A trail without rail for Byron shire
Byron Shire Council will forgo aspirations of a light rail option between Mullumbimby and Byron Bay to speed up the completion of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Regional rail fleet moves forward as State Government accelerates delivery after delays
New trains for NSW’s long-delayed Regional Rail Fleet are now arriving and being tested on lines serving the North Coast.
Push for safer Coffs Harbour streets in real-time
In a move designed to enhance community safety, City of Coffs Harbour proposes to give police live access to its closed-circuit television network.
Regional Australia Bank named most recommended customer-owned bank
The Port Macquarie headquartered Regional Australia Bank has won an award based on customer recommendations.
Local News
Construction begins on major Lennox Head Public School and preschool upgrade
Construction has begun on a new Lennox Head Public School campus, set to triple classroom capacity and open in 2027.
Coffs Harbour moves to secure cheaper power deal
Coffs Harbour will move swiftly to join other councils and lock-in a power supply deal that is set to deliver significant financial benefit.
Free weekend celebration marks 50 years of Werrikimbe National Park
A free weekend of guided walks, birdwatching and talks will mark the 50th anniversary of Werrikimbe National Park at Mooraback Cabin on March 14–15.
Disaster Declaration for Waterfall Way
The Bellingen Shire has scored a Natural Disaster Declaration that will provide some relief to businesses in Dorrigo, Thora and Bellingen battered by the Waterfall Way closure.
Dr Rebecca Tallis honoured as Coffs Harbour’s Local Woman of the Year
Dr Rebecca Tallis has been named the Coffs Harbour Electorate’s 2026 Local Woman of the Year, recognised for her work improving health care for women and children in the region.
What's On
Regional Australia Bank named most recommended customer-owned bank
The Port Macquarie headquartered Regional Australia Bank has won an award based on customer recommendations.
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.
Lifestyle
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.
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.
Councils versus polytunnels
The North Coast region is at the centre of a debate over whether Development Applications should be required for agricultural polytunnels, with a new bill introduced to give councils more power to regulate berry farms.
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.
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
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
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.
EDUCATION
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.
POLITICS
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.
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
Accused Little Styx axe murderer denied bail
The man accused of murder at the Little Styx River campsite has been refused bail, as police allege he killed a fellow camper with an axe during a violent altercation at the remote spot on Point Lookout Road.
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- Denise’s Desk: Why flirting with One Nation is bad for Farrer — and worse for New England
Denise says the Farrer by-election might seem a long way from New England, but the political warning signs it is sending should concern regional communities everywhere. The post Denise’s Desk: Why flirting with One Nation is bad for Farrer — and worse for New England appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Good News
New hub to boost women-owned businesses in NSW
The NSW Government has invested more than $190,000 to support the launch of what is being described as Australia’s first database dedicated to showcasing women-owned businesses.
Mount Warning/Wollumbin finally set to reopen
The long-awaited reopening of Mount Warning/Wollumbin is finally a step closer, with the iconic track set to reopen in July 2027 after years of closure.
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.