Man Charged After Brutal Machete Attack in Coffs Harbour

A man is facing multiple charges following a horrifying home invasion in Coffs Harbour that left a 59-year-old man with his hand severed.

Emergency services were called to a unit on Toormina Place, Coffs Harbour, around 6.45am on Wednesday, 16 April 2025. Upon arrival, paramedics discovered the man’s left hand had been severed during an alleged assault. He was stabilised at the scene before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.

Two women, aged 58 and 80, were present during the incident but were unharmed.

Police from the Coffs/Clarence Police District launched an investigation and were told two men had allegedly forced entry into the property and assaulted the victim with a weapon.

Later that evening, at approximately 9.45pm, officers patrolling South Grafton spotted a vehicle without registration plates. When the driver failed to stop, a pursuit ensued. The vehicle became bogged on nearby playing fields and police arrested an 18-year-old man at the scene.

He was taken to Grafton Police Station and charged with several offences, including special aggravated break and enter with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, police pursuit – fail to stop, and possession of a prohibited drug.

A machete recovered from the vehicle has been seized for forensic examination.

The accused was refused bail and is due to appear at Grafton Local Court today, Thursday 17 April 2025.

Investigations into the identity and whereabouts of the second alleged offender are ongoing.

Coffs Harbour Gears Up for Massive Oztag Junior State Championships

Coffs Harbour is set to host one of the biggest sporting events of the year, as thousands of young athletes, families, and officials descend on the city for the 2025 NSW Oztag State Championships – Juniors. Taking place from Friday, 21 February to Sunday, 23 February, the tournament is expected to draw over 20,000 visitors, providing a $12 million economic boost to the region.

High-Stakes Competition at Premier Sporting Venues

The event, which has been a fixture in Coffs Harbour since 2016, will see 313 teams from across NSW and the ACT battle it out in age divisions from 12s through to 17s. The action will unfold across 37 fields, spanning the C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Sport and Leisure Park, and Geoff King Motors Oval.

Coffs Harbour Gears Up for Massive Oztag Junior State Championships

Tournament Director Bill Harrigan described the championships as “organised mayhem”, emphasizing the tournament’s scale:

“This is our biggest event of the year, bringing parents, grandparents, and siblings to Coffs Harbour for a spectacular weekend of sport. There’s no better venue in Australia.”

A Win for Coffs Harbour’s Economy and Tourism

With over 6,000 players and officials competing, Mayor Nikki Williams highlighted the significant financial and tourism impact the event will have on the region:

“This event brings a massive influx of visitors, boosting our accommodation providers, restaurants, entertainment venues, and businesses. It’s a huge win for our local economy.”

Oztag players from Coffs Harbour will be competing in both boys’ and girls’ divisions, with local teams entering the 12s, 13s, 14s, 16s, and 17s age groups.

More Than Just Sport – A Destination Experience

City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon emphasized the long-term benefits of hosting major sporting events:

“Coffs Harbour is a premier family-friendly destination with beautiful beaches, a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, and great weather. Many visitors come for the Oztag event and then return for holidays in the future.”

Spectators will have access to food kiosks at the stadium, HUB 2, and Leisure Park, ensuring a well-catered experience.

Games kick off at 10 AM on Friday, with free entry across all venues. The full tournament draw is available at NSW Oztag 2025 State Championships.

With high-intensity matches, future stars on display, and a buzzing atmosphere, it’s game on for Coffs Harbour this weekend!

Coffs Harbour Champions of the 2025 Australia Day Awards

Local heroes were celebrated, and new citizens were welcomed as the Coffs Harbour community came together to honour Australia Day at a vibrant ceremony held at C.ex Coffs. The event highlighted the selfless contributions of individuals who have gone above and beyond to create a positive impact, embodying the very spirit of Australia Day.

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams took centre stage to announce the winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards, acknowledging the exceptional efforts of Phil McMullen, Nathan Armstrong, Barry Powells, and Scott Cordwell. These remarkable individuals were commended for their passion, commitment, and dedication to the community.

“Today is about celebrating the extraordinary people who make our community the wonderful place it is,” Mayor Williams said. “Each of our award winners has made a lasting difference, and these awards are our community’s way of saying ‘thank you.’ Their stories inspire us all to contribute in our own way and strengthen the bonds we share.”

The 2025 Award Winners

Citizen of the Year: Phil McMullen

Phil McMullen was honoured as the 2025 Citizen of the Year for his outstanding contributions as a football coach, youth mentor, and advocate for refugee families in Coffs Harbour. A former Orara High School student with a passion for football, Phil’s career led him to the Australian Youth Football Institute in Sydney before returning to Coffs Harbour.

In Coffs, Phil spearheaded RISE, a community program dedicated to empowering young people from diverse and refugee backgrounds. Through his leadership, countless youth have developed confidence, resilience, and skills, creating ripple effects that have positively transformed lives and the broader community.

