Communities urged to plan ahead for major North Coast rail shutdown
North Coast communities face travel disruptions and coach replacements during a major rail shutdown for essential maintenance works this month.
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.
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.
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.
Local 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.
Farmer confidence plummets amid cost crisis
Farmer confidence has collapsed as soaring fuel and fertiliser costs force producers to cut production and rethink future operations.
Community encouraged to seek support at free Taree bill assistance event
Families across Myall Lakes are being encouraged to access free expert support as energy and household cost pressures continue rising.
Lismore unveils $411m budget focused on infrastructure, flood recovery and regional growth
Lismore City Council’s draft $411.3 million budget prioritises infrastructure, flood recovery and cost-of-living support measures across the region.
Groovin the Moo boosts Lismore’s major events push
More than 8,000 people attended Groovin the Moo, boosting Lismore’s push to become a leading regional events destination.
What's On
Lifestyle
Ballina set for a golden season as Emmanuel Anglican College stages Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Ballina audiences will step into a world of pure imagination this May as Emmanuel Anglican College stages Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Furry Friends Festival returns to Bangalow for a paw-fect day out
Pets and their people are set to take centre stage later this month, with the much-loved Furry Friends Festival returning to the Bangalow Showgrounds on Saturday 30 May.
Small wins overshadowed by deep cuts for regions
Not happy: small wins on measures like excluding farmers from new taxes are not impressing rural advocates.
From vintage van to vibrant future: creativity drives learning at St Mary’s Casino
At one school in Casino, creativity isn’t confined to canvases or classrooms – it’s built, grown, stitched and shared. At St Mary’s Catholic College, that spirit is unexpectedly taking shape: a vintage van set to become a student-run coffee hub.
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
Call for nominations for 2026 Healing Heart Award
Public nominations are now open for the 2026 Healing Heart Award, recognising outstanding nurses and midwives across Northern NSW for compassionate, high-quality care.
EDUCATION
From trucks to bricks: Harrington apprentice urges young locals to seize trade opportunities
A Harrington apprentice is urging young people to consider bricklaying as a trade shortage drives demand and higher wages.
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
Coffs Harbour man charged after alleged machete home invasion
A man has been charged after an alleged machete-wielding home invasion in Coffs Harbour, where police say an occupant was threatened and assaulted.
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- Marketing Clarity: How to use AI for content without getting it wrong
Ingrid Rothe says AI is incredibly efficient at producing average - you need to give it a better brief to get better results. The post Marketing Clarity: How to use AI for content without getting it wrong appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
Local woman smashes military glass ceiling
Kyogle born and former 12/16 Hunter River Lancers reservist Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be the first ever female Chief of Army.
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.
Top state honour for Lismore health professional
Lismore podiatrist Helen McGregor has been named NSW Allied Health Professional of the Year.
Celebrating 40 Years of Caring: Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre marks a milestone
For four decades, the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre has been a cornerstone of support, care, and advocacy for women and gender-diverse people across the Mid North Coast.