Preschool backflip: North Coast centres get two-year funding guarantee
North Coast preschools were staring down huge cuts. Now the state has promised every community preschool at least its 2026 funding for two years. But what happens after 2028?
Port Macquarie flying doctor, 84, named NSW Senior Australian of the Year
At 84, most people have long since hung up their work boots. Dr David Cooke OAM is still seeing patients almost full-time, and still flying himself to work.
Politics stays at the door as rivals set the table in Lennox Head
They met as political opponents, a Greens councillor and a National Party candidate. Now Ballina Shire Cr Kiri Dicker and Joshua Booyens are pulling up chairs for strangers across the Northern Rivers, betting a shared meal can bridge the divides pulling communities apart.
Dorrigo wins half-day local event day for show Friday
Dorrigo just scored its own half-day event day for show Friday. But before you plan your escape from work, there’s a catch every local needs to know about.
LATEST NEWS
Local News
Port Macquarie’s newest counsellors ready to answer the call
She hadn’t studied in years. Now Sarah Miles is one of 10 new counsellors graduating in Port Macquarie, and the region needs every one of them.
Nationals vow to scrap preschool funding changes as North Coast candidates join the fight
Preschool funding is set for a big shakeup on 31 December. The Nationals vow to scrap its replacement, the Department says it’s fairer, and North Coast candidates have picked their side.
Police step up foot patrols at Lismore’s Trinity Bus Interchange
Knife scanning, high-visibility patrols, and police boots on the ground at peak times. Here’s what’s happening at Lismore’s Trinity Bus Interchange, and how long it will last.
Waratah sculpture debuts in Dorrigo
Four years in the making, Dorrigo’s newest sculpture seeks to connect community and environment.
Cream of the crop: 84 groms descend on Tuncurry for Surf Reflections Junior Series finale
Eighty-four groms. Three states. One spot left on an elite team. The Surf Reflections Junior Series finale hits Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry, this weekend, and the competition is red hot.
What's On
Port Macquarie flying doctor, 84, named NSW Senior Australian of the Year
At 84, most people have long since hung up their work boots. Dr David Cooke OAM is still seeing patients almost full-time, and still flying himself to work.
Politics stays at the door as rivals set the table in Lennox Head
They met as political opponents, a Greens councillor and a National Party candidate. Now Ballina Shire Cr Kiri Dicker and Joshua Booyens are pulling up chairs for strangers across the Northern Rivers, betting a shared meal can bridge the divides pulling communities apart.
Quandamooka artist Kieron Anderson wins $20,000 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award in Lismore
A Quandamooka artist has claimed $20,000 and one of Australia’s top Indigenous art prizes in Lismore. See the winning work, Medicine man, and the finalists, free, until February.
Lifestyle
Quandamooka artist Kieron Anderson wins $20,000 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award in Lismore
A Quandamooka artist has claimed $20,000 and one of Australia’s top Indigenous art prizes in Lismore. See the winning work, Medicine man, and the finalists, free, until February.
Four Northern Rivers artists open The Art Vault gallery in Lismore
Everything in this new Lismore gallery is made by the people behind the counter. Four Northern Rivers artists have joined forces to open The Art Vault, and the doors officially open this Friday.
Byron’s old souvenirs wanted for Lone Goat Gallery exhibition
That dusty souvenir spoon in the back of your drawer could soon be on show in a Byron Bay gallery.
Colour Run, bananas and Healthy Harold: Kempsey’s Festival of Health is back
Kempsey is about to get covered in colour! Healthy Harold’s free Festival of Health and Colour Run hits Service Club Park this Wednesday afternoon. Here’s everything you need to know.
‘Matt Damon’s house’ at Broken Head sells for $4.65 million
The Broken Head estate locals know as “Matt Damon’s house” has sold for millions less than its original asking price.
Microsoft says sorry for 24 hours-long global outage
A global outage of Microsoft Outlook and Teams is easing after about 24 hours of chaos that crippled online communications
Microsoft outage recovery ‘not progressing as expected’
Thousands of Microsoft users remain unable to use key products and the tech giant is struggling to return them to service.
Environment
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.
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.
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
No-cost appointments for long-acting contraception, with outreach to rural and regional women
An IUD or implant can cost more than $300 just to have fitted at a private clinic. Now the appointment is free, and outreach is taking it to rural and regional women.
The NSW surgeries with the longest waits
Waiting more than a year for a new knee? You’re not alone. New analysis reveals the NSW surgeries with the longest waits, and the Mid North Coast hospital at the bottom of the national list.
POLITICS
NSW grain growers gain a national voice
A harvest-time win on phosphine rules was just the start. NSW Farmers and GrainGrowers have made their alliance official, and their leaders say governments will have to listen.
Kyogle timber mill shuts its doors, and workers wait to learn if they’ll get support
Kyogle’s timber mill is gone, and up to 31 workers are out. Whether they see a cent of government support is not clear.
SPORT
Ready, set, go: work starts on Lismore’s $4.5m athletics track
No more five-hour drives to Tamworth. Lismore’s $4.5 million world-class athletics track is finally underway, and it could even host international teams before Brisbane 2032.
CRIME
Man charged after shots allegedly fired at riders rounding up cattle at Newton Boyd
Three riders, including a 13-year-old boy, were rounding up escaped cattle when a man allegedly opened fire with a rifle. Now a Newton Boyd man is behind bars.
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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.
