Double hit: fuel and fertiliser crisis raises fears for winter crops
Fuel and fertiliser shortages are creating a “double hit” for farmers, with fears some may not plant crops this season.
Discover New England’s best makers at Seasons
One of the region’s most beloved expos, Seasons of New England, returns this weekend with a clear purpose: to put the region’s makers where they belong, front and centre.
Fast DA approvals put $1m Moonee Beach hub within reach
Coffs Harbour’s fast DA approvals could unlock $1 million for a new Moonee Beach community hub.
MidCoast Council calls for community voices on key reference groups
MidCoast Council is inviting locals to help shape decision-making on flood management and the region’s arts and creative industries.
Local News
Community asked to weigh in on four options for Alstonville to Ballina path
Four route options are on the table for a proposed shared path linking Alstonville and Ballina, with locals invited to have their say.
Southern Cross climbs global nursing rankings as workforce demand grows
Southern Cross University has jumped 147 places in global nursing rankings, as Australia faces a looming shortage of more than 70,000 nurses.
Coffs Harbour rejoins Regional Capitals
Coffs Harbour wants a stronger voice in Canberra, moving to rejoin Regional Capitals Australia to push for funding on roads, housing and infrastructure.
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.
New paramedics boost emergency care in Grafton and Tweed
Sixteen new paramedics have been deployed to Gunnedah, boosting emergency care across the New England region.
What's On
Discover New England’s best makers at Seasons
One of the region’s most beloved expos, Seasons of New England, returns this weekend with a clear purpose: to put the region’s makers where they belong, front and centre.
Ride the Wave festival underway
The Ride the Wave Festival is underway in Port Macquarie, with the professional surf competition set to hit the water tomorrow as part of five days of surf, skate and music
50 days to a new era for Primex
With just 50 days to go, Norco Primex Field Days 2026 is set to usher in a new era for regional events, as the countdown builds toward its first year at the Lismore Showgrounds.
Lifestyle
Local story tells how anxiety is a bitch
A Northern Rivers nurse has turned a decade-long writing journey into a candid debut memoir, offering a deeply personal look at motherhood, mental health and the pressure to “hold it all together”.
Free bike workshops for Ballina and Lennox Head riders
Ballina Shire residents will have the chance to get their bikes checked and brush up on safety skills when free council-run workshops roll in this April.
Business cheers as landmark EU trade deal signed, but farmers sold short
Australian businesses are celebrating a long-awaited free trade deal with the EU, but farmers warn the agreement delivers little for agriculture and could hurt the sector for decades.
50 days to a new era for Primex
With just 50 days to go, Norco Primex Field Days 2026 is set to usher in a new era for regional events, as the countdown builds toward its first year at the Lismore Showgrounds.
Environment
Light shone on ‘deceptive’ anti-renewables campaigns
A parliamentary inquiry has found ‘astroturfing’ and deliberately deceptive campaigns were common in the last federal election.
Wild dog baiting programs underway across NSW
The NSW Government has launched its autumn wild dog control campaign, with aerial and ground baiting programs underway across the state to help protect livestock, native wildlife and pets.
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
New Byron clinic targets healthcare gap for women doing it tough
A new free women’s health clinic has opened in Byron Bay, aiming to improve access to healthcare for some of the region’s most vulnerable women.
EDUCATION
North Coast schools recognised for lifting HSC results
Five public high schools across the NSW North Coast and Mid North Coast have been named among the state’s most improved for HSC results.
POLITICS
Nationals launch fuel tracker as diesel standards lowered to boost supply
The Nationals have launched a new online tool to track fuel shortages across regional Australia, as governments move to ease diesel standards in a bid to boost supply during the deepening fuel crisis.
INDIGENOUS
First ever plan to deal with violence against Indigenous women and children
Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek has launched Australia’s first standalone national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.
CRIME
Illegal e-bikes to be seized and crushed under new NSW laws
New laws allowing police to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes will be introduced to Parliament today, as the NSW Government moves to crack down on dangerous riding behaviour across the state.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On North Coast Times engage now
- Australia’s gender pay gap persists and confidence alone won’t fix it
Shelley Friesen writes every year the conversation rolls around again. Women should negotiate harder. Women should invest earlier. And yes, financial confidence matters, but the bigger picture can’t be ignored. The post Australia’s gender pay gap persists and confidence alone won’t fix it appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
Satellite breakthrough promises whole-of-herd monitoring for livestock producers
A new satellite technology capable of monitoring entire livestock herds in real time could soon transform farming across the region
New hub to boost women-owned businesses in NSW
The NSW Government has invested more than $190,000 to support the launch of what is being described as Australia’s first database dedicated to showcasing women-owned businesses.
The new collective changing-up the Old Cheese Factory
There’s a village vibe to the collective hub taking shape under new ownership at Frederickton’s Old Cheese Factory.
North Coast Times launches as New England Times marks three years of independent regional journalism
North Coast Times, a new digital news service covering the 13 local government areas of the NSW North Coast, is being officially launched today as sister masthead New England Times celebrates its third birthday.