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.

Mental Health Service Boost in Coffs Harbour with Opening of Medicare Mental Health Centre

Communities in and around Coffs Harbour will soon benefit from increased mental health support with the opening of a Medicare Mental Health Centre in late June. Healthy North Coast, which delivers the North Coast Primary Health Network program on behalf of the Australian Government, announced today the selection of local not-for-profit organisation Open Minds as the service provider for the new centre.

Monika Wheeler, CEO of Healthy North Coast, emphasised the importance of accessible mental health services. “It is estimated that 43% of Australians will experience mental health distress at some point in their lives. It is vitally important we have a range of mental health services that are easily accessed in times of need,” she stated.

The new centre will offer free, walk-in mental health services with no appointments or referrals necessary. This model is designed to provide immediate and tailored support to individuals in need. Wheeler highlighted the success of a similar initiative: “Our Lismore Centre, also run by Open Minds, opened in 2022 and has delivered over 9,000 sessions and supported more than 1,000 people. We’re confident that the Coffs Harbour Centre will be a welcome addition for residents looking for a tailored experience and connection to the right support for them and their circumstances, which are different for everyone.”

Rik Barker, General Manager of Integrated Mental Health Services (NSW) at Open Minds, welcomed the announcement. “We look forward to opening the doors in Coffs and delivering a quality mental health service, improving the wellbeing of people on the Mid North Coast,” he said.

Key Features of the New Centre

• Staffing: The centre will be staffed by mental health and allied health professionals available to visitors based on their level of need. There will also be a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, in partnership with Galambila Aboriginal Health Service.
• Location and Hours: The centre will be co-located with the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre in Block B of the Community Village, 22 Earl Street, Coffs Harbour. Initial hours of operation will be 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, with provisions for targeted/appointment-based services for up to four hours on Saturdays.
• Accessibility: Residents can visit the centre without prior appointments, and services are free of charge.

Wheeler explained the community’s enthusiastic response to the new centre, noting its welcoming space and easy accessibility. She also encouraged those unable to visit in person to utilize the free Head to Health service by calling 1800 595 212 for phone-based support.

Additional Information

• Crisis Services: The Medicare Mental Health Centres are not intended for crisis or emergency services. For urgent support, individuals should contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or the Mental Health Access Line at 1800 011 511. For immediate help or if at risk of harm, calling 000 is advised.

For more information and updates, visit here.

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LOCAL CONCRETE GIRDERS MAKE THEIR WAY UP THE HIGHWAY FOR BYPASS

The Coffs Coast community will soon see locally-produced concrete girders making the trip from Macksville to Coffs Harbour where they will form part of 15 of the 17 bridges on the Coffs Harbour Bypass alignment.

Transport for NSW Director Region North Anna Zycki said the project team is working with Australian Precast Solutions, which is casting the massive 260 Super T girders, which measure from 18 metres to 35 metres long and weigh up to 90 tonnes.

“This demonstrates our commitment to investing in local businesses and local jobs,” Ms Zycki said.

“The ongoing program of work from the Coffs Harbour Bypass has ensured longevity for the 65 staff already employed at the precast yard, with further opportunities for an additional ten casuals in the future.”

Ms Zycki also said the girder movements will cause occasional delays for some road users and urged motorists to be extra mindful when sharing the road with these oversize loads.

“Each girder is classified as an Over Size, Over Mass (OSOM) load and will be escorted to site with a pilot vehicle,” Ms Zycki said.

“To minimise impacts, only approved heavy vehicle haulage routes will be used and deliveries will be made during off-peak periods, where possible.

“When driving near these vehicles, be mindful that they take up more space and are unable to stop quickly. Please remember to ACT – be aware, use caution and allow more time to get to your destination,” Ms Zycki said.

Doug Nimmo, Precast Superintendent from Australian Precast Solutions said the bypass is providing a great boost for local companies.

“We’ve worked with Transport for NSW for many years, helping deliver structural elements for the Pacific Highway duplication including for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade a few years ago,” Mr Nimmo said.

“We’re pleased they keep coming back to us and we’re delighted to be part of the team that’s bringing the long-awaited bypass to Coffs Harbour.”

The Australian and NSW Government are funding the 14 kilometre Coffs Harbour Bypass. When complete, the project will save motorists 12 minutes travel time, bypass up to 12 sets of traffic lights and remove thousands of vehicles from the Coffs Harbour CBD.

More information about the bypass is available here.

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