Making the most of what’s next for Coffs Harbour
With the Coffs Harbour Bypass nearing completion, Council is launching a program to coordinate the city’s next phase.
North Coast students get a taste of life behind the camera
60 North Coast students went behind the scenes of the screen industry last Friday, and for some, it was enough to make them rethink their entire future.
Macleay Valley small businesses graduate from bootcamp
A 12-week bootcamp for Macleay Valley small business owners is wrapping up — and participants say the connections they made were worth as much as the training itself.
Lismore continues CBD safety, lighting and access upgrades
Lismore City Council is rolling out CCTV, lighting and parking initiatives to improve safety, accessibility and activity across the CBD.
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Local News
Northern NSW hospitals see rising emergency demand and higher patient acuity
Northern NSW hospitals recorded more than 58,000 emergency presentations and rising patient acuity as demand for care continued to grow.
Push for direct Melbourne flights to return to Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie lost its direct Melbourne flights when Bonza collapsed. Now the airport is fighting to bring them back — and needs local businesses to make the case.
Fisherman swept to his death off Evans Head rocks
A fisherman has died after being swept from rocks at Evans Head on Sunday, weeks after a similar incident.
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.
Changed traffic conditions for essential road maintenance in Grafton
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on local roads in Grafton as essential maintenance work is carried out over the next two weeks.
What's On
Club Taree honoured for flood response at state awards
Club Taree has been recognised for its flood response, winning a prestigious state award for supporting hundreds of evacuees.
Have your say on accessibility upgrades for seven local train stations
Kempsey, Kendall, Macksville, Nambucca Heads, Sawtell, Urunga, Wingham — your train station is about to be redesigned. Have you had your say yet?
Winter Solstice Festival lights up community spirit in Boambee
Lanterns handcrafted by local children, the glow of a roaring bonfire and thousands of neighbours gathering under the winter sky have become the hallmarks of one of the Coffs Coast’s most cherished community events.
Lifestyle
Nostalgia on wheels as Early Holden Day returns to Coffs Harbour
Classic car lovers will have the chance to step back in time later this month when the National Holden Motor Museum hosts its latest Early Holden Day, bringing together beautifully preserved vehicles and the stories behind them.
Inspectors swoop on 100-plus North Coast building sites
More than 100 North Coast building sites. Thirty-five fines. Unlicensed and shoddy work busted from Coffs Harbour to Tweed Heads. Here is what inspectors found.
New report calls for protection of farm diesel rebate and support for electric farm machinery
Farmers for Climate Action has released a roadmap proposing protection of farm diesel rebates while supporting a transition to electric machinery.
Environment
North Coast communities invited to discuss water quality and fish health
Mid North Coast fishers and community members will have the opportunity to hear directly from leading fish health and water quality experts when the Community Water Quality Audit Project visits Coffs Harbour
Boil water alert lifted for Nimbin as permanent fix on the way
Nimbin’s boil water alert is lifted — but some residents are still affected, and the temporary fix installed after the 2022 floods is finally being replaced.
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
New radiation therapy technology expands cancer treatment capacity at Lismore Base Hospital
Cancer patients in the Northern Rivers will gain faster access to treatment following a major radiotherapy technology upgrade.
EDUCATION
Local high achiever wins 2026 TAFE NSW Gili Award
Glenreagh local Billy York has won a prestigious TAFE NSW Gili Award, recognising resilience, leadership and educational achievement.
POLITICS
North Coast hospitals to benefit from $400m maintenance blitz
The Minns Government has announced a $400 million hospital maintenance blitz, and the North Coast hospitals are in line to benefit – but Manning wasn’t on the list.
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
Man charged after alleged pursuit in stolen vehicle at Coffs Harbour
A 42-year-old man has been charged after an alleged police pursuit in a stolen vehicle at Coffs Harbour.
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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.
Good News
Port Macquarie detective awarded Australian Police Medal
A Port Macquarie-based detective who has dedicated more than two decades to protecting children from abuse has been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours with the Australian Police Medal.
Taree clubs hailed for flood recovery efforts one year on
Two of Taree’s best-known clubs are being recognised for their extraordinary efforts during last year’s devastating floods, with both Club Taree and Taree Aquatic Club (Sailo’s) named finalists in the Emergency Response category of the prestigious ClubsNSW Clubs & Community Awards.
The Echo celebrates 40 years of independent voice, community and connection
The Byron Echo is preparing to celebrate a major milestone this June, marking 40 years of independent community journalism with a special anniversary event that editor Aslan Shand says is both a reflection on its roots and a commitment to the future of local media.
Lost World War I Medal returns home to Kempsey after remarkable discovery
A World War I medal belonging to a Mid North Coast soldier has finally been returned to his family after a remarkable chain of events that began with a chance discovery in a Coffs Harbour garden.