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.
APVMA delays criticised as performance falls below target
New performance figures from the Armidale based Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) have prompted renewed criticism from industry
Appeal for family of 22 year old truck driver who died in horror crash
A fundraising appeal has been launched to support the young son of 22-year-old Kempsey man Daniel Meehan, who died following a horror truck crash on Thunderbolts Way near Walcha earlier this week.
Regional panel survey launched to track how local views change over time
A new large-scale community survey designed to track how opinions shift over time has been launched across Northern NSW, using a research method more commonly seen in major national studies.
Local News
Community committees acknowledged for shaping local decisions
Residents interested in getting involved are being encouraged to keep an eye out for opportunities to join their local committee, as Glen Innes Severn Council looks to maintain strong community representation across the region.
Teenagers charged following counter terrorism investigation in Moree
Two teenage boys have been charged following an investigation by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), with authorities stating there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Community rallies behind New England Bach Festival’s 2027 vision
Strong community support has set a promising tone for the New England Bach Festival’s 2027 fundraising campaign, officially launched at a well-attended concert that drew 130 supporters.
Telstra upgrades to boost mobile coverage in Warialda
Telstra customers in Warialda may experience outages in the next couple of weeks, with Telstra upgrading its local base station
What's On
Handmade tack with personality from Quirindi’s -3H Equine
Function meets personality in the arena with -3H Equine, a Quirindi-based western tack and lifestyle brand creating colourful, hardworking gear for riders across regional NSW.
Events
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
Art Exhibition opening at Ceramic Break Sculpture ParkEnds: April 12, 2026
Politics
$6.15 billion fast-tracked to support Australian businesses
The Federal Government is fast-tracking $6.15 billion to support businesses, supply chains and manufacturing amid global disruption.
Trucking industry calls for urgent cashflow relief as fuel crisis bites
Truck operators warn fuel prices are creating a cashflow crisis, calling for urgent loan repayment relief to keep supply chains moving.
Extra fuel savings on the way after states end feud
About $400 million of extra GST revenue as a result of the oil spike will be returned to motorists, despite the negative impact it will have on state buffers.
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.
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.
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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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 >
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.
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.
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
Enjoy the sleep-in: Daylight Saving ends this weekend
As the long, golden days of summer give way to crisp mornings across the New England region, there’s one small change that marks the shift more than most – daylight saving is coming to an end.
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
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.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: The Price of Playtime
Dana writes the world of kidfluencing forces us to confront a difficult question: what do we owe the children growing up on camera? The post Opinion: The Price of Playtime appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
NarraBRIGHT shines bigger in 2026
Narrabri will light up for the sixth annual NarraBRIGHT on April 10 with the biggest light show it’s hosted yet. The community celebration aims to attract visitors from across the New England North West and beyond.
Satellite breakthrough promises whole-of-herd monitoring for livestock producers
A new satellite technology capable of monitoring entire livestock herds in real time could soon transform farming across the region
