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.
$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.”
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
LATEST NEWS
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.
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.
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.
Free wellbeing workshops to reach North Coast women ahead of NSW Women’s Week
Free wellbeing workshops are coming to the North Coast to help rural and regional women manage stress and prioritise self-care ahead of NSW Women’s Week.
Local beef spared from latest Trump tariff tantie, but others not so lucky
Australian beef exports appear set to dodge the latest twist in United States President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff saga, with industry leaders confirming reports that local producers will retain zero tariff access.
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
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.
Waterfall Way closure leading to desperation in Dorrigo
The protracted closure of Waterfall Way is taking a heavy toll on the Dorrigo community, and there is more pain coming.
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
All hands on deck: construction industry called to lead Northern Rivers final rebuild push
The Northern Rivers is entering its most critical phase of home rebuilding, with the NSW Government issuing a region-wide call for licensed builders and trades to help homeowners upgrade, raise, rebuild or relocate properties damaged in the 2022 floods.
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.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
Our dedicated Engage site will launch soon, in the meantime, you can join the discussion on New England Times Engage
On New England Times engage now
- Opinion: Why ‘Micro Stays’ might just be the biggest travel trend of 2026
Nick Baker from Reflections Holidays says the 'micro' trend has made it to holidays. The post Opinion: Why ‘Micro Stays’ might just be the biggest travel trend of 2026 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.