$350,000 cocaine brick allegedly found after Nabiac speeding stop
Pulled over for speeding at Nabiac, a driver allegedly had far more than a fine coming. What police say they found in his car is worth $350,000.
INXS manager’s secret beachfront ranch at Keith Hall hits the market
The South Ballina beachfront hideaway of the man who steered INXS to global fame is up for sale for the first time in more than a decade.
Man arrested after woman dies at Congarinni home
A woman is dead and a man armed with a knife has been arrested after a struggle with police at a Congarinni home. Here’s what we know so far.
Choppers, sandstone and stunning views: new Mulumun Trail section opens at South West Rocks
More than 400 helicopter loads, tonnes of sandstone and some of the most jaw-dropping views on the coast. A new stretch of the Mulumun Trail is open at South West Rocks.
LATEST NEWS
Local News
Kempsey councillor Noel Selby quits, triggering a by-election
Kempsey councillor Noel Selby is gone, effective immediately. His resignation follows a Code of Conduct investigation, and it means Kempsey Shire voters are heading back to the polls.
Veteran council boss takes the reins at Clarence Valley Council
A council veteran with 32 years as a general manager has just walked into Clarence Valley Council’s top job. But he’s not staying forever. Here’s who’s in charge, and for how long.
Spikes, a U-turn, and a chase to Casino: man charged after cross-border pursuit
It started with a PolAir tip-off at the border and ended on a Casino street. Two sets of road spikes later, a 19-year-old is facing six charges.
Alstonville, Wardell and Lennox Head flood studies need your say
Your photos from the 2022 flood helped build these maps. Now Ballina Shire Council wants Alstonville, Wardell and Lennox Head locals to check them before they shape future planning.
Double blow for Coffs Coast growers as starving bats and Coles cuts bite
Coffs Coast banana growers are copping a double blow, with starving flying foxes shredding their crops while Coles refuses to back down on dropping local bananas from its shelves.
What's On
Flood-ravaged riverbanks from the Tweed to the Hunter win top award
Nearly 30 kilometres of riverbank wrecked by floods, from the Tweed to the Hawkesbury, has been brought back to life. Now the project behind it has scooped a major award.
Casino Truck Show crowned best in NSW, with a second State title in sight
Casino’s big rigs have rolled all the way to the top of the State, and they might not be done yet.
Goonellabah garden party to raise money for sick Northern Rivers kids
23 years, 130 guests and one big race. Northern Rivers women are frocking up in Goonellabah, and every raffle ticket helps keep sick local kids close to home.
Lifestyle
Thrumster garage sale to help rescue pup Frankie walk without pain
Frankie the Labrador had never been inside a house until a few months ago. Now, at just 11 months old, he has a brand new hip, and a Thrumster street is rallying to help pay for his second.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital set to reopen after $10.7 million rebuild
John Williamson is singing Goodbye Blinky Bill, and every dollar you give is doubled. Port Macquarie’s $10.7 million Koala Hospital is reopening, and here’s how to be part of it.
Last-ditch plea to save North Lismore’s Joy Love Gallery
His daughter says six armed police removed a 63-year-old grandfather who paints birds. Now North Lismore artist Jimmy Willing is in a tent, and his gallery could be demolished as early as today.
The Lightkeeper takes top honours at Byron film festival
Byron Bay’s film festival turned 20 and The Lightkeeper stole the show, winning Best Film and Best Dramatic Feature. See who else took home an award, including Byron’s own Tibor.
Nationals blast buyback starting before the rules
The firearms buyback starts 2 November, and Grafton Police Station is one of the first collection points. The Nationals say the rules aren’t even written yet, and Tamworth’s music festival is in the way.
“Fighting a government computer”: Penfold backs small business in ATO super crackdown
Paid your staff’s super but now facing an ATO demand? Lyne MP Alison Penfold says local businesses are being dragged into a computer-driven crackdown, and she wants to hear from you.
$10.85m deal locked in for Coffs Jetty Foreshores
A $10.85 million state investment is on the way for Coffs Jetty Foreshores, with about 250 homes and 200 tourist rooms planned. Council has voted to lock in the deal, but the build could take 20 years.
Environment
$8.28m for drought resilience, and more on offer
Women cutting their own hair because there wasn’t enough water. That’s the kind of drought hardship $8.28 million in new grants aims to tackle, and there’s more money still on offer.
Lismore bin baskets put cash in pockets
About $670,000 in container refunds was going to waste in Lismore. Now 20 new Return and Earn baskets on public bins in Lismore and Nimbin aim to put that cash back in locals’ pockets.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
A new chapter in coastal living begins at Valis
Downsize your home, not your life. A $180 million community of 159 homes is rising in North Boambee Valley, complete with a clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts and cinema at its heart.
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.
HEALTH
Goonellabah garden party to raise money for sick Northern Rivers kids
23 years, 130 guests and one big race. Northern Rivers women are frocking up in Goonellabah, and every raffle ticket helps keep sick local kids close to home.
Free first aid training back for regional women
In the country, help can be a long way off, and women are often first on the scene. Free first aid and mental health training is coming to Armidale, Forster and more.
POLITICS
Democrats, Trump face off after blue tsunami splits US
Democrats and Republicans are squaring up for what could be two years of deadlock in Washington, with the resurgent Democrats vowing to use their resounding midterm election victory to rein in President Donald Trump
Nationals pick Lismore local Dylan Butcher for 2027 election
“People have had a gutful of it.” The Nationals have picked a born-and-bred local to take on Lismore at the 2027 state election. Meet Dylan Butcher.
SPORT
Port Macquarie pickleball tournament sells out before deadline
Port Macquarie’s pickleball tournament is FULL. More than 200 players, from under-14s to over-70s, will battle across eight courts at PCYC this month. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
CRIME
Two police officers allegedly assaulted in Port Macquarie carpark arrest
A wanted woman allegedly attacked two police officers and crashed into a parked car and a pole trying to flee arrest in a Port Macquarie carpark. Now she faces nine charges.
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- Opinion | Keeping the Light on the Hill burning
Denise asks what is government actually for? It is a question worth asking at a time when politics increasingly seems to be about outrage, grievance, personalities and winning the daily argument on social media. The post Opinion | Keeping the Light on the Hill burning appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
