National gun buyback deadline expires
Labor promised a national gun buyback by 1 July. It’s now collapsed, with states walking away and the Nationals are saying regional gun owners were made a scapegoat.
Young innovators pitch community-changing ideas to Ballina Council
Students from two Ballina schools pitched innovative community projects to councillors during Youth Week, tackling local challenges with creative solutions.
$148,000 to launch Aboriginal women’s businesses on the North Coast
Sixteen Aboriginal women on the NSW North Coast are set to launch their own businesses in Country care and cultural heritage, backed by $148,000 in new government funding.
Urunga affordable housing proposal moves to next stage
Urunga is a step closer to an affordable housing pilot after Bellingen Shire Council backed progressing a proposed land transfer.
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Local News
Lismore to tee off again as NSW Open Regional Qualifier returns in 2026
Lismore will host a 2026 Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifying event in July, strengthening its golfing profile statewide.
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.
Novice riders reminded to gear up as new motorcycle safety requirements roll out
Transport for NSW is reminding novice motorcycle riders new protective gear requirements begin 1 July to improve safety statewide.
Two charged over alleged serious assault in Toormina
A man and a woman have been charged following an investigation into the alleged serious assault of a man at Toormina earlier this year.
$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.
What's On
Doing good and doing business: North Coast changemakers invited to find each other over lunch
Know anyone running a business to make Port Macquarie, Ballina or Lismore better? SECNA is bringing its Business for Good series to the region for the first time – and the CEO says when these people find each other, magic happens.
Bush tucker and bees: Scotts Head grows a season of community events
A series of seven community gatherings designed to reconnect locals with growing, habitat and food is now underway in Scotts Head, with the first event drawing 27 participants to the village’s community garden earlier this month.
Seniors urged to sign petition over private health insurance rebate cuts
Older Australians could be paying up to $1,600 more a year for private health cover under a federal government plan. A petition is now open online — and the deadline to sign it is 22 July.
Lifestyle
Funding boost for local surf clubs
More than $78,000 in NSW Government funding will deliver facility upgrades at Minnie Water-Wooli and Yamba surf clubs, supporting volunteers.
Doing good and doing business: North Coast changemakers invited to find each other over lunch
Know anyone running a business to make Port Macquarie, Ballina or Lismore better? SECNA is bringing its Business for Good series to the region for the first time – and the CEO says when these people find each other, magic happens.
Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre named a tourism awards finalist
The Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre has been named a finalist in the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, with winners to be announced at a gala ceremony in Coffs Harbour on 30 July.
Environment
Uncertainty for wildlife as killer bird flu detected
Australian wildlife is facing a new and uncertain chapter after a dangerous strain of bird flu was confirmed on the mainland.
Regional NSW water investment critical for North Coast and Mid North Coast
Regional cities across the North Coast, Mid North Coast and New England are urging urgent water investment to sustain growth.
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
Concern brewing as buried Hanson policy threatens affordable medicines
A local mum says she and her asthmatic daughter could die without PBS medicines. She’s not alone — public concern is growing over a little-noticed One Nation policy, and a petition is now calling on Hanson to back off.
EDUCATION
Mid North Coast school leaders gather in Port Macquarie for state education roadshow
Up to 130 principals and public school leaders from across the Mid North Coast and beyond will converge on Port Macquarie today as part of the NSW Department of Education’s annual Schools Roadshow.
POLITICS
Seniors urged to sign petition over private health insurance rebate cuts
Older Australians could be paying up to $1,600 more a year for private health cover under a federal government plan. A petition is now open online — and the deadline to sign it is 22 July.
INDIGENOUS
Healing ceremony marks new chapter for old Grafton Gaol site
A Healing Ceremony has been held at the old Grafton Gaol as the historic site prepares to switch its purpose from punishment to health.
CRIME
Five charged after alleged affray at Coffs Harbour shopping centre
Five people, including four teenagers, have been charged following an alleged affray at a shopping centre in Coffs Harbour.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On North Coast Times engage now
- Opinion: Kids on social media more than two hours a day at higher risk of mental illness
A new study found there is a significant risks from heavier use of social media by children. Read what the study found. The post Opinion: Kids on social media more than two hours a day at higher risk of mental illness appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
