Byron Bay gears up for bumper long weekend of markets
Byron Bay will host two vibrant markets over the October long weekend, showcasing local food, music, makers and community spirit.
Mid North Coast businesses cautious on hiring despite confidence lift
Mid North Coast businesses remain cautious about hiring, with rising labour costs putting particular pressure on the region’s hospitality and retail sectors.
Lismore workshop to help farmers strengthen business resilience
Lismore farmers can access practical financial planning support at a Farm Business Resilience Program workshop on September 29.
Casino Show returns for two big days of family fun
The Casino Show will return to the Casino Showgrounds on Friday, 9 October and Saturday, 10 October, bringing families, farmers, exhibitors and visitors from across the Northern Rivers together for two big days of entertainment
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Local News
Coffs tourism partnership takes top honours at regional business awards
A regional tourism partnership led by the City of Coffs Harbour has been recognised at the 2026 Business NSW Mid North Coast Regional Business Awards.
Coffs Harbour looks to future as bypass opens new opportunities
Coffs Harbour is being urged to seize a “defining moment” as major transport, parking and events plans promise to reshape the city over coming decades.
IRONMAN Australia returns to Port Macquarie in October with new date and smoother bike course
IRONMAN Australia will return to Port Macquarie this October, with a new spot on the calendar and changes to the bike course.
Kingfish and snapper proposals put North and Mid North Coast catches in focus
Fishers along the NSW North Coast and Mid North Coast have been given more time to respond to proposed changes to Yellowtail Kingfish and Snapper fishing rules.
Veteran Community Grants Program open for application
Veterans’ organisations across the Lismore electorate can apply for a share of $205,000 in NSW Government funding.
What's On
Casino Show returns for two big days of family fun
The Casino Show will return to the Casino Showgrounds on Friday, 9 October and Saturday, 10 October, bringing families, farmers, exhibitors and visitors from across the Northern Rivers together for two big days of entertainment
Coffs tourism partnership takes top honours at regional business awards
A regional tourism partnership led by the City of Coffs Harbour has been recognised at the 2026 Business NSW Mid North Coast Regional Business Awards.
IRONMAN Australia returns to Port Macquarie in October with new date and smoother bike course
IRONMAN Australia will return to Port Macquarie this October, with a new spot on the calendar and changes to the bike course.
Lifestyle
Hollywood stars and gospel rockers coming to BBFF
Willem Dafoe, Olivia Colman, and the Beastie Boys are coming to Lismore, and one band is turning up in person. Here is what is screening at the newly reopened cinemas.
Farm crops could fuel the nation: report
Australia imports 80 per cent of its diesel. A new report says the answer could be growing in paddocks right now, and farmers could be the big winners.
Birdon crowned Mid North Coast Business of the Year
A record 282 entries, one big winner. Port Macquarie’s Birdon has been crowned Mid North Coast Business of the Year, and will now take on the state’s best in Sydney.
Environment
Wallum appeal deadline looms as bulldozers reach Brunswick Heads site
Save Wallum Inc has lost a second bid to protect the Wallum site at Brunswick Heads from clearing, after the NSW Land and Environment Court dismissed an application for an interim injunction on Tuesday, adding to a Federal Court defeat on 16 September and hardening the odds against the campaign as its 5 October appeal…
Have your say on Australia’s first solar panel recycling scheme
More than a million rooftop solar systems are ageing across NSW, and the panels are starting to pile up in landfill. A new scheme could change that for good.
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
Red Alert for blue-green algae at Lake Ainsworth
Ballina Shire Council has issued a Red Alert for potentially toxic blue-green algae at Lake Ainsworth. Here is what you need to know before swimming or fishing.
EDUCATION
East Ballina teacher headed overseas after top scholarship win
An East Ballina teacher is off to the US and Canada, funded by a $15,000 scholarship recognising her as one of the state’s best.
POLITICS
Johnstone back in the Clarence Valley mayor’s chair, but the fight may not be over
A hat draw gone wrong, a mayor who resigned, a general manager sacked, and now Peter Johnstone is back in the chair. But is the Clarence Valley’s mayoral mess really over?
INDIGENOUS
Mid North Coast cadet inspires health push
A Mid North Coast placement student says a hospital stay with her baby brother set her on the path to occupational therapy, as applications open for the next Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetship intake.
CRIME
Three men charged over alleged online child grooming offences
Three men have been charged with alleged online grooming and child abuse material offences following police raids at South Grafton and Forster.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
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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.
