Government gives in and cuts excise, heavy vehicle user charge
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that as a result of today’s National Cabinet meeting, fuel excise will be halved for three months and the heavy vehicle user charge will be zeroed to provide immediate relief.
Egg-citing Easter fun across the North Coast
Easter on the North Coast promises a long weekend full of fun, festivities, and family-friendly activities. From chocolate egg hunts to live music, rodeos, art exhibitions, and quirky community events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Art on the Edge as Dorrigo Exhibition Returns
The Dorrigo Plateau’s creative community is preparing to take centre stage, with the 2026 Dorrigo Easter Art Exhibition opening tomorrow at the Dorrigo Community Hall.
New general manager appointed for Grafton and Maclean hospitals
A new general manager has taken over at Grafton and Maclean hospitals as a major redevelopment gets underway.
Local News
Casino artist Billy Gudgeon releases new country rock track
Casino artist Billy Gudgeon has released his new single Bigger Days & Better Nights, kicking off what he hopes will be a big year.
Top state honour for Lismore health professional
Lismore podiatrist Helen McGregor has been named NSW Allied Health Professional of the Year.
New flood-resilient school takes shape in Lismore South
The rebuild of Lismore South Public School has reached a key milestone, with the first building modules lifted into place.
Government proposes new supply powers as fuel crisis continues
Fuel crisis continues as government proposes supply powers and Hogan pushes tax cut.
Aboriginal artwork strengthens cultural safety at Casino Hospital
Six Aboriginal totem poles now line Casino Hospital, creating a more culturally safe and welcoming space for patients.
What's On
Egg-citing Easter fun across the North Coast
Easter on the North Coast promises a long weekend full of fun, festivities, and family-friendly activities. From chocolate egg hunts to live music, rodeos, art exhibitions, and quirky community events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Art on the Edge as Dorrigo Exhibition Returns
The Dorrigo Plateau’s creative community is preparing to take centre stage, with the 2026 Dorrigo Easter Art Exhibition opening tomorrow at the Dorrigo Community Hall.
What a small business wants
Small business owners across NSW are being invited to help shape a new advisory service, with entrepreneur Mark Bouris appointed to lead a 90-day review
Lifestyle
Ride the Wave festival underway
The Ride the Wave Festival is underway in Port Macquarie, with the professional surf competition set to hit the water tomorrow as part of five days of surf, skate and music
Push for free public transport this Easter as fuel prices reshape travel
The NSW Opposition is calling for free public transport over the Easter long weekend, as new data shows rising fuel prices are already changing how Australians plan their holidays.
Impact of fuel shortages spread beyond bowser as National Cabinet meets
Fuel shortage impacts spread well beyond the bowser, hitting farms, freight, charities and services as National Cabinet meets on response.
What a small business wants
Small business owners across NSW are being invited to help shape a new advisory service, with entrepreneur Mark Bouris appointed to lead a 90-day review
Environment
Light shone on ‘deceptive’ anti-renewables campaigns
A parliamentary inquiry has found ‘astroturfing’ and deliberately deceptive campaigns were common in the last federal election.
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.
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
Southern Cross climbs global nursing rankings as workforce demand grows
Southern Cross University has jumped 147 places in global nursing rankings, as Australia faces a looming shortage of more than 70,000 nurses.
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
Coffs Harbour rejoins Regional Capitals
Coffs Harbour wants a stronger voice in Canberra, moving to rejoin Regional Capitals Australia to push for funding on roads, housing and infrastructure.
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
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.
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- Denise’s Desk: The Coalition is feeding the party that’s eating it
Denise says if One Nation is asking for your preferences, it is not because they want to help you. It is because they know you are helping them. The post Denise’s Desk: The Coalition is feeding the party that’s eating it appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
Good News
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.
Coffs to go bananas with world record bid at Jetty Beach
Coffs Harbour is set to lean into its most famous icon in a big way next month, with locals invited to head to Jetty Beach and help create what could become the world’s largest human banana formation.
New hub to boost women-owned businesses in NSW
The NSW Government has invested more than $190,000 to support the launch of what is being described as Australia’s first database dedicated to showcasing women-owned businesses.
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.