An exhibition of photos by staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service North Coast Region. Take a look at our national parks from the perspective of the staff who work in them every day. Photos range from gentle nature landscapes and historic heritage buildings to the fiery images taken taken on hazard reduction burns. Free entry.

Infusions restaurant and coffee house, at the top end of Hyde St, is holding the first annual "Mad Hatter" Wearable Art Exibition for the month of July. Hats, Scarves, shawls, paintings, photographs, two original mosaics by jane Davison, and a chair. Truely mad, truely fun.

Wear your favorite hat and come along to the opening for a glass of mulled wine and try on a hat or two. 5pm, Friday 3 July Jo - 66559246 Robin - 66550393

Great jazz with the Roger burke Quartet and Christie Schlenker, with special guest John Hoffman

Commencing with a Yarran Wine Tasting

8pm till late

Preparations for the next NAIDOC festival are well under way, with numerous events and celebrations scheduled across the Coffs Coast.

The traditional week of festivities will be held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The theme for 2009 is  'Honouring Our Elders, Nurturing Our Youth'  and Coffs City Council kicks off the celebrations on Monday 5 July with an indigenous flag-raising ceremony.

'Mr NAIDOC competition at the Coffs Catholic Club on Friday July 10 - Sure to be a fun night.

After a sell-out season in Coff's Harbour, Seacrest Productions will be bringing their production of Shirley Valentine to bellingen on 4 July.

Under the direction of  Tony Wickert this hysterical, yet poignant, play about a working class Liverpudlian housewife has been aplauded by theatre goers in Coff's Harbour. This is a production not to be missed so make sure you book early.

Early ticket price $22:00 or $25:00 at the door

Tickets available at Kakadu Clothing in Bellingen and The Jetty Theatre in Coff's Harbour

Sawtell Chilli Festival - 4 July 2009

The annual Sawtell Chilli Festival is one of the hottest events on the Coffs Coast calendar. Now in its 11th year, the popular Chilli Festival held on Saturday 4 July, is sure to warm up your winter!

The festival brings people of all ages and from far and wide to Sawtell. All are keen to sample the wide range of chilli-related foods and products, take part in fun activities and competitions and be entertained by live music, dancing, cooking demonstrations and other performances.

Sawtell’s iconic main street will be lined on both sides with stalls where you’re sure to find something of your liking – hot and spicy, nice and mild or maybe even something completely different if you’re not that keen on chillies.

Australia’s leading chilli products manufacturers will be coming to town for the festivities, joining regional restaurateurs and manufacturers in putting the international diversity of chilli cuisine on show.

The festival is also just an incredibly fun day out for the whole family. There will be street theatre, rides for the kids, face painting, music and dancing and, of course, the famous Annual Chilli Eating Competition, which is scheduled to start at 1.30pm.

Can’t get enough of the hot stuff? Come along and sign up to have a go in the chilli eating competition. To everyone else, this will be the most entertaining event you’ve seen in a while, so make sure you’re there to support the competitors.

The festival takes place between 10am and 4pm in First Avenue, which is known for its beautiful old fig trees and its variety of al fresco cafés and restaurants. Sawtell is just a ten-minute drive or 45-minute bike ride from Coffs Harbour.

For further information about the event, visit the festival website. For more information about other Coffs Coast events, attractions and accommodation, please contact the friendly staff at the Visitor Information Centre on 1300 369 070 or email them at tourism@coffscoast.com.au

South Solitary Island Lighthouse tours by helicopter - 4-12 July 2009

In July, there’s a rare opportunity for you to fly by helicopter to South Solitary Island and enjoy a guided tour of the island, the lighthouse and other deserted buildings before flying back.

National Parks & Wildlife Services and Precision Helicopters are offering a limited number of these special tours on 4-6 July and 10-12 July.

Get a birds-eye view today with some amazing video footage of South Solitary Island, the lighthouse and deserted buildings on the island.

Be transported to the island by helicopter while taking in the breathtaking views over Coffs Harbour, the marina, the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. You may even see migrating whales coming up for a breath and a splash.

After landing on South Solitary Island, which lies 18km northeast of Coffs Harbour, National Parks and Wildlife Services rangers will take you on a fully guided interpretive tour of the island, lighthouse, lighthouse keeper’s living quarters and school-house, before your return flight to Coffs.

Built in 1880, the remote South Solitary Lighthouse first began operation with its keepers using kerosene to fuel the light. The lighthouse was demanned permanently when it was converted to electricity in 1975.

