THE world is his stage but it's fairly obvious where Russell Crowe's heart is.

The Oscar-winning actor and part-time Nana Glen grazier left Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight speechless this week when he handed her a cheque to cover the cost of installing a disability hoist at the Coffs Harbour War Memorial Pool.

In Wednesday's Advocate we reported on the need for the hoist, and also on the fact it was unlikely its $40,000 price tag would be raised from Council's budget for at least two years.

That's when Russell stepped in.

Russell rang the head of Council's Economic Development Unit, Jenny Oloman, and invited her to bring the mayor to his farm on Wednesday afternoon for a catch-up.

Cr Knight told Thursday night's meeting she was stunned when she opened an envelope he'd handed her to find a cheque for $40,000.

"I just want to acknowledge the generosity of Russell Crowe and, on behalf of the community, thank him very much," Cr Knight said.

"I've been excited all day and couldn't tell anyone."

Of course it's not the first time the Crowe family have dipped their toes into the deep end to support the community.

They notably funded the building of the pool at the Nana Glen Public School in 2007.

Local disability advocate Robert Manwaring was also left astounded by news of the generous gift.

"Russell's heart is obviously in the right place and he's been a great supporter of his community here,.It's just amazing."