Regional NSW faces ongoing skills and labour shortages
Regional NSW councils are battling persistent skills shortages, with workforce gaps threatening housing delivery, essential services and economic growth.
Man dies after SUV crashes into tree at Tallwoods Village
An 83-year-old man has died after the SUV he was driving left the road and crashed into a tree at Tallwoods Village on Tuesday morning.
Coffs scores AFLW thriller as Swans to tackle Saints
Coffs Harbour will host its third AFLW premiership match as Sydney Swans face St Kilda in Indigenous Round clash.
Street count figures ‘don’t reflect reality’ in Northern Rivers, says Williamson
Clarence MP Richie Williamson says NSW street count figures underestimate homelessness across the Northern Rivers and fail to reflect worsening housing stress.
Local News
Parliamentary inquiry called for as Penfold’s gender bill unsupported
Member for Lyne Alison Penfold was the only one to speak in support of her bill seeking to amend the Sex Discrimination Act on Monday.
Tuntable Creek Road to close for year-long reconstruction works
Tuntable Creek Road will shut for 12 months from July 6 for major landslip reconstruction and long-term stabilisation works.
Joyce Martin celebrates remarkable 106th birthday in Wingham
Wingham resident Joyce Martin celebrated her 106th birthday today, surrounded by family, friends and members of the local community.
Whether you are a traditional tradie, like a mechanic, builder, plumber, or electrician, a trade that doesn’t always come immediately to mind like hairdresser, counsellor, or graphic designer, a service business like a cleaner, book keeper, or personal trainer, or perhaps a professional service, like accountant, lawyer, or consultant, we want to highlight your great work.
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.
Local plastering legend lives on
A new Inverell business is carrying on the legacy of a well-known local tradesman, with a team determined to continue the standards and workmanship he became known for.
Community organisations invited to partner on healthy living initiatives in Casino
Casino community organisations are invited to partner with Northern NSW Health on local healthy living and wellbeing initiatives.
Byron joins calls for polluters to pay for flood damage
Byron Shire Council has joined a push for a national “polluter pays” approach to climate disaster recovery
What's On
Nationals launch “Flick the Tick” petition
Nationals MPs have launched a “Flick the Tick” petition at Primex today, demanding stronger action and more funding to tackle the growing cattle tick threat across regional NSW.
Taree clubs hailed for flood recovery efforts one year on
Two of Taree’s best-known clubs are being recognised for their extraordinary efforts during last year’s devastating floods, with both Club Taree and Taree Aquatic Club (Sailo’s) named finalists in the Emergency Response category of the prestigious ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Awards.
The Echo celebrates 40 years of independent voice, community and connection
The Byron Echo is preparing to celebrate a major milestone this June, marking 40 years of independent community journalism with a special anniversary event that editor Aslan Shand says is both a reflection on its roots and a commitment to the future of local media.
Nominate now! We are looking for local trades and services businesses – from micro-businesses to major companies – to feature in our “Trades you can Trust” series.
Lifestyle
BikeHero aims to help North Coast teens ride e-bikes safely
With e-bikes becoming increasingly common on shared coastal pathways, around schools and in town centres across the North Coast, safety experts say families should not wait for new laws before teaching teenagers how to ride safely.
North Coast to host world’s largest women’s surfing festival
Thousands of surfers and visitors will descend on Kingscliff next month for the world’s largest women’s surfing festival.
Nationals launch “Flick the Tick” petition
Nationals MPs have launched a “Flick the Tick” petition at Primex today, demanding stronger action and more funding to tackle the growing cattle tick threat across regional NSW.
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.
Environment
Nimbin boil water alert to remain as Council works on treatment plant repairs
Nimbin residents face at least three more weeks under a boil water alert as Council repairs treatment infrastructure.
State government expands support for communities affected by GKNP timber moratorium
Expanded NSW support aims to help North Coast businesses, workers and communities transition through Koala National Park changes
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
Breaking taboos: push to help women navigate menopause
A national campaign will help women better understand their menopause symptoms, access trusted health information and find out how to get support.
EDUCATION
Community focus at centre of funding boost for Mudyala hub
The Clarence Valley community will benefit from major upgrades to the Mudyala Children & Youth Hub after the organisation secured nearly $188,000 in NSW Government funding.
POLITICS
Penfold says timing of gender bill and Giggle v Tickle ruling ‘a coincidence’
EXCLUSIVE: Lyne MP Alison Penfold says her biological sex bill was months in the making and not triggered by the Giggle v Tickle ruling, arguing it seeks to “give women choice back” while retaining protections for transgender Australians.
INDIGENOUS
Final call for nominations in Coffs Harbour First Nations awards
Nominations are closing soon for the 2026 Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Awards celebrating First Nations leaders across the Coffs Harbour region.
CRIME
Vandalism rampage shuts Sapphire Beach toilets indefinitely
Sapphire Beach residents and visitors are without access to public toilets after a wave of vandalism and arson attacks forced the indefinite closure of the local amenities block.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On North Coast Times engage now
- Letter: Not interested in trans hate
Simone writes the tiny, tiny number of people who are trans are nothing to fear. They're different, not scary. And Alison Penfold should get over it. The post Letter: Not interested in trans hate appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
Taree clubs hailed for flood recovery efforts one year on
Two of Taree’s best-known clubs are being recognised for their extraordinary efforts during last year’s devastating floods, with both Club Taree and Taree Aquatic Club (Sailo’s) named finalists in the Emergency Response category of the prestigious ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Awards.
Happy Mother’s Day! What’s on across the North Coast to celebrate Mums
Mother’s Day across the North Coast is set to bring a wide mix of community events, coastal experiences, creative workshops, markets and live entertainment.
Bundjalung arts leader honoured and remembered at inaugural Luminas awards
Bundjalung woman and nationally acclaimed arts executive Rhoda Roberts AO has been posthumously recognised at the 2026 Luminas awards, following her passing in March.
Local woman smashes military glass ceiling
Kyogle born and former 12/16 Hunter River Lancers reservist Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be the first ever female Chief of Army.