Healthcare Helper volunteer program arrives at Byron Central Hospital
Byron Central Hospital is seeking volunteers for a new Healthcare Helper program supporting patients, families and nursing staff locally.
Nationals launch “Flick the Tick” petition
Nationals MPs have launched a “Flick the Tick” petition at Primex today, demanding stronger action and more funding to tackle the growing cattle tick threat across regional NSW.
Taree clubs hailed for flood recovery efforts one year on
Two of Taree’s best-known clubs are being recognised for their extraordinary efforts during last year’s devastating floods, with both Club Taree and Taree Aquatic Club (Sailo’s) named finalists in the Emergency Response category of the prestigious ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Awards.
The Echo celebrates 40 years of independent voice, community and connection
The Byron Echo is preparing to celebrate a major milestone this June, marking 40 years of independent community journalism with a special anniversary event that editor Aslan Shand says is both a reflection on its roots and a commitment to the future of local media.
Local News
Councils, MP, vow to keep fighting after Rail Trail funding rejection
Northern Rivers leaders say they remain committed to completing the rail trail despite a federal funding application for the next stage of the project being rejected.
Nimbin boil water alert to remain as Council works on treatment plant repairs
Nimbin residents face at least three more weeks under a boil water alert as Council repairs treatment infrastructure.
Community at heart of Byron Central Hospital’s 10-year milestone
Byron Central Hospital celebrated 10 years of community healthcare, recognising staff, volunteers and local support across the region.
Whether you are a traditional tradie, like a mechanic, builder, plumber, or electrician, a trade that doesn’t always come immediately to mind like hairdresser, counsellor, or graphic designer, a service business like a cleaner, book keeper, or personal trainer, or perhaps a professional service, like accountant, lawyer, or consultant, we want to highlight your great work.
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.
Local plastering legend lives on
A new Inverell business is carrying on the legacy of a well-known local tradesman, with a team determined to continue the standards and workmanship he became known for.
North Coast to host world’s largest women’s surfing festival
Thousands of surfers and visitors will descend on Kingscliff next month for the world’s largest women’s surfing festival.
Men’s Table brings safe space for connection to Grafton
A growing national movement focused on men’s wellbeing and connection is coming to Grafton this month, with locals invited to attend a free introductory “Entree” night hosted by The Men’s Table.
What's On
Nationals launch “Flick the Tick” petition
Nationals MPs have launched a “Flick the Tick” petition at Primex today, demanding stronger action and more funding to tackle the growing cattle tick threat across regional NSW.
Taree clubs hailed for flood recovery efforts one year on
Two of Taree’s best-known clubs are being recognised for their extraordinary efforts during last year’s devastating floods, with both Club Taree and Taree Aquatic Club (Sailo’s) named finalists in the Emergency Response category of the prestigious ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Awards.
The Echo celebrates 40 years of independent voice, community and connection
The Byron Echo is preparing to celebrate a major milestone this June, marking 40 years of independent community journalism with a special anniversary event that editor Aslan Shand says is both a reflection on its roots and a commitment to the future of local media.
Nominate now! We are looking for local trades and services businesses – from micro-businesses to major companies – to feature in our “Trades you can Trust” series.
Lifestyle
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.
Work begins on 46km Dorrigo Great Escarpment Walk
Work has officially started on the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk, with the project tipped to create 270 jobs and attract thousands more visitors to the region.
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.
Local plastering legend lives on
A new Inverell business is carrying on the legacy of a well-known local tradesman, with a team determined to continue the standards and workmanship he became known for.
Environment
State government expands support for communities affected by GKNP timber moratorium
Expanded NSW support aims to help North Coast businesses, workers and communities transition through Koala National Park changes
Film screening to spark dingo debate in the Northern Rivers
A community conversation around one of Australia’s most misunderstood animals is set to take centre stage in the Northern Rivers this month, with Defend the Wild hosting a special screening event at the Brunswick Picture House on May 17.
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
‘Almost didn’t survive’: the fraught path to parenthood
A NSW Parliamentary Inquiry hearing in Tamworth today will hear how rural families are disadvantaged ‘at every turn’ while trying to access fertility care.
EDUCATION
Community focus at centre of funding boost for Mudyala hub
The Clarence Valley community will benefit from major upgrades to the Mudyala Children & Youth Hub after the organisation secured nearly $188,000 in NSW Government funding.
POLITICS
Local MP leads push to rewrite sex discrimination laws after trans rights ruling
Lyne MP Alison Penfold will introduce a private member’s bill seeking to redefine sex as biological and binary after the Federal Court upheld discrimination findings in the landmark Giggle v Tickle case.
INDIGENOUS
Final call for nominations in Coffs Harbour First Nations awards
Nominations are closing soon for the 2026 Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Awards celebrating First Nations leaders across the Coffs Harbour region.
CRIME
Coffs men face multiple charges after hunting illegally at Yarrowyck
Two men are facing court and have had their home raided after police investigating alleged illegal hunting near Armidale laid a string of firearms charges.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On North Coast Times engage now
- Opinion: Can you trademark identity?
Wellet Potter from UNE writes there is a new strategy celebrities are using to protect themselves and their work from AI. The post Opinion: Can you trademark identity? appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
Lost World War I Medal returns home to Kempsey after remarkable discovery
A World War I medal belonging to a Mid North Coast soldier has finally been returned to his family after a remarkable chain of events that began with a chance discovery in a Coffs Harbour garden.
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.
Sydney to Grafton XPT to return after year off the rails
The Sydney to Grafton XPT is back, with services resuming later this month after a year of upgrades.
Local clubs raise $70,000 to support flood-affected farmers
More than $70,000 has been raised by Mid North Coast clubs to support farmers still recovering from last year’s floods.