Hawks Nest locals praised for correctly reporting sick bird
A sick bird near Hawks Nest could have been bad, but for the locals who didn’t touch, and called for help. NSW has its first suspect case of H5 bird flu, and authorities say it’s proof the system is working.
Coffs Harbour community groups share more than $220,000 in City support
Community groups across Coffs Harbour will share more than $220,000 in City funding supporting local events, sport, wellbeing.
Smarter payment options for rates and water charges launched for Coffs residents
Coffs Harbour residents can now spread rates and water bills through a new digital payment platform launched today citywide.
Bellingen bushfire boast: teen who allegedly bragged about “burning koalas” gets bail
“Burning koalas.” That’s what police allege was boasted on Snapchat after half an acre of Bellingen bushland went up in flames. The accused teen walked free on bail, conditions attached.
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Coffs Coast operators lead the way in regional tourism awards
The Coffs Coast tourism industry is celebrating after 11 local businesses, attractions and experiences were named finalists in the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.
Outdoor transformation set for Urunga Library
Urunga Library will become a more welcoming community hub, with upgraded outdoor spaces supporting learning, connection, recreation and cultural activities for all.
Young innovators pitch community-changing ideas to Ballina Council
Students from two Ballina schools pitched innovative community projects to councillors during Youth Week, tackling local challenges with creative solutions.
$148,000 to launch Aboriginal women’s businesses on the North Coast
Sixteen Aboriginal women on the NSW North Coast are set to launch their own businesses in Country care and cultural heritage, backed by $148,000 in new government funding.
Urunga affordable housing proposal moves to next stage
Urunga is a step closer to an affordable housing pilot after Bellingen Shire Council backed progressing a proposed land transfer.
What's On
Coffs Coast operators lead the way in regional tourism awards
The Coffs Coast tourism industry is celebrating after 11 local businesses, attractions and experiences were named finalists in the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.
Doing good and doing business: North Coast changemakers invited to find each other over lunch
Know anyone running a business to make Port Macquarie, Ballina or Lismore better? SECNA is bringing its Business for Good series to the region for the first time – and the CEO says when these people find each other, magic happens.
Bush tucker and bees: Scotts Head grows a season of community events
A series of seven community gatherings designed to reconnect locals with growing, habitat and food is now underway in Scotts Head, with the first event drawing 27 participants to the village’s community garden earlier this month.
Lifestyle
LisAmore! to bring the spirit of Italy to Lismore
LisAmore! returns to Lismore on Sunday with authentic Italian food, music, culture and family-friendly entertainment at Lismore Showgrounds.
Doing good and doing business: North Coast changemakers invited to find each other over lunch
Know anyone running a business to make Port Macquarie, Ballina or Lismore better? SECNA is bringing its Business for Good series to the region for the first time – and the CEO says when these people find each other, magic happens.
Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre named a tourism awards finalist
The Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre has been named a finalist in the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, with winners to be announced at a gala ceremony in Coffs Harbour on 30 July.
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
Concern brewing as buried Hanson policy threatens affordable medicines
A local mum says she and her asthmatic daughter could die without PBS medicines. She’s not alone — public concern is growing over a little-noticed One Nation policy, and a petition is now calling on Hanson to back off.
EDUCATION
Mid North Coast school leaders gather in Port Macquarie for state education roadshow
Up to 130 principals and public school leaders from across the Mid North Coast and beyond will converge on Port Macquarie today as part of the NSW Department of Education’s annual Schools Roadshow.
POLITICS
$30 million to tackle M1 pinch points between Tweed and Byron
Nearly 70,000 drivers use the M1 through the Tweed every day. Now $30 million is committed to help fix the bottlenecks, from Tweed Heads to Byron Bay.
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
Five charged after alleged affray at Coffs Harbour shopping centre
Five people, including four teenagers, have been charged following an alleged affray at a shopping centre in Coffs Harbour.
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- QW: What difference?
RE: NSW gun licence rules tighten from today – So what difference will it make from having a 5 year gun license compared to a 2 year gun licence being issued other than another huge increase in the cost to licensed shooters and another money grab from from government ? The post QW: What difference? appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
