Man charged after alleged assault investigation in Port Macquarie
A 45-year-old man has been charged over an alleged assault in Port Macquarie that left another man with serious head and facial injuries last year.
Clarence Harvest Celebration Returns bigger than ever
The sights, sounds and traditions of the Clarence Valley will once again take centre stage as the Clarence Harvest Celebration returns for another huge weekend of community celebration, honouring the industries and people that helped shape the region.
Birdrock Memorial Surfing Contest returns to honour Hastings Valley surfing legacy
The Birdrock Memorial Surfing Contest will return to Bonny Hills on Saturday, 30 May and Sunday, 31 May 2026, continuing a tradition that has celebrated local surfing culture and community memory since 1981.
Dorrigo hotel added to NSW State Heritage Register
The Heritage Hotel Dorrigo has been added to the NSW State Heritage Register after more than a century in family ownership.
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Local News
Communities urged to plan ahead for major North Coast rail shutdown
North Coast communities face travel disruptions and coach replacements during a major rail shutdown for essential maintenance works this month.
Grom trio go back-to-back at Surf Reflections Junior Series
Alanni Morris, Max Goold and Hugo Spierings have claimed back-to-back wins at the Surf Reflections Junior Series at Hungry Head.
Kempsey community to benefit from expanded mental health support
Kempsey residents will gain expanded access to culturally safe, community-based mental health support through two new local care initiatives.
Books, brains and big personalities to hit screens at Yarrila Place
Coffs Harbour will host live-streamed sessions from the Sydney Writers’ Festival at Yarrila Place from 21–24 May.
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.
What's On
Lifestyle
Community input central to Great Koala National Park planning
More than 4,000 submissions are shaping plans for the proposed Great Koala National Park on the Mid North Coast.
First Northern Rivers Fibre Festival to weave creativity and community together
The Northern Rivers’ growing fibre arts community will come together later this month for the very first Northern Rivers Fibre Festival
Watchdog seeks big penalty after Coles goes ‘Down Down’
The consumer watchdog will be seeking a “significant penalty” to act as a deterrent to Coles and others, after a court found the supermarket misled shoppers.
Small wins overshadowed by deep cuts for regions
Not happy: small wins on measures like excluding farmers from new taxes are not impressing rural advocates.
Environment
State government expands support for communities affected by GKNP timber moratorium
Expanded NSW support aims to help North Coast businesses, workers and communities transition through Koala National Park changes
Film screening to spark dingo debate in the Northern Rivers
A community conversation around one of Australia’s most misunderstood animals is set to take centre stage in the Northern Rivers this month, with Defend the Wild hosting a special screening event at the Brunswick Picture House on May 17.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Restoring the Past, Reimagining the Future at Jolly Good Emporium
Behind the doors of 168–170 Beardy Street, a 150-year-old building is being lovingly restored and reimagined, not simply as an antiques store, but as a heritage-inspired space where history, craftsmanship and community…
Unleash epic adventures with the X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra from Tow World
Whether you’re chasing rugged trails, beachside sunsets, or mountainside campfires, the Tow World X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra is your ticket to a life lived outside the ordinary. Designed for…
HEALTH
Call for nominations for 2026 Healing Heart Award
Public nominations are now open for the 2026 Healing Heart Award, recognising outstanding nurses and midwives across Northern NSW for compassionate, high-quality care.
EDUCATION
Swapping banking for maritime: Courtney builds future skills through TAFE NSW this National Careers Week
Former banker Courtney Greenslade retrained through TAFE NSW, building maritime rescue skills during National Careers Week celebrations nationwide.
POLITICS
Draft transport plan promises more buses, rail improvements
More buses, improved rail services and expanded on-demand transport are proposed under the NSW Government’s new 20-year draft transport plan for the North Coast.
INDIGENOUS
$2.46m NHMRC grant to expand national program helping Indigenous mothers quit smoking
A $2.46 million NHMRC grant will expand a national program helping Indigenous women quit smoking during pregnancy.
CRIME
Further charges laid after fatal Coffs Harbour crash
A man faces additional charges after allegedly recording a blood alcohol reading of 0.165 following a fatal Toormina crash.
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- Marketing Clarity: How to use AI for content without getting it wrong
Ingrid Rothe says AI is incredibly efficient at producing average - you need to give it a better brief to get better results. The post Marketing Clarity: How to use AI for content without getting it wrong appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
Local woman smashes military glass ceiling
Kyogle born and former 12/16 Hunter River Lancers reservist Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be the first ever female Chief of Army.
Maclean stalwart honoured for decades of community service
A Maclean community stalwart has been honoured for more than 60 years of service at this year’s Highland Gathering.
Top state honour for Lismore health professional
Lismore podiatrist Helen McGregor has been named NSW Allied Health Professional of the Year.
Celebrating 40 Years of Caring: Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre marks a milestone
For four decades, the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre has been a cornerstone of support, care, and advocacy for women and gender-diverse people across the Mid North Coast.