Valley turned it on for Sunrise
Published on 19 March 2026
This morning’s live broadcast of channel Seven’s Sunrise Breakfast program was a hit with about 70 locals attending the very first live cross at 5.45am.
Nambucca Valley Council worked with the Sunrise team to organise today’s live cross at the Nambucca Heads V-wall to showcase the valley and the many unique experiences visitors can enjoy.
Council’s Manager Economic Development and Tourism, Jan Rooney, said the morning was a success thanks to the valley residents and businesses who came out to support the event.
“When I asked Sunrise weatherman, Sam Mac, what he liked best about the Nambucca Valley he said it was the local characters he met today,” she said.
“The V-Wall Pavilion generously provided free bacon and egg rolls to help pull in an early morning crowd.
“Fifteen-year-old local vocalist, Violette Hyland, performed live on air to an audience of over one million viewers, artist Ian Moule painted a new rock along the V-wall and we had imaginative performances by Encore Studio’s rovers.
“We proudly showed off many of our local business people and agricultural products and it was a great success.”
The Seven’s Sunrise Breakfast program featured Nambucca Valley businesses themed around our river and fertile valley. Nambucca Macnuts General Manager, Shaun Tholen, had a nut cracking competition with Sam, and Antoine and Paul from Nambucca Oyster Company shucked Sam some oysters.
Two of the valley’s most well-known stylists and business women, Wendy Campbell of Wendy's Coiffure and Kay Harkness of In Touch Boutique, were interviewed and shared their insights on style and why they have remained successful in business for over many decades.
Beautiful couple, Stan and Nora McRae, took their usual walk along the V-wall and shared with Sam what has kept them happily married for 73 years.
Mr Tholen said it was amazing to have received the opportunity to showcase organic macadamia nuts to a national audience of over one million people.
“It was fantastic to have the Sunrise team visit the Nambucca Valley,” he said.
“There were so many locals that came out to, so I was really happy with the turn out. It was a truly fun community activity.”