Narrabri’s pink slug goes giant and global
It survived the Black Summer fires, it glows hot pink, and now the whole world is talking about it. Narrabri’s rare slug could soon get a giant monument and be the next Big Thing.
Gunnedah petition calls for 24-hour police station
Gunnedah is petitioning for a 24-hour police station, but a council voice says the town already has 24-hour policing. Is a staffed station the best use of police?
Five Liverpool Plains health projects share in $21,000 grants
Five health and wellbeing projects, from aqua aerobics in Quirindi to a morning bootcamp at Werris Creek Public School, will share $21,000 in community grants.
$849.8m for New England Highway upgrades between Muswellbrook and Armidale
$849.8 million is headed for the New England Highway between Muswellbrook and Armidale. Overtaking lanes, wider shoulders, and new rest stops are on the list. Here is what is promised.
Local News
SBM26: Stay, talk, romance
Today we’re highlighting three creative and caring mums that keep the New England talking, reading and caring.
Dorrigo Show offers up chocolate cakes, cattle, cowboys and a dash across the arena
From rodeo riders and livestock to woodchops, motorbikes, a dog high jump and a men’s chocolate cake competition, the Dorrigo Show has something for everyone.
$12.7m Moree investment to create jobs, boost agricultural exports
A $12.7 million investment in Moree’s Special Activation Precinct will create jobs and expand the region’s agricultural freight capacity.
New era as Professionals Armidale switches to McGrath and Knight Frank
A familiar Armidale real estate name disappears this week after almost two decades. Director Ben Saxby explains why the agency is joining McGrath and Knight Frank and what it means for tenants and clients.
What's On
LONG READ >
Tough on crime, weak on details: how emotion rather than evidence drives justice reform
WEEKEND LONG READ: The NSW election is less than six months away, and both sides are selling ‘tough on crime’. The evidence says their tough slogans don’t make us safer. So why do they keep doing it?
Events
Annual Human Rights LectureEnds: October 15, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: October 18, 2026
The New England Community ShowcaseEnds: October 21, 2026
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Fete, Floral & Craft DisplayEnds: October 31, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 1, 2026
- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Politics
Chaffey backs migration cut as refugee group warns of cost
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey says the Coalition’s migration cuts would take pressure off local housing, roads, and schools. Refugee group SSI says halving the humanitarian intake would shut out thousands in need.
Tamworth’s Jeff Bacon joins One Nation upper house ticket
Shooters, then Nationals, now One Nation. Third time lucky, Tamworth gun maker Jeff Bacon has landed second on an upper house ticket promising to repeal NSW’s new firearm laws.
Anderson urges locals to shut the laptop and shop local
Rising costs and a slow economy are biting local businesses. Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has a simple ask for October: shut the laptop and shop in town.
Tough on crime, weak on details: how emotion rather than evidence drives justice reform
WEEKEND LONG READ: The NSW election is less than six months away, and both sides are selling ‘tough on crime’. The evidence says their tough slogans don’t make us safer. So why do they keep doing it?
Farmers back labour hire crackdown, but warn shearers and harvesters must not be caught
Labor wants every labour hire firm in NSW licensed. Farmers agree rogue operators must go, but warn the shearing team and harvest contractor could get caught in the net.
Goat producers urged to have levy say
The goat levy hasn’t changed since 1997. Now producers face a vote that would more than double it. Here’s where the money would go, and why every vote counts.
Gwydir growers face lower water as cotton planting begins
The national cotton crop is tipped to fall from 4.5 million bales to 2.7 million. With Gwydir allocations down after a dry winter, growers are planting less and bracing for a hot, dry season.
Energy and Environment
Regional women rush clean energy course
Nearly 70 regional women applied in a single month. A new program is training women to help their communities shape the renewable energy rollout, and demand has been huge.
Origin walks away from Skye Ridge wind farm near Walcha
Origin has walked away from its 870MW Skye Ridge wind farm near Walcha, effective immediately, to double down on its Northern Tablelands project west of Armidale. But the move was no surprise.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Primary Health Network continues to support and invest in the Glen Innes community
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to Glen Innes through continued investment in local healthcare services, community programs and innovative models of…
Have your say on the future name of Killean
New owners of McLean Care want your help in naming the main home, and have put up $5000 to make it worth your while to have your say. Vote now!
BUSINESS
SBM26: Happy, sparkling and safe
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three local businesses that keep the New England hydrated, clean and secure.
INDIGENOUS
Gunnedah petition demands Aboriginal flag in Council chamber
Gunnedah’s deputy mayor warned of “a reverse type of apartheid” before councillors voted to hang just one flag in the chamber. Now Aboriginal community members are fighting back with a petition.
SPORT
Roosters win NRL grand final in one point nail-biter
One point. One last game for Daly Cherry-Evans. The Roosters survived a wild Knights fightback to win the NRL grand final in a close finish.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: Change the school time
I dont like daylight saving, but another option, particularly for school children (& teachers) is to have school start later in the day. Children’s brains aren’t wired (particularly secondary students) for such an early start. The post QW: Change the school time appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
SBM26: Fit, fabulous, and yum
Today we’re celebrating three local businesses that add a little extra to life, from a personal trainer with a difference, to a great place to stay, and a great take away to keep in mind for your next visit to Coffs.
Uralla’s The Alternate Root named New England North West Business of the Year
A Uralla favourite has swept the region’s top business awards, taking home four gongs including Business of the Year. See the full list of New England North West winners.
