Penfold backs Coalition tobacco tax cut as black market debate reignites
Lyne MP Alison Penfold says an 80 per cent tobacco tax cut is the only way to smash organised crime’s grip on illegal cigarettes, but a former detective says even that might not be enough.
More than 17,000 native plants take root in Lismore’s river revival
Over 17,000 trees, 500 volunteers, one goal: bringing Lismore’s rainforest and riverbanks back to life. Here’s how you can grab a shovel and join in this spring.
Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry calls time on six turbulent years in the top job
Six years, a cyclone, two floods and a border shutdown later, Tweed Shire’s mayor is stepping back. Chris Cherry has revealed who she wants to take her seat, and why she says now is the moment for a changeover.
Farmers need answers on Labor’s new environment laws
Can you clear a fence line or fix a creek crossing without Canberra’s say-so? Allison Penfold claims Labor’s new environment laws leave basic farm work in limbo.
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Local News
Pharmacists take on bigger role as GP shortages bite
GP shortages are pushing pharmacists into new territory – but we’re running out of pharmacists too. A new course and scholarship from CSU is aimed to help address that.
St Vincent’s Lismore braces for over-65s rebate hit
St Vincent’s Lismore could lose up to 1,800 patients a year under a Federal rebate change for over-65s, with regional private hospitals warned they’ll carry the cost.
Coffs Coast businesses offered free workshops ahead of bypass changes
Coffs Coast businesses are being offered free workshops to help them prepare for change, including the opening of the Coffs Harbour Bypass.
Man charged over alleged South Kempsey wounding
A 35-year-old man has been charged after another man was allegedly wounded with a screwdriver at South Kempsey.
Coffs Harbour MP backs $5b regional water infrastructure plan
Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh says a $5 billion regional water infrastructure plan would help unlock new housing and economic growth across regional NSW.
What's On
More than 17,000 native plants take root in Lismore’s river revival
Over 17,000 trees, 500 volunteers, one goal: bringing Lismore’s rainforest and riverbanks back to life. Here’s how you can grab a shovel and join in this spring.
Coffs Harbour education team named Australia’s best
A Coffs Harbour school support team has been named the best in Australia, with Allegra School taking out the 2026 Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year award.
Tweed Sustainable Living Festival returns with focus on resilience and repair
The Tweed Sustainable Living Festival returns to Kingscliff High School on Saturday, 12 September, bringing free workshops, expert speakers, and family-friendly activities to the region.
Lifestyle
H5 bird flu detected in shearwater near Coffs Harbour
A Hutton’s shearwater at Corindi, north of Coffs Harbour, has tested positive for H5 bird flu in the first confirmed detection of the virus in a shearwater in NSW.
Nambucca Valley launches investment prospectus to court new business
Nambucca Valley Council has launched an Investment Prospectus designed to showcase the region’s strengths and attract new business and investment to the area.
Adventure race, laneways art trail floated for Coffs events shake-up
A mountain-to-sea adventure race. A laneways art festival after dark. Coffs Harbour is dreaming big for its next decade of events, and wants locals to weigh in.
Environment
Tweed Sustainable Living Festival returns with focus on resilience and repair
The Tweed Sustainable Living Festival returns to Kingscliff High School on Saturday, 12 September, bringing free workshops, expert speakers, and family-friendly activities to the region.
Byron Bay planting blitz aims to save koalas from extinction by 2050
Koalas could be extinct by 2050, but a Byron Bay planting blitz just gave them a fighting chance. More than 3,000 trees, nine species, one wildlife corridor.
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 short-stay unit opens at Grafton Base Hospital
A new six-bed Short Stay Unit has opened at Grafton Base Hospital, providing faster access to short-term care while the hospital’s $283.8 million redevelopment continues.
EDUCATION
Lismore South Public School rebuild on track for completion
The flood-resilient rebuild of Lismore South Public School is on track for completion by the end of the year, with all elevated building modules now installed.
POLITICS
South Murwillumbah locals get say on flood buyback land’s future
South Murwillumbah’s flood buyback land could become parks, trails or wetlands. Locals get their say from this September, with pop-ups, workshops and an online survey.
INDIGENOUS
Alstonville healing service wins $20,000 cultural grant
A new healing service for Northern Rivers women and children just got a $20,000 boost, part of a statewide push to fund Aboriginal-led cultural projects.
CRIME
Woman charged with DV murder after body found in creek at Teven
A woman has been charged with murder after police allegedly found a man’s body in a creek on a Teven Road property near Ballina. She has been refused bail.
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- Opinion: A toxic brew has shaped a world driven by anger, fear and confusion
Cost-of-living pressures, terror attacks, widening inequality and financial crises — it’s no wonder Australians are angry. Yet danger lies in scapegoating, writes Professor Alan Gamlen The post Opinion: A toxic brew has shaped a world driven by anger, fear and confusion appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
