🟡 That's a funny spot for a koala
Including: a little bit of local history, a necessary emergency centre relocation, and peculiar koala sighting.
Ellie Chamberlain
October 10, 2025
⏱️ The 69th edition of our newsletter is a five-minute read.
🙋♀️ Hi there, it’s Ellie here – your reporter for the Mid North Coaster.
🥳 Welcome to all 15,100+ of you subscribing to these newsletters! Thanks so much for following along and I hope you’re enjoying the content.
Remember, if you ever want to get in touch, simply reply to this email.
What’s everyone up to this weekend? On Sunday I’ll have a stall at Sherwood Markets in Kempsey Shire – they only happen three times a year. If you haven’t been to Sherwood before, it’s beautiful country. Stunning farmland, a little yellow church, a fresh water swimming spot near the bridge, and the classic hall where the markets are held.
Markets on this Sunday, Oct 12, at Sherwood Hall. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361171418077513/
If you want to pop by, it starts at 8am and runs until about 1pm. There will be live music and food, as well as secondhand clothes, books and art for sale.
Speaking of markets, I’ve updated my Farmers and Community Markets list with a couple of extras. Take a look ⬇️
As promised, I posted the answer to my most recent “Where is this on the Mid North Coast?” video on Wednesday. In case you missed it…
Did you get it right? Keep an eye out for my next quiz.
Today’s feature video is a follow on from the Monument Hill Walking Track footage, with a little bit of Trial Bay Gaol History. I’ll pop it below.
🗞️ But first, let’s take a look at a local council story…
Emergency centre set to re-locate away from flood zone
When access to an emergency centre is cut off during a flood something’s got to give.
The Nambucca Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) shares a site on Kelly Close in Macksville with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Services (SES). It is two streets back from the river.
During floods in May, access was cut off, with East Macksville inundated with floodwater.
In a September Nambucca Valley Council meeting, councillors approved a recommendation – submitted by David Moloney, Director Engineering Services – to co-locate the NEOC with Marine Rescue NSW on Crown Land in Mann Street, Nambucca Heads.
🗞️ What’s next? There will be more on this story to be published today. Keep an eye on our website, Instagram and Facebook page.
📹 Local History
I grew up in South West Rocks and recently realised I wasn’t totally clear on who built the gaol and what is was used for. Here’s what I discovered:
🐨 That’s a funny spot for a koala
A friend of mine sent these photos to me on Thursday. She’d just spotted a koala at Horseshoe Bay in South West Rocks.
I grew up in SWR, and I’ve seen koalas around, especially in Arakoon National Park, but never at this popular beach spot – or anywhere that close to town.
I also wonder what species of tree this koala is sitting in. Do you know?…
Thanks for reading and watching! I’ll be back in your inbox next week.
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👋 Have a lovely weekend,
Ellie