Coffs Harbour locks in $8 million funding plan for Jetty Strip makeover
Half a billion dollars in development is heading for Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Strip, and council has just locked in how it’s going to pay for the upgrade to match.
New officers hit the beat in Kempsey, Port Macquarie and Lismore
Six new constables for Kempsey, four for Port Macquarie and three for Lismore: a fresh wave of police recruits has hit the beat across the region this week.
Man charged with murder after dawn boat arrest
Detectives swooped on a boat moored on the Hastings River at dawn, arresting a 47-year-old man over the death of Port Macquarie woman Megan Tangye.
Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend opens studio doors across the shire
Up to 100 artists will throw open their studio doors across the Bellingen Shire on Saturday, 7 November and Sunday, 8 November, as the Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend returns for its fourth year.
Local News
‘Be brave’: Coffs Harbour blueberry picker’s message after alleged underpayment scandal
She borrowed money from her supervisor just to buy groceries. Now a Coffs Harbour region blueberry picker is telling other migrant workers to fight back, as her employer faces court.
Last Chance for young Mid North Coast entrepreneurs to land a Launch Pad place
Applications for the Launch Pad Youth Entrepreneur program’s second round close today. Ask Kempsey’s Paris, who turned her business dream into Sol Wellness Studio, why you should apply now.
MidCoast riders wanted for Jo/Joe Rider road safety campaign
Spot Jo/Joe Rider on MidCoast roads this October and you could win big, as the region’s motorcyclists don hi-vis vests to fight “Sorry Mate, I Didn’t See You” crashes. Volunteers wanted now.
Grants open for youth safety projects
Grants of up to $40,000 are on offer for community groups tackling youth crime and building safer communities, with a Nambucca Heads project already among those benefiting. Applications close 11 September.
Changed traffic conditions on Waterfall Way at Thora
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on Waterfall Way at Myers Bluff, near Thora, for slope remediation work, beginning Monday.
What's On
Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend opens studio doors across the shire
Up to 100 artists will throw open their studio doors across the Bellingen Shire on Saturday, 7 November and Sunday, 8 November, as the Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend returns for its fourth year.
Rural Aid calls for donations to support farming families through hardship
Rural Aid is calling on Australians to help farming families doing it tough through drought and disaster, with donations funding hay, financial help and support after hardship.
MidCoast riders wanted for Jo/Joe Rider road safety campaign
Spot Jo/Joe Rider on MidCoast roads this October and you could win big, as the region’s motorcyclists don hi-vis vests to fight “Sorry Mate, I Didn’t See You” crashes. Volunteers wanted now.
Lifestyle
NSW’s waves could be recognised as visitor economy infrastructure, new paper says
A new paper calls for NSW North Coast surf clubs, waves and beaches to be recognised as vital visitor economy infrastructure.
NSW opens $6 million fund to help manufacturers adopt new technology
NSW manufacturers can now apply for grants of up to $50,000 to help them adopt new technology, under a new $6 million state government fund.
One Nation’s real migration plans revealed to be bigger than Labor’s
One Nation’s promise to “slash” migration to 130,000 has become a policy to increase migration to at least 230,000, live on national TV.
Environment
$1 million boost for North Coast bushland recovery
From Byron’s hinterland to the Tweed Coast, three local groups have landed a share of $1 million to repair bushland and protect threatened species from disaster.
Cucumber growers warned after pesticides found in Coffs waterways
Quarterly testing of 20 priority waterways since mid-2025 found pesticides in every sampling round at several sites in the Willis Creek and Hearnes Lake catchments.
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
Northern NSW hospitals brace for busiest winter yet
Northern NSW hospitals are seeing 22 more patients a day than this time last year. Health bosses reveal where locals should go instead of the ED, and it might save you hours in a waiting room.
EDUCATION
Northern Rivers locals benefit from free TAFE tax support
Northern Rivers residents and businesses are benefiting from free tax support and training initiatives aimed at building the region’s skilled workforce.
POLITICS
Barnaby Joyce fails to clear up One Nation migration confusion
Barnaby Joyce said his colleague was wrong on One Nation’s migration numbers, then confirmed that PALM workers don’t count. But he refused to say what skilled workers we would have to go without.
INDIGENOUS
Funding to prevent violence through Aboriginal sport
Aboriginal-led organisations can apply for new funding to tackle domestic, family and sexual violence through community sport programs.
CRIME
Appeal to locate wanted man
A man wanted over an alleged sexual offence is believed to be frequenting several areas of NSW as police appeal for help to find him.

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- State Matters: Defib grants, energy feedback and council awards.
Read the latest newsletter for Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell. The post State Matters: Defib grants, energy feedback and council awards. appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.


