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.
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.
Driver charged after allegedly leaving scene of fatal crash north-west of Coffs Harbour
A 21-year-old man has been charged after allegedly leaving the scene of a fatal crash near Coffs Harbour that killed a 20-year-old woman and seriously injured two others.
Community urged to recognise local volunteers during National Volunteer Week
Myall Lakes communities are being encouraged to recognise volunteers supporting neighbours, recovery efforts and emergency responses during National Volunteer Week.
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Local News
Coffs men face multiple charges after hunting illegally at Yarrowyck
Two men are facing court and have had their home raided after police investigating alleged illegal hunting near Armidale laid a string of firearms charges.
Lismore Council moves to revive former Greyhound Track site
Lismore City Council has begun talks on the shared future use of the former Greyhound Track site.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Community invited to celebrate Byron Central Hospital’s 10-year anniversary
The community is invited to celebrate Byron Central Hospital’s 10-year anniversary at a special event on Wednesday.
What's On
Macksville Bridge to shine yellow for National Road Safety Week
The old Macksville Bridge is lighting up yellow this week as Nambucca Valley backs the National Road Safety Week message: Drive So Others Survive.
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.
Your year to volunteer: North Coast communities give back
As communities across the North Coast prepare to celebrate National Volunteer Week, local organisations are shining a light on the many people quietly giving their time to support others, care for the environment and strengthen community connections.
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
Grom trio go back-to-back at Surf Reflections Junior Series
Alanni Morris, Max Goold and Hugo Spierings have claimed back-to-back wins at the Surf Reflections Junior Series at Hungry Head.
Books, brains and big personalities to hit screens at Yarrila Place
Coffs Harbour will host live-streamed sessions from the Sydney Writers’ Festival at Yarrila Place from 21–24 May.
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.
Clarence Harvest Celebration Returns bigger than ever
The sights, sounds and traditions of the Clarence Valley will once again take centre stage as the Clarence Harvest Celebration returns for another huge weekend of community celebration, honouring the industries and people that helped shape the region.
Environment
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
Film screening to spark dingo debate in the Northern Rivers
A community conversation around one of Australia’s most misunderstood animals is set to take centre stage in the Northern Rivers this month, with Defend the Wild hosting a special screening event at the Brunswick Picture House on May 17.
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
‘Almost didn’t survive’: the fraught path to parenthood
A NSW Parliamentary Inquiry hearing in Tamworth today will hear how rural families are disadvantaged ‘at every turn’ while trying to access fertility care.
EDUCATION
Swapping banking for maritime: Courtney builds future skills through TAFE NSW this National Careers Week
Former banker Courtney Greenslade retrained through TAFE NSW, building maritime rescue skills during National Careers Week celebrations nationwide.
POLITICS
“Defund Regional Australia”: North Coast MPs respond to the Budget
North Coast MPs have slammed the Federal Budget as a “bloodbath” for regional Australia, warning cuts to infrastructure, communications, water and health funding will leave regional communities behind.
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
Man charged after alleged assault investigation in Port Macquarie
A 45-year-old man has been charged over an alleged assault in Port Macquarie that left another man with serious head and facial injuries last year.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On North Coast Times engage now
- Opinion: Can you trademark identity?
Wellet Potter from UNE writes there is a new strategy celebrities are using to protect themselves and their work from AI. The post Opinion: Can you trademark identity? appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
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.
Sydney to Grafton XPT to return after year off the rails
The Sydney to Grafton XPT is back, with services resuming later this month after a year of upgrades.
Local clubs raise $70,000 to support flood-affected farmers
More than $70,000 has been raised by Mid North Coast clubs to support farmers still recovering from last year’s floods.
Maclean stalwart honoured for decades of community service
A Maclean community stalwart has been honoured for more than 60 years of service at this year’s Highland Gathering.