Man charged following alleged sexual assault investigation in Ballina
A 37-year-old man has been charged over an alleged sexual assault at a home in West Ballina last year after a police investigation spanning several months.
Ballina community’s generosity helps restore sight worldwide
Ballina residents donated more than $235,000 last year to help restore sight worldwide.
Police ranks boosted across NSW Mid North Coast and North Coast
Police ranks across the Mid North Coast and North Coast have been boosted with 13 new probationary constables assigned to the region.
Surfing legends Trent Munro and Jacko Baker set for Mid North Coast junior surfing showdown
Surfing legends Trent Munro and Jacko Baker headline this weekend’s Surf Reflections Junior Series at Hungry Head Beach.
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Local News
Taree to host key hearing in local government funding inquiry
Taree will host a key public hearing this week as a federal inquiry examines the growing financial and workforce pressures facing regional and rural councils across NSW.
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.
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.
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.
Gloucester Creatives turns former garden centre into thriving community hub
A former garden centre is now a thriving creative hub, with Gloucester Creatives bringing together more than 70 local artists and makers.
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.
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.
Tree Farmer: A new resource for North Coast landholders
A new hub will help North Coast landholders understand and engage with emerging environmental markets and natural capital opportunities.
Environment
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.
$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.
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.
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- 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.