Armidale scientist named to lead national cotton research body
An Armidale scientist and farmer who cut rice variety development timelines by nine years is now running the national body that funds cotton research. Meet the new CRDC boss.
Teen charged after knife threats on Tamworth’s main street
A teenage man allegedly chased a man with a knife along Peel Street before threatening hotel security in the early hours of Sunday morning. He’s now in custody on nine charges.
Winter school holidays: what’s on across the New England
Families across the New England have no shortage of options these winter school holidays, with ranger-guided national park adventures, free library programs, outdoor festivals and everything in between on offer right across the region.
Tamworth and Inverell young musicians win places at country music academy
Two New England kids, Miah from Tamworth and Peyton from Inverell, have won places at one of Australian country music’s most prestigious youth programs.
Local News
Gunnedah woman’s debut poem earns place in national collection
A Gunnedah agronomist who spent decades helping farmers through the worst the land could throw at them has found an unexpected new outlet for those experiences, with her debut poem selected for a national anthology of writing by country women.
Uralla Vet Clinic takes top honours as New England’s best vets
Uralla Vet Clinic has claimed the title of Best Vets in the Best in the New England 2026 awards, taking over the crown from New England Veterinary Services – find out why people voted for them!
NSW farmers need urgent action on China beef tariffs
NSW Liberals and Nationals are urging the State Government to press Canberra for action after China’s new beef tariff hit exporters.
Sale of Quirindi gym site to secure future of fitness services
Liverpool Plains Shire Council has sold the Quirindi gym site to local buyers, securing the continuation of fitness services following a competitive expression of interest process.
What's On
Best Pharmacy in the New England?
Friendly advice, helpful staff and everything you need to feel your best – which pharmacy goes above and beyond?
Which is the best PHARMACY in the New England? Vote now!
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: July 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: July 4, 2026
Torrington Community Hall AGMEnds: July 4, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: July 5, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: July 10, 2026
Politics
Concern brewing as buried Hanson policy threatens affordable medicines
A local mum says she and her asthmatic daughter could die without PBS medicines. She’s not alone — public concern is growing over a little-noticed One Nation policy, and a petition is now calling on Hanson to back off.
Council to vote on Ray Walsh House sale as residents call for caution
Council will vote Tuesday on selling Ray Walsh House. But a residents group says the process isn’t finished — and once the decision is made, it’s very hard to undo.
Packed gallery hears 22,000-signature New England transmission petition debate
Hundreds of people packed the public gallery of NSW Parliament on Thursday afternoon for a debate on a petition calling for the cancellation of the planned New England Renewable Energy Zone transmission line. Here’s what happened.
Local councils not consulted in Nationals plan to kill New England REZ
In a bizarre backflip, the Coalition has announced that if re-elected next March they would effectively abandon the New England REZ – and they didn’t consult councils before coming up with the destructive policy.
NSW budget offers rego relief, hospital investment, and drought support
The NSW Budget cuts $100 off rego, commits nearly $3 billion to regional hospitals, funds drought support for farmers, and puts $1,000 in the pockets of public servants. Here’s what it means for the New England.
Paraquat stays but with major new restrictions as regulator delivers verdict
Australia’s pesticide regulator has handed down a major decision on paraquat and diquat— it stays, but with tight new restrictions.
NSW unveils roadmap to grow $100 million hemp industry
NSW has unveiled a roadmap to grow its hemp industry into a $100 million sector, with new support for farmers, manufacturers and regional investment.
Energy and Environment
Sundown Solar Farm public meeting cancelled due to low interest
Sundown Solar Farm has another green light, with a planned public consultation meeting cancelled after only one person registered to speak against the proposal.
New England REZ key as batteries and renewables reshape the grid
The New England REZ is on track to be delivered and fully operational in 2034, upgraded to ‘anticipated’ in the national energy roadmap released today.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
From open homes to open hearts: Professionals Armidale’s community BBQ making a difference
A real estate agency might not be the first place you’d expect to find a community fundraising program, but Professionals Armidale is quietly becoming as well known for its local giving as…
Is your IT structured? Or just functioning?
Many regional businesses only review their IT support when problems escalate. But more businesses are reassessing how their technology systems are managed, and the story of what happened to Acacia Medical tells…
BUSINESS
Armidale’s oldest pub reclaims its original name
More than two years after the Wicklow Hotel hit the market, the New England region’s oldest licensed pub is undergoing a significant transformation, with new owners Feros Group set to reopen it under its original name before the end of the year.
INDIGENOUS
Council appoints two members to Aboriginal Consultative Committee
Preston Connors and Yoorana Delaney have been appointed as community representatives on Inverell Shire Council’s Aboriginal Consultative Committee for a two-year term.
SPORT
Bledisloe Cup returns to three Tests with Anzac Day match
Local rugby fans are happy today with the news an extra Bledisloe Cup Test is coming… and it’s not too far from home.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: Nats taking us for granted
Re: Begin Rant: The New England can’t afford friends like these This NSW Coalition decision on the New England REZ demonstrates that the unelected hacks and politicians of the Nationals are taking New England voters for granted. Regional Independents get things done for their communities. What have the Nationals and One Nation done? The post QW: Nats taking us for granted appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Time running out to enter New England North West Business Awards
Businesses, employers and employees across the New England North West are being encouraged to enter the 2026 New England North West Business Awards before entries close on 6 July.
New England health initiatives share in funding
From Indigenous maternal care to emergency patient retrievals, a number of New England health organisations are sharing in new charitable foundation funding.
