Emergency foster carers to receive first crisis payment boost in over 20 years
Emergency foster carers will receive their first crisis payment increase in over 20 years, with support more than doubling to $200 per child.
Telstra outages expected in Maclean as upgrade works begin
Telstra outages are expected in Maclean from 9 April as upgrade works get underway to boost 4G and 5G performance.
Government accused of stalling on Manning Base Hospital redevelopment
Questions are growing over the future of Manning Base Hospital, with the Opposition accusing the NSW Government of dragging its feet on redevelopment plans.
Firearms, drugs and weapons seized in police operation
Firearms, suspected drug lab materials and 100 weapons seized as police ramp up enforcement across the Northern Rivers and NSW.
Local News
Appeal for family of 22 year old truck driver who died in horror crash
A fundraising appeal has been launched to support the young son of 22-year-old Kempsey man Daniel Meehan, who died following a horror truck crash on Thunderbolts Way near Walcha earlier this week.
$6.25 million boost for Clarence Way upgrades
Clarence Way will see another 3.4km upgraded after a $6.25 million funding boost, with more work planned to complete the route.
Northern NSW urged to talk about falls as risks rise for older residents
Northern NSW residents are being urged to start conversations about falls this April, as health experts warn they remain one of the leading causes of injury and death among older people.
Byron markets step up for stallholders over Easter weekend
Byron Markets are stepping up this Easter, giving Bluesfest stallholders a new home and urging visitors to support local businesses.
Enjoy the sleep-in: Daylight Saving ends this weekend
As the North Coast eases out of the long, sun-soaked days of summer, there’s a familiar seasonal shift just around the corner – daylight saving is coming to an end.

What's On
Appeal for family of 22 year old truck driver who died in horror crash
A fundraising appeal has been launched to support the young son of 22-year-old Kempsey man Daniel Meehan, who died following a horror truck crash on Thunderbolts Way near Walcha earlier this week.
Byron markets step up for stallholders over Easter weekend
Byron Markets are stepping up this Easter, giving Bluesfest stallholders a new home and urging visitors to support local businesses.
Police officers issue traffic plea for Easter long weekend
As thousands of motorists prepare to take to the roads this Easter long weekend, NSW Police are urging drivers to slow down and take extra care amid a concerning rise in road fatalities across the state.
Lifestyle
Police officers issue traffic plea for Easter long weekend
As thousands of motorists prepare to take to the roads this Easter long weekend, NSW Police are urging drivers to slow down and take extra care amid a concerning rise in road fatalities across the state.
Culture and science unite to save endangered rainforest tree
A landmark planting near Billinudgel is combining science and cultural knowledge to help save the endangered Smooth Davidson’s Plum.
NSW boosts freight limits as national fuel plan sets staged response
The NSW Government has moved to increase freight capacity and ease pressure on fuel supplies, announcing temporary changes to truck limits and operating hours
Impact of fuel shortages spread beyond bowser as National Cabinet meets
Fuel shortage impacts spread well beyond the bowser, hitting farms, freight, charities and services as National Cabinet meets on response.
Environment
Annual dredging begins at Tweed River entrance
Annual dredging at the Tweed River entrance is underway, with up to 150,000 cubic metres of sand to be removed.
Light shone on ‘deceptive’ anti-renewables campaigns
A parliamentary inquiry has found ‘astroturfing’ and deliberately deceptive campaigns were common in the last federal election.
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
Patients expected to fund own travel as fuel crisis exacerbates gaps in system
NSW Health are not providing any additional support for patients to manage the cost of accessing health care despite high fuel prices.
EDUCATION
New flood-resilient school takes shape in Lismore South
The rebuild of Lismore South Public School has reached a key milestone, with the first building modules lifted into place.
POLITICS
Country mayors launch ‘Invest in Us’ campaign calling for more federal funding
Regional mayors are calling for more federal funding, launching a new “Invest in Us” campaign to support local councils and services.
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
Unlicensed driver charged after 180km/h highway pursuit
A Queensland man who police allege has never held a driver’s licence in any Australian state or territory has been charged following a high-speed pursuit near Kempsey.

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On North Coast Times engage now
- Opinion: The Price of Playtime
Dana writes the world of kidfluencing forces us to confront a difficult question: what do we owe the children growing up on camera? The post Opinion: The Price of Playtime appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
Top state honour for Lismore health professional
Lismore podiatrist Helen McGregor has been named NSW Allied Health Professional of the Year.
Rides, ribbons, and rural pride at Wauchope Show
Community spirit will be on full display when the 114th Wauchope Show returns on April 10 and 11, promising two big days of entertainment, competition, agriculture and good old-fashioned family fun.
Coffs to go bananas with world record bid at Jetty Beach
Coffs Harbour is set to lean into its most famous icon in a big way next month, with locals invited to head to Jetty Beach and help create what could become the world’s largest human banana formation.
New hub to boost women-owned businesses in NSW
The NSW Government has invested more than $190,000 to support the launch of what is being described as Australia’s first database dedicated to showcasing women-owned businesses.

