Community at heart of Byron Central Hospital’s 10-year milestone
Byron Central Hospital celebrated 10 years of community healthcare, recognising staff, volunteers and local support across the region.
North Coast to host world’s largest women’s surfing festival
Thousands of surfers and visitors will descend on Kingscliff next month for the world’s largest women’s surfing festival.
Men’s Table brings safe space for connection to Grafton
A growing national movement focused on men’s wellbeing and connection is coming to Grafton this month, with locals invited to attend a free introductory “Entree” night hosted by The Men’s Table.
Vandalism rampage shuts Sapphire Beach toilets indefinitely
Sapphire Beach residents and visitors are without access to public toilets after a wave of vandalism and arson attacks forced the indefinite closure of the local amenities block.
Local News
Penfold says timing of gender bill and Giggle v Tickle ruling ‘a coincidence’
EXCLUSIVE: Lyne MP Alison Penfold says her biological sex bill was months in the making and not triggered by the Giggle v Tickle ruling, arguing it seeks to “give women choice back” while retaining protections for transgender Australians.
Driver charged after allegedly leaving scene of fatal crash north-west of Coffs Harbour
A 21-year-old man has been charged after allegedly leaving the scene of a fatal crash near Coffs Harbour that killed a 20-year-old woman and seriously injured two others.
Community urged to recognise local volunteers during National Volunteer Week
Myall Lakes communities are being encouraged to recognise volunteers supporting neighbours, recovery efforts and emergency responses during National Volunteer Week.
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.
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.
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.
Coffs men face multiple charges after hunting illegally at Yarrowyck
Two men are facing court and have had their home raided after police investigating alleged illegal hunting near Armidale laid a string of firearms charges.
Lismore Council moves to revive former Greyhound Track site
Lismore City Council has begun talks on the shared future use of the former Greyhound Track site.
What's On
Men’s Table brings safe space for connection to Grafton
A growing national movement focused on men’s wellbeing and connection is coming to Grafton this month, with locals invited to attend a free introductory “Entree” night hosted by The Men’s Table.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
‘Almost didn’t survive’: the fraught path to parenthood
A NSW Parliamentary Inquiry hearing in Tamworth today will hear how rural families are disadvantaged ‘at every turn’ while trying to access fertility care.
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
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.
INDIGENOUS
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.
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.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On North Coast Times engage now
- Opinion: Can you trademark identity?
Wellet Potter from UNE writes there is a new strategy celebrities are using to protect themselves and their work from AI. The post Opinion: Can you trademark identity? 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.
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.
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.