Vandalism forces Lismore to close public toilets
Lismore City Council is closing public toilets and reducing hours across multiple sites as a surge in vandalism and antisocial behaviour drives up costs and safety risks.
Stitched with Intention: The Story of Cotton Whimsy Studio
On the Coffs Coast, where creativity meets conscious living, Cotton Whimsy Studio is quietly redefining what it means to wear and gift with intention.
New Korora pathway linked to proposed Opal Cove subdivision
A new public footpath at Korora is proposed as part of an Opal Cove subdivision now on exhibition. Read more here.
Construction begins on new Pacific Palms RFS station
Construction begins on Pacific Palms RFS station, strengthening community safety and supporting local volunteer emergency response efforts.
Local News
Four men to face court over alleged Wauchope pub brawl
Four men have been charged and will face court following an alleged affray at a licensed premises in Wauchope on the NSW Mid North Coast last year.
North Coast, Mid North Coast projects share in $5m youth crime prevention funding
North Coast and Mid North Coast communities will share in nearly $5 million for locally led youth crime prevention programs.
Much-loved Rous Bonfire Night set to light up the region again
One of the Northern Rivers’ most cherished community events is set to return next month, with Rous Public School’s Bonfire Night marking an impressive 45 years.
City of Coffs Harbour secures $10.85m for Jetty Foreshore renewal
NSW Government to contribute $10.85 million to Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore upgrade, subject to proposed precinct redevelopment proceeding.
Geetanjali Shree and Trent Dalton lead the 30th Byron Writers Festival
Byron Writers Festival is set to return to Byron Bay from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026, with today marking the unveiling of the first group of authors confirmed for the program, alongside a limited release of three-day passes.
What's On
Much-loved Rous Bonfire Night set to light up the region again
One of the Northern Rivers’ most cherished community events is set to return next month, with Rous Public School’s Bonfire Night marking an impressive 45 years.
Geetanjali Shree and Trent Dalton lead the 30th Byron Writers Festival
Byron Writers Festival is set to return to Byron Bay from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026, with today marking the unveiling of the first group of authors confirmed for the program, alongside a limited release of three-day passes.
Big day out for Ballina families as Our Kids fundraiser returns
From SpongeBob to a real-life bravery story, Ballina’s Our Kids Day Out is back this Sunday.
COMING SOON! We’re celebrating all the great locally made products on the North Coast. Whether you grow it, brew it, stitch it, mould it, build it, or any other way you make it, we want to tell the world about it! Nominate your business or creations now.
Lifestyle
Bundjalung arts leader honoured and remembered at inaugural Luminas awards
Bundjalung woman and nationally acclaimed arts executive Rhoda Roberts AO has been posthumously recognised at the 2026 Luminas awards, following her passing in March.
Big day out for Ballina families as Our Kids fundraiser returns
From SpongeBob to a real-life bravery story, Ballina’s Our Kids Day Out is back this Sunday.
Climate concern rising in regional Australia, poll finds
Climate concern is rising in regional Australia, with most residents backing renewables and blaming energy companies for high power bills.
Slow Stitch: Reworking the past into wearable future
In a world increasingly defined by fast fashion and mass production, Slow Stitch is quietly charting a different course – one that values intention, sustainability and the stories woven into every thread.
Environment
$7m boost for water security to support growing Port Macquarie-Hastings community
A $7 million investment will boost water security and enable more than 5,300 new homes across Port Macquarie-Hastings communities.
Keep your old clothes out of landfill with new drop-off recycling
Got clothes you don’t wear? Ballina’s new drop-off day makes it easy to recycle them — without leaving your car.
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
Call for nominations for 2026 Healing Heart Award
Public nominations are now open for the 2026 Healing Heart Award, recognising outstanding nurses and midwives across Northern NSW for compassionate, high-quality care.
EDUCATION
North Coast, Mid North Coast schools share in $100m Easter maintenance blitz
Schools across the NSW North Coast and Mid North Coast are undergoing upgrades during the Easter holidays as part of a statewide $103 million maintenance blitz.
POLITICS
Coalition migration policy widely condemned as bad for regional Australia
The Coalition’s hardline migration policy is drawing fierce criticism, with warnings it ignores the proven success of regional settlement and risks hurting our communities that rely on it.
INDIGENOUS
Outback search for missing girl ends in tragedy
Police have found the body of a five-year-old girl after a massive outback search, confirming fears the suspected abduction ended in tragedy.
CRIME
Van fire at police station linked to wave of alleged break-ins across Port Macquarie
A seized van goes up in flames inside a police station car park as a man is hit with more than 30 charges over a string of alleged break-ins.
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- Marketing Clarity: How to use AI for content without getting it wrong
Ingrid Rothe says AI is incredibly efficient at producing average - you need to give it a better brief to get better results. The post Marketing Clarity: How to use AI for content without getting it wrong appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
Local woman smashes military glass ceiling
Kyogle born and former 12/16 Hunter River Lancers reservist Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be the first ever female Chief of Army.
Maclean stalwart honoured for decades of community service
A Maclean community stalwart has been honoured for more than 60 years of service at this year’s Highland Gathering.
Top state honour for Lismore health professional
Lismore podiatrist Helen McGregor has been named NSW Allied Health Professional of the Year.
Celebrating 40 Years of Caring: Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre marks a milestone
For four decades, the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre has been a cornerstone of support, care, and advocacy for women and gender-diverse people across the Mid North Coast.