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.
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.
Torrington maps the gaps as telcos promise upgrades that won’t fix black spots
Telstra has confirmed upgrades to the Bolivia tower won’t fix Torrington’s black spots. Now the community is mapping exactly where coverage fails, and taking the evidence to the minister.
Greyhound racing campaign highlights industry reforms
Greyhound Racing NSW has launched a campaign highlighting industry reforms and welfare improvements while countering what it says is misinformation.
Local News
Have your say on Uralla Shire’s future growth
Uralla Shire Council is inviting the community to help shape future growth by providing feedback on its draft strategy.
84 student sleuths descend on Armidale
Eighty-four students are in Armidale this week solving murders and cracking fraud cases — and the whole camp is run by high school students themselves.
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.
Sow your creativity in the Seeds of Science Art Competition
Budding artists across the New England region are invited to explore the beauty of botany through the UNE Discovery Seeds of Science Art Competition, held in the lead-up to National Science Week.
What's On
Best Vets in the New England?
Our pets are part of the family, so who do you trust to care for them when it matters most? Which is the best Vets in the New England? Vote now for Best in the New England!
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
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.
Airport funding grants open as report warns regional aviation at a crossroads
Half of NSW’s regional airports are running at a loss. The latest funding round has opened — and the Member for Parkes is urging councils to get their applications in before 28 July.
Decade-long push pays off as former Quirindi TAFE site goes to market
Empty for almost a decade, the old Quirindi TAFE site is finally going to market, and the Deputy Mayor reckons it could be the perfect spot for a retirement village.
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
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.
Fuel excise extended but lower relief to come
Australians will get an extended discount on fuel but the savings will amount to less, as a tentative truce allows ships to move through the Strait of Hormuz.
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
Henderson earns Australian selection for US Rowing challenge
The Armidale School rower Isabella Henderson will represent Australia at the inaugural US Rowing International Rowing Challenge.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: Why elected ARC councillors should support fairer water charges
Cr Dorothy Robinson wants this week's Armidale Regional Council meeting to vote for lower water access fees and higher usage charges. Read why. The post Opinion: Why elected ARC councillors should support fairer water charges appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Walcha Coffee adds seven more medals to growing awards record
Walcha Coffee has added another seven medals to its growing awards record after competing at Golden Bean Australasia 2026, one of the coffee industry’s largest competitions.
Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship names New England finalists for 2026 program
Wallabadah designer Robbie Hartigan and West Tamworth musician Aimee Hannan are among finalists in the 2026 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship.
