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.
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.
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.
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.
Local News
Grafton-raised administrator takes charge of suspended Clarence Valley Council
A Coraki boy who began his career in Grafton is back to steer the suspended Clarence Valley Council. John Rayner has three months and a long to-do list.
Woman charged after Coffs Harbour worker run over
He was checking fuel tank levels when a ute left him trapped on a Coffs Harbour forecourt. Now he’s in John Hunter Hospital, and a woman has been refused bail.
Kempsey councillor refuses to go after being asked to quit
Kempsey Shire Council has censured Cr Noel Selby and asked him to resign over a Facebook comment. He says no.
Coffs goes all in for Youth Foyer
Coffs Harbour wants to be only the third place in NSW with a Youth Foyer, a home and support for 40 young people at a time. Council has put money on the table.
Waste fight in Nambucca Valley pits national park against growth
The local MP says Nambucca Valley councillors have put the Valley’s rubbish future on the line, with a koala park deadline looming. Council deferred the waste facility expansion 5-1. Should it have waited?
What's On
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.
Cost of living forces workers to push through pain
Nine in ten workers in pain kept working, and half said they could not afford to lose the income. A new survey shows regional workers are hit harder.
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.
Lifestyle
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.
Local music takes centre stage as Blues and Berries returns to Woolgoolga
Woolgoolga’s Blues and Berries has a local focus this year, highlighting the musical talent of the NSW North Coast at the free event on November 1.
Rex flight suspension threatens Mid North Coast access to essential services
Mid North Coast residents could face higher airfares and greater difficulty accessing medical care and essential services following Rex Airlines’ decision to suspend Port Macquarie flights.
SBM26: Garden romance, regional connections and community spirit
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three places bringing people together in different ways: a Tenterfield garden escape offering boutique stays and romantic celebrations, a regional transport service connecting communities across the North Coast and New England, and a Mullumbimby showground that brings locals and visitors together for markets, events and outdoor adventures.
Cost of living forces workers to push through pain
Nine in ten workers in pain kept working, and half said they could not afford to lose the income. A new survey shows regional workers are hit harder.
Environment
Koala park bill hits Parliament
The Great Koala National Park has moved from promise to Parliament, with legislation to create the giant Mid North Coast reserve introduced this week.
Proposed fishing limits threaten Clarence coastal businesses
Proposed cuts to recreational fishing limits have sparked concerns over potential impacts on Clarence coastal businesses, tourism and local economies.
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
Peptide surge hits NSW hospitals
Hospital visits linked to unapproved peptides jumped from five a month to more than 217 in just over a year. NSW Health says a professional-looking label is no proof of what’s inside.
ADHD care model up for state award
More than 650 children with ADHD now get care closer to home, and it has earned a place in the NSW Health Awards. Find out how the Northern Rivers model is easing the wait.
POLITICS
Senate probes $560m community grants
Senate hearings into how a $560 million community grants program picked its winners start today in Canberra. Watch live online on Wednesday and Thursday.
More preschool places and fairer pay
Up to 10,000 more children could win a community preschool place, with fees capped at $20 a day and staff pay guaranteed above award rates. Here is what is changing for families.
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.
