Man charged after police allegedly seize ketamine worth an estimated $1 million
A 24-year-old man has been charged after police allegedly seized 20kg of ketamine worth an estimated $1 million.
Road realignment project to begin at Emerald Beach
Work will begin in July on a $3 million Emerald Beach road upgrade designed to improve access and public space.
North Coast community groups share in national digital grants round
Bellingen’s 2BBB FM is getting a digital equipment upgrade, and South West Rocks is digitising its history collection — both funded through a national Telstra and FRRR community grant round.
New memorials coming to Gloucester and Old Bar to honour fallen veterans
Old Bar is getting a permanent war memorial at last, backed by more than $66,000 in federal funding. And Gloucester is not far behind.
Local News
Bellingen Shire community groups receive funding for local projects and events
Bellingen Shire Council has awarded more than $52,000 in grants to support community, arts, environmental and sporting projects.
Terrifying home invasion detail prompts phone action for Torrington
She has survived a terrifying home invasion, including watching her husband shoot their attacker to save their lives. Now 72 year old Di Blessing has turned to activist, with a previously unknown and terrifying detail making the connectivity issue even more real.
Community priorities at heart of Kyogle Council funding push
Kyogle Council is strengthening its advocacy efforts to secure State and Federal Government funding for infrastructure projects identified as priorities by the local community.
Woolgoolga and Coffs pools earmarked for major redevelopment
Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga pools are set for major upgrades under a 15-year aquatic facilities strategy.
Council seeks feedback on Grafton Saleyards future
Clarence Valley Council is seeking public feedback on a draft plan outlining future options for the Grafton Saleyards.
What's On
Electric riders from across Australia to descend on Coffs Harbour for national championships
Coffs Harbour is set to host the largest electric vehicle racing event ever held in Australia next month, with more than 100 riders registered to compete in the 2026 AUS PEV Nationals at Coffs Harbour Kart Club from 21 to 23 August.
Quilts take centre stage at Alstonville’s Crawford House
A beloved annual tradition is back for its 12th year, and this time it’s bigger than ever, with the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society adding a fourth day to its popular Airing of the Quilts event at Crawford House Museum.
Bellingen secures funding to streamline event approvals and upgrade infrastructure
Organising events across the Bellingen Shire is set to become easier after Bellingen Shire Council secured funding through the NSW Government’s Permit/Plug/Play Program.
Lifestyle
Funding boost for local surf clubs
More than $78,000 in NSW Government funding will deliver facility upgrades at Minnie Water-Wooli and Yamba surf clubs, supporting volunteers.
Paraquat stays but with major new restrictions as regulator delivers verdict
Australia’s pesticide regulator has handed down a major decision on paraquat and diquat— it stays, but with tight new restrictions.
CGT shake-up brings relief, but succession remains the real test for farmers
A major tax backdown has lifted the CGT threshold to $10 million, but farm groups say the real test is still to come: can families actually pass the farm on?
Environment
Uncertainty for wildlife as killer bird flu detected
Australian wildlife is facing a new and uncertain chapter after a dangerous strain of bird flu was confirmed on the mainland.
Regional NSW water investment critical for North Coast and Mid North Coast
Regional cities across the North Coast, Mid North Coast and New England are urging urgent water investment to sustain growth.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
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.
HEALTH
North Coast families to get $100 rego cut and a new maternity unit at Grafton
A new maternity unit for Grafton, $100 off rego, and record health investment. Here’s what the NSW Budget delivers for the North Coast.
EDUCATION
Port Macquarie tiler set to shine at Global Skills Challenge
A Port Macquarie tiler is preparing to test his skills against some of the world’s best young tradespeople at the 2026 Global Skills Challenge.
POLITICS
Hanson defies protest to call for ‘monocultural’ nation
A mid-speech protest has marred Pauline Hanson’s first address to the National Press Club after decades in politics.
INDIGENOUS
Healing ceremony marks new chapter for old Grafton Gaol site
A Healing Ceremony has been held at the old Grafton Gaol as the historic site prepares to switch its purpose from punishment to health.
CRIME
Man charged over fatal motorcycle crash near South West Rocks
A man has been charged following a fatal motorcycle crash on the NSW Mid North Coast earlier this year.

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- Opinion: Kids on social media more than two hours a day at higher risk of mental illness
A new study found there is a significant risks from heavier use of social media by children. Read what the study found. The post Opinion: Kids on social media more than two hours a day at higher risk of mental illness appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.


