Bellingen Shire Council adopts 2026–27 Operational Plan
Bellingen Shire Council has adopted its 2026–27 Operational Plan, outlining infrastructure, community and environmental priorities for the coming financial year.
Five charged after alleged affray at Coffs Harbour shopping centre
Five people, including four teenagers, have been charged following an alleged affray at a shopping centre in Coffs Harbour.
Casino’s new suspension bridge built back better
Four years after the floods tore it down, Casino has a brand new suspension bridge, and it is built to take whatever the Richmond River throws at it.
CSIRO flood report must deliver lasting outcomes for Northern Rivers communities
Northern Rivers communities are a step closer to stronger flood resilience following today’s landmark CSIRO report release announcement today.
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Local News
Doing good and doing business: North Coast changemakers invited to find each other over lunch
Know anyone running a business to make Port Macquarie, Ballina or Lismore better? SECNA is bringing its Business for Good series to the region for the first time – and the CEO says when these people find each other, magic happens.
Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre named a tourism awards finalist
The Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre has been named a finalist in the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, with winners to be announced at a gala ceremony in Coffs Harbour on 30 July.
Bush tucker and bees: Scotts Head grows a season of community events
A series of seven community gatherings designed to reconnect locals with growing, habitat and food is now underway in Scotts Head, with the first event drawing 27 participants to the village’s community garden earlier this month.
A century of floods, feuds, and fairways: Nambucca golf club marks 100 years
It started as a goat track on a headland. Now it’s one of the Mid North Coast’s finest courses. Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club just celebrated 100 years — and the stories are gold.
Coffs Harbour Council approves extra rate relief for eligible pensioners
Eligible Coffs Harbour pensioners will receive additional rate relief in 2026–27 after the council approved voluntary rebates on waste and environmental charges.
What's On
Doing good and doing business: North Coast changemakers invited to find each other over lunch
Know anyone running a business to make Port Macquarie, Ballina or Lismore better? SECNA is bringing its Business for Good series to the region for the first time – and the CEO says when these people find each other, magic happens.
Bush tucker and bees: Scotts Head grows a season of community events
A series of seven community gatherings designed to reconnect locals with growing, habitat and food is now underway in Scotts Head, with the first event drawing 27 participants to the village’s community garden earlier this month.
Seniors urged to sign petition over private health insurance rebate cuts
Older Australians could be paying up to $1,600 more a year for private health cover under a federal government plan. A petition is now open online — and the deadline to sign it is 22 July.
Lifestyle
Funding boost for local surf clubs
More than $78,000 in NSW Government funding will deliver facility upgrades at Minnie Water-Wooli and Yamba surf clubs, supporting volunteers.
Paraquat stays but with major new restrictions as regulator delivers verdict
Australia’s pesticide regulator has handed down a major decision on paraquat and diquat— it stays, but with tight new restrictions.
CGT shake-up brings relief, but succession remains the real test for farmers
A major tax backdown has lifted the CGT threshold to $10 million, but farm groups say the real test is still to come: can families actually pass the farm on?
Environment
Uncertainty for wildlife as killer bird flu detected
Australian wildlife is facing a new and uncertain chapter after a dangerous strain of bird flu was confirmed on the mainland.
Regional NSW water investment critical for North Coast and Mid North Coast
Regional cities across the North Coast, Mid North Coast and New England are urging urgent water investment to sustain growth.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
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.
Tow World trusted for honest service and practical know-how
Helping people tow, travel and explore with confidence is what drives the Tow World team every day – and they’re expanding their service capacity with a move to new premises.
HEALTH
Concern brewing as buried Hanson policy threatens affordable medicines
A local mum says she and her asthmatic daughter could die without PBS medicines. She’s not alone — public concern is growing over a little-noticed One Nation policy, and a petition is now calling on Hanson to back off.
EDUCATION
Mid North Coast school leaders gather in Port Macquarie for state education roadshow
Up to 130 principals and public school leaders from across the Mid North Coast and beyond will converge on Port Macquarie today as part of the NSW Department of Education’s annual Schools Roadshow.
POLITICS
Seniors urged to sign petition over private health insurance rebate cuts
Older Australians could be paying up to $1,600 more a year for private health cover under a federal government plan. A petition is now open online — and the deadline to sign it is 22 July.
INDIGENOUS
Healing ceremony marks new chapter for old Grafton Gaol site
A Healing Ceremony has been held at the old Grafton Gaol as the historic site prepares to switch its purpose from punishment to health.
CRIME
Woman charged with more than 400 offences after alleged $2m strata fraud
A 30-year-old woman has been charged with more than 400 fraud-related offences after police alleged she stole more than $2 million from strata trust accounts in the Coffs Harbour area.
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- Opinion: Kids on social media more than two hours a day at higher risk of mental illness
A new study found there is a significant risks from heavier use of social media by children. Read what the study found. The post Opinion: Kids on social media more than two hours a day at higher risk of mental illness appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
