Tweed Shire Council takes housing crisis head-on with multi-front strategy
Tweed Shire Council has unveiled a three-pronged push to address the region’s worsening housing crisis. Read more here.
Splash out at Ballina Duck Fest
1000 yellow ducks will grace the Richmond River in Ballina for a race to glory as part of the annual Ballina Duck Fest community celebration on Sunday, 8 March.
Free wellbeing workshops to reach North Coast women ahead of NSW Women’s Week
Free wellbeing workshops are coming to the North Coast to help rural and regional women manage stress and prioritise self-care ahead of NSW Women’s Week.
Local beef spared from latest Trump tariff tantie, but others not so lucky
Australian beef exports appear set to dodge the latest twist in United States President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff saga, with industry leaders confirming reports that local producers will retain zero tariff access.
Local News
Minimum e-bike age plan aimed at safer streets on the North Coast and across NSW
The NSW Government is moving to introduce a minimum age for e-bike riders and adopt tougher European safety standards, in reforms set to affect families and young riders across the New England.
Mad wheels, new feels: Play revolution hits top gear
Ulong has unveiled a new BMX track and upgraded playground as part of a broader push to revitalise local play spaces.
North Coast leads the state in rooftop solar
Regional NSW is dominating rooftop solar adoption across the state, with nine of the top 10 electorates for installations outside of Sydney – and some of the highest rates are right here.
From Woolgoolga to statewide leadership: Life Ed appoints local as CEO
Woolgoolga local Terese Hooper has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Life Ed NSW, becoming the first leader in the organisation’s 45 year history to be based outside metropolitan Sydney.
Caravans for better flood recovery
Communities across the North Coast stand to benefit from faster access to temporary housing after disasters
What's On
Splash out at Ballina Duck Fest
1000 yellow ducks will grace the Richmond River in Ballina for a race to glory as part of the annual Ballina Duck Fest community celebration on Sunday, 8 March.
Call for entries: 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards
Heritage groups, councils and community organisations across the North Coast region are being urged to showcase their work, with entries now open for the 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards.
Classic Bikes to Roll into Ballina This May After Weather Postponement
The North Coast Classic Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet in Ballina has been postponed due to bad weather, but organisers have confirmed the popular event will now take place on Sunday, May 31.
Jetty Memorial Theatre’s cast call for comedy, Don Lane and Dolly
The City of Coffs Harbour’s renowned Jetty Memorial Theatre (JMT) has released a blockbuster 2026 program featuring an international comedy festival, a show biz tribute to the ‘lanky Yank’ Don Lane and Dolly Parton’s smash hit 9 to 5 musical.
Lifestyle
Groovin back after two year break
Groovin The Moo is set to return in 2026 with a one-off show in Lismore, marking a carefully staged comeback
Sharpes Beach Precinct upgrade now open to community
A $2.35 million upgrade to the Sharpes Beach precinct has improved access, safety and facilities at the popular coastal site.
National agriculture leaders gather for ABARES Outlook Conference
Tickets are now on sale for ABARES Outlook 2026, with the Bureau’s flagship annual conference set to bring the nation’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry leaders together on 3–4 March at Hotel Realm, Canberra and online.
Calls for urgent action on community preschool pay after Fair Work recommendation
State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson said the independent industrial umpire had made its position clear, and a community preschool educators deserve their pay rise.
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
Mid north coast gains 25 junior doctors
Twenty-five new medical interns have joined the Mid North Coast Local Health District, including Coffs Harbour local Dr Tammy Middleton, providing support to hospitals across the Coffs Harbour and Hastings Macleay networks.
EDUCATION
Interim school bus services announced for Dorrigo students
Transport for NSW has announced alternative travel arrangements for students impacted by the Waterfall Way closure, with a phased introduction of minibus services beginning Monday, 9 February.
POLITICS
All hands on deck: construction industry called to lead Northern Rivers final rebuild push
The Northern Rivers is entering its most critical phase of home rebuilding, with the NSW Government issuing a region-wide call for licensed builders and trades to help homeowners upgrade, raise, rebuild or relocate properties damaged in the 2022 floods.
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
Teenager charged over alleged break ins, pursuit in Kempsey
A teenage boy will face court following an investigation into armed break and enters in Kempsey, South West Rocks, Bonville, and Port Macquarie, as well as an alleged pursuit involving the ramming of a police vehicle.
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A new real-world study reveals that X’s "For You" algorithm nudges users toward conservative content and following right-leaning accounts, with effects that linger even after the algorithm is turned off. The post Opinion: X’s algorithm can shift political views in weeks – and the effects last 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.