Finalists announced for 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards
Finalists for the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards have been announced, recognising tourism operators across NSW’s North Coast region.
$20m boost secures maternity unit fit-out at Grafton Base Hospital
Clarence Valley families will gain improved maternity care after a $20 million funding boost for Grafton Base Hospital.
Byron Writers Festival marks 30 years with landmark program
More than 150 writers, poets and thinkers will descend on Byron Bay next August when the Byron Writers Festival marks its 30th anniversary with one of its most ambitious programs to date.
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.
Local News
Coffs Harbour to showcase tourism credentials as host of major NSW conference
Coffs Harbour will have the opportunity to showcase its tourism offering to key industry leaders after securing the rights to host a major state tourism conference.
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.
Questacon science circus rolls into the Mid North Coast
One of Australia’s best-loved science experiences is heading to the Mid North Coast this month, with Questacon’s free pop-up science centre tour visiting five communities from Thursday, 19 June.
Billabong Zoo celebrates four wins at Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards
Billabong Zoo has claimed four major honours at the Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards and advanced to regional finals.
Man dies in Mid North Coast crash
A 67-year-old man has died after a crash on the Mid North Coast on Sunday.
What's On
Finalists announced for 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards
Finalists for the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards have been announced, recognising tourism operators across NSW’s North Coast region.
Byron Writers Festival marks 30 years with landmark program
More than 150 writers, poets and thinkers will descend on Byron Bay next August when the Byron Writers Festival marks its 30th anniversary with one of its most ambitious programs to date.
Questacon science circus rolls into the Mid North Coast
One of Australia’s best-loved science experiences is heading to the Mid North Coast this month, with Questacon’s free pop-up science centre tour visiting five communities from Thursday, 19 June.
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.
North Coast hosts international trade delegation
International delegates have toured North Coast businesses as part of a NSW Government mission to boost trade, investment and exports.
Dairy farmers facing tighter margins as global market rebalances
Australian dairy farmers are heading into the new season with prices barely at break-even and costs still climbing, according to Rabobank’s latest market outlook.
Environment
North Coast communities invited to discuss water quality and fish health
Mid North Coast fishers and community members will have the opportunity to hear directly from leading fish health and water quality experts when the Community Water Quality Audit Project visits Coffs Harbour
Boil water alert lifted for Nimbin as permanent fix on the way
Nimbin’s boil water alert is lifted — but some residents are still affected, and the temporary fix installed after the 2022 floods is finally being replaced.
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
Northern NSW hospitals see rising emergency demand and higher patient acuity
Northern NSW hospitals recorded more than 58,000 emergency presentations and rising patient acuity as demand for care continued to grow.
EDUCATION
Local high achiever wins 2026 TAFE NSW Gili Award
Glenreagh local Billy York has won a prestigious TAFE NSW Gili Award, recognising resilience, leadership and educational achievement.
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
Drugs seized, man charged after Port Macquarie vehicle stop
An 18-year-old man has been charged after police allegedly seized drugs from a vehicle and a home in Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On North Coast Times engage now
- 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.
Good News
Macleay Valley small businesses graduate from bootcamp
A 12-week bootcamp for Macleay Valley small business owners is wrapping up — and participants say the connections they made were worth as much as the training itself.
Funding boost to help improve Casino cricket facilities
Casino Cricket Club is set to upgrade its turf wicket facilities after securing $10,000 through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.
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.


