Producers plan ahead for a stress-free festive season
With the countdown on to Christmas, Local Land Services is reminding landholders that a bit of pre-Christmas planning could take a number of stresses away this festive season.
Ballina cadet becomes first graduate of NSW Government’s Fresh Start program
Young Ballina local William Black is the first person in New South Wales to graduate from the Minns Government’s $252 million Fresh Start Program, marking a major milestone for the initiative and for Ballina Shire Council.
MP backs community-led petition calling for stronger youth sentencing laws
Clarence Nationals MP, Richie Williamson, is backing a community-led petition calling on the NSW Labor Government to urgently reform youth sentencing laws.
NSW to tighten E-bike regulations amid safety concerns
The NSW Government is cutting the legal power limit for e-bikes and tightening regulations ahead of Christmas, as concerns grow over young riders using high-powered, unsafe devices.
Local News
First Nations voices take centre stage in Tamworth
A powerful celebration of First Nations music, art, and community, Yaama Guduu, Greetings Murray Cod will land in the heart of Tamworth from 28 to 30 November.
Kempsey Shire Council and local support services discuss coordinated social response
Kempsey Shire Council recently convened a roundtable to address social issues in Kempsey, including homelessness.
Fatal shark attack on Mid North Coast
A woman has died and a man remains in hospital following a shark attack at Crowdy Bay on the New South Wales Mid North Coast.
North Coast farmers urged to prepare as summer storm claims surge
North Coast farmers are being urged to prepare for another volatile summer, as new data from Elders Insurance shows storm-related farm damage and claims are rising sharply across the region.
New handbook helps regional communities shape their energy future
As regional communities again find themselves at the centre of debates over Australia’s net-zero future, a new handbook launched that will help them play a more active role in shaping how renewable energy projects are developed in their region.
What's On
Australia makes mince meat of beef industry at awards
Australia has taken out several top categories and the most gold medals at the prestigious World Steak Challenge, presented in London on Monday.
Blues fans to see red when Split Enz headline festival
The pioneering Kiwi band Split Enz will take centre stage as the iconic Byron Bay Bluesfest is resurrected for Easter 2026.
The Super Strawberry opens its fields for a season of family fun
It’s an especially sweet time at The Super Strawberry, and locals are invited to come along and savour it.
Events
No upcoming events.
Lifestyle
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Newcastle Permanent and Greater Bank are teaming up with The Salvation Army for the annual Toy Drive, collecting gifts for families doing it tough this festive season.
Funding secured for Clarence River Historical Society digitisation program
The Clarence River Historical Society has been awarded $12,000 to support a major digitisation project. Read more here.
Ballina community clothes swap is back and bigger
Forget Black Friday sales, get a bargain and give your unwanted clothes a second life at Ballina Shire Council’s upcoming community clothes swap on Saturday, December 6.
Environment
Hands-on support to secure reliable town drinking water
The NSW Government is injecting an extra $2 million into helping 18 regional councils manage critical water infrastructure, securing high quality, reliable water supply for communities across the state.
Queensland trumps New South Wales in 2025 IXOM Water of Origin competition
Gympie Regional Council has taken out the 2025 IXOM Water of Origin title for QLD, edging out NSW’s Richmond Valley Council.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
North Hill Veterinary Clinic opens doors to state-of-the-art Bundarra Road facility
North Hill Veterinary Clinic have opened the doors to their brand-new, purpose-built facility on Bundarra Road, bring the best and latest in vet care to Armidale.
The Grove Yamba: Coastal Living Elevated to a New Standard
Discover The Grove Yamba, a boutique collection of 14 luxury villas that blend timeless design with coastal serenity. Just a short stroll from town, it’s a rare chance to own in this…
HEALTH
Major step forward for $263.8 million Grafton Hospital Redevelopment
The $263.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital has taken a major step forward, with the Clarence Valley community now invited to review and provide feedback on the project.
EDUCATION
MP calls for urgent fix to support class funding shortfall in Clarence and Richmond Valley schools
Nationals Member for Clarence has called on the State Government to urgently increase funding to ensure students in Clarence and Richmond Valley schools can access the support class placements.
POLITICS
Shock exit of state Nationals leader while federal Libs move to protect Ley
NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders has abruptly resigned from the party leadership, while moderate Liberals in Canberra have denied Sussan Ley is losing support.
MONEY
Westpac admits dropping the ball on regional customers
Westpac is promising to better support its regional bank brands after losing customers because of overpriced mortgage products for home owners.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Denise’s Desk: New England Times Poll says one thing loudly — Voters want more than the same old story
New Englanders want results and relevance. With Labor dominant federally, the only candidate who can truly deliver for the region is an MP with access to power, influence, and a direct seat at the decision-making table. The answer may be changing. The post Denise’s Desk: New England Times Poll says one thing loudly — Voters want more than the same old story appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Good News
Local manufacturer fills tiny home gap with regulatory confidence
A New England business is carving out a niche in Australia’s fast-growing tiny home market with a design that does something most competitors can’t promise: confidence.
New owners ride a fresh wave at Coastal Curves Surf
A familiar Nambucca Heads surf shop has welcomed new owners, with Sarah and Simon Barrow taking the helm at Coastal Curves Surf.
Australia makes mince meat of beef industry at awards
Australia has taken out several top categories and the most gold medals at the prestigious World Steak Challenge, presented in London on Monday.