Disaster Declaration for Waterfall Way
The Bellingen Shire has scored a Natural Disaster Declaration that will provide some relief to businesses in Dorrigo, Thora and Bellingen battered by the Waterfall Way closure.
Free weekend celebration marks 50 years of Werrikimbe National Park
A free weekend of guided walks, birdwatching and talks will mark the 50th anniversary of Werrikimbe National Park at Mooraback Cabin on March 14–15.
Dr Rebecca Tallis honoured as Coffs Harbour’s Local Woman of the Year
Dr Rebecca Tallis has been named the Coffs Harbour Electorate’s 2026 Local Woman of the Year, recognised for her work improving health care for women and children in the region.
North Coast towns share in $2m boost for regional night-time economy
North Coast towns will be among the beneficiaries of a new NSW Government pilot aimed at strengthening regional night-time economies, with business groups in Murwillumbah, Lennox Head, Sawtell and Byron Bay selected to receive support.
Local News
More North Coast measles alerts as outbreak expands
A new measles exposure alert has been issued for Lismore Base Hospital as health authorities warn the North Coast outbreak is expanding and urge residents to check their vaccinations.
Flood buyback auctions return with a bang in Lismore
Ten flood buyback homes have sold for between $5000 and $42,000 at a packed Lismore auction, attracting buyers from across Australia.
The Big Show lands in Coffs for 14th straight year
A flagship of the national touch football calendar, The Championships, is underway in Coffs Harbour this week – the 14th consecutive year the event has been held in the city.
Lismore ready for Samson Fitness Challenge
More than 550 competitors will take on the Samson Fitness Challenge in Lismore this weekend, raising funds for sick children through Our Kids.
Coffs delivers: Playgrounds up, processing times down
Coffs Harbour has cut development assessment times and delivered key upgrades, according to its latest quarterly report.
What's On
Michelle Cowan named Clarence Electorate Local Woman of the Year
Grafton counsellor Michelle Cowan has been named the 2026 Clarence Electorate Local Woman of the Year for her work supporting the Clarence Valley community.
Volunteer awards nominations open as state celebrates 1.3b volunteer hours
Nominations have opened for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, marking 20 years of recognising the quiet achievers who underpin communities across the state.
Go walking this Women’s Week
Women across the North Coast are being invited to lace up their boots and hit the trails this NSW Women’s Week, with a series of guided bushwalks designed to build confidence, connection and community.
Lifestyle
Volunteer awards nominations open as state celebrates 1.3b volunteer hours
Nominations have opened for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, marking 20 years of recognising the quiet achievers who underpin communities across the state.
Go walking this Women’s Week
Women across the North Coast are being invited to lace up their boots and hit the trails this NSW Women’s Week, with a series of guided bushwalks designed to build confidence, connection and community.
Councils versus polytunnels
The North Coast region is at the centre of a debate over whether Development Applications should be required for agricultural polytunnels, with a new bill introduced to give councils more power to regulate berry farms.
Imagine Yamba 2030 forum generates community buzz
The ‘Imagine Yamba 2030’ forum has gathered residents and business owners to discuss the town’s future, proposing ideas like a seafood festival and fishing competition to boost the local tourism economy.
Environment
Have a say on the health of the Upper Richmond River catchment
Kyogle Council is calling on landowners, community groups, industry representatives and residents to have a say in safeguarding the health of the Upper Richmond River catchment.
Armidale: The story that doesn’t fit the stereotype
New England is often seen as sceptical of climate change, but Armidale has a rich history of caring for the environment dating back over half a century. Read part 1 of our special investigation.
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…
Take a break from the heat and upgrade to an X Series Signature
It has been another uncomfortably hot Tamworth Country Music Festival, and with another heat wave on the way, it is worth asking yourself: is it time to get out of the heat?
HEALTH
Birds, mould and fungus found throughout hospitals
After two patients died as a result of a fungal outbreak, a review of hospital maintenance has revealed disturbing infestations embedded in multiple facilities – including on the North Coast.
EDUCATION
New courses at Southern Cross University to boost local workforce and innovation
Southern Cross University will highlight a suite of new courses for 2026 as it welcomes more than 5,000 new students during Orientation Week next week.
POLITICS
Caravans for better flood recovery
Communities across the North Coast stand to benefit from faster access to temporary housing after disasters
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
Accused Little Styx axe murderer denied bail
The man accused of murder at the Little Styx River campsite has been refused bail, as police allege he killed a fellow camper with an axe during a violent altercation at the remote spot on Point Lookout Road.
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- Macca’s Weeds: The resilience of Lucerne and the aphid threat
Paul McIntosh reflects on the evolution of Lucerne in Australia, from the devastating aphid outbreaks of the 1970s to the importance of choosing the right crown height for modern paddocks. The post Macca’s Weeds: The resilience of Lucerne and the aphid threat appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Good News
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.
Mount Warning/Wollumbin finally set to reopen
The long-awaited reopening of Mount Warning/Wollumbin is finally a step closer, with the iconic track set to reopen in July 2027 after years of closure.
Fishing festival takes over Mylestom
The quiet village of Mylestom was bustling last weekend with more than 800 fishers of all ages casting a line for the 29th annual Putt Bennett Family Fishing Festival.
New Probationary Constables welcomed to Clarence and Richmond Valleys
Four new Probationary Constables will join the ranks of the Clarence and Richmond Valleys. Read more here.