National agriculture leaders gather for ABARES Outlook Conference
Tickets are now on sale for ABARES Outlook 2026, with the Bureau’s flagship annual conference set to bring the nation’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry leaders together on 3–4 March at Hotel Realm, Canberra and online.
Caravans for better flood recovery
Communities across the North Coast stand to benefit from faster access to temporary housing after disasters
Coffs cop charged after being caught drink driving twice
A Coffs Harbour police officer has been charged with drink driving, and may lose his job, after being caught twice driving under the influence in the one day.
Waterfall Way closure leading to desperation in Dorrigo
The protracted closure of Waterfall Way is taking a heavy toll on the Dorrigo community, and there is more pain coming.
Local News
Minimum e-bike age plan aimed at safer streets on the North Coast and across NSW
The NSW Government is moving to introduce a minimum age for e-bike riders and adopt tougher European safety standards, in reforms set to affect families and young riders across the New England.
WEEKLY UPDATE: Night works, road closures and blasting set to disrupt Coffs Harbour traffic
Coffs Harbour residents can expect traffic delays, detours and overnight noise next week as work intensifies on the long-running Coffs Harbour bypass.
Retro rides and nitro nights in Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour will host a major weekend of motoring and adrenaline events from 13 to 15 March, featuring the Summer Beach Hop, Freestyle Kings LIVE, and the Australian Kart Championship across multiple local venues.
Groovin back after two year break
Groovin The Moo is set to return in 2026 with a one-off show in Lismore, marking a carefully staged comeback
Mid north coast gains 25 junior doctors
Twenty-five new medical interns have joined the Mid North Coast Local Health District, including Coffs Harbour local Dr Tammy Middleton, providing support to hospitals across the Coffs Harbour and Hastings Macleay networks.
What's On
Call for entries: 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards
Heritage groups, councils and community organisations across the North Coast region are being urged to showcase their work, with entries now open for the 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards.
Classic Bikes to Roll into Ballina This May After Weather Postponement
The North Coast Classic Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet in Ballina has been postponed due to bad weather, but organisers have confirmed the popular event will now take place on Sunday, May 31.
Jetty Memorial Theatre’s cast call for comedy, Don Lane and Dolly
The City of Coffs Harbour’s renowned Jetty Memorial Theatre (JMT) has released a blockbuster 2026 program featuring an international comedy festival, a show biz tribute to the ‘lanky Yank’ Don Lane and Dolly Parton’s smash hit 9 to 5 musical.
Show ‘N’ Shine car show revs up in Ballina
For the third year running, Ballina will host the North Coast Show and Shine, a community motor show that celebrates some of the country’s finest classic cars, utes and motorbikes.
Lifestyle
Sharpes Beach Precinct upgrade now open to community
A $2.35 million upgrade to the Sharpes Beach precinct has improved access, safety and facilities at the popular coastal site.
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 families and intrepid explorers alike, the X Terra takes the best of caravan comfort and combines it with robust off-road capability — all…
North Coast Times launches as New England Times marks three years of independent regional journalism
North Coast Times, a new digital news service covering the 13 local government areas of the NSW North Coast, is being officially launched today as sister masthead New England Times celebrates its third birthday.
Free caravan safety workshops in Ballina
Ballina Shire Council will hold two free Caravan Safety Workshops for caravan owners next month. Read more here.
Environment
Armidale: The story that doesn’t fit the stereotype
New England is often seen as sceptical of climate change, but Armidale has a rich history of caring for the environment dating back over half a century. Read part 1 of our special investigation.
Autism Swim’s Dippers Program returns with inclusive beach and ocean safety
Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie will once again host Autism Swim’s inclusive beach and ocean safety program. Read more here.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Take a break from the heat and upgrade to an X Series Signature
It has been another uncomfortably hot Tamworth Country Music Festival, and with another heat wave on the way, it is worth asking yourself: is it time to get out of the heat?
The Grove Yamba: Coastal Living Elevated to a New Standard
Discover The Grove Yamba, a boutique collection of 14 luxury villas that blend timeless design with coastal serenity. Just a short stroll from town, it’s a rare chance to own in this…
HEALTH
Grafton hospital redevelopment hits early works milestone
The $263.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital has progressed to early works, with changed traffic conditions now in place on Arthur Street to allow for the construction of a new pedestrian crossing.
EDUCATION
Interim school bus services announced for Dorrigo students
Transport for NSW has announced alternative travel arrangements for students impacted by the Waterfall Way closure, with a phased introduction of minibus services beginning Monday, 9 February.
POLITICS
All hands on deck: construction industry called to lead Northern Rivers final rebuild push
The Northern Rivers is entering its most critical phase of home rebuilding, with the NSW Government issuing a region-wide call for licensed builders and trades to help homeowners upgrade, raise, rebuild or relocate properties damaged in the 2022 floods.
INDIGENOUS
First ever plan to deal with violence against Indigenous women and children
Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek has launched Australia’s first standalone national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.
CRIME
Teenager charged over alleged break ins, pursuit in Kempsey
A teenage boy will face court following an investigation into armed break and enters in Kempsey, South West Rocks, Bonville, and Port Macquarie, as well as an alleged pursuit involving the ramming of a police vehicle.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Denise’s Desk: Discomfort, debate and why engagement matters in New England
Denise says in a region like New England, where politics is often shaped by personality and protest rather than policy, engagement matters. The post Denise’s Desk: Discomfort, debate and why engagement matters in New England appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Good News
Mount Warning/Wollumbin finally set to reopen
The long-awaited reopening of Mount Warning/Wollumbin is finally a step closer, with the iconic track set to reopen in July 2027 after years of closure.
NSW recyclers return record 15 billion containers
NSW residents have returned a record 15 billion bottles, cans and cartons through the Return and Earn scheme, delivering $1.5 billion in refunds, but access on the North Coast remains uneven.
Track upgrade powers ahead for Clarence Valley BMX riders
Clarence Valley’s BMX community is gearing up for a faster, safer future thanks to $19,250 to resurface the track at the Clarence Valley BMX Club.
Creating new koala habitat in Coffs Harbour
Koala sightings could soon become much more common in the Coffs Harbour area thanks to an initiative that will provide a new home for the furry Aussie icon.