Bangalow Show celebrates 125 years of country tradition
The Bangalow Show will celebrate its 125th show on Friday, 13 November and Saturday, 14 November at the Bangalow Showgrounds on Market Street.
Young writers make a splash in National Water Week competition
Young writers across the MidCoast have made a splash in this year’s National Water Week Junior Writing Prize, with three students taking out top honours in the competition’s biggest year yet.
New pump-out facilities to help protect Wallis Lake
Two new marine waste pump-out facilities in Forster will help recreational boaters dispose of waste safely while protecting Wallis Lake’s water quality.
Moffee swaps Coffs Coast breakfast for Canberra’s 2CA
Coffs Harbour radio host Michael “Moffee” Moffett will sign off from the Triple M Coffs Coast breakfast show on Friday, 6 November, before heading to Canberra to join 2CA.
Local News
Lismore researchers land Gates Foundation cash to cut cost of omega-3
Microscopic organisms nicknamed “throstys” could make omega-3 supplements half the price for pregnant women worldwide, thanks to a first-ever Gates Foundation grant for Southern Cross University.
‘Fish magnets’ return to NSW coast ahead of summer fishing season
Recreational fishers are gearing up for a big summer, with 34 offshore ‘fish magnets’ returning to the NSW coastline to attract prized game fish, including mahi mahi, tuna and marlin.
Premature babies spared Gold Coast trips by $120,000 eye scanner
Tiny babies at risk of losing their sight no longer face a trip to the Gold Coast. A $120,000 community effort has put a portable eye scanner into Northern Rivers hospitals.
Tuncurry man charged over weapons haul
Knives, knuckle dusters, a stolen caravan, and six replica pistols. Police say a Strike Force Ontar raid on the Manning Great Lakes has led to 10 charges and a refusal of bail.
MidCoast Council leader recognised at NSW women in local government awards
MidCoast Council’s Tracey Hamer has been highly commended at the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government for her contributions.
What's On
Bangalow Show celebrates 125 years of country tradition
The Bangalow Show will celebrate its 125th show on Friday, 13 November and Saturday, 14 November at the Bangalow Showgrounds on Market Street.
Young writers make a splash in National Water Week competition
Young writers across the MidCoast have made a splash in this year’s National Water Week Junior Writing Prize, with three students taking out top honours in the competition’s biggest year yet.
MidCoast Council leader recognised at NSW women in local government awards
MidCoast Council’s Tracey Hamer has been highly commended at the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government for her contributions.
Lifestyle
NSW tops Australia for food tourism
NSW has been named Australia’s food tourism capital, with visitors spending more than $12 billion. See what they are eating, and which regional food events are drawing the crowds.
Love Island Australia villa in Byron hinterland sells for about $6 million
Amileka, the Federal home used as the villa in the 2021 series of Love Island Australia, has sold. The series was hosted by Sophie Monk, and the most recent price guide for the home was $6 million.
Local music takes centre stage as Blues and Berries returns to Woolgoolga
Woolgoolga’s Blues and Berries has a local focus this year, highlighting the musical talent of the NSW North Coast at the free event on November 1.
Rex flight suspension threatens Mid North Coast access to essential services
Mid North Coast residents could face higher airfares and greater difficulty accessing medical care and essential services following Rex Airlines’ decision to suspend Port Macquarie flights.
SBM26: Handmade treasures, personalised support and creative inspiration
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three organisations making a difference through creativity and connection: an Armidale shop bringing together unique creations from independent makers, a Coffs Harbour disability support provider focused on individual needs and genuine relationships, and a volunteer-run Forster gallery offering exhibitions, workshops and opportunities for everyone to explore their creativity.
SBM26: Garden romance, regional connections and community spirit
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three places bringing people together in different ways: a Tenterfield garden escape offering boutique stays and romantic celebrations, a regional transport service connecting communities across the North Coast and New England, and a Mullumbimby showground that brings locals and visitors together for markets, events and outdoor adventures.
Environment
Why can’t we get this done? Oven Mountain latest renewable project to falter
The latest announcement of a renewable project to fail is the one that no one expected. Questions are being asked about whether the NSW Government is to blame, or if there is a bigger problem about how we do large infrastructure in this country.
Tree vandals face $500,000 penalties
Poison a tree and you could pay $500,000. New laws will let councils chase tree vandals through the courts for the first time, on public and private land.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
A new chapter in coastal living begins at Valis
Downsize your home, not your life. A $180 million community of 159 homes is rising in North Boambee Valley, complete with a clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts and cinema at its heart.
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.
HEALTH
Almost 300 GPs trained to treat ADHD
Almost 300 GPs can now diagnose and treat ADHD, and 300 more start training next month. Rural and regional communities were prioritised, and free assessments could save up to $1,500.
Cost of living forces workers to push through pain
Nine in ten workers in pain kept working, and half said they could not afford to lose the income. A new survey shows regional workers are hit harder.
POLITICS
NSW first to sign new Free TAFE deal
NSW is first to sign the new five-year Free TAFE deal, with $560 million and about 160,000 places from 2027 aimed at housing, energy, digital skills, and essential care.
Want to be a Coffs councillor? Get the inside look
Fancy a seat at the Coffs Harbour council table? A free session on 28 October will show would-be candidates what the job really involves before the 12 December by-election.
SPORT
Marist Rams launch women’s tackle team
After years of waiting, Lismore will have a senior women’s tackle league team in 2027. More than 20 women have already put their hand up for the Marist Brothers Rams. Could you be next?
CRIME
Helen Haines loses second leg
Dr Helen Haines’ husband says she is alive and stable after losing both legs. The Governor-General says the attack must be a moment for Australians to pause and choose to be better.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On North Coast Times engage now
- Opinion | Keeping the Light on the Hill burning
Denise asks what is government actually for? It is a question worth asking at a time when politics increasingly seems to be about outrage, grievance, personalities and winning the daily argument on social media. The post Opinion | Keeping the Light on the Hill burning appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
