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.
Unlicensed driver charged after 180km/h highway pursuit
A Queensland man who police allege has never held a driver’s licence in any Australian state or territory has been charged following a high-speed pursuit near Kempsey.
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”.
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.
Local News
Gardens bloom again as Glenrock reopens with festival fashion parade
A beloved local destination is preparing to welcome visitors once again, with the reopening of Glenrock Gardens under the new ownership of Camille and Duayne Pearce.
North Coast students take the stage at Pulse Alive in Sydney
North Coast students are among thousands performing at Pulse Alive in Sydney this week, showcasing their talents on a major stage.
Free live music this Easter at Byron
A full weekend of free live music, food and markets is set to draw crowds to Byron Bay this Easter, with three major market events running back-to-back across the long weekend.
Woman in critical condition after alleged hit-and-run by teen driver
A young woman remains in a critical condition after she was allegedly struck by a vehicle driven by a teenage boy near Coffs Harbour overnight.
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.
What's On
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.
Free live music this Easter at Byron
A full weekend of free live music, food and markets is set to draw crowds to Byron Bay this Easter, with three major market events running back-to-back across the long weekend.
Rides, ribbons, and rural pride at Wauchope Show
Community spirit will be on full display when the 114th Wauchope Show returns on April 10 and 11, promising two big days of entertainment, competition, agriculture and good old-fashioned family fun.
Lifestyle
New Southern Cross University veterinary facilities to strengthen Northern Rivers workforce pipeline
Southern Cross University has unveiled new veterinary training facilities in the Northern Rivers to help address regional vet shortages
Roadmap for a more walkable, rideable Coffs Harbour
Steps to make it easier for people to move around Coffs Harbour under their own steam are outlined in a comprehensive new 10-year plan.
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.
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
Environment
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.
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.
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
“We’re not there yet”: Bowen refuses to use Liquid Fuel Emergency Act
The federal government is refusing to trigger emergency fuel powers despite persistent shortages across regional Australia
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.
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- Many tourism hotspots are ‘de‑marketing’ – with mixed success
SCU's Anne Hardy and colleagues have been researching how to use marketing to keep people away from tourist destinations. Here's what they found. The post Many tourism hotspots are ‘de‑marketing’ – with mixed success appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
Rides, ribbons, and rural pride at Wauchope Show
Community spirit will be on full display when the 114th Wauchope Show returns on April 10 and 11, promising two big days of entertainment, competition, agriculture and good old-fashioned family fun.
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.
Bonalbo serves up new flood resilient tennis courts
Bonalbo’s sporting community has scored a win with the official opening of the village’s new flood-resilient tennis courts.