Narrabri Shire Council introduces ‘Community Conversations’ engagement series
Narrabri Shire Council will launch community engagement sessions across the region, giving residents opportunities to share feedback and shape priorities.
Ashton’s Circus squeezed as fuel costs surge
As the cost of diesel remains stubbornly above $3 a litre, the fuel crisis is also hitting something less obvious — the moments of joy that keep regional communities connected.
Great Southern Nights expands to record program with strong regional focus
Great Southern Nights will return bigger than ever, with 320 artists performing across NSW, including northern hubs like Byron Bay and Boggabilla.
Gunnedah Youth Expo to highlight career and study pathways
A free youth expo in Gunnedah later this month will connect young people with employers, educators and training providers, with a focus on career and study pathways.
Local News
Copeton to host inaugural Show and Shine aimed at boosting tourism
Copeton Dam will host its inaugural Show and Shine this weekend, with organisers aiming to build a tourism drawcard.
Australian Celtic Festival 2026 to bring community together in Glen Innes
The 2026 Australian Celtic Festival will bring the community together in Glen Innes for four days of celebration from April 30
Young people turning to AI for mental health support, NSW Youth Week poll finds
Nearly one in three young people in NSW are using AI to support their mental health, as new polling highlights rising anxiety and cost-of-living pressures.
Join the journey: Roadtrip! through memories, stories, possibilities
Salvaged car parts are reimagined in a body of work coming to the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery in May.
What's On
Reviving treasures, inventing solutions
From restoring heirlooms to building custom machinery, Revive by Hyde and New England Hydraulics and Diesel are solving real problems in Armidale.
Events
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: April 19, 2026
Tenterfield Shire ANZAC DAY Services 2026Ends: April 25, 2026
Festival of Small Halls, NundleEnds: April 26, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: May 2, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: May 3, 2026
Politics
Economic inequality is straining Australian democracy
MPs need to represent the people better and foster a greater sense of inclusion to safeguard democracy, which is under strain, the Grattan Institute says.
Regional councils and workers hit hardest as fuel crisis continues
Regional councils and their workers are bearing the brunt of rising fuel costs, as new figures highlight the growing strain on local government services and staff across New South Wales.
Meet the Uralla Shire Council By-Election candidates
Some Uralla residents will again be queing up at the Memorial Hall next week to cast a ballot – this time for the Uralla Shire Council Ward A by-election triggered by the passing of Lone Petrov. There are 8 candidates.
Mark Strahle elected as Narrabri Shire Councillor
Mark Strahle has been elected as Narrabri Shire Council’s newest councillor following the 2026 Narrabri Shire Council Countback Election held last week.
Country mayors launch ‘Invest in Us’ campaign calling for more federal funding
Regional mayors are calling for more federal funding, launching a new “Invest in Us” campaign to support local councils and services.
Last days to weigh in on mobile connectivity bill
Locals have just days left to have their say on a proposed mobile connectivity bill, with submissions closing 8 April.
The fuel crunch is affecting daily life across our region, so we’re doing the one thing we can do, and helping people get the information they need so we can all make it through this together. Read more
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Electric truck transition preparing for the long haul
Overseas competition and boosted government incentives for fleet electrification are good omens for a trucking industry on the brink of a battery revolution.
READ MORE FUEL CRUNCH STORIES >
From paddock to petrol: canola could help fuel Australia’s future
The New England’s rolling fields of bright yellow canola have long drawn tourists each spring, but the crop could soon attract attention for a different reason — helping address Australia’s fuel challenges.
ABC breached code over Four Corners ‘Water Grab’ episode
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found the Four Corners episode “Water Grab” breached accuracy and impartiality provisions in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Code of Practice, following a complaint by Cotton Australia.
Energy and Environment
Extra diesel not getting to New England as fuel tensions persist
Extra diesel is flowing into NSW, but not into the New England, with just 60,000L confirmed for the region while millions go elsewhere.
Draft Blackjack Creek Flood Study Update released for public comment
Gunnedah Shire Council has placed the Draft Blackjack Creek Flood Study Update on public exhibition and is inviting community feedback.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Fuel driven changes mean your website is more important than ever
The fuel crisis is changing how people spend, how they travel, and how they choose where to shop. Across the New England, that shift is already being felt by local businesses.
All-electric X Terra delivers a smarter way to explore
Stop worrying about the diesel price: spend more time off-grid without sacrificing comfort, the X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra combines rugged touring capability with an all-electric fit-out designed to simplify…
BUSINESS
Drivers fuel crackdown as ‘Bowser Busters’ expose price mismatches
NSW drivers are behind a surge in fuel enforcement, reporting discrepancies and helping regulators crack down on non-compliant service stations.
INDIGENOUS
New toolkit to help New England councils strengthen Closing the Gap partnerships
Tamworth’s landmark Aboriginal partnership is being highlighted as NSW launches a new Closing the Gap toolkit for local councils.
SPORT
Newcastle Permanent and Northern NSW Football renew community partnership
Young footballers across northern NSW will start the season with a free ball under a long-running community partnership.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Chaffey’s Corner: Still a long way to go with the current crisis
In his latest newsletter, Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey says there could be still a long way to go with the current fuel crisis. The post Chaffey’s Corner: Still a long way to go with the current crisis appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Moree’s hot pools reopen as town celebrates return of iconic assets
Moree’s iconic artesian pools are back open after 21 months, with the Memorial Town Hall set to reopen for Anzac Day and plans pushing ahead for a new aquatic centre at Taylor Oval.
Tamworth real estate team among nation’s best at PRD awards
PRD Tamworth has been named one of Australia’s top real estate offices, with multiple team members recognised nationally.
