From backyard chooks to pickleball: New Coffs magazine out now

City of Coffs Harbour’s free quarterly magazine, Hinterland, Harbour, Home, dropped on the interwebs this morning – and those with an eagle-eye will have the chance to win a fantastic prize to a massive sports extravaganza. 

Catch the fresh Autumn edition here - it’s packed with behind-the-scenes stories on some of the things that make our Coffs Coast a great place to live, work and play. 

A special feature in the new magazine is a chance to win a family pass to the Japan Under 23-Australian Barbarians rugby clash at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium on 5 April. 

“All you have to do for a chance at the big prize is to spot and count the footballs hidden throughout the pages – then submit your entry,” Mayor Nikki Williams said. 

“The international game is the headliner of the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby and the winner of the family pass will be sideline when magic and history is made.” 

The Japanese team will be coached by Eddie Jones while the BaaBaas will be led by Wallabies great Owen Finegan. 

City Acting General Manager Andrew Beswick said the new magazine delivers a swag of in-depth articles and stunning photography. 

“Like a beast out of a Mad Max movie set, read how the new compactor at the Englands Road Waste Management Facility is making a difference,” Mr Beswick said. 

“The Caterpillar 826K uses all sorts of technology as it pulverises rubbish to drive efficiency – and the machine is greener for the environment too.” 

The Autumn edition also goes back-stage on a short movie being made in the Digital Studio at the Harry Bailey Memorial Library at Yarrila Place. 

“Find out how our library service with all of its innovative bells and whistles is creating pathways to discovery and employment for our community,” Mr Beswick said. 

And in case you missed all the fuss in the media, see why Woolgoolga was named the best beach on Mainland Australia. 

“This recognition not only highlights Woolgoolga Main Beach’s natural beauty, but also the hard work and care that goes into making Woopi a place people want to live and a destination tourists want to return to again and again,” City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said. 

There’s also a feature report on the pending million-dollar overhaul of the Park Avenue bus interchange in the heart of the Coffs Harbour CBD. 

This project is part of a broader effort to revitalise public spaces, aligning with the Moonee Street and Park Avenue Reconfiguration Project, City Infrastructure Acting Director Daniel Noble said. 

The mag also takes a deep dive into pickleball – the social sport sweeping the world and winning over the Coffs Coast. 

We catch up with a local player to find out why pickleball has become the flavour of the moment at the City’s Wiigulga Sports Complex. 

And if you haven’t yet caught up with the latest exhibitions at Yarrila Arts and Museum, see why you should as the magazine spotlights show-stealers which hero textiles, porcelain, light and ceramics through an eclectic contributor list which includes a former Archibald Prize winner. 

And you ask, we answer – check the special ‘Burning Questions’ section which tackles the puzzler of whether people can keep chooks in their backyard at Coffs. 

Get around the latest issue of Hinterland, Harbour, Home – out now, and free (you can even download it as a PDF).