Bruce Myers shines on national stage
Armidale musician Bruce Myers won a national title, reinforcing New England’s reputation while continuing to support regional music communities.
Fairer fees proposed in draft Armidale budget now on exhibition
Armidale’s draft budget proposes big changes to water, sewer and waste charges – and you can have your say.
Community input invited on draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Liverpool Plains Shire Council has opened public consultation on its draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030.
Five Decades of Action: Zonta Armidale’s Lasting Impact on Women’s Lives
Half a century of advocacy, service and community connection is being celebrated this year as the Zonta Club of Armidale marks its 50th anniversary – a milestone that speaks not only to longevity, but to a sustained commitment to improving the lives of women and girls.
Local News
New staff and courses to strengthen community access to learning
GALA and NECC have introduced new staff and courses to boost local skills, business capacity and community wellbeing.
Liverpool Range RFS volunteers honoured for more than 1,000 years of combined service
More than 40 Liverpool Range RFS volunteers will be recognised for a combined 1,050 years of service. Read more here.
Village bore commissioning completed in Torrington and Drake
Village bores in Torrington and Drake near Tenterfield have been successfully commissioned and are now fully operational.
Still time to join Nomads juniors ahead of season start
Keen to play Junior AFL? There’s still time to join the Nomads before the season kicks off.
Events
Festival of Small Halls, NundleEnds: April 26, 2026
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 1, 2026
Great Southern Nights – Boggabilla: JK-47, Roger Knox, KobiDunksEnds: May 1, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: May 2, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: May 3, 2026
Politics
NDIS overhaul to kick 160,000 people off, hit regions hardest
Up to 160,000 people could lose NDIS support under sweeping reforms — with regional communities expected to feel the impact most.
Disability cuts on table as treasurer eyes cost spiral
State officials will be briefed on the federal government’s plans to overhaul spending on the NDIS, expected to be announced within days.
Mystery deepens over promised gun buyback as states refuse to sign on
The national gun buyback promised after the Bondi Beach massacre is yet to get off the ground, with states refusing to sign on and no clear path forward.
Uralla votes in Ward A by-election today
Voters in Uralla Shire Council’s Ward A will head to the polls today Saturday, 18 April, with polling places open from 8am.
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.
Joyce backs Hanson as repeat hiring of convicted rapist sparks backlash
Barnaby Joyce has backed Pauline Hanson’s defence of a convicted rapist repeatedly hired by One Nation, arguing people should be allowed to rebuild their lives.
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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On-again, off-again Hormuz blockade leaves locals jittery and fuel prices volatile
Fuel prices are dropping, but it will take at least a week for global oil price drops to flow through to the bowser… if the Strait of Hormuz stays open.
30 cents more on weekly shop to deliver $1m more for local farmers
Households will pay about 30 cents more a week for milk after Norco moved to increase what it pays local dairy farmers, delivering an estimated $1 million a month back into local communities.
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.
Energy and Environment
Armidale forum to tackle end-of-life solar challenge
What happens to solar panels and other renewable infrastructure when they reach the end of their lifespan? A forum on May 4 will look at how we can recycle them locally.
Taking control of power bills with smarter solar and battery solutions
Whether you’re considering an EV or just want to get the power bills down, the best solar solution for you is a tailored system built around how you use energy, installed by locals you can trust.
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
Wage increase delivered for midwives, nurses
Thousands of nurses and midwives have won a landmark pay rise for the first time in more than two decades after an industrial umpire ruled in their favour.
INDIGENOUS
Narrabri Shire Libraries launches Community Story Circle program
Narrabri Shire Libraries will launch a four-week program uniting Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents through storytelling, cultural exchange and community connections.
SPORT
Clubs dominate as record crowds flock to TAS Rugby Carnival
Record numbers turned out for the TAS Rugby Carnival in Armidale, with clubs dominating across the divisions.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- How introverted CEOs are redefining accountability and culture
Leaders within businesses typically evoke a certain image, with our immediate depictions likely involving an extrovert personality. While this probably has been the focus for businesses to have such people who can ‘command a room’, it’s clear that the age of the introverted CEO is gathering pace. Being introverted as a business leader has often The post How introverted CEOs are redefining accountability and culture appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Fire-Fly Fete returns to Tenterfield Aerodrome
The Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome Fire-Fly Fete will return on Saturday, 9 May, transforming the Tenterfield Aerodrome into a hub of aircraft displays, local markets and community celebration from 9 am to 3 pm.
Swim for free day in Moree
Moree’s iconic hot artesian pools are reopening, with a free community day this Thursday to celebrate.
