Mid-North Coast to benefit as essential workers program expands
Mid-North Coast communities are set for a boost, with more essential workers expected under an expanded state program targeting local shortages.
Major reforms proposed to strengthen rural freight sector and boost productivity
The livestock transport industry is pushing for national reforms to cut red tape, boost workforce capacity and improve freight efficiency.
World-class observatory officially opens at Mallanganee
A new observatory in the Northern Rivers is set to boost ‘dark sky’ tourism, with the Mallanganee Observatory–Lookout officially opening atop the Richmond Range.
Young prominent in North Coast Anzac Day services
Rain didn’t keep North Coast crowds away, with young people in particular turning out in force to honour Anzac Day.
Local News
$7m boost for water security to support growing Port Macquarie-Hastings community
A $7 million investment will boost water security and enable more than 5,300 new homes across Port Macquarie-Hastings communities.
$4.86m secured for Dunoon Road–Tweed Street upgrade
Lismore City Council has secured $4.86 million in federal funding to upgrade the Dunoon Road–Tweed Street corridor, improving safety and connectivity.
$84,200 boost for Great Lakes United Football Club community
Great Lakes United Football Club will receive $84,200 to upgrade drainage, improving safe, reliable field access for players, volunteers and families.
Nationals call for urgent action on feral pig surge in Northern Rivers
Nationals MPs are urging urgent government action as feral pig populations surge, causing widespread damage to farms across the Richmond and Clarence valleys.
City of Coffs Harbour to retain in-house lifeguard service
Coffs Harbour will retain its in-house lifeguard service after reviewing an external proposal, citing strong community support and opportunities for improvement.
What's On
Young prominent in North Coast Anzac Day services
Rain didn’t keep North Coast crowds away, with young people in particular turning out in force to honour Anzac Day.
Call for nominations for 2026 Healing Heart Award
Public nominations are now open for the 2026 Healing Heart Award, recognising outstanding nurses and midwives across Northern NSW for compassionate, high-quality care.
Keep your old clothes out of landfill with new drop-off recycling
Got clothes you don’t wear? Ballina’s new drop-off day makes it easy to recycle them — without leaving your car.
COMING SOON! We’re celebrating all the great locally made products on the North Coast. Whether you grow it, brew it, stitch it, mould it, build it, or any other way you make it, we want to tell the world about it! Nominate your business or creations now.
Lifestyle
Survey shows surge in visitors to North Coast national parks
Visitor numbers to North Coast national parks are surging, with more than 6.8 million visits recorded last year.
North Coast surf clubs secure share of $5.45m funding boost
North Coast and Mid North Coast surf clubs will upgrade facilities after securing funding under the NSW Government’s $5.45 million Surf Club Facility Program.
30 cents more on weekly shop to deliver $1m more for local farmers
Households will pay about 30 cents more a week for milk after Norco moved to increase what it pays local dairy farmers, delivering an estimated $1 million a month back into local communities.
Wage increase delivered for midwives, nurses
Thousands of nurses and midwives have won a landmark pay rise for the first time in more than two decades after an industrial umpire ruled in their favour.
Environment
Keep your old clothes out of landfill with new drop-off recycling
Got clothes you don’t wear? Ballina’s new drop-off day makes it easy to recycle them — without leaving your car.
Stormwater upgrades completed across more than 100 rural sites
Stormwater upgrades across more than 100 sites are helping keep Lismore’s rural roads open during heavy rain.
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
NSW expands access to the pill, putting women’s healthcare closer to home
NSW women will soon be able to get the pill directly from pharmacists under a $4.5 million reform to improve access and cut delays.
EDUCATION
North Coast, Mid North Coast schools share in $100m Easter maintenance blitz
Schools across the NSW North Coast and Mid North Coast are undergoing upgrades during the Easter holidays as part of a statewide $103 million maintenance blitz.
POLITICS
Coalition migration policy widely condemned as bad for regional Australia
The Coalition’s hardline migration policy is drawing fierce criticism, with warnings it ignores the proven success of regional settlement and risks hurting our communities that rely on it.
INDIGENOUS
Nominations open to honour Coffs Harbour’s Indigenous leaders
Nominations are open to honour Coffs Harbour’s Indigenous leaders at this year’s Aunty Grace Roberts Awards.
CRIME
‘We are watching’: 200kg of cocaine on catamaran in Tweed River
A Tweed Heads man has been charged after 200kg of cocaine was found on a catamaran sailing into the country amid a probe into a crime syndicate with bikie gang links.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On North Coast Times engage now
- Marketing Clarity: AI isn’t killing marketing. It’s killing generic marketing.
In her new regular column Marketing Clarity, Ingrid Rothe explains how AI search is changing what kind of content is needed for effective marketing. The post Marketing Clarity: AI isn’t killing marketing. It’s killing generic marketing. appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
Local woman smashes military glass ceiling
Kyogle born and former 12/16 Hunter River Lancers reservist Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be the first ever female Chief of Army.
Maclean stalwart honoured for decades of community service
A Maclean community stalwart has been honoured for more than 60 years of service at this year’s Highland Gathering.
Top state honour for Lismore health professional
Lismore podiatrist Helen McGregor has been named NSW Allied Health Professional of the Year.
Celebrating 40 Years of Caring: Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre marks a milestone
For four decades, the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre has been a cornerstone of support, care, and advocacy for women and gender-diverse people across the Mid North Coast.