Family trusts in Treasurer’s sights as farmers warn of regional fallout
Proposed changes to how family trusts are taxed are shaping as a key battleground in next week’s federal budget, with a 30% tax to be proposed despite failing many times before.
Love at first sight: Alpacas, scones and a Mother’s Day to remember
Australian Alpaca Association’s annual National Alpaca Week is back, inviting Australians to step onto farms, meet some of the country’s most charming livestock, and discover a growing agricultural industry that blends sustainability with luxury.
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.
Taree man jailed for child abuse offences
A Taree man has been jailed for eight years for child abuse and online child abuse material offences.
Local News
LisAmore Italian Festival returns for 2026
The LisAmore Italian Festival returns to Lismore in 2026, bringing a celebration of Italian culture, food and music that is bigger than ever.
Investigation continues after fatal Chinderah crash
Two young men have died after a car left the road and hit a tree on the NSW far north coast, following an earlier collision with two other vehicles near Chinderah.
Three dead, search suspended after boating tragedy off Ballina
Three people have died following a boating tragedy off Ballina, including two marine rescue volunteers, with the search for additional victims now suspended.
Bellingen man charged over alleged online threats to politicians
A Bellingen man has been charged over alleged online threats targeting parliamentarians, with the case heading to court in May.
Driver charged after alleged hit-and-run while drunk and stoned
Police allege a driver hit another car twice and fled before returning a 0.181 reading and testing positive to cannabis and cocaine at Tweed Heads.
What's On
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.
LisAmore Italian Festival returns for 2026
The LisAmore Italian Festival returns to Lismore in 2026, bringing a celebration of Italian culture, food and music that is bigger than ever.
Happy Mother’s Day! What’s on across the North Coast to celebrate Mums
Mother’s Day across the North Coast is set to bring a wide mix of community events, coastal experiences, creative workshops, markets and live entertainment.
Stitched with Intention: The Story of Cotton Whimsy Studio
On the Coffs Coast, where creativity meets conscious living, Cotton Whimsy Studio is quietly redefining what it means to wear and gift with intention.
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
From market stalls to gallery walls: Mirabela Varga’s Coherence now showing at Byron Spaces Gallery
Local artist Mirabela Varga presents Coherence at Byron Spaces Gallery, exploring calm and emotional connection through textured works.
Happy Mother’s Day! What’s on across the North Coast to celebrate Mums
Mother’s Day across the North Coast is set to bring a wide mix of community events, coastal experiences, creative workshops, markets and live entertainment.
Handcrafted calm: Rhondalas Mandalas brings mindful beauty to the North Coast
A passion for creativity, mindfulness and meaningful design is at the heart of Rhondalas Mandalas, a small North Coast business transforming simple spaces into places of calm and beauty.
Climate concern rising in regional Australia, poll finds
Climate concern is rising in regional Australia, with most residents backing renewables and blaming energy companies for high power bills.
Environment
$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.
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.
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
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.
EDUCATION
Much-loved Rous Bonfire Night set to light up the region again
One of the Northern Rivers’ most cherished community events is set to return next month, with Rous Public School’s Bonfire Night marking an impressive 45 years.
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
$2.46m NHMRC grant to expand national program helping Indigenous mothers quit smoking
A $2.46 million NHMRC grant will expand a national program helping Indigenous women quit smoking during pregnancy.
CRIME
NSW man charged over alleged online death threats targeting parliamentarians
A NSW man has been charged after allegedly posting online death threats targeting two parliamentarians, police say.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On North Coast Times engage now
- Marketing Clarity: How to use AI for content without getting it wrong
Ingrid Rothe says AI is incredibly efficient at producing average - you need to give it a better brief to get better results. The post Marketing Clarity: How to use AI for content without getting it wrong 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.