Flood-free homes and land finally within reach for Lismore buyback residents
Flood-free land and renovated heritage homes are now on sale at Goonellabah’s Mount Pleasant estate, and locals get first choice.
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.
Winter Solstice Festival lights up community spirit in Boambee
Lanterns handcrafted by local children, the glow of a roaring bonfire and thousands of neighbours gathering under the winter sky have become the hallmarks of one of the Coffs Coast’s most cherished community events.
Works locked in to protect key Coffs Creek crossing
The Orlando Street road and pedestrian bridge, a key connection between Park Beach and the Jetty Foreshore, is set to receive a near $1 million upgrade to extend its service life.
Local News
Williamson calls time on 4.52am train nightmare
A 4.52am arrival in Brisbane. That’s what local rail passengers are putting up with — and one MP has had enough.
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.
Coalition pledges to scrap Labor tax measures
The Coalition has pledged to reverse Labor’s proposed tax changes, warning they would hurt farmers, investors and small businesses.
Nostalgia on wheels as Early Holden Day returns to Coffs Harbour
Classic car lovers will have the chance to step back in time later this month when the National Holden Motor Museum hosts its latest Early Holden Day, bringing together beautifully preserved vehicles and the stories behind them.
MasterChef’s Simon Toohey to host mindful foodie retreat in Byron Bay
What happens when one of Australia’s best-known MasterChef stars combines plant-based cooking, yoga and mindfulness in Byron Bay?
What's On
Winter Solstice Festival lights up community spirit in Boambee
Lanterns handcrafted by local children, the glow of a roaring bonfire and thousands of neighbours gathering under the winter sky have become the hallmarks of one of the Coffs Coast’s most cherished community events.
Nostalgia on wheels as Early Holden Day returns to Coffs Harbour
Classic car lovers will have the chance to step back in time later this month when the National Holden Motor Museum hosts its latest Early Holden Day, bringing together beautifully preserved vehicles and the stories behind them.
MasterChef’s Simon Toohey to host mindful foodie retreat in Byron Bay
What happens when one of Australia’s best-known MasterChef stars combines plant-based cooking, yoga and mindfulness in Byron Bay?
Lifestyle
Byron Spaces Gallery winter exhibition ‘Ocean Magic’ by local artist Yvonne Fenech
Local artist Yvonne Fenech brings the ocean’s movement, light and energy to Byron Spaces Gallery in immersive exhibition Ocean Magic.
Inspectors swoop on 100-plus North Coast building sites
More than 100 North Coast building sites. Thirty-five fines. Unlicensed and shoddy work busted from Coffs Harbour to Tweed Heads. Here is what inspectors found.
Five days left to enter George the Farmer book competition
Schools and early learning centres have just five days to enter a competition to win a collection of George the Farmer storybooks
Environment
Coffs doubles down on plan to protect key river system
Coffs Harbour has unveiled a draft 10-year strategy to continue restoring the Orara River and safeguard drinking water quality.
Lennox Headland Tree Planting Day celebrates 21 years of community action
More than 1,800 volunteers have helped restore Lennox Headland over 21 years, planting 18,000 trees across eight hectares.
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
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.
EDUCATION
Aviation Career Expo inspires Northern Rivers students
Nearly 200 Northern Rivers students explored aviation careers, industry pathways and emerging technologies at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport expo.
POLITICS
Women to be hardest-hit by sweeping NDIS changes
Cost-saving measures to target the National Disability Insurance Scheme are likely to put responsibility back on families.
INDIGENOUS
Free exercise programs launched for Aboriginal community members in Tweed
Free Aquafit and Goorie Go-Getters programs are helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members in the Tweed improve fitness, wellbeing and social connection.
CRIME
Canadian man seriously injured in Byron Bay assault
A Canadian man is in a serious but stable condition after being attacked by a group of men in Byron Bay late on Sunday night.

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On North Coast Times engage now
- Saving precious materials from the demolition of flood damaged homes
The flood exposed many things, including our unimaginative approach to managing waste. Find out how this team saved valuable materials from demolished homes in the Northern Rivers. The post Saving precious materials from the demolition of flood damaged homes appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
Port Macquarie detective awarded Australian Police Medal
A Port Macquarie-based detective who has dedicated more than two decades to protecting children from abuse has been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours with the Australian Police Medal.
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.
Lost World War I Medal returns home to Kempsey after remarkable discovery
A World War I medal belonging to a Mid North Coast soldier has finally been returned to his family after a remarkable chain of events that began with a chance discovery in a Coffs Harbour garden.


