The Big Show lands in Coffs for 14th straight year
A flagship of the national touch football calendar, The Championships, is underway in Coffs Harbour this week – the 14th consecutive year the event has been held in the city.
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.
Coffs delivers: Playgrounds up, processing times down
Coffs Harbour has cut development assessment times and delivered key upgrades, according to its latest quarterly report.
A Kyogle line dance social is changing lives together with Stroke Foundation Australia
Line dancers from Lismore, Casino, Coraki, Brisbane, and as far afield as Tasmania and New Zealand will shuffle step it to Kyogle on Saturday 16 March to be part of a community-run Stroke Foundation Fundraiser.
Local News
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.
Groovin The Moo tickets on sale
Groovin The Moo has gone on sale ahead of its return to Lismore this May, with organisers confirming camping and shuttle options for the all-ages event at Oakes Oval.
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.
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.
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.
What's On
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.
Volunteer awards nominations open as state celebrates 1.3b volunteer hours
Nominations have opened for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, marking 20 years of recognising the quiet achievers who underpin communities across the state.
Go walking this Women’s Week
Women across the North Coast are being invited to lace up their boots and hit the trails this NSW Women’s Week, with a series of guided bushwalks designed to build confidence, connection and community.
Lifestyle
Volunteer awards nominations open as state celebrates 1.3b volunteer hours
Nominations have opened for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, marking 20 years of recognising the quiet achievers who underpin communities across the state.
Go walking this Women’s Week
Women across the North Coast are being invited to lace up their boots and hit the trails this NSW Women’s Week, with a series of guided bushwalks designed to build confidence, connection and community.
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 come together.
The new collective changing-up the Old Cheese Factory
There’s a village vibe to the collective hub taking shape under new ownership at Frederickton’s Old Cheese Factory.
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
Take a break from the heat and upgrade to an X Series Signature
It has been another uncomfortably hot Tamworth Country Music Festival, and with another heat wave on the way, it is worth asking yourself: is it time to get out of the heat?
The Grove Yamba: Coastal Living Elevated to a New Standard
Discover The Grove Yamba, a boutique collection of 14 luxury villas that blend timeless design with coastal serenity. Just a short stroll from town, it’s a rare chance to own in this…
HEALTH
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.
EDUCATION
New courses at Southern Cross University to boost local workforce and innovation
Southern Cross University will highlight a suite of new courses for 2026 as it welcomes more than 5,000 new students during Orientation Week next week.
POLITICS
Caravans for better flood recovery
Communities across the North Coast stand to benefit from faster access to temporary housing after disasters
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
Coffs cop charged after being caught drink driving twice
A Coffs Harbour police officer has been charged with drink driving, and may lose his job, after being caught twice driving under the influence in the one day.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On New England Times engage now
- Opinion: Will the social media ban impact NAPLAN results?
Sally Larsen from the University of New England questions the use of NAPLAN results to evaluate Australia’s social media ban, arguing that the standardized test is a poor metric for a policy that does not involve school curriculum or teaching. The post Opinion: Will the social media ban impact NAPLAN results? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Good News
North Coast Times launches as New England Times marks three years of independent regional journalism
North Coast Times, a new digital news service covering the 13 local government areas of the NSW North Coast, is being officially launched today as sister masthead New England Times celebrates its third birthday.
New Probationary Constables welcomed to Clarence and Richmond Valleys
Four new Probationary Constables will join the ranks of the Clarence and Richmond Valleys. Read more here.
NSW recyclers return record 15 billion containers
NSW residents have returned a record 15 billion bottles, cans and cartons through the Return and Earn scheme, delivering $1.5 billion in refunds, but access on the North Coast remains uneven.
Track upgrade powers ahead for Clarence Valley BMX riders
Clarence Valley’s BMX community is gearing up for a faster, safer future thanks to $19,250 to resurface the track at the Clarence Valley BMX Club.