351k READ MORE 1,000+
physical visits to the Harry Bailey Memorial Library in the last full year 23/24
Library Programs people attended the Spring Family Fun Day
KEEPING PACE
IN A CITY 'RIPE' TO DEVELOP
It’s often said you can tell whether a city or major town is on the rise by looking at the skyline and counting the construction cranes.
By that measure even a casual observer can see that City of Coffs Harbour is a place on the move – starting with the two mega cranes as the CODA tower springs from the ground in the heart of the CBD.
But there are other, more scientific measures too, which provide insight into the state of a location’s built economy.
When someone in Coffs wants to change/ build something they will normally require a Development Application (DA). In the great majority of cases, Council is the consent authority of these.
So how effective is City of Coffs Harbour when it comes to processing DAs –whether they be for a new home, garage, swimming pool or a deck.
The answer is very effective – pretty much up with the best (with aspiration to continue to lead the way).
In the past financial year, the City’s average assessment days for a DA stood at 95 (the NSW average was 115 days).
In the State’s North, Coffs is what great looks like, along with Port MacquarieHastings, Mid-Coast and Lake Macquarie.
Given the national housing shortage, it’s worth looking at how City of Coffs Harbour performs in the area of DAs for new single dwellings.
Again, Coffs is a torchbearer for getting things done efficiently – requiring just 57 assessment days on average (the State average is 97 days).
When looking at comparable councils in Northern NSW, Coffs and Port Macquarie lead the pack.
“Development Applications can be relatively straight-forward or incredibly detailed and complex,” City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said.
“We know we are at industry-best level but we are continually looking at ways to further improve the process and the experience for customers.
“It’s an evolving space.”
It’s also a busy space in the fast-growing City of Coffs Harbour.
In the past financial year alone more than $190 million worth of residential DAs were processed.
This whopping figure can be deconstructed so:
• Dwellings $88.717m
• Secondary dwellings $4.848m
• Medium density $66.881m; and
• Residential flat buildings $28.614m.
95 was the average assessment days for a DA in the City last financial year, versus 115 days for NSW
57 $190m $88.7m
worth of residential DAs were processed in the past financial year alone
was the average assessment days for a DA for a new single dwelling, versus 97 days for NSW the value of dwellings DAs processed by the City in 2023/24
MAINTENANCE OF THE JETTY STRUCTURE (PIER)
EXPLAINED
The Jetty structure is owned by the State Government but was passed to the City of Coffs Harbour in 2002 to manage.
A report on the 450-metre-long jetty has found it is in poor condition and nearing the end of its serviceable life.
The cost of the project is put at $30 million.
Since 2008 the local community has funded more than $4 million worth of works to the Jetty structure, but this major renewal needs to be met by the state and federal governments.
The jetty is a landmark and a vivid reminder of Coffs Harbour’s industrial past as a major port. It is also a major tourist attraction.
Built in 1892, it is the last surviving State Government-built jetty in NSW from the late 19th Century.
In August 2023 the City lodged an expression of interest (EOI) to the Australian Government’s new Growing Regions Program which provides up to 50 per cent of project funding up to a maximum of $15 million. The City was then invited in November that year to lodge a full grant application, which was lodged in January 2024.
The grant application requested $14,994,210 of funding and was accompanied by letters of support from respective local MPs Pat Conaghan and Gurmesh Singh, Heritage NSW, Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast, Destination North Coast NSW, the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee, and the Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce among others.
However, the City was advised that its application was unsuccessful.
Also, a request for the NSW Government to match the proposed federal money was unsuccessful, though the State indicated the City could investigate other “funding opportunities”.
At its meeting on 25 July, Council resolved to reapply for State funding, and if this is not forthcoming, to consider handing the seaward section of the jetty back to the NSW Government.
Since 2008 the local community has funded more than $4 million worth of works to the Jetty structure.
OVER $775,000 BOOSTS COMMUNITY LIFE
ACROSS ALL SECTORS
Every facet of local life, whether that be sports, arts, business, education, events, lifesaving and the environment was enriched through a share of more than $775,000 from City of Coffs Harbour grants, donations and subsidies last financial year.
The City’s 2023/24 Community Donations Program saw more than $75,000 distributed to assist groups delivering events and projects for the greater good.
This included $14,500 for the multiple Christmas Carols, $6,325 for Schools Annual Presentations and $4,000 for the Life Education Van, to name a few.
More than $76,000 in rates subsidies were awarded to organisations operating on City-owned properties, and an additional $64,000 in rates and direct subsidies provided to surf lifesaving clubs.
“The City contributes generously on behalf of ratepayers to help enrich many aspects of our City’s fabric,” City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley said.
