Northern NSW hospitals improve emergency care times
Northern NSW hospitals have recorded faster emergency treatment and ambulance handovers despite an increase in patients requiring urgent care.
Man dies after motorcycle crash near Dungog
A motorcyclist has died after being thrown from his bike during a group ride near Dungog, with police now investigating the circumstances of the crash.
Clarence Valley seeks feedback on proposed local public holidays
Clarence Valley residents, businesses and schools are being asked to have their say on proposed local part-day public holidays for 2027 and 2028.
Raising the Bar launches in Lismore under new partnership
Lismore will host the Northern Rivers’ first Raising the Bar event next year, bringing researchers and experts into a local pub for a night of free public talks.
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Local News
Lismore adopts long-term strategic planning framework
Lismore City Council has adopted a long-term planning framework to guide future housing, jobs, investment and population growth.
NSW strategy aims to grow Aboriginal businesses and regional opportunities
A new five-year NSW strategy aims to help Aboriginal businesses overcome barriers, access funding and create opportunities across regional communities.
Community bakes in support of threatened species
Bellingen Shire residents have combined creativity and conservation to raise awareness of threatened species at the region’s inaugural bake-off.
Rural health partnership aims to strengthen local workforce
Northern Rivers communities could see more locally trained health workers under a renewed partnership strengthening the region’s health workforce.
Police investigate Gloucester break-ins and vehicle thefts
Police are investigating a series of break-ins in Gloucester after two vehicles were stolen early Friday morning.
What's On
Coffs Coast waste trucks carry cheeky message: don’t be a rubbish driver
Coffs Coast bin trucks are now rolling billboards for a cheeky road safety message, as police warn one age group is fuelling the region’s worst speeding record.
Coffs Harbour man honoured for courageous creek rescue
Coffs Harbour man Brett Neal has been honoured for courage after helping rescue a woman trapped in an overturned vehicle.
Coffs Harbour’s local legends in line for Australia Day honours
Coffs Harbour residents are being urged to nominate local community champions for the 2027 Australia Day Awards.
Lifestyle
Coffs Coast wildlife sanctuary races to open triage hospital as bird flu detected at Corindi Beach
A wildlife hospital trailer that has spent years nursing sick and injured shearwaters back to health is being fast-tracked into a registered triage facility, after the H5 bird flu virus was confirmed in a bird at Corindi Beach, the Coffs Coast’s first detection of the disease.
Agribusiness group warns pesticide fee hike will push up grocery prices
Independent analysis says a looming pesticide fee hike could shrink farmers’ access to new products and push grocery prices even higher. Here’s the industry’s warning.
F4CA report says farmers carry industry’s climate load
Farmers are already propping up Australia’s climate accounts for free, while coal, gas and oil buy their way out of cutting pollution at the source, according to a new report from Farmers for Climate Action.
Environment
Old pallets, new tricks: Ballina’s recycled art competition throws down a challenge
Pallets, letterboxes and backyard habitats: Ballina’s Salvage Shed wants your junk turned into art, with $600 in prizes up for grabs.
MidCoast search begins for next reuse champion
MidCoast residents are being encouraged to turn their repair, restoration and recycling projects into prizes as entries open for the 2026 Reviva Reuse Competition.
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
Red tape blocks surgeon working in Taree
He’s qualified, willing and wanted by two Taree hospitals, but a Canberra classification says the Manning doesn’t need this surgeon. Alison Penfold wants it fixed, now.
EDUCATION
Pharmacists take on bigger role as GP shortages bite
GP shortages are pushing pharmacists into new territory – but we’re running out of pharmacists too. A new course and scholarship from CSU is aimed to help address that.
POLITICS
Saffin defends regional ministers after confirming administrative error
Janelle Saffin says the numbers back up what she told budget estimates all along, it was never misuse, just a mix-up over which budget line her Sydney travel came from.
INDIGENOUS
Alstonville healing service wins $20,000 cultural grant
A new healing service for Northern Rivers women and children just got a $20,000 boost, part of a statewide push to fund Aboriginal-led cultural projects.
CRIME
Six charged in high-visibility Taree police operation
Six people have been charged during a high-visibility police operation targeting crime and anti-social behaviour across the Taree area.
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- Opinion: A toxic brew has shaped a world driven by anger, fear and confusion
Cost-of-living pressures, terror attacks, widening inequality and financial crises — it’s no wonder Australians are angry. Yet danger lies in scapegoating, writes Professor Alan Gamlen The post Opinion: A toxic brew has shaped a world driven by anger, fear and confusion appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
