Small wins overshadowed by deep cuts for regions
Not happy: small wins on measures like excluding farmers from new taxes are not impressing rural advocates.
Armidale’s APVMA budget winner with additional public good funding
The APVMA has emerged as a surprise winner in the federal Budget, with an $8.7 million funding boost welcomed by industry after years of concerns about the regulator’s performance and resourcing.
Community flies high at Tenterfield Fire-Fly Fete
Almost 3000 people attended Tenterfield’s Fire-Fly Fete on Saturday, celebrating aviation and community spirit.
The Welcome Experience for essential workers expands to Tenterfield
Essential workers relocating to the Northern New England region will now receive expanded support, with the NSW Government announcing the extension of The Welcome Experience to include the Tenterfield Shire from 1 July 2026.
Local News
Act early on feral pig control
Local Land Services is urging producers to act early on feral pig control as dry conditions increase pressure on crops, pastures and livestock systems across the region.
National rural health summit to bring economic and workforce boost to New England
Around 200 medical students will visit Armidale for a national summit showcasing New England’s future rural healthcare workforce potential.
New England follows Farrer but Joyce candidacy confusion muddies numbers
The latest New England Times Engage Poll has revealed Barnaby Joyce has converted a large number of New England voters to One Nation, but most only if they are voting for him personally.
Regional Australia braces city-biased budget
Regional Australia is bracing for a tough federal budget night, with Inland Rail axed north of Parkes and local leaders warning the regions are being left behind while billions flow to city projects.
What's On
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Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 15, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: May 17, 2026
National Volunteers Week Community CelebrationEnds: May 18, 2026- National Volunteers Week Community CelebrationEnds: May 18, 2026
TRRRA Monthly Meeting – MayEnds: May 20, 2026
Politics
Farmers exempted from new Trust Tax
Primary producers have been exempted from the federal government’s new discretionary trust tax reforms, after farm groups warned family farm succession could be put at risk.
‘Need to do more’: PM flags housing changes in budget
The upcoming federal budget will be one of reform, the prime minister has insisted, despite accusations of broken election promises.
One Nation projected toward historic win in by-election
Hoots and cheers are ringing out at a One Nation by-election event as the party looks set to win its first lower house seat at a by-election.
Family trusts in Treasurer’s sights as farmers warn of regional fallout
Proposed changes to how family trusts are taxed are shaping as a key battleground in next week’s federal budget, with a 30% tax to be proposed despite failing many times before.
Surprise final count puts newcomer on Uralla council
A surprise late swing in preferences has delivered a newcomer a narrow 12-vote win in the Uralla Shire Council by-election, overturning election night expectations.
Inland Rail axed, local projects in limbo
The federal government’s cost cutting ahead of the budget will include axing of the Inland Rail project already under construction, with the shocks to be felt keenly in the New England.
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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Call to cut red tape amid fuel cost pressures
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson is calling for cuts to red tape to help small businesses and farmers facing rising fuel costs.
READ MORE FUEL CRUNCH STORIES >
Local farmer earns more than 5,000 carbon credits through soil project
A farmer near Uralla has earned more than 5,000 carbon credits after major improvements in soil health and grazing management.
One Health forum to explore links between forests, farms and families
A public forum in Armidale will examine how human, animal and environmental health are interconnected under the One Health approach.
Energy and Environment
State government expands support for communities affected by GKNP timber moratorium
Expanded NSW support aims to help North Coast businesses, workers and communities transition through Koala National Park changes
Glen Innes welcomes NSW Drought Coordinator’s visit
Glen Innes Severn Mayor Margot Davis has called for stronger drought support during a visit from NSW Drought Coordinator Ray Willis.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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…
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.
BUSINESS
Business NSW calls for permanent instant asset write-off to boost regional business confidence
Business NSW is calling for a permanent instant asset write-off, saying it would give regional businesses greater certainty to invest and grow.
INDIGENOUS
Borah Crossing declared Aboriginal Place
Borah Crossing near Gunnedah and Manilla has been officially declared an Aboriginal Place, recognising generations of cultural connection to the site.
SPORT
New England Junior Hockey season gets underway
Junior hockey returned across New England this weekend as Hockey New England launched its 2026 season.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Roy’s Roundup: Torch Relay, Agfair, Regions left behind
Read the latest newsletter from Member for Barwon Roy Butler The post Roy’s Roundup: Torch Relay, Agfair, Regions left behind appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Warialda community comes together for Shop of Opportunity opening
The Warialda Shop of Opportunity officially opened on Saturday, May 2, drawing strong local support and marking the end of a three-year community-led project.
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.
