Long, bumpy road ahead for fuel crisis, PM warns nation
Australians are being warned the fuel crisis could worsen as Anthony Albanese uses a national address to urge motorists to think of others when filling up.
Education front and centre in Premier’s visit to Tamworth
Premier Chris Minns has used a visit to Tamworth to showcase a series of education investments, culminating in the opening of a facility positioning the city as a growing pilot training hub.
Moree schoolgirl Kyla Belle releases powerful new single
Moree schoolgirl Kyla Belle is making national waves with her new single Took A Turn.
Long weekend, big plans: easter across New England
Across the New England region, the Easter long weekend is shaping up to be a vibrant, region-wide celebration, with everything from major festivals and markets to live music, car rallies and relaxed country gatherings on offer.
Local News
Thunderbolt’s Way closed near Walcha due to fatal truck crash
A person has died after a three vehicle crash about 10.15am Wednesday on Thunderbolts Way on a bend 10km south of Walcha
Dopamine art and crochet keepsakes
From bold, joy-filled art to lovingly handmade crochet keepsakes, two local creatives are turning passion into pieces to treasure.
Shop, explore, and ‘Remember When…” in Walcha
Walcha is set to come alive with history, community spirit and a touch of nostalgia on Sunday, April 12, as the Walcha and District Historical Society holds its Open Day.
New Englanders shine at national rowing championships
Rowers from across the New England have delivered standout performances and brought home the medals at the Australian Rowing Championships.

What's On
Dopamine art and crochet keepsakes
From bold, joy-filled art to lovingly handmade crochet keepsakes, two local creatives are turning passion into pieces to treasure.
Events
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: April 4, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: April 5, 2026
Outback Pops with MirusiaEnds: April 7, 2026
The Outback Pops – Glen InnesEnds: April 7, 2026
The Outback Pops – NarrabriEnds: April 8, 2026
Politics
Patients expected to fund own travel as fuel crisis exacerbates gaps in system
NSW Health are not providing any additional support for patients to manage the cost of accessing health care despite high fuel prices.
NSW boosts freight limits as national fuel plan sets staged response
The NSW Government has moved to increase freight capacity and ease pressure on fuel supplies, announcing temporary changes to truck limits and operating hours
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.
Volunteer shortage shuts Inverell mountain bike park
Inverell’s mountain bike park has closed after the local club failed to form a committee, with Council now seeking new operators, and the Mountain Bike Club pleading for new committee members.
Government proposes new supply powers as fuel crisis continues
Fuel crisis continues as government proposes supply powers and Chaffey calls for tax cut.
Tamworth Skywalk takes shape with Scenic Road bridge installed
Tamworth’s Skywalk is a step closer, with a new bridge installed over Scenic Road as the project nears completion.

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Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge
Enquiries about new and second-hand electric cars are setting records as motorists look for ways to avoid the rising price of petrol and diesel.
READ MORE FUEL CRUNCH STORIES >
Sheep flock set to shrink as supply tightens in 2026
Australia’s sheep flock is set to fall in 2026, with tighter supply and lower production expected across the industry.
Double hit: fuel and fertiliser crisis raises fears for winter crops
Fuel and fertiliser shortages are creating a “double hit” for farmers, with fears some may not plant crops this season.
Energy and Environment
Easter Bilbies thriving in the Pilliga
The Greater Bilby population here has remained stable and thriving across the sanctuary’s 5,800-hectare feral predator-free fenced area, showing how careful conservation can give this iconic species a real chance to flourish.
Fuel crisis raises tourism concerns ahead of easter
Rising concern about the impact of the ongoing fuel crisis on regional tourism has prompted some to urge city residents not to cancel their country Easter holiday plans.
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
Future Energy Forum to focus on jobs, costs and growth
A major Armidale forum will examine what the energy transition means for New England businesses, from costs and jobs to infrastructure.
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
Men’s A Grade returns to Armidale hockey comp
Men’s A-Grade hockey has returned to the Armidale competition in spectacular form, with a strong crowd turning out for an exciting opening night under lights on Friday.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- 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 New England Times Engage.
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Good News
“I’ve screwed up biggly”: Trump’s fuel apology shocks world
In a dramatic, unexpected press conference, US President Donald Trump has reportedly announced he cannot beat Iran and apologised to the world for the fuel crisis.
From big feelings to bright pages: young author Storm Tomlinson shares her story
A remarkable young voice is set to take centre stage in Tamworth this weekend, as 10-year-old author and illustrator Storm Tomlinson launches her debut children’s book Everyone’s Rainbow: Helping Little Hearts Understand Big Feelings at Tamworth Library on Saturday, 21 March from 11 am.






