Proposed rates recovery to support Coffs CBD reset
Coffs Harbour Council will recover about $700,000 in deferred CBD business rates to fund city centre promotions. Read more here.
Lismore four years on: still much to do
Four years after the record‑breaking flood that devastated Lismore in February 2022, the Northern Rivers community is today marking an anniversary many hoped would look very different.
Grants to back community-led digital initiatives in rural Australia
Rural and regional community groups can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to strengthen digital inclusion and resilience under Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program.
Waterfall way landslip cuts out Armidale to Coffs Harbour bus service
Dorrigo Transit has cancelled its Armidale to Coffs Harbour bus service due to safety concerns and rising costs associated with the Waterfall Way closure detour.
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Local News
Minimum e-bike age plan aimed at safer streets on the North Coast and across NSW
The NSW Government is moving to introduce a minimum age for e-bike riders and adopt tougher European safety standards, in reforms set to affect families and young riders across the New England.
$1 Auctions return to the Northern Rivers
The NSW Government will revive its flood buyback auctions in March 2026, with bids starting at $1. Read more here.
NSW energy prices rise 20 per cent despite fall in wholesale costs, Minister says
Retail electricity prices in NSW have risen by 20 per cent despite a sharp fall in wholesale power costs, prompting fresh political debate over the State Government’s renewable energy rollout.
Seniors Week 2026: the North Coast celebrates “Live Life in Colour”
Across the North Coast, communities will celebrate the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival from 2–15 March, embracing this year’s vibrant theme, “Live Life in Colour.”
Tweed Shire Council takes housing crisis head-on with multi-front strategy
Tweed Shire Council has unveiled a three-pronged push to address the region’s worsening housing crisis. Read more here.
What's On
Seniors Week 2026: the North Coast celebrates “Live Life in Colour”
Across the North Coast, communities will celebrate the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival from 2–15 March, embracing this year’s vibrant theme, “Live Life in Colour.”
Splash out at Ballina Duck Fest
1000 yellow ducks will grace the Richmond River in Ballina for a race to glory as part of the annual Ballina Duck Fest community celebration on Sunday, 8 March.
Call for entries: 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards
Heritage groups, councils and community organisations across the North Coast region are being urged to showcase their work, with entries now open for the 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards.
Classic Bikes to Roll into Ballina This May After Weather Postponement
The North Coast Classic Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet in Ballina has been postponed due to bad weather, but organisers have confirmed the popular event will now take place on Sunday, May 31.
Lifestyle
Retro rides and nitro nights in Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour will host a major weekend of motoring and adrenaline events from 13 to 15 March, featuring the Summer Beach Hop, Freestyle Kings LIVE, and the Australian Kart Championship across multiple local venues.
Groovin back after two year break
Groovin The Moo is set to return in 2026 with a one-off show in Lismore, marking a carefully staged comeback
From Woolgoolga to statewide leadership: Life Ed appoints local as CEO
Woolgoolga local Terese Hooper has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Life Ed NSW, becoming the first leader in the organisation’s 45 year history to be based outside metropolitan Sydney.
National agriculture leaders gather for ABARES Outlook Conference
Tickets are now on sale for ABARES Outlook 2026, with the Bureau’s flagship annual conference set to bring the nation’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry leaders together on 3–4 March at Hotel Realm, Canberra and online.
Environment
Have a say on the health of the Upper Richmond River catchment
Kyogle Council is calling on landowners, community groups, industry representatives and residents to have a say in safeguarding the health of the Upper Richmond River catchment.
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.
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
Mid north coast gains 25 junior doctors
Twenty-five new medical interns have joined the Mid North Coast Local Health District, including Coffs Harbour local Dr Tammy Middleton, providing support to hospitals across the Coffs Harbour and Hastings Macleay networks.
EDUCATION
Calls for urgent action on community preschool pay after Fair Work recommendation
State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson said the independent industrial umpire had made its position clear, and a community preschool educators deserve their pay rise.
POLITICS
Caravans for better flood recovery
Communities across the North Coast stand to benefit from faster access to temporary housing after disasters
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
Coffs cop charged after being caught drink driving twice
A Coffs Harbour police officer has been charged with drink driving, and may lose his job, after being caught twice driving under the influence in the one day.
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- QW: No Doctors, no policy, no numbers
Tenterfield resident Mark Boyd questions how Hunter New England Health facilities maintain accreditation despite failing safety standards, while proposing mandatory rural rotations for Junior Medical Officers. The post QW: No Doctors, no policy, no numbers appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Good News
North Coast Times launches as New England Times marks three years of independent regional journalism
North Coast Times, a new digital news service covering the 13 local government areas of the NSW North Coast, is being officially launched today as sister masthead New England Times celebrates its third birthday.
New Probationary Constables welcomed to Clarence and Richmond Valleys
Four new Probationary Constables will join the ranks of the Clarence and Richmond Valleys. Read more here.
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.