1.1 Introducing our Community 

Harrington and Crowdy Head are seaside villages on the mid-north coast of New South Wales where the Biripi People are the traditional custodians of the land. 

Timber-getting, fishing and dairy farming were all important industries in the early days of European settlement. Today, the area is a popular retirement and holiday destination. Dairy farming and oyster growing are still significant industries in the local area but the majority of employment is now in aged care, health care and other social services sectors.

Situated at the northern entrance of the Manning River, Harrington was the site of a major shipbuilding enterprise from 1846-1878. The town was established in 1853 and has grown to a population in excess of 3200 people. Crowdy Head, which has a permanent population of less than 100 people is just 7km north-east of Harrington. It once hosted a substantial commercial fishing fleet and is home to the historic Crowdy Head Lighthouse.

The district population can swell to over 5000 people in peak holiday times.

The nearest larger centres to the south are Taree (30 minutes by road) and Foster/Tuncurry (45 minutes). To the north are Laurieton (40 minutes) and Port Macquarie (55 minutes).