Clock ticking on $5,000 Nambucca Valley community grants
Up to $5,000 is up for grabs, and it’s not just for events. Time is running out for Nambucca Valley groups to apply. Is your idea in the running?
Adults-only art party takes over Coffs Harbour’s YAM
No kids, no curfew, just art, cocktails and a live show from The Huxleys. Coffs Harbour’s YAM is throwing an adults-only party, and it won’t cost you a cent to get in.
Wingham Brush back open with a live view of its flying-foxes
The boardwalks are back, and there’s a new live-stream camera on the flying-fox colony. Wingham Brush has fully reopened after the May 2025 floods.
Tiny Bungwahl school’s speller back on the state stage
Bungwahl Public School has just 32 students, and one of them is back at the state Spelling Bee finals for the second year in a row.
Local News
Grafton artists wanted for $283.8m hospital rebuild
Want your art on the walls of the new Grafton Base Hospital? From a First Nations Yarning Space to the main entrance walkway, local artists are being called up for the $283.8 million rebuild.
Crime writer Michael Robotham to reveal 40-year story at Coffs Harbour event
Acclaimed Australian crime writer Michael Robotham is heading to Coffs Harbour next month to reveal the story behind his latest novel, Tell Me Something True, more than 40 years in the making.
North Coast to fall silent for Remembrance Day
At 11am on Wednesday, 11 November, the North Coast will stop. From Byron Bay to Macksville, locals will gather at cenotaphs and memorial parks to honour the men and women who served, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Man charged after alleged armed robbery bid at Tuncurry
A woman locking up for the night. Two men in the dark. A gun. Now, after a sawn-off shotgun turned up in Tuncurry bushland, a man has been charged.
670 extra weekly bus services coming to the Northern Rivers
Eighteen minutes off the Ocean Shores trip, buses to Epiq for the first time, and a Kyogle link to the Sydney train. Here’s what’s changing on your route from 6 December.
What's On
Adults-only art party takes over Coffs Harbour’s YAM
No kids, no curfew, just art, cocktails and a live show from The Huxleys. Coffs Harbour’s YAM is throwing an adults-only party, and it won’t cost you a cent to get in.
Crime writer Michael Robotham to reveal 40-year story at Coffs Harbour event
Acclaimed Australian crime writer Michael Robotham is heading to Coffs Harbour next month to reveal the story behind his latest novel, Tell Me Something True, more than 40 years in the making.
North Coast to fall silent for Remembrance Day
At 11am on Wednesday, 11 November, the North Coast will stop. From Byron Bay to Macksville, locals will gather at cenotaphs and memorial parks to honour the men and women who served, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Lifestyle
INXS manager’s secret beachfront ranch at Keith Hall hits the market
The South Ballina beachfront hideaway of the man who steered INXS to global fame is up for sale for the first time in more than a decade.
Thrumster garage sale to help rescue pup Frankie walk without pain
Frankie the Labrador had never been inside a house until a few months ago. Now, at just 11 months old, he has a brand new hip, and a Thrumster street is rallying to help pay for his second.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital set to reopen after $10.7 million rebuild
John Williamson is singing Goodbye Blinky Bill, and every dollar you give is doubled. Port Macquarie’s $10.7 million Koala Hospital is reopening, and here’s how to be part of it.
Last-ditch plea to save North Lismore’s Joy Love Gallery
His daughter says six armed police removed a 63-year-old grandfather who paints birds. Now North Lismore artist Jimmy Willing is in a tent, and his gallery could be demolished as early as today.
The Lightkeeper takes top honours at Byron film festival
Byron Bay’s film festival turned 20 and The Lightkeeper stole the show, winning Best Film and Best Dramatic Feature. See who else took home an award, including Byron’s own Tibor.
Coalition taskforce to hunt for new dams
One in six apples, four in 10 blocks of butter, and nearly half our pork could be imported by 2040, the Coalition warns. Its answer is more dams.
Double blow for Coffs Coast growers as starving bats and Coles cuts bite
Coffs Coast banana growers are copping a double blow, with starving flying foxes shredding their crops while Coles refuses to back down on dropping local bananas from its shelves.
Environment
Ballina Shire landholders offered grants to bring riverbanks back to life
Got a riverbank, creek, or wetland on your Ballina Shire property? Grants are now on offer to help you restore it, but applications close on 1 December.
Arrawarra water main deal progresses Coffs northern beaches water improvements
One pipe. That’s all that keeps the taps running from Arrawarra to Corindi. Now a $1.6 million deal is pushing the backup plan past halfway, but there’s still a wait ahead.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
A new chapter in coastal living begins at Valis
Downsize your home, not your life. A $180 million community of 159 homes is rising in North Boambee Valley, complete with a clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts and cinema at its heart.
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.
HEALTH
Goonellabah garden party to raise money for sick Northern Rivers kids
23 years, 130 guests and one big race. Northern Rivers women are frocking up in Goonellabah, and every raffle ticket helps keep sick local kids close to home.
Free first aid training back for regional women
In the country, help can be a long way off, and women are often first on the scene. Free first aid and mental health training is coming to Armidale, Forster and more.
POLITICS
Councils slam developer levy delay
Labor says letting developers pay later will get homes built faster. Councils say it’s a handout that will leave regional towns short of roads, parks, and drainage.
Democrats, Trump face off after blue tsunami splits US
Democrats and Republicans are squaring up for what could be two years of deadlock in Washington, with the resurgent Democrats vowing to use their resounding midterm election victory to rein in President Donald Trump
SPORT
Port Macquarie pickleball tournament sells out before deadline
Port Macquarie’s pickleball tournament is FULL. More than 200 players, from under-14s to over-70s, will battle across eight courts at PCYC this month. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
CRIME
Police call for more care on our roads after nine die in a week
Nine dead in a week, a motorbike clocked at 216km/h, and an eight-year-old in the back seat of a car police chased to Ballina. Now police are pleading with drivers before Christmas.
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- Opinion | Keeping the Light on the Hill burning
Denise asks what is government actually for? It is a question worth asking at a time when politics increasingly seems to be about outrage, grievance, personalities and winning the daily argument on social media. The post Opinion | Keeping the Light on the Hill burning appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
