‘Fish magnets’ return to NSW coast ahead of summer fishing season
Recreational fishers are gearing up for a big summer, with 34 offshore ‘fish magnets’ returning to the NSW coastline to attract prized game fish, including mahi mahi, tuna and marlin.
Premature babies spared Gold Coast trips by $120,000 eye scanner
Tiny babies at risk of losing their sight no longer face a trip to the Gold Coast. A $120,000 community effort has put a portable eye scanner into Northern Rivers hospitals.
Tuncurry man charged over weapons haul
Knives, knuckle dusters, a stolen caravan, and six replica pistols. Police say a Strike Force Ontar raid on the Manning Great Lakes has led to 10 charges and a refusal of bail.
MidCoast Council leader recognised at NSW women in local government awards
MidCoast Council’s Tracey Hamer has been highly commended at the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government for her contributions.
LATEST NEWS
Local News
Flood refuge reborn as Evans Head holiday hotspot
From flood refuge to holiday hotspot. A $2.5 million makeover has turned the Evans Head site that sheltered families after 2022 into tiny homes and camp sites.
Smiths Lake levels rise following heavy rainfall as council considers opening
MidCoast Council is monitoring rising water levels at Smiths Lake following heavy rainfall, with a possible opening to the ocean being considered to prevent flooding.
Grafton set to turn purple as Jacaranda Festival opens
Thousands of jacaranda trees in bloom will turn Grafton purple when the Jacaranda Festival opens on Friday, 23 October. The celebration runs until Sunday, 8 November.
Coffs Harbour quit-smoking program wins global award
A quit-smoking program born in Coffs Harbour has won an international award after crossing the globe to help pregnant women in Germany.
Want to be a Coffs councillor? Get the inside look
Fancy a seat at the Coffs Harbour council table? A free session on 28 October will show would-be candidates what the job really involves before the 12 December by-election.
What's On
MidCoast Council leader recognised at NSW women in local government awards
MidCoast Council’s Tracey Hamer has been highly commended at the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government for her contributions.
Grafton set to turn purple as Jacaranda Festival opens
Thousands of jacaranda trees in bloom will turn Grafton purple when the Jacaranda Festival opens on Friday, 23 October. The celebration runs until Sunday, 8 November.
Cost of living forces workers to push through pain
Nine in ten workers in pain kept working, and half said they could not afford to lose the income. A new survey shows regional workers are hit harder.
Lifestyle
NSW tops Australia for food tourism
NSW has been named Australia’s food tourism capital, with visitors spending more than $12 billion. See what they are eating, and which regional food events are drawing the crowds.
Love Island Australia villa in Byron hinterland sells for about $6 million
Amileka, the Federal home used as the villa in the 2021 series of Love Island Australia, has sold. The series was hosted by Sophie Monk, and the most recent price guide for the home was $6 million.
Local music takes centre stage as Blues and Berries returns to Woolgoolga
Woolgoolga’s Blues and Berries has a local focus this year, highlighting the musical talent of the NSW North Coast at the free event on November 1.
Rex flight suspension threatens Mid North Coast access to essential services
Mid North Coast residents could face higher airfares and greater difficulty accessing medical care and essential services following Rex Airlines’ decision to suspend Port Macquarie flights.
SBM26: Handmade treasures, personalised support and creative inspiration
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three organisations making a difference through creativity and connection: an Armidale shop bringing together unique creations from independent makers, a Coffs Harbour disability support provider focused on individual needs and genuine relationships, and a volunteer-run Forster gallery offering exhibitions, workshops and opportunities for everyone to explore their creativity.
SBM26: Garden romance, regional connections and community spirit
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three places bringing people together in different ways: a Tenterfield garden escape offering boutique stays and romantic celebrations, a regional transport service connecting communities across the North Coast and New England, and a Mullumbimby showground that brings locals and visitors together for markets, events and outdoor adventures.
Environment
Why can’t we get this done? Oven Mountain latest renewable project to falter
The latest announcement of a renewable project to fail is the one that no one expected. Questions are being asked about whether the NSW Government is to blame, or if there is a bigger problem about how we do large infrastructure in this country.
Tree vandals face $500,000 penalties
Poison a tree and you could pay $500,000. New laws will let councils chase tree vandals through the courts for the first time, on public and private land.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
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.
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.
HEALTH
Almost 300 GPs trained to treat ADHD
Almost 300 GPs can now diagnose and treat ADHD, and 300 more start training next month. Rural and regional communities were prioritised, and free assessments could save up to $1,500.
Cost of living forces workers to push through pain
Nine in ten workers in pain kept working, and half said they could not afford to lose the income. A new survey shows regional workers are hit harder.
POLITICS
NSW first to sign new Free TAFE deal
NSW is first to sign the new five-year Free TAFE deal, with $560 million and about 160,000 places from 2027 aimed at housing, energy, digital skills, and essential care.
Senate probes $560m community grants
Senate hearings into how a $560 million community grants program picked its winners start today in Canberra. Watch live online on Wednesday and Thursday.
SPORT
Marist Rams launch women’s tackle team
After years of waiting, Lismore will have a senior women’s tackle league team in 2027. More than 20 women have already put their hand up for the Marist Brothers Rams. Could you be next?
CRIME
Helen Haines loses second leg
Dr Helen Haines’ husband says she is alive and stable after losing both legs. The Governor-General says the attack must be a moment for Australians to pause and choose to be better.
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- Opinion | Keeping the Light on the Hill burning
Denise asks what is government actually for? It is a question worth asking at a time when politics increasingly seems to be about outrage, grievance, personalities and winning the daily argument on social media. The post Opinion | Keeping the Light on the Hill burning appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