Young Citizen of the Year: Nathan Armstrong

Nathan Armstrong received the Young Citizen of the Year award for his exceptional work as a radio presenter, mentor, and community advocate. A key figure at CHY FM, Nathan has not only mentored young broadcasters but also extended his efforts to assist local seniors in mastering modern technology, helping them stay connected with family and friends.

His passion for fostering intergenerational connections has strengthened bonds across the Coffs Harbour region, showcasing the profound impact one young person can make.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, Scott Cordwell (Aussie Spirit Award winner), Phil McMullen (Citizen of the Year), Barry Powells (Senior Citizen of the Year), City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams, and Nathan Armstrong (Young Citizen of the Year).

Senior Citizen of the Year: Barry Powells

The Senior Citizen of the Year title was awarded to Barry Powells in recognition of his decades-long service to the Coffs Harbour region. A pillar of the community, Barry has dedicated his time to organizations such as the Coffs Harbour Show Society, the NSW Rural Fire Service, and as president of Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare (CHRL).

Under his leadership, CHRL grew to include over 380 volunteers working across 41 environmental restoration sites. Barry’s tireless efforts have not only conserved the natural beauty of the region but also inspired a culture of environmental stewardship.

Aussie Spirit Award: Scott Cordwell

Scott Cordwell was celebrated with the Aussie Spirit Award for his extraordinary contributions to the Eastern Dorrigo Mountain community. Known for his generosity, Scott has been instrumental in organising events such as the 2024 Remembrance Day service in Ulong and arranging the installation of a headstone for a local WW1 veteran.

Beyond commemorations, Scott has shown unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation during the 2019/2020 bushfires, fostered working dogs in need of homes, and even tackled social isolation by offering a free shuttle bus service as a volunteer driver.

Australia Day Activities

The awards ceremony was part of a broader celebration organised by the City of Coffs Harbour, offering a suite of family-friendly activities. Highlights included:

• A free BBQ breakfast at Brelsford Park.
• The popular ‘Big Dig’ treasure hunt at Jetty Beach.
• The year’s first citizenship ceremony, where around 40 individuals from seven different countries officially became Australian citizens.

Mayor Williams emphasised the significance of these events in fostering community spirit and inclusivity: “Australia Day is about celebrating who we are—our diversity, our unity, and the incredible people who make this community so special.”

The 2025 Australia Day Awards showcased the profound impact of local legends who embody the true spirit of community, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

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“Australian lightweight champion from lil ol’ Swan Bay”

By Samantha Elley

Maddog boxing’s Sunny McLean has been going from strength to strength this past year, grabbing titles from each of the events he has been fighting in.

Sunny McLean and his coach, Scott Smith, who runs Maddox Boxing, were recently picked to represent Queensland as the fighter and coach team to compete in the national titles in Gosford.

Sunny won all his elimination bouts and beat the NSW champion in the gold medal fight, to become the newly crowned Australian champion in the lightweight division.

They were surprised with a visit from Jason and Andrew Moloney, world champion professional boxers.

“Every state in Australia was there with all the best fighters and the (Moloney brothers) came to support us, so we felt so special,” said Scott.

“They came to help me prepare Sunny for his last two fights in this event.”

Sunny was competing for Queensland as he already holds the title of QLD/NSW interstate champion.

“His first opponent, the referee stopped the fight in the 3rd round,” said Scott.

“His second opponent was the favourite from Tasmania and Sunny won that fight to go through for the gold medal against the NSW champion.

“Andy (co-trainer) and I worked out a plan to beat him and Sunny did exactly what he was asked and never last control of the situation.

“He is now the Australian lightweight champion from lil ol Swan Bay.”

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Coffs Harbour Bypass Team Invites Community Feedback

The Coffs Harbour Bypass team is once again reaching out to residents, seeking feedback on their community engagement efforts and suggestions for improvement.

Twice a year, the team surveys the community to assess the quality of information, engagement processes, and communication practices. Following feedback from the May 2024 survey, several initiatives were introduced to enhance the project’s accessibility and transparency.

Transport for NSW Regional Director North, Anna Zycki, highlighted the team’s commitment to incorporating community input:

Digital Planning Portal: An innovative tool (soon to be launched) to communicate temporary construction details and final traffic access arrangements.
Online Webinars: Introduced to provide direct access to the project team, explain bypass construction, and update residents on progress.
Take-Home Map: A comprehensive project alignment map featuring design changes, shared paths, and noise walls.
Improved Complaints Management: A refined approach to addressing and resolving community concerns.

“The community provided practical and achievable ideas, and we’re pleased to have implemented many of them,” said Ms. Zycki.
“We now want to hear if further changes are needed to improve our engagement and ensure the best outcomes for the community.”

The current survey is open until midnight, Sunday 1 December, and feedback should focus on the period between July and November 2024.

How to Provide Feedback

Share your views by completing the survey at Coffs Bypass Survey.

For more information about the Coffs Harbour Bypass Project, visit Coffs Harbour Bypass Project.

This project is built for the community, and your input is invaluable in shaping its success.