More than 5,000 back call for tougher laws on illegal dirt bikes and e-scooters
The “Back the Blue — Not the Bike” petition argues that current laws leave police with limited options to stop riders of stolen, unregistered and uninsured vehicles who flee from officers and endanger the public.
Nutrien and FRRR launch $250,000 grants program for rural communities
Nutrien and FRRR have launched a $250,000 grants program, offering up to $5,000 to support rural and regional community projects nationwide.
Man charged after alleged courthouse window smashing in Ballina
A 29-year-old man faces court after allegedly smashing 12 windows at a Ballina courthouse and nearby business overnight.
Two northern NSW men charged over online threats within 24 hours
Two locals have been charged within a day of each other over separate online threats, one over posts targeting a federal MP, the other over alleged terrorism advocacy, weapons and ammunition.
Local News
From timber tales to twisting thrillers: top authors to appear at Yarrila Place
Insights into the Coffs Coast timber industry and a conversation with one of Australia’s leading thriller writers will headline two author events at Yarrila Place next month.
Ballina plays host as regional leaders tackle the big issues facing the bush
State ministers, mayors and regional leaders descended on Ballina last week for a major regional meeting. From bridge duplications to the Big Prawn, see what delegates got to explore.
Lismore households throw away $670,000 in container refunds as recoverable waste fills red bins
Lismore households discarded an estimated $670,000 in container refunds while nearly half their red-bin waste was recoverable, audit.
Sydney teen’s stolen car pursuit through Coffs Harbour catches four innocent drivers
Police chasing a stolen car through Coffs Harbour deployed road spikes to stop a Sydney teen. Instead, four innocent motorists were left stranded with shredded tyres.
Taree teen, 16, charged with murder after fatal stabbing
A Taree man is dead, a teenage boy behind bars. Police reveal the accused and victim knew each other, but weren’t associates, as the investigation into a horror stabbing continues.
What's On
More than 5,000 back call for tougher laws on illegal dirt bikes and e-scooters
The “Back the Blue — Not the Bike” petition argues that current laws leave police with limited options to stop riders of stolen, unregistered and uninsured vehicles who flee from officers and endanger the public.
Local surfers to contest Australian Longboard Titles on the Tweed Coast
A strong contingent of local surfers will be among more than 200 competitors when the 2026 Thermos Australian Longboard Titles are held on the Tweed Coast from 24 to 30 July.
Scale Model Expo set to roll into Port Macquarie these school holidays
The Annual Scale Model Expo returns to Port Macquarie in the July school holidays, with organisers promising a weekend of miniature aircraft, ships, tanks and railways for the whole family.
Lifestyle
Funding opens for Mid North and North Coast surf club facilities
Surf Life Saving clubs across NSW can apply for a share of $5.5 million in facility grants.
$290m upgrade for regional coaches
NSW TrainLink’s biggest coach upgrade in over a decade is here, with $290 million buying more services, modern amenities and a fresh sunset orange look across regional NSW.
REGGIE founder hands over platform to new owner
One of regional NSW’s best-known travel and lifestyle guides has entered a new chapter. Armidale-founded REGGIE has officially changed hands, with a new owner taking the reins while promising to continue showcasing the best of country NSW.
Environment
Hawks Nest locals praised for correctly reporting sick bird
A sick bird near Hawks Nest could have been bad, but for the locals who didn’t touch, and called for help. NSW has its first suspect case of H5 bird flu, and authorities say it’s proof the system is working.
Forestry Corporation job cuts condemned by NSW Nationals MPs
Dozens of Forestry Corporation jobs will be cut across the North Coast, sparking concerns over the region’s economic future.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
New England Business Technology: the local team behind smarter business systems
New England Business Technology (NEBT) is focused on helping organisations “do business better” through tailored technology and communication solutions designed specifically for regional conditions.
Tow World trusted for honest service and practical know-how
Helping people tow, travel and explore with confidence is what drives the Tow World team every day – and they’re expanding their service capacity with a move to new premises.
HEALTH
Double delivery for Children’s Ward thanks to generous donation
Lismore Base Hospital’s Children’s Ward received two new phototherapy lights after a $10,000 donation from O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing.
EDUCATION
Port Macquarie student awarded Premier’s scholarship for Greece military history tour
Heritage Christian School student Timothy Gittins has been selected for a prestigious Premier’s scholarship, earning a military history study tour of Greece.
POLITICS
$30 million to tackle M1 pinch points between Tweed and Byron
Nearly 70,000 drivers use the M1 through the Tweed every day. Now $30 million is committed to help fix the bottlenecks, from Tweed Heads to Byron Bay.
INDIGENOUS
Legends for Mob rise at Coffs Harbour’s 2026 NAIDOC Week celebrations
A community leader who founded an Aboriginal support organisation has received Coffs Harbour’s highest NAIDOC Week honour at the Yandaarra awards.
CRIME
Stabbing in Taree take life of man in his 30s
Police are seeking anyone with information about the incident on Ranald Road just before dawn.

Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On North Coast Times engage now
- Opinion: Dismantling the Manosphere
It takes 23 minutes for a social media account mimicking a 16- to 18-year-old boy to be fed misogynistic content. Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Social Services, says the manosphere peddles outrage for profit, and we need to push back on the algorithms that amplify it. The post Opinion: Dismantling the Manosphere appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.


