Local MP leads push to rewrite sex discrimination laws after trans rights ruling
Lyne MP Alison Penfold will introduce a private member’s bill seeking to redefine sex as biological and binary after the Federal Court upheld discrimination findings in the landmark Giggle v Tickle case.
One year on: Mid North Coast reflects on floods, resilience and recovery
Tomorrow marks one year since the severe weather event that devastated communities across the Mid North Coast, leaving homes inundated, businesses destroyed, and thousands of residents cut off by floodwaters in what has been described as one of the region’s most significant natural disasters in living memory.
Work begins on 46km Dorrigo Great Escarpment Walk
Work has officially started on the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk, with the project tipped to create 270 jobs and attract thousands more visitors to the region.
Flood warnings issued as heavy rain lashes North Coast
Residents across the North Coast are being warned to prepare for possible flash flooding and minor river rises as widespread rainfall moves across northeastern New South Wales.
Local News
Macksville Bridge to shine yellow for National Road Safety Week
The old Macksville Bridge is lighting up yellow this week as Nambucca Valley backs the National Road Safety Week message: Drive So Others Survive.
Final call for nominations in Coffs Harbour First Nations awards
Nominations are closing soon for the 2026 Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Awards celebrating First Nations leaders across the Coffs Harbour region.
“Defund Regional Australia”: North Coast MPs respond to the Budget
North Coast MPs have slammed the Federal Budget as a “bloodbath” for regional Australia, warning cuts to infrastructure, communications, water and health funding will leave regional communities behind.
Whether you are a traditional tradie, like a mechanic, builder, plumber, or electrician, a trade that doesn’t always come immediately to mind like hairdresser, counsellor, or graphic designer, a service business like a cleaner, book keeper, or personal trainer, or perhaps a professional service, like accountant, lawyer, or consultant, we want to highlight your great work.
Local plastering legend lives on
A new Inverell business is carrying on the legacy of a well-known local tradesman, with a team determined to continue the standards and workmanship he became known for.
One dead, three injured in Coffs crash
A woman has died and three other people have been injured after a car crashed into a power pole north-west of Coffs Harbour overnight.
NSW communities help shape next road safety plan ahead of National Road Safety Week 2026
NSW has begun statewide consultations on a new road safety plan as the 2026 road toll reaches 119 deaths.
What's On
Macksville Bridge to shine yellow for National Road Safety Week
The old Macksville Bridge is lighting up yellow this week as Nambucca Valley backs the National Road Safety Week message: Drive So Others Survive.
Final call for nominations in Coffs Harbour First Nations awards
Nominations are closing soon for the 2026 Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Awards celebrating First Nations leaders across the Coffs Harbour region.
Your year to volunteer: North Coast communities give back
As communities across the North Coast prepare to celebrate National Volunteer Week, local organisations are shining a light on the many people quietly giving their time to support others, care for the environment and strengthen community connections.
Nominate now! We are looking for local trades and services businesses – from micro-businesses to major companies – to feature in our “Trades you can Trust” series.
Lifestyle
Grom trio go back-to-back at Surf Reflections Junior Series
Alanni Morris, Max Goold and Hugo Spierings have claimed back-to-back wins at the Surf Reflections Junior Series at Hungry Head.
Books, brains and big personalities to hit screens at Yarrila Place
Coffs Harbour will host live-streamed sessions from the Sydney Writers’ Festival at Yarrila Place from 21–24 May.
Clarence Harvest Celebration Returns bigger than ever
The sights, sounds and traditions of the Clarence Valley will once again take centre stage as the Clarence Harvest Celebration returns for another huge weekend of community celebration, honouring the industries and people that helped shape the region.
Watchdog seeks big penalty after Coles goes ‘Down Down’
The consumer watchdog will be seeking a “significant penalty” to act as a deterrent to Coles and others, after a court found the supermarket misled shoppers.
Environment
State government expands support for communities affected by GKNP timber moratorium
Expanded NSW support aims to help North Coast businesses, workers and communities transition through Koala National Park changes
Film screening to spark dingo debate in the Northern Rivers
A community conversation around one of Australia’s most misunderstood animals is set to take centre stage in the Northern Rivers this month, with Defend the Wild hosting a special screening event at the Brunswick Picture House on May 17.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Restoring the Past, Reimagining the Future at Jolly Good Emporium
Behind the doors of 168–170 Beardy Street, a 150-year-old building is being lovingly restored and reimagined, not simply as an antiques store, but as a heritage-inspired space where history, craftsmanship and community…
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…
HEALTH
Kempsey community to benefit from expanded mental health support
Kempsey residents will gain expanded access to culturally safe, community-based mental health support through two new local care initiatives.
EDUCATION
Swapping banking for maritime: Courtney builds future skills through TAFE NSW this National Careers Week
Former banker Courtney Greenslade retrained through TAFE NSW, building maritime rescue skills during National Careers Week celebrations nationwide.
POLITICS
Draft transport plan promises more buses, rail improvements
More buses, improved rail services and expanded on-demand transport are proposed under the NSW Government’s new 20-year draft transport plan for the North Coast.
INDIGENOUS
$2.46m NHMRC grant to expand national program helping Indigenous mothers quit smoking
A $2.46 million NHMRC grant will expand a national program helping Indigenous women quit smoking during pregnancy.
CRIME
Man charged after alleged assault investigation in Port Macquarie
A 45-year-old man has been charged over an alleged assault in Port Macquarie that left another man with serious head and facial injuries last year.
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- Denise’s Desk: Is Angus Taylor Ignorant, Nasty or Just Clueless?
Denise says we expect lazy grievance politics from One Nation, but the Coalition should be better than this. The post Denise’s Desk: Is Angus Taylor Ignorant, Nasty or Just Clueless? appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
Lost World War I Medal returns home to Kempsey after remarkable discovery
A World War I medal belonging to a Mid North Coast soldier has finally been returned to his family after a remarkable chain of events that began with a chance discovery in a Coffs Harbour garden.
Sydney to Grafton XPT to return after year off the rails
The Sydney to Grafton XPT is back, with services resuming later this month after a year of upgrades.
Local clubs raise $70,000 to support flood-affected farmers
More than $70,000 has been raised by Mid North Coast clubs to support farmers still recovering from last year’s floods.
Maclean stalwart honoured for decades of community service
A Maclean community stalwart has been honoured for more than 60 years of service at this year’s Highland Gathering.