Little Watego’s brush with death sparks new lifeline for Byron koalas
He survived a bully, a plunge into the sea and a rescue enclosure. Little Watego’s story is now helping save Byron Bay’s whole koala colony.
Landmark day for Grafton as $283.8 million hospital rebuild breaks ground
Decades of waiting, one sod turn. Grafton Base Hospital’s $283.8 million rebuild is finally underway, and it will change healthcare in the Clarence Valley for good.
Regional airports ‘not working well’, peak body warns Senate
Exorbitant fares, late cancellations and airports running at a loss. Regional Capitals Australia has told a Senate inquiry the system is broken, and it wants a $200 million fix.
A new chapter in coastal living begins at Valis
Downsize your home, not your life. A $180 million community of 159 homes is rising in North Boambee Valley, complete with a clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts and cinema at its heart.
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Local News
Tragic weekend claims three lives across North Coast
Two drownings and a fatal crash. One devastating weekend has left three families grieving across the North Coast, as police investigate all three tragedies.
Coffs Harbour ambulance crews fling open the doors
Coffs Harbour’s ambulance station threw open its doors on Friday, letting locals get up close with the crews and vehicles that keep the region safe.
Working group takes on future of Bellingen Courthouse
A skills-based working group is quietly doing the groundwork on one of Bellingen’s toughest heritage puzzles, what it will actually take to bring the old Courthouse back to life.
Lismore ticks off new toilets, parks and a truck fleet
New parks, new toilets, new trucks. Lismore Council is ticking off a run of practical wins this month, funded through disaster recovery and state grants.
Bruxner Highway safety improvement plans power ahead
Major safety upgrades along the Bruxner Highway are progressing, with early work at the Cowlong and Alphadale roads intersection due to begin in November.
What's On
North Coast forests caught up in landmark logging review
A broken system or a milestone for the environment? Canberra and Macquarie Street are celebrating a new forestry review, but Greenpeace says it doesn’t go far enough.
Northern Rivers and North Coast projects recognised in NSW resilience awards
Northern Rivers and North Coast initiatives have been recognised for strengthening disaster preparedness, mental health support and community resilience.
Newcastle Yowies gear up to host biggest Koori Knockout in history
Raymond Terrace is preparing to welcome the biggest Koori Knockout in the tournament’s history, with Newcastle Yowies vice president Uncle Abie Wright saying the club is expecting around 50,000 people to descend on King Park over the October long weekend.
Lifestyle
$1.5m in animal welfare grants now open
Rehoming organisations across NSW can now apply for a share of $1.5 million to help vulnerable cats and dogs find safe new homes, with applications open until 9 October.
North Coast forests caught up in landmark logging review
A broken system or a milestone for the environment? Canberra and Macquarie Street are celebrating a new forestry review, but Greenpeace says it doesn’t go far enough.
Rural Aid urges farmers to register early
Bushfire risk is rising this spring, and Rural Aid wants farmers registered before disaster hits, not after. “Disasters don’t wait, and neither should farmers.”
Environment
Great Koala National Park clears major hurdle
The Great Koala National Park has cleared a major hurdle, with 475,000 hectares of forest, 12,000 koalas and a world-class tourism drawcard now a legislative step closer to reality.
Old pallets, new tricks: Ballina’s recycled art competition throws down a challenge
Pallets, letterboxes and backyard habitats: Ballina’s Salvage Shed wants your junk turned into art, with $600 in prizes up for grabs.
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
New system for drivers who use medicinal cannabis
Prescribed medicinal cannabis and need to drive? New NSW laws mean a positive THC test alone will no longer cost registered patients their licence.
EDUCATION
TAFE NSW taster program builds next generation of Mid North Coast tradies
A TAFE NSW taster program is giving Mid North Coast students hands-on construction skills while helping build the region’s future workforce.
POLITICS
Nationals slam Federal road toll data
882 lives lost on Australian roads so far this year. The federal Coalition says it is the worst result since governments vowed to halve the road toll, and Labor still has no plan.
INDIGENOUS
Mid North Coast cadet inspires health push
A Mid North Coast placement student says a hospital stay with her baby brother set her on the path to occupational therapy, as applications open for the next Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetship intake.
CRIME
More DV offenders before courts: new data
New BOCSAR data shows 6,128 more domestic violence defendants before NSW courts in two years, as the state government points to tougher bail laws and a $184.1 million funding boost.
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- Opinion: A toxic brew has shaped a world driven by anger, fear and confusion
Cost-of-living pressures, terror attacks, widening inequality and financial crises — it’s no wonder Australians are angry. Yet danger lies in scapegoating, writes Professor Alan Gamlen The post Opinion: A toxic brew has shaped a world driven by anger, fear and confusion appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
