Stolen EV takes police from two states on wild pursuit
A stolen electric vehicle allegedly reached speeds of almost 170km/h during a wild cross-border police pursuit before crashing into cars, fences and palm trees at Fingal Head, after which the offender tried to swim away.
North Coast to get new police tactical boat
The North Coast is set to benefit from a new high-performance police tactical boat able to respond to incidents along the coastline.
Councils strengthen reconciliation commitments across region
Port Macquarie Hastings Council has launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and is seeking a local artist to design uniforms, while the City of Coffs Harbour has placed its draft Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy 2026 on public exhibition for community feedback.
Beyond Jazz Weekender returns to Bellingen in August
The Beyond Jazz Weekender lands in Bellingen on 14-15 August 2026, delivering two distinct nights that celebrate jazz as a living, evolving and joyfully physical artform.
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Local News
Three new exhibitions to open at Manning Regional Art Gallery
Three new exhibitions are coming to Manning Regional Art Gallery this week, featuring major Australian artworks, reflections on motherhood and whimsical folk-inspired creations from regional artists.
Top female skateboarders to return to Lismore for Momentum festival
Australia’s leading female skateboarders will return to Lismore in July for Momentum, a festival promoting participation, skills and pathways statewide.
Grants open to help communities prepare for drought
More than $3 million is available for community-led projects helping rural and regional Australians prepare for drought.
Changed traffic conditions on Waterfall Way at Thora
Motorists travelling on Waterfall Way near Thora should expect minor delays from 1 June, with traffic changes and reduced speed limits in place while four culvert crossings are replaced over a six-week period.
Aviation Career Expo inspires Northern Rivers students
Nearly 200 Northern Rivers students explored aviation careers, industry pathways and emerging technologies at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport expo.
What's On
Beyond Jazz Weekender returns to Bellingen in August
The Beyond Jazz Weekender lands in Bellingen on 14-15 August 2026, delivering two distinct nights that celebrate jazz as a living, evolving and joyfully physical artform.
Three new exhibitions to open at Manning Regional Art Gallery
Three new exhibitions are coming to Manning Regional Art Gallery this week, featuring major Australian artworks, reflections on motherhood and whimsical folk-inspired creations from regional artists.
Top female skateboarders to return to Lismore for Momentum festival
Australia’s leading female skateboarders will return to Lismore in July for Momentum, a festival promoting participation, skills and pathways statewide.
Lifestyle
BikeHero aims to help North Coast teens ride e-bikes safely
With e-bikes becoming increasingly common on shared coastal pathways, around schools and in town centres across the North Coast, safety experts say families should not wait for new laws before teaching teenagers how to ride safely.
Teen charged over alleged assault on retail worker at Goonellabah
A 16 year old boy has been charged over allegedly striking a retail worker in the face with a bottle earlier this month.
Confidence in uncertainty from long standing local businesses
Whether you’re unsure if your new home will be ready in time, or can’t figure out what’s wrong with the wifi, today’s Trades you can Trust local businesses are friends you can rely on when things are a bit uncertain.
Environment
Gumbaynggirr estuary health and coastal resources to be monitored through co-designed project
A new Mid North Coast project will combine Indigenous knowledge and science to monitor estuary health across Gumbaynggirr Sea Country.
Byron joins calls for polluters to pay for flood damage
Byron Shire Council has joined a push for a national “polluter pays” approach to climate disaster recovery
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.
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…
HEALTH
Community organisations invited to partner on healthy living initiatives in Casino
Casino community organisations are invited to partner with Northern NSW Health on local healthy living and wellbeing initiatives.
EDUCATION
Old Bar Library upgrade to deliver safer, more modern community space
Old Bar Community Library upgrades will deliver safer, modern facilities while temporary closures support essential refurbishment works through winter 2026.
POLITICS
Parliamentary inquiry called for as Penfold’s gender bill unsupported
Member for Lyne Alison Penfold was the only one to speak in support of her bill seeking to amend the Sex Discrimination Act on Monday.
INDIGENOUS
Troy Cassar-Daley encourages mob to get vaccinated ahead of winter
Country music star Troy Cassar-Daley is urging First Nations Australians to get vaccinated before winter respiratory illnesses increase.
CRIME
Man charged after $9 million cocaine haul seized on Mid North Coast
A 28-year-old man is due to face court after police allegedly seized 30 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $9 million, during a vehicle stop near Forster on Thursday.
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- Marketing Clarity: AI as a Marketing Productivity Tool
Ingrid Rothe this week covers how AI is a great tool for allowing you to be more productive, but it is not your marketing strategy. The post Marketing Clarity: AI as a Marketing Productivity Tool appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
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.
Happy Mother’s Day! What’s on across the North Coast to celebrate Mums
Mother’s Day across the North Coast is set to bring a wide mix of community events, coastal experiences, creative workshops, markets and live entertainment.
Bundjalung arts leader honoured and remembered at inaugural Luminas awards
Bundjalung woman and nationally acclaimed arts executive Rhoda Roberts AO has been posthumously recognised at the 2026 Luminas awards, following her passing in March.
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.