Although lighthouse keepers and their families were used to living in remote locations, even they regarded South Solitary Island as the most isolated place in New South Wales.

In the early days, supplies arrived by steamer from Sydney every fortnight and eventually weekly supplies were launched from Coffs Harbour, weather permitting. Due to the steep slope of the island, everything including supplies and people had to be taken off the launch in a basket lowered by a crane from the landing stage.

In 1974, just before the lighthouse keepers were permanently withdrawn, the flagpole was removed and a square concrete pad was laid as a helicopter landing place. Today, the island is only accessible via helicopter for the purposes of maintenance.

There are two tour options available;

• 1 hour tour includes return helicopter flights, 1 hour interpretive guided tour by NPWS Rangers. Cost is $250.00
• 2 hour Premium Tour - includes return helicopter flights, 1 hour interpretive guided tour by NPWS Rangers, gourmet lunch with wine/soft drinks. Cost is $490.00

Bookings are essential as spaces are strictly limited. Group bookings available.

To book or for enquiries, contact Coffs Coast Visitor Information Centre on 1300 369 070 or visit the Precision Helicopters website

Presented by Dorrigo Dramatic Club. Performances 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th July. Bookings: 6657 1002, Hickory Wholefoods

Directed by Julie Fuad and featuring Cath Beynon. 10th - 11th July 7.30pm - tickets at Bellingen Gelato Bar.

Sydney’s hottest men explode onto the stage in a brand new show at Diggers Tavern Bellingen Australia’s hottest show, the Sydney Hotshots, are back and bigger than ever! This year they are turning up the heat with all new guys and all new routines, sure to take your breath away! Featuring athletic, energetic, acrobatic and downright sexy Aussie blokes, this hand selection of Australia’s most gorgeous guys will take you into a night of fun and fantasy. Grab a group of girls and see Sydney’s Hottest – Diggers Tavern Bellingen - Saturday 11 July, show starts at 8.30pm. Tickets $30 per head, available from the venue. Be quick as only 100 will be sold! Tickets also available from the organiser - Darlene on 0411428731

The Australian girls choir that was so well known for the Qantas Airlines television advertising campaigns “Spirit of Australia’ are performing a free concert at The Big Banana! Enquiries 6652 4355

A forum for organisers or community, cultural & commercial events in Bellingen Shire. Tuesday 21 july, 9am - 11am Details call Laurie Kane 6655 1522

Sarah Blasko Announces Intimate Shows: ARIA-award winning artist Sarah Blasko is set to release her highly anticipated third album ‘As Day Follows Night’ in July, with her first major engagement set down for one of the headlining slots at Splendour In The Grass Festival in Byron Bay.

En route, Sarah will perform two very intimate shows, returning to a region that has long been one of the favoured stops on her touring schedule – Bellingen and Lismore on the north coast of NSW. Recreating the sounds of the new record with core members of her touring band, Sarah will also introduce new textures to the ensemble, including strings and percussion to augment the line up. Joining Sarah on both nights will be Jack Ladder. Thursday 23rd July Bellingen Memorial Hall  Concert starts 8pm. TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Creating a vision and path towards Bellingen’s Sustainable Business Future. The 2020 Vision Forum will challenge participants to define a vision for Bellingen to become a global leader in sustainable business practices.
This forum will showcase some of our local innovative leaders in business sustainability to inspire us to follow these initiatives. Sustainability should be part of every business - we’re asking you to start Friday 24th July with 2 hours and a $10 donation dedicated to this important task!
DATE/TIME: FRIDAY 24th JULY 2009 8.30am to 10.30am VENUE: Bellingen Memorial Hall

ROLL UP! Bellingen's Community Markets are one of the largest regional markets in Australia with 250 exciting diverse stalls. As well as the wide and diverse range of goods available, Bellingen's Community Markets offers a selection of food stalls, live music, buskers and entertainment for the kids including pony and cart rides, jumping castle, candle making and face painting making it an ideal day out for the whole family. Bellingen Markets - Not just a marketplace but a great place to be! 02 6655 2151

Art, craft and the freshest produce on the plateau - Dorrigo Showgrounds

A friendly place to find a range of organic and locally grown foods, seedlings, alternative medicines, massage, as well as the Cafe of Earthly Delights. Bellingen Showgrounds from 8am - 1pm

Performers of all shapes and sizes pour out of the woodwork for this fortnightly open mic night. There's no questioning the range of talent around Bellingen - you might be inspired to add your voice. Ph. 6655 1003