More North Coast measles alerts as outbreak expands
A new measles exposure alert has been issued for Lismore Base Hospital as health authorities warn the North Coast outbreak is expanding and urge residents to check their vaccinations.
Flood buyback auctions return with a bang in Lismore
Ten flood buyback homes have sold for between $5000 and $42,000 at a packed Lismore auction, attracting buyers from across Australia.
The Big Show lands in Coffs for 14th straight year
A flagship of the national touch football calendar, The Championships, is underway in Coffs Harbour this week – the 14th consecutive year the event has been held in the city.
Lismore ready for Samson Fitness Challenge
More than 550 competitors will take on the Samson Fitness Challenge in Lismore this weekend, raising funds for sick children through Our Kids.
Local News
Coffs delivers: Playgrounds up, processing times down
Coffs Harbour has cut development assessment times and delivered key upgrades, according to its latest quarterly report.
A Kyogle line dance social is changing lives together with Stroke Foundation Australia
Line dancers from Lismore, Casino, Coraki, Brisbane, and as far afield as Tasmania and New Zealand will shuffle step it to Kyogle on Saturday 16 March to be part of a community-run Stroke Foundation Fundraiser.
Homegrown chart-toppers join international acts as Bluesfest returns
Bluesfest returns to Byron Bay this Easter, bringing local favourites and international stars to the North Coast.
Groovin The Moo tickets on sale
Groovin The Moo has gone on sale ahead of its return to Lismore this May, with organisers confirming camping and shuttle options for the all-ages event at Oakes Oval.
Women trades surge: North Coast women helping build the local construction workforce
Women are driving a surge in construction trades across regional NSW, boosting local workforces in Armidale, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour as enrolments more than double statewide.
What's On
Michelle Cowan named Clarence Electorate Local Woman of the Year
Grafton counsellor Michelle Cowan has been named the 2026 Clarence Electorate Local Woman of the Year for her work supporting the Clarence Valley community.
Volunteer awards nominations open as state celebrates 1.3b volunteer hours
Nominations have opened for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, marking 20 years of recognising the quiet achievers who underpin communities across the state.
Go walking this Women’s Week
Women across the North Coast are being invited to lace up their boots and hit the trails this NSW Women’s Week, with a series of guided bushwalks designed to build confidence, connection and community.
Lifestyle
Volunteer awards nominations open as state celebrates 1.3b volunteer hours
Nominations have opened for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, marking 20 years of recognising the quiet achievers who underpin communities across the state.
Go walking this Women’s Week
Women across the North Coast are being invited to lace up their boots and hit the trails this NSW Women’s Week, with a series of guided bushwalks designed to build confidence, connection and community.
Imagine Yamba 2030 forum generates community buzz
The ‘Imagine Yamba 2030’ forum has gathered residents and business owners to discuss the town’s future, proposing ideas like a seafood festival and fishing competition to boost the local tourism economy.
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 come together.
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
Birds, mould and fungus found throughout hospitals
After two patients died as a result of a fungal outbreak, a review of hospital maintenance has revealed disturbing infestations embedded in multiple facilities – including on the North Coast.
EDUCATION
New courses at Southern Cross University to boost local workforce and innovation
Southern Cross University will highlight a suite of new courses for 2026 as it welcomes more than 5,000 new students during Orientation Week next week.
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
Man dead after assault at campground near Ebor
A man has been arrested following the death of another man after an alleged assault at a campground near Ebor in the early hours of Monday morning.
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- Opinion: Sometimes the best thing a man can do is step aside
RK Crosby writes that every time International Women’s Day rolls around somewhere, somehow, a man decides that what the day really needs is… him. The post Opinion: Sometimes the best thing a man can do is step aside appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Good News
The new collective changing-up the Old Cheese Factory
There’s a village vibe to the collective hub taking shape under new ownership at Frederickton’s Old Cheese Factory.
Fishing festival takes over Mylestom
The quiet village of Mylestom was bustling last weekend with more than 800 fishers of all ages casting a line for the 29th annual Putt Bennett Family Fishing Festival.
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.