Funding fix needed for rural councils
NSW Farmers has urged funding reform, warning rural councils cannot maintain critical roads with unreliable, project-based support.
“Limited margin for error” for Australian dairy producers in season ahead: industry report
Australian dairy producers face a “limited margin for error” in 2026/27 as rising input costs squeeze margins, Rabobank says.
Partnership renewed: NSW Country Rugby Union and Regional Australia Bank
NSW Country Rugby Union and Regional Australia Bank renewed their partnership, supporting grassroots rugby and regional NSW communities.
Coffs Harbour man charged after alleged machete home invasion
A man has been charged after an alleged machete-wielding home invasion in Coffs Harbour, where police say an occupant was threatened and assaulted.
Local News
Draft transport plan promises more buses, rail improvements
More buses, improved rail services and expanded on-demand transport are proposed under the NSW Government’s new 20-year draft transport plan for the North Coast.
North Coast groups share in Australia Post community grants
North Coast community groups have secured Australia Post grants for projects supporting mental health, disaster resilience, Indigenous literacy and marine rescue.
Have your say on Ballina’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Ballina Shire Council is inviting community feedback on its draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan to help improve accessibility and inclusion across the shire.
More action needed on cattle tick crisis in the Northern Rivers
Clarence MP Richie Williamson is calling for more action to stop the spread of cattle tick across the Northern Rivers.
Three men charged after alleged armed robbery at Woolgoolga
A Woolgoolga shop worker was allegedly threatened with a handgun in a broad daylight robbery, with three men now set to face court.
What's On
Draft transport plan promises more buses, rail improvements
More buses, improved rail services and expanded on-demand transport are proposed under the NSW Government’s new 20-year draft transport plan for the North Coast.
Furry Friends Festival returns to Bangalow for a paw-fect day out
Pets and their people are set to take centre stage later this month, with the much-loved Furry Friends Festival returning to the Bangalow Showgrounds on Saturday 30 May.
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.
Love at first sight: Alpacas, scones and a Mother’s Day to remember
Australian Alpaca Association’s annual National Alpaca Week is back, inviting Australians to step onto farms, meet some of the country’s most charming livestock, and discover a growing agricultural industry that blends sustainability with luxury.
We’re celebrating all the great locally made products on the North Coast. Whether you grow it, brew it, stitch it, mould it, build it, or any other way you make it, we want to tell the world about it! Nominate your business or creations now.
Lifestyle
Surfing legends Trent Munro and Jacko Baker set for Mid North Coast junior surfing showdown
Surfing legends Trent Munro and Jacko Baker headline this weekend’s Surf Reflections Junior Series at Hungry Head Beach.
Gloucester Creatives turns former garden centre into thriving community hub
A former garden centre is now a thriving creative hub, with Gloucester Creatives bringing together more than 70 local artists and makers.
Family trusts in Treasurer’s sights as farmers warn of regional fallout
Proposed changes to how family trusts are taxed are shaping as a key battleground in next week’s federal budget, with a 30% tax to be proposed despite failing many times before.
Tree Farmer: A new resource for North Coast landholders
A new hub will help North Coast landholders understand and engage with emerging environmental markets and natural capital opportunities.
Environment
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.
Climate concern rising in regional Australia, poll finds
Climate concern is rising in regional Australia, with most residents backing renewables and blaming energy companies for high power bills.
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
Call for nominations for 2026 Healing Heart Award
Public nominations are now open for the 2026 Healing Heart Award, recognising outstanding nurses and midwives across Northern NSW for compassionate, high-quality care.
EDUCATION
Much-loved Rous Bonfire Night set to light up the region again
One of the Northern Rivers’ most cherished community events is set to return next month, with Rous Public School’s Bonfire Night marking an impressive 45 years.
POLITICS
Survey shows surge in visitors to North Coast national parks
Visitor numbers to North Coast national parks are surging, with more than 6.8 million visits recorded last year.
INDIGENOUS
$2.46m NHMRC grant to expand national program helping Indigenous mothers quit smoking
A $2.46 million NHMRC grant will expand a national program helping Indigenous women quit smoking during pregnancy.
CRIME
Taree man jailed for child abuse offences
A Taree man has been jailed for eight years for child abuse and online child abuse material offences.
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- Marketing Clarity: How to use AI for content without getting it wrong
Ingrid Rothe says AI is incredibly efficient at producing average - you need to give it a better brief to get better results. The post Marketing Clarity: How to use AI for content without getting it wrong appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
Local woman smashes military glass ceiling
Kyogle born and former 12/16 Hunter River Lancers reservist Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be the first ever female Chief of Army.
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.
Top state honour for Lismore health professional
Lismore podiatrist Helen McGregor has been named NSW Allied Health Professional of the Year.
Celebrating 40 Years of Caring: Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre marks a milestone
For four decades, the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre has been a cornerstone of support, care, and advocacy for women and gender-diverse people across the Mid North Coast.