The Arts and Cultural Development Grants Program, which strives to stoke community connection with the vibrant art and culture of the City, saw a combined total of $40,750 in funding provided to seven groups delivering art, music and creative industries initiatives.
Meanwhile, 14 events were awarded a combined $52,000 in funding.
The City’s Environmental Levy Grants Program allocated more than $444,000 in funding to 19 groups and organisations for a range of education, research and land care initiatives that are helping to sustain and improve the local environment.
“City of Coffs Harbour ratepayers are contributing every day to projects that enhance the environment, culture, economy and liveability of our region through the City’s grants, donations and subsidies,” Ms Cowley said.
“They say what goes around comes around and that’s certainly true with the investments being made in every facet of local life through our community donations, grants and subsidies; investments which return significant benefits for the community, now and into the future.”
City of Coffs Harbour ratepayers are contributing every day to projects that enhance the environment, culture, economy and liveability of our region through the City’s grants, donations and subsidies.
Natalia Cowley, City of Coffs Harbour General Manager
A breakdown example of City support:
Coffs
Coffs
Coffs
Coffs
Coffs
STRATEGIC APPROACH WITH ENGLANDS ROAD AT TIPPING POINT
City of Coffs Harbour continues to explore all options as it charts a path – together with the community – to develop a longterm waste strategy.
The challenge is headed by the needs of a fast-growing population coupled with the existing Englands Road Waste Management Facility being near capacity.
The City has reached out a few times to neighbouring councils, with available waste tip facilities, in an attempt to arrive at a collaborative short-term solution for a portion of the City’s red bin waste, where the City would provide extra waste income to the relevant Council in return for access to their waste facilities for a short term but this has been to no avail.
So the City trucks its red bin waste to Queensland to a centralized facility, which has proven to be financially affordable decision even when including the transportation costs.
In fact, Coffs is one of many councils taking the Queensland path as the most affordable option for residents.
The City has also taken a collaborative approach in exploring whether an alternative landfill site might be found within the Local Government Area.
Forestry was engaged but was unable to find a location for a new tip, while the City’s own investigations of potential sites continues.
Against this backdrop, the City is developing a comprehensive Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy.
“The goal is to move toward a more circular economy – where materials are reused, refurbished, recycled or composted so they never become waste,” City Infrastructure Director Andrew Beswick said.
It’s a big number issue.
Each year, the average Coffs Harbour household produces around 1,400 kg of waste, and more than half of this ends up in landfill.
The City provides an industry-leading kerbside bin collection system, however, community understanding of what should go in each bin can continue to improve.
Around half of the content of red-lid bins should be in other bins (recyclables should be in the yellow-lid bin while food and garden organics should be in the green-lid bin).
“The new strategy will provide a blueprint for a cleaner, more efficient and more sustainable future,” Mr Beswick said.
As part of the development of a longerterm waste strategy, the City plans to build a transfer station within the next five years. Transfer stations are designed to enhance recycling and reduce waste sent to landfill.
The goal is to move toward a more circular economy – where materials are reused, refurbished, recycled or composted.
Andrew Beswick, City of Coffs Harbour City Infrastructure Director
GOOD NEWS STORY
Recyclable goods saved from landfill in the past three financial years
509 Mattresses
92 Batteries
38 Drummuster containers
331 E-waste
85 Engine oil
8,153 Metal; and 96 Tyres
1,400kg of waste is produced annually by the average Coffs Harbour household, with over half ending up in landfill
AROUND HALF
of red-lid bin contents should go in other bins: recyclables in yellowlid and food/garden organics in green-lid
WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
the City plans to build a transfer station as part of its longer-term waste strategy
READ MORE
Bins and rubbish
WHAT'S ON
MARK THESE IN YOUR CALENDAR
SEED LIBRARY PROGRAMS: Coffs Harbour Libraries Seed Library programs offer the chance to learn new skills to enhance and enjoy gardening at home MORE
GROW ‘N’ GLOW SPRING SCHOOL
HOLIDAY PROGRAM: Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) and Coffs Harbour Libraries from 30 Sept – 11 Oct. MORE
COFFS HARBOUR BUSKERS AND COMEDY FESTIVAL: A four-day festival featuring street theatre, family shows, and children’s events in and around the city. MORE
BEACH PATROLS: Beaches will be patrolled during spring/summer, with some having a longer season than others. Park Beach, Coffs Harbour's main surf beach, is patrolled 7 days a week throughout the year. MORE
CHRIS HAMMER & CRIME WRITING: Meet Chris Hammer, the acclaimed author known for his gripping crime novels, as he shares insights on his latest book The Valley. MORE
THE LIBRARIAN: The Librarian blends clowning, physical theatre and the circus arts inviting young audiences to discover the passion of reading and the power of the imagination. MORE
COFFS BY NATURE- KIDS MANGROVE TOUR COFFS CREEK: Explore and learn about the importance of Mangroves in Coffs Harbour. MORE
SWELL CHASERS EXHIBITION: Swell
Chasers: Surf Stories from the Mid North Coast examines our relationship with the ocean and how surfing has left a lasting, salt-stained mark on our region. MORE
COFFS COAST CAROLS: Celebrate Christmas in true Coffs style on Saturday, 21 December.
