Littleproud quits as Nationals leader
Nationals leader David Littleproud has announced he is stepping down in a surprise decision, saying he’s ‘buggered.’
Grafton men invited to pull up a chair at new Men’s Table gathering
Local men looking for meaningful connections and supportive friendships are being encouraged to pull up a chair at Grafton’s first Men’s Table Entrée Night later this month.
Battery power for Bellingen Memorial Hall
Bellingen Memorial Hall is now battery-powered thanks to a new 48kWh system, marking Bellingen Shire Council’s first battery project as it pushes toward net zero by 2040 and hosts a free solar talk on March 28.
Lynchs Creek Hall springs to life with first Easter Extravaganza
The Lynchs Creek community is preparing to celebrate Easter in style, with the historic Lynchs Creek Hall hosting its first ever Easter Extravaganza later this month.
Local News
A trail without rail for Byron shire
Byron Shire Council will forgo aspirations of a light rail option between Mullumbimby and Byron Bay to speed up the completion of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Regional rail fleet moves forward as State Government accelerates delivery after delays
New trains for NSW’s long-delayed Regional Rail Fleet are now arriving and being tested on lines serving the North Coast.
Push for safer Coffs Harbour streets in real-time
In a move designed to enhance community safety, City of Coffs Harbour proposes to give police live access to its closed-circuit television network.
Regional Australia Bank named most recommended customer-owned bank
The Port Macquarie headquartered Regional Australia Bank has won an award based on customer recommendations.
Construction begins on major Lennox Head Public School and preschool upgrade
Construction has begun on a new Lennox Head Public School campus, set to triple classroom capacity and open in 2027.
What's On
Grafton men invited to pull up a chair at new Men’s Table gathering
Local men looking for meaningful connections and supportive friendships are being encouraged to pull up a chair at Grafton’s first Men’s Table Entrée Night later this month.
Regional Australia Bank named most recommended customer-owned bank
The Port Macquarie headquartered Regional Australia Bank has won an award based on customer recommendations.
Michelle Cowan named Clarence Electorate Local Woman of the Year
Grafton counsellor Michelle Cowan has been named the 2026 Clarence Electorate Local Woman of the Year for her work supporting the Clarence Valley community.
Lifestyle
Lismore ready for Samson Fitness Challenge
More than 550 competitors will take on the Samson Fitness Challenge in Lismore this weekend, raising funds for sick children through Our Kids.
Homegrown chart-toppers join international acts as Bluesfest returns
Bluesfest returns to Byron Bay this Easter, bringing local favourites and international stars to the North Coast.
North Coast towns share in $2m boost for regional night-time economy
North Coast towns will be among the beneficiaries of a new NSW Government pilot aimed at strengthening regional night-time economies, with business groups in Murwillumbah, Lennox Head, Sawtell and Byron Bay selected to receive support.
Councils versus polytunnels
The North Coast region is at the centre of a debate over whether Development Applications should be required for agricultural polytunnels, with a new bill introduced to give councils more power to regulate berry farms.
Environment
Have a say on the health of the Upper Richmond River catchment
Kyogle Council is calling on landowners, community groups, industry representatives and residents to have a say in safeguarding the health of the Upper Richmond River catchment.
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.
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
More North Coast measles alerts as outbreak expands
A new measles exposure alert has been issued for Lismore Base Hospital as health authorities warn the North Coast outbreak is expanding and urge residents to check their vaccinations.
EDUCATION
Women trades surge: North Coast women helping build the local construction workforce
Women are driving a surge in construction trades across regional NSW, boosting local workforces in Armidale, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour as enrolments more than double statewide.
POLITICS
Birds, mould and fungus found throughout hospitals
After two patients died as a result of a fungal outbreak, a review of hospital maintenance has revealed disturbing infestations embedded in multiple facilities – including on the North Coast.
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
Accused Little Styx axe murderer denied bail
The man accused of murder at the Little Styx River campsite has been refused bail, as police allege he killed a fellow camper with an axe during a violent altercation at the remote spot on Point Lookout Road.
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- Opinion: Is democracy the worst form of government – apart from all the others?
James Ley asks five experts about the strengths and weaknesses of democracy, the face evidence that trust in democratic institutions is declining. The post Opinion: Is democracy the worst form of government – apart from all the others? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Good News
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.
Bonalbo serves up new flood resilient tennis courts
Bonalbo’s sporting community has scored a win with the official opening of the village’s new flood-resilient tennis courts.
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.
Fishing festival takes over Mylestom
The quiet village of Mylestom was bustling last weekend with more than 800 fishers of all ages casting a line for the 29th annual Putt Bennett Family Fishing Festival.