Coalition cherry-picks corporate insolvency to spruik payroll tax policy
The NSW Coalition says insolvencies prove Labor is failing business. The same data shows collapses actually fell last year. So which figure tells the real story?
Changing of the guard as hundreds of farmers gather to chart NSW agriculture’s future
A New England president departs and another local is tipped to take the chair, as farmers converge on Sydney to fight over renewables, water, drought, and the future of farming.
KE Photography captures Best Photographer title
From newborns to weddings, family portraits and milestone celebrations, thousands of treasured New England memories have passed through Kate Dhu’s lens.
Essential Energy advises of planned power outage for Bendemeer and surrounding areas
Essential Energy will carry out planned maintenance on Tuesday, 21 July, requiring a power outage affecting about 490 customers near Bendemeer.
Local News
Pesticide users reminded to meet record-keeping rules
Most north-west NSW farmers are complying with pesticide laws, but an EPA compliance campaign found some users need better record-keeping practices.
AI and ag tech takes centre stage at NSW Farmers conference
Farm data is an $800 million industry and rising, but the AI data centres crunching it want the same water our communities are short of. The latest new development to divide the ag world is set to dominate this week’s NSW Farmers Conference.
Mum’s the word for the Best Cleaner in New England
That willingness to take on the hardest cleaning challenges, combined with a commitment to quality, has clearly struck a chord with customers.
New initiative puts Aboriginal communities in the driver’s seat of licensing support
Transport for NSW is launching an Australian-first program training Aboriginal driving instructors to expand culturally safe licensing support statewide.
What's On
Best Florist in the New England?
Need the perfect bunch of flowers or a thoughtful gift? Where do you always find something special? Which is the best Florist in New England?
Events
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: August 1, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: August 2, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: August 16, 2026
Stained Glass Art WorkshopEnds: August 30, 2026- Tingha Community MarketsEnds: September 5, 2026
Politics
Squadron stops work on Boorolong wind farm as neighbouring Origin project pushes on
Squadron has quietly walked away from its Boorolong wind farm near Armidale, while Origin’s project next door pushes on. The transmission line the Coalition says they won’t build is right in the middle of it.
$2.7 million disaster threshold plan an “insult” to small councils
Damage to your whole town, still miss out on funding: that’s the risk if Canberra’s disaster threshold triples to $2.7 million. Barwon MP Roy Butler says it’s “an insult” to small councils.
NSW extends consultation on Crown land bill after land rights warning
Consultation has been extended on a Crown land bill after Aboriginal land councils said amendments were dropped too late to properly consult with the network. The Law Society wants a key clause scrapped entirely.
TRC votes to sell Ray Walsh House after hour-long debate
After four years of uncertainty and more than an hour of heated debate, Tamworth Regional Council has voted 5-3 to sell Ray Walsh House — but the sale isn’t final yet.
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.
Aussie farmers and the new ballad of the virtual drover
After centuries of moving stock around on horseback or motorbike, farmers across much of Australia can now opt to use an app to manage their herds.
Dung beetles cut methane emissions from cattle manure by 85 per cent, study finds
Dung beetles could play a bigger role in reducing the climate impact of Australia’s livestock industry, with new research finding they cut methane emissions from cattle manure by up to 85 per cent.
Energy and Environment
Armidale community invited to help shape future water services
Armidale Regional Council is inviting residents to help shape future water, wastewater and stormwater services through community consultation now.
Confusion surrounds new forest carbon credit method as opposition comes from all sides
Farmers say it’s unfair. Green groups call it a scam. The government calls it rigorous. A new forest carbon credit scheme has almost everyone disagreeing, just not about the same thing.
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
D&J Assisted Technology takes the first Best IT Service title
New category, first time winner, and the first win for Inverell in BITNE2026!
INDIGENOUS
Walhallow community reaps long-term benefits from Aboriginal-led infrastructure investment
Aboriginal-led investment has transformed the Walhallow community, improving health, education, employment, tourism and cultural outcomes while creating lasting opportunities for future generations.
SPORT
TAS students shine on national and world stage
While most students spent the school holidays relaxing, these TAS students were busy winning national and international titles in rugby, hockey and rowing.
On engage now
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- Denise’s Desk: From Gravitas to Gimmicks
Denise writes that the people of New England once expected their federal representative to command respect through judgement, preparation and substance. Today, too often, headlines have replaced homework. The post Denise’s Desk: From Gravitas to Gimmicks appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
80 student volunteers to descend on Uralla, Deepwater for The Big Lift
Eighty student volunteers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will arrive in Uralla on Tuesday, 7 July, as part of The Big Lift’s 2026 Winter Trip across regional New South Wales and Queensland.
Peter Allen honoured with Blue Plaque at Armidale Folk Museum
An Armidale boy who grew up to become one of Australia’s most celebrated entertainers has been honoured with a Blue Plaque at the newly renovated Armidale Folk Museum.