NATIONAL WATER WEEK: Take the waterwise survey to test your knowledge of Coffs Harbour’s water supply and go in the draw to WIN a pop-up picnic to enjoy with family or friends! MORE
ESTAMPA: Estampa brings an exciting performance blending South American, Parisian, bluegrass, and Scandinavian music styles. MORE
BIG BASH LEAGUE: The BBL will see the Sydney Sixers vs Brisbane Heat. MORE
YAM'S THE HOT TICKET THIS SPRING/SUMMER FROM
AI TO SWELL CHASERS
Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) is shattering expectations with a ground breaking series of spring and summer exhibitions that are captivating audiences and redefining the art scene. Far from ordinary, these mind-blowing showcases are drawing record crowds, positioning YAM as a cultural powerhouse on the NSW Mid North Coast.
A trio of free exhibitions on show through to 10 November play with light and technology. They are headlined by the internationally acclaimed Modern Guru and the Path to Artificial Happiness, showing in Australia for the very first time.
“It’s an incredible, innovative and immersive experience,” Acting Director City Planning and Communities Ian Fitzgibbon said.
“Visitors can journey through a dazzling forest of lights, changing colours and robotic insects - all on the path to a glowing Modern Guru who provides personalised messages of happiness using artificial intelligence. It’s like stepping into another world, and each time you visit the experience it will be different.
In another cultural coup, an exhibition of artworks by much-loved children’s book author and artist Jeannie Baker has just opened, which celebrates the publication of her latest book, Desert Jungle.
And then, heralding the transition to summer, Swell Chasers: Surf Stories from the Mid North Coast will open on 23 November, celebrating our local surf culture. It will occupy three galleries at YAM, while a solo exhibition by the Sydney-based artist Mulga (Joel Moore) in Gallery 4 will complete the white-hot summer line-up.
“Swell Chasers will include a timeline of boards, photography, film and the important local stories from board shapers through to Gumbaynggirr surfers,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“It’s being curated in-house with a call-out to the community for contributions – a celebration of everything we love about surfing that’s sure to unmask some real hidden gems.”
YAM also displays the permanent Yaamanga Around here exhibition which explores the history and identity of the Coffs Coast.
ON AT YAM THIS SPRING / SUMMER
UNTIL 10 NOVEMBER
• Modern Guru and the Path to Artificial Happiness
• Electric Dreams
• Serendipia
• Desert Jungle: Jeannie Baker
FROM 23 NOVEMBER
• Mulga: Heading North
• Swell Chasers: Stories from the Mid North Coast
Image: Brandt Mackney, Last Light, 2023, digital photograph
Serendipia | Kathryn Cowen and Gareth Jenkins Until 10 November Desert Jungle | Jeannie Baker Until 10 November
|
Melbourne. Desert Jungle is an exhibition by Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest coproduced with
Image credits (left to right from top): ENESS, Modern Guru and the Path to Artificial Happiness, 2024. Photo by And The Trees Photography
Jason Sims, Structural Nature IV (detail), 2023. Photo by Pippy Mount. Kathryn Cowen and Gareth Jenkins, Serendipia, 2024 | Jeannie Baker, Desert Jungle #10, 2023. All images courtesy of the artist. Jason Sims image courtesy of the artist and MARS Gallery,
Jeannie Baker.
The Coffs Coast Explorer App and Digital Kiosks are jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments in association with the City of Coffs Harbour.
There are lots of ways to get regular updates from City of Coffs Harbour and access services and information.
Social media
City of Coffs Harbour cityofcoffshabour coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au
Newsletters
Subscribe to our newsletters here, including the fortnightly City Enews.
Online services
A range of everyday transactions can be completed using the City’s online services. You can even opt to get your rates and water notices by email.
Find the most common City transactions at coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au
Customer Service Centre
Our customer service team is ready to assist you in person, online and via phone.
Visit our new Customer Service Centre at Yarrila Place, 27 Gordon St Coffs Harbour. We’re open 9am3.30pm Monday to Friday, closed on Public Holidays.
