Building a better future for RFS Brigade Volunteers
A new Clarence Valley control centre headlines a $34.5 million push to strengthen bushfire response on the NSW north coast.
Further school transport changes during Waterfall Way closure
Transport for NSW will add interim bus services from Monday to support students affected by the Waterfall Way closure.
Sharpes Beach Precinct upgrade now open to community
A $2.35 million upgrade to the Sharpes Beach precinct has improved access, safety and facilities at the popular coastal site.
Local News
Barnaby wants people to drink more in pubs
As the Albanese government moved to freeze increases to the beer excise for the first time in 40 years, Barnaby Joyce argued that the excise should be scrapped completely to “save” regional pubs.
Kempsey Council calls for stronger support to address antisocial behaviour
Kempsey Shire Council is calling on the NSW Government for urgent support to address escalating antisocial behaviour in the CBD.
Greyhound racing halted in Taree
Greyhound Racing NSW has been forced to suddenly halt the commencement of 400m racing at Taree’s racetrack following the intervention from the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission.
ArtWalk 2026 to light up Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie’s flagship community event is set to return, with organisers promising a larger and more ambitious program for 2026.
Incredible LEGO® exhibition coming to Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour will be the first regional centre to host an astounding LEGO® exhibition by LEGO® Masters Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler.
What's On
Jetty Memorial Theatre’s cast call for comedy, Don Lane and Dolly
The City of Coffs Harbour’s renowned Jetty Memorial Theatre (JMT) has released a blockbuster 2026 program featuring an international comedy festival, a show biz tribute to the ‘lanky Yank’ Don Lane and Dolly Parton’s smash hit 9 to 5 musical.
Show ‘N’ Shine car show revs up in Ballina
For the third year running, Ballina will host the North Coast Show and Shine, a community motor show that celebrates some of the country’s finest classic cars, utes and motorbikes.
Australia Day Festival Celebrations on the North Coast
From lakeside concerts and historic sailing regattas to grassroots community breakfasts and citizenship ceremonies, the North Coast of New South Wales will come alive this Australia Day long weekend with a diverse program of celebrations stretching across the region.
AEMO releases draft roadmap for national energy transition for consultation
AEMO’s Draft 2026 ISP is open for consultation until 13 February 2026 and will be finalised by June 2026.
Lifestyle
Unleash epic adventures with the X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra from Tow World
Whether you’re chasing rugged trails, beachside sunsets, or mountainside campfires, the Tow World X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra is your ticket to a life lived outside the ordinary. Designed for families and intrepid explorers alike, the X Terra takes the best of caravan comfort and combines it with robust off-road capability — all…
Rethinking farming at Wilmot Field Day
Wilmot Field Day has become a fixture on the agricultural calendar for producers looking for practical insight, honest conversation and a deeper understanding of how farming systems are evolving.
Clarence fishers demand answers as Minister remains silent on White Spot fallout
Angry Clarence River commercial fishers rally amid growing frustration on the future of the industry following the prolonged White Spot outbreak biosecurity restrictions.
Environment
Armidale: The story that doesn’t fit the stereotype
New England is often seen as sceptical of climate change, but Armidale has a rich history of caring for the environment dating back over half a century. Read part 1 of our special investigation.
Blue-green algae Red Alert for Toonumbar Dam
WaterNSW has issued a Red Alert warning for high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae for Toonumbar Dam, about 30 km west of Kyogle.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Take a break from the heat and upgrade to an X Series Signature
It has been another uncomfortably hot Tamworth Country Music Festival, and with another heat wave on the way, it is worth asking yourself: is it time to get out of the heat?
The Grove Yamba: Coastal Living Elevated to a New Standard
Discover The Grove Yamba, a boutique collection of 14 luxury villas that blend timeless design with coastal serenity. Just a short stroll from town, it’s a rare chance to own in this…
HEALTH
Grafton hospital redevelopment hits early works milestone
The $263.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital has progressed to early works, with changed traffic conditions now in place on Arthur Street to allow for the construction of a new pedestrian crossing.
EDUCATION
Interim school bus services announced for Dorrigo students
Transport for NSW has announced alternative travel arrangements for students impacted by the Waterfall Way closure, with a phased introduction of minibus services beginning Monday, 9 February.
POLITICS
Victim relief as key sentencing test to be abolished
People convicted of a crime will no longer receive lesser sentences because they are of “good character” in a seismic change to deliver more justice to victims.
INDIGENOUS
First ever plan to deal with violence against Indigenous women and children
Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek has launched Australia’s first standalone national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.
CRIME
Teenager charged over alleged break ins, pursuit in Kempsey
A teenage boy will face court following an investigation into armed break and enters in Kempsey, South West Rocks, Bonville, and Port Macquarie, as well as an alleged pursuit involving the ramming of a police vehicle.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Opinion: Hey Angus, we’re the problem
RK Crosby says Angus Taylor is very wrong in pointing the finger at immigrants for the hate and violence... it's coming from Australians. The post Opinion: Hey Angus, we’re the problem appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Good News
Mount Warning/Wollumbin finally set to reopen
The long-awaited reopening of Mount Warning/Wollumbin is finally a step closer, with the iconic track set to reopen in July 2027 after years of closure.
NSW recyclers return record 15 billion containers
NSW residents have returned a record 15 billion bottles, cans and cartons through the Return and Earn scheme, delivering $1.5 billion in refunds, but access on the North Coast remains uneven.
Track upgrade powers ahead for Clarence Valley BMX riders
Clarence Valley’s BMX community is gearing up for a faster, safer future thanks to $19,250 to resurface the track at the Clarence Valley BMX Club.
Creating new koala habitat in Coffs Harbour
Koala sightings could soon become much more common in the Coffs Harbour area thanks to an initiative that will provide a new home for the furry Aussie icon.