Rainbow Coffs Harbour was created to bring connection, visibility, and support to the LGBTQIA+ community in our region. Anyone can find our group but you must be approved to join it. To join it, you must agree to the rules. There are NO exceptions to this.
In a regional area like Coffs Harbour, it’s easy for people to feel isolated or unseen. There are fewer dedicated spaces and opportunities to connect, which can make it harder to find a sense of belonging. Rainbow Coffs Harbour was started to change that — to create a safe, welcoming community where people can come together, be themselves, and know they are not alone.
We are an INCLUSIVE group, who meet for drinks, dinners, picnics, bowling, bowls, and other social functions as requested by its members. In addition to these social functions, we also co-host podcasts and other community awareness initiatives to support our community.
We exist to build connection through events, advocacy, and community support. From pride walks to social gatherings, every initiative is about creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and respected.
At its heart, Rainbow Coffs Harbour is about visibility and belonging. It sends a clear message: everyone is welcome here, and everyone deserves to feel proud of who they are.
Robyn Dever (she/her)
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Founded Rainbow Coffs Harbour in 2012 with her wife and another local gay couple. In the decade since then Robyn has become a pivotal figure in offering a safe and empowering space for the LGBTQIA+ people in the region, fostering a community that now boasts over 1200 members on Facebook. With a background in sexual health and nursing, Robyn worked at a HIV clinic in the 80s and recalls some of the horrors of that period which she says had an profound effect on her. She saw lots of patients coming into the clinic wearing dark hats and hoodies and witnessed their embarrassment and shame and swore she never wanted to see that again.
Away from Rainbow Coffs Harbour, Robyn enjoys gardening, pickleball, bike riding, caravaning and is an avid West Tigers supporter in the NRL.
Chai Woodland (he/him)
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Artist, Graphic Designer & Rainbow Coffs Harbour Volunteer.
Hello
I’m the one behind the poster design and a lot of the website!
I’m also the creator and host of a Paint and Sip community fund-raiser for our Pride Walk. This is at the Nyami Gawbarri Cultural centre in Toormina @ 6pm on June 6th. For more info, and to buy tickets click on this link… https://cupofchaiart.myshopify.com/products/paint-sip-pride-walk-community-fundraiser
Jamie Schwartz (he/him)
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Hi, I’m a moderator on the RCH Facebook page and also assist in the LGBTQIA+ Directory. I moved up to the area just over 12 years ago and love it. I love my hobby. As well as helping Robyn run the RCH Facebook page, I’m a paranormal investigator and have been for 13 years, I also run a paranormal team in the Coffs area called “Coffs Coast Paranormal Research (CCPR)”.
I also do a lot of local community work in the area I live.
Jamie is actually the principle person behind our LGBTQIA+ Business Directory – he does all the updating, all the creating, and all the hard work!!
You can find our directory on one of these pages.
If you would like to add to this directory, just let Jamie or Robyn know via messenger or [email protected].
Emma Watson (She/her & an integral ally)
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Emma is an arts and cultural leader, creative practitioner, and President of Live Theatre Inc., with over 20 years of experience in community arts and involvement in more than 45 theatre productions. With a strong foundation in leadership, governance, and program delivery, she brings a practical, hands-on approach to directing, producing, and building inclusive creative initiatives.
She is passionate about the power of the arts to connect people, Emma works across theatre, heritage, and cultural programs to foster inclusion, learning, and vibrant community engagement. This work spans collaborations with libraries, museums, and galleries, where they support teams and communities to bring meaningful, locally driven projects to life.
Recent work includes leading the production of Jane Eyre at the Jetty Theatre (2026), developing the community heritage project Lived Here at Coffs Harbour Historical Cemetery, and serving as President of Live Theatre Inc. Since stepping into this role, Emma focuses on creating opportunities for diverse voices, supporting local artists, and expanding access to creative expression across the region.
Emma and Live Theatre Inc are hosting our Rainbow Coffs Harbour Pride Walk for 2026.
Rainbow Coffs Harbour Bank Account (She/her)
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We also have a 2nd signatory on Rainbow Coffs Harbour’s bank account who prefers to remain incognito, so this is Molly (our child)
Belinda Dowling (She/her) – Rainbo Fishos
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Hi – welcome to the page. My gorgeous wife and I moved to Coffs Harbour in late 2023 from the Blue Mountains as a pre-retirement plan.
We both work in health which of course was how we met.
We had already heard about the wonderful group Rainbow Coffs Harbour (RCH) from friends who had already moved here. So we were very thrilled to go to our first monthly RCH drinks at the Golden Dog – everyone was so welcoming, made new friends and reconnected with a few that we hadn’t seen for a while.
Soon discovered too, that I was not the only member of the group who liked fishing – and thus the Rainbo Fishos was born.
Have also discovered power tool envy – so maybe making stuff is on the horizon!!??
Have joined in lots of various social get together which is always fun.
We were so proud to be part of the inaugural Pride Walk and plan to be out and proud at all subsequent walks too!!
I love this group, it truly is inclusive and supportive.
Robyn Dever (She/her) – Rainbow Picklers (Pickleball)
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Nothing more to say here that hasn’t already been said, except that it’s a great sport, and you should give it a go…
Jack Ellis – Rainbow Campers
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Retired from a career in mechanical engineering.
Celebrating 40 years in Australia having moved here from Zambia and South Africa.
Happily married to my partner Kiet.
I love bush walking, camping and travelling.
I love Thai and Indian food and anything with a lot of chilli.
Thomas Singleton (He/him) – Solitary Technology
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A special mention and thanks to Thomas Singleton of Solitary Technology for providing the website hosting and domain name for Rainbow Coffs Harbour free of charge…