Farm inspections aim to protect workers and honest businesses on Mid North Coast
A crackdown on Mid North Coast berry farms aims to protect local jobs, stop worker exploitation and ensure honest businesses aren’t disadvantaged.
Two lives lost in separate North Coast crashes
Two families are grieving after separate crashes on the North Coast. One driver died at the scene at Fingal Head. A woman died in hospital more than two weeks after a crash at Herons Creek.
More than $11 million invested in MidCoast parks and outdoor spaces
More than $11 million has been invested in parks, playgrounds and outdoor recreation facilities across the MidCoast over the past three years, delivering major upgrades to community spaces.
Coffs Harbour adopts its first Aboriginal strategy
Coffs Harbour’s streets and buildings could soon carry Aboriginal names. The city’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy has 38 actions, and the Mayor says it is “more than just a document”.
LATEST NEWS
Local News
New flood-resilient Aboriginal health hub opens in Lismore
After the 2022 floods wrecked its services, Lismore’s Rekindling the Spirit has a $4.4 million flood-resilient home. Its CEO says it took more than 35 years of fighting for a dedicated health service.
Bangalow Show celebrates 125 years of country tradition
The Bangalow Show will celebrate its 125th show on Friday, 13 November and Saturday, 14 November at the Bangalow Showgrounds on Market Street.
Young writers make a splash in National Water Week competition
Young writers across the MidCoast have made a splash in this year’s National Water Week Junior Writing Prize, with three students taking out top honours in the competition’s biggest year yet.
New pump-out facilities to help protect Wallis Lake
Two new marine waste pump-out facilities in Forster will help recreational boaters dispose of waste safely while protecting Wallis Lake’s water quality.
Moffee swaps Coffs Coast breakfast for Canberra’s 2CA
Coffs Harbour radio host Michael “Moffee” Moffett will sign off from the Triple M Coffs Coast breakfast show on Friday, 6 November, before heading to Canberra to join 2CA.
What's On
Bangalow Show celebrates 125 years of country tradition
The Bangalow Show will celebrate its 125th show on Friday, 13 November and Saturday, 14 November at the Bangalow Showgrounds on Market Street.
Young writers make a splash in National Water Week competition
Young writers across the MidCoast have made a splash in this year’s National Water Week Junior Writing Prize, with three students taking out top honours in the competition’s biggest year yet.
MidCoast Council leader recognised at NSW women in local government awards
MidCoast Council’s Tracey Hamer has been highly commended at the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government for her contributions.
Lifestyle
Flood refuge reborn as Evans Head holiday hotspot
From flood refuge to holiday hotspot. A $2.5 million makeover has turned the Evans Head site that sheltered families after 2022 into tiny homes and camp sites.
Grafton set to turn purple as Jacaranda Festival opens
Thousands of jacaranda trees in bloom will turn Grafton purple when the Jacaranda Festival opens on Friday, 23 October. The celebration runs until Sunday, 8 November.
NSW tops Australia for food tourism
NSW has been named Australia’s food tourism capital, with visitors spending more than $12 billion. See what they are eating, and which regional food events are drawing the crowds.
Love Island Australia villa in Byron hinterland sells for about $6 million
Amileka, the Federal home used as the villa in the 2021 series of Love Island Australia, has sold. The series was hosted by Sophie Monk, and the most recent price guide for the home was $6 million.
Coffs MP warns of costs in reusable cup plan
A $22,000 fine for forgetting to offer a reusable cup in the morning rush? Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh says Labor’s plan hands cafés yet another cost, and Labor and the Greens rejected every amendment.
SBM26: Handmade treasures, personalised support and creative inspiration
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three organisations making a difference through creativity and connection: an Armidale shop bringing together unique creations from independent makers, a Coffs Harbour disability support provider focused on individual needs and genuine relationships, and a volunteer-run Forster gallery offering exhibitions, workshops and opportunities for everyone to explore their creativity.
Environment
Why can’t we get this done? Oven Mountain latest renewable project to falter
The latest announcement of a renewable project to fail is the one that no one expected. Questions are being asked about whether the NSW Government is to blame, or if there is a bigger problem about how we do large infrastructure in this country.
Tree vandals face $500,000 penalties
Poison a tree and you could pay $500,000. New laws will let councils chase tree vandals through the courts for the first time, on public and private land.
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
Almost 300 GPs trained to treat ADHD
Almost 300 GPs can now diagnose and treat ADHD, and 300 more start training next month. Rural and regional communities were prioritised, and free assessments could save up to $1,500.
Coffs Harbour quit-smoking program wins global award
A quit-smoking program born in Coffs Harbour has won an international award after crossing the globe to help pregnant women in Germany.
POLITICS
NSW first to sign new Free TAFE deal
NSW is first to sign the new five-year Free TAFE deal, with $560 million and about 160,000 places from 2027 aimed at housing, energy, digital skills, and essential care.
Want to be a Coffs councillor? Get the inside look
Fancy a seat at the Coffs Harbour council table? A free session on 28 October will show would-be candidates what the job really involves before the 12 December by-election.
SPORT
Marist Rams launch women’s tackle team
After years of waiting, Lismore will have a senior women’s tackle league team in 2027. More than 20 women have already put their hand up for the Marist Brothers Rams. Could you be next?
CRIME
Helen Haines loses second leg
Dr Helen Haines’ husband says she is alive and stable after losing both legs. The Governor-General says the attack must be a moment for Australians to pause and choose to be better.
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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.
