Bluesfest cancellation hits Byron Bay community after 36-year run
The cancellation of Bluesfest 2026 ends a 36-year run for one of Australia’s most iconic music festivals, dealing a blow to the Byron Bay community, local tourism and the live music sector.
Man dies after being pulled from water near Coffs Harbour
A 36-year-old man has died after being pulled from the water at Emerald Beach near Coffs Harbour. Read more here.
Coffs Coast seniors recognised for community service
Several long-serving community volunteers have been recognised for their dedication and leadership as part of the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards.
Fuel crisis sparks animal welfare warnings as Bowen finally acts
Animal welfare concerns are mounting across regional Australia as the federal government finally moved to ease fuel supply pressures that farmers say are threatening livestock transport, planting and the daily operation of rural industries.
Local News
New Ballina community centre to boost child protection and family support services
Ballina families will gain improved access to child protection and family support services with the opening of a new $3 million Community Service Centre.
More than 400 Elders gather in Yamba for 24th Aboriginal Elders Olympics
Hundreds of Aboriginal Elders from across NSW have gathered to compete in the 24th annual Aboriginal Elders Olympics on Yaegl Country in Yamba.
Investigation underway after fatal boating incident near Yamba
Two people have died after a boat capsized crossing the Yamba bar on the NSW north coast early Thursday.
Government still in denial on fuel supply issues
One retailer has increased its prices over a three dollars a litre, while others have run out, and the government insists there is no fuel supply issue.
Myall Lakes seniors’ concerts raise funds for local charities
The Myall Lakes Seniors Concerts has raised more than $2600 for local charities, following four performances in Forster and Taree.
What's On
Coffs Coast seniors recognised for community service
Several long-serving community volunteers have been recognised for their dedication and leadership as part of the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards.
World-Class Piping Talent to Feature at 121st Maclean Highland Gathering
Celebrating its 121st year, the Maclean Highland Gathering 2026 will welcome internationally celebrated solo piper Willie McCallum for the first time when it opens its doors this coming Easter.
Rumble on the River Skateboard Spectacle in Lismore
Australia’s top skateboarders are set to converge on Lismore next month for Rumble on the River, a four-day competition that will showcase elite talent at the city’s newly opened skate park.
Lifestyle
A trail without rail for Byron shire
Byron Shire Council will forgo aspirations of a light rail option between Mullumbimby and Byron Bay to speed up the completion of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Lismore ready for Samson Fitness Challenge
More than 550 competitors will take on the Samson Fitness Challenge in Lismore this weekend, raising funds for sick children through Our Kids.
Regional Australia Bank named most recommended customer-owned bank
The Port Macquarie headquartered Regional Australia Bank has won an award based on customer recommendations.
North Coast towns share in $2m boost for regional night-time economy
North Coast towns will be among the beneficiaries of a new NSW Government pilot aimed at strengthening regional night-time economies, with business groups in Murwillumbah, Lennox Head, Sawtell and Byron Bay selected to receive support.
Environment
Councils versus polytunnels
The North Coast region is at the centre of a debate over whether Development Applications should be required for agricultural polytunnels, with a new bill introduced to give councils more power to regulate berry farms.
Have a say on the health of the Upper Richmond River catchment
Kyogle Council is calling on landowners, community groups, industry representatives and residents to have a say in safeguarding the health of the Upper Richmond River catchment.
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
More North Coast measles alerts as outbreak expands
A new measles exposure alert has been issued for Lismore Base Hospital as health authorities warn the North Coast outbreak is expanding and urge residents to check their vaccinations.
EDUCATION
Construction begins on major Lennox Head Public School and preschool upgrade
Construction has begun on a new Lennox Head Public School campus, set to triple classroom capacity and open in 2027.
POLITICS
Canavan new leader of the Nationals
Matt Canavan has been elected Nationals leader after David Littleproud’s shock resignation.
INDIGENOUS
First ever plan to deal with violence against Indigenous women and children
Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek has launched Australia’s first standalone national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.
CRIME
Accused Little Styx axe murderer denied bail
The man accused of murder at the Little Styx River campsite has been refused bail, as police allege he killed a fellow camper with an axe during a violent altercation at the remote spot on Point Lookout Road.
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- Editorial: Navigating the fuel crunch together
The fuel crunch is affecting daily life across our region, so lets work together to get through this. The post Editorial: Navigating the fuel crunch together appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
New hub to boost women-owned businesses in NSW
The NSW Government has invested more than $190,000 to support the launch of what is being described as Australia’s first database dedicated to showcasing women-owned businesses.
Bonalbo serves up new flood resilient tennis courts
Bonalbo’s sporting community has scored a win with the official opening of the village’s new flood-resilient tennis courts.
Mount Warning/Wollumbin finally set to reopen
The long-awaited reopening of Mount Warning/Wollumbin is finally a step closer, with the iconic track set to reopen in July 2027 after years of closure.
Fishing festival takes over Mylestom
The quiet village of Mylestom was bustling last weekend with more than 800 fishers of all ages casting a line for the 29th annual Putt Bennett Family Fishing Festival.