NSW introduces new protections for novice motorcycle riders
NSW novice motorcycle riders will face mandatory glove and high-visibility clothing rules from July under sweeping new road safety reforms.
“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.
One dead, three injured in Coffs crash
A woman has died and three other people have been injured after a car crashed into a power pole north-west of Coffs Harbour overnight.
NSW communities help shape next road safety plan ahead of National Road Safety Week 2026
NSW has begun statewide consultations on a new road safety plan as the 2026 road toll reaches 119 deaths.
Local News
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.
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.
Woman dies a week after Wauchope crash
Police are appealing for information following the death of a woman injured in a crash near Wauchope earlier this month.
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.
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.
Pathfinders Pumpkin Run returns to give back to North Coast communities
Pathfinders’ annual Pumpkin Run will deliver produce and meals across NSW, supporting charities and communities facing hardship.
Consultant appointed to lead planning for the future use of buyback land in Lismore
Lismore’s flood recovery has entered a new phase, with a consultant team appointed to help plan the future use of buyback land across four precincts.
What's On
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.
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.
Birdrock Memorial Surfing Contest returns to honour Hastings Valley surfing legacy
The Birdrock Memorial Surfing Contest will return to Bonny Hills on Saturday, 30 May and Sunday, 31 May 2026, continuing a tradition that has celebrated local surfing culture and community memory since 1981.
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.
Watchdog seeks big penalty after Coles goes ‘Down Down’
The consumer watchdog will be seeking a “significant penalty” to act as a deterrent to Coles and others, after a court found the supermarket misled shoppers.
Farmer confidence plummets amid cost crisis
Farmer confidence has collapsed as soaring fuel and fertiliser costs force producers to cut production and rethink future operations.
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
Kempsey community to benefit from expanded mental health support
Kempsey residents will gain expanded access to culturally safe, community-based mental health support through two new local care initiatives.
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
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.
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
Further charges laid after fatal Coffs Harbour crash
A man faces additional charges after allegedly recording a blood alcohol reading of 0.165 following a fatal Toormina crash.
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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.