NEW South Wales children have just gone back to school after what could only be described as a bumper Easter Holiday season in the Myall.

Hundreds of tourists flocked to the towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest taking advantage of the perfect autumn sunshine, the beach and river.

Local businesses reported bumper sales while many community groups held garage sales and trash and treasure market stalls to take advantage of the tourist dollar.

The Myall Koala and Environment Group set up a stall and raffle outside Hugo’s Newsagency in Hawks Nest to raise funds for a number of projects.

“We’re trying to get more done down at the Singing bridge where the Koalas cross because we’ve lost so many in the last few years,” Jill Madden told News Of The Area.

“We’ve got the Koala sign going, so now we’re looking at doing some writing on the road, possibly a Koala shape and also an interactive sign for the other side of the road,”

‘’We’ve also got a plan to do a walk around the town, it would be great for tourists and for the locals.’’

At the Grange Village, local residents held their annual Trash and Treasure but with a twist this year.

A special Charity stall was set up to raise money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

The Grange’s Craft Group was also busy selling raffle tickets for three Mother’s Day Gift hampers.

“Ladies from our craft group have done all the embroidery and made the blankets,” Grange resident Lynda Curran said.

“It took three months because it’s all hand done.”

The raffle will be drawn on Saturday 6 May at the Craft Group’s bi-monthly morning tea.

All proceeds will go to the Tea Gardens Primary School Breakfast Club.

By Margie TIERNEY