F-35A LIGHTNING II AIRCRAFT TO FAREWELL COFFS HARBOUR AIRPORT AFTER COMPLETING REPAIRS

A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft will return to RAAF Base Williamtown following a short stay at Coffs Harbour Airport whilst undergoing repairs following a diversion.

The aircraft was participating in a Royal Australian Air Force training activity over the ocean off the NSW coast when it diverted to Coffs Harbour airport following an in-flight technical issue.

RAAF technicians have conducted repair works at the airport to ensure the aircraft was serviceable as soon as possible.

Residents are advised that an engine-run will be conducted at 2pm prior to the aircraft’s departure to ensure it is safe to return home to RAAF Base Williamtown.

Elevated noise levels will be associated with the engine-run activity, which is required prior to confirming the aircraft’s readiness for departure.

Strict security protocols are in place to safeguard the F-35A Lightning II aircraft whilst undergoing repairs.

The Royal Australian Air Force would like to thank Coffs Harbour Airport for their hospitality, and the local community for their ongoing support.

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Six charged following OMCG drug supply investigation – Coffs/Clarence PD

Six men have been charged with a combined 124 offences following an investigation into drug supply in the state’s north.

Strike Force Showview was established by Coffs/Clarence Police District in May 2023 to investigate an alleged drug ring operating across the north coast with significant Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) links.

Following extensive inquiries, Coffs Harbour Firearm and Drug Unit – assisted by Raptor North, Mid North Coast Police District, Coffs Harbour Region Enforcement Squad and the NSWPF Dog Unit – executed three search warrants across the Coffs Clarence and Mid North Coast Police Districts yesterday (Thursday 14 March 2024).

During the searches, police allegedly located and seized a range of drug and drug paraphernalia items including cocaine with an estimated potential street value of over $24,000, methylamphetamine, cannabis and cannabis seeds, prohibited weapons, fireworks, and $11,700 cash.

Police arrested six men who were all taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.

A 31-year-old man was charged with 43 counts of supply prohibited drug, three counts of deal with property proceeds of crime, three counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, two counts of supply firearm to person unauthorised to possess it, use unauthorised firearm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s), and aggravated enter dwelling with intent – inflict ABH.
A 73-year-old man was charged with 27 counts of supply prohibited drug, seven counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, two counts of deal with property proceeds of crime, and affray.
A 33-year-old man was charged with eight counts of supply prohibited drug, three counts of recklessly deal with proceeds of crime, three counts of possess prohibited drug, and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction.
A 31-year-old man was charged with six counts of supply prohibited drug, two counts of take part supply prohibited drug, deal with property proceeds of crime, supply firearm to person unauthorised to possess it, and aggravated enter dwelling with intent- inflict ABH.
A 65-year-old man was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, and possess prohibited drug.
A 29-year-old man was charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime, and supply prohibited drug.
All six were refused bail to appear before Coffs Harbour Local Court today (Friday 15 March 2024).

Hold a garage sale this Second Hand Saturday!

ADVITORIAL

Second Hand Saturday – the North Coast’s biggest day of garage sales is back again and registrations to hold a garage sale are now open.

Over this month, Northern Rivers Council’s together with North East Waste, are hosting a series of free workshops for Buy Nothing New Month, to encourage reuse and repair over landfill. This year, Second Hand Saturday will conclude these celebrations and be held on one date only – Saturday 4 November.

Linda Tohver from North East Waste is inviting people to get involved in this year’s event, held across the Council areas of Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Lismore and the Clarence Valley.

“With millions of tonnes of waste being sent to landfill by Australian households every year, the humble garage sale is one of the easiest ways we can reduce the amount of ‘stuff’ ending up in landfill,” Linda said.

Selling pre-loved goods and buying second hand is a great way to keep items circulating within our community, especially when many of us are looking at options to reduce the cost of living.”

Second Hand Saturday Poster

Residents who register for Second Hand Saturday will once again have the option of holding their own garage sale, or to organise a joint sale with family and friends.

“We always encourage people to join forces with their local community to attract more attention – get your neighbours involved and hold a street sale, run a fundraiser or collate your efforts at your local club, school or church.  That’s just one of our tips for the day to get the crowds to your sale!” Linda said.

This year all registered garage sale addresses will appear in local newspapers, with full details listed on the Second Hand Saturday website. All you need to do is register online at www.secondhandsaturday.com.au before 25 October to ensure your address will be printed in your local newspaper. Alternatively, as listings go live after the registration process is complete, you can still register up until the 3 November, for a web-only listing.

For more information, visit the Second Hand Saturday website www.secondhandsaturday.com.au, follow the mysecondhandsaturday Facebook page or contact your local Council.

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