Violent home invasion ends with intruder shot by resident
A couple in their 70s are fighting for life after a violent suspected home invasion at Torrington early this morning, during which they are believed to have tried to defend themselves against an armed intruder.
Call for Banksia Unit to become Detox Facility
The push to turn Tamworth’s Banksia Mental Health Unit into a drug and alcohol detoxification facility has been raised in the NSW Parliament.
Inverell Mountain Bike track reopens after club reforms
The Inverell Mountain Bike Track has reopened after the local club reformed, securing a new licence agreement with council.
UNE Chancellor resigns early
The University of New England has announced the resignation of Chancellor Dr Sarah Pearson after just over a year in the role.
Local News
Young people and industry to take centre stage at Tamworth Agricultural Careers Expo
More than 1,300 students will connect with agricultural employers, innovators and educators at Tamworth’s largest agricultural careers expo.
UNE hosts Myall Creek symposium focused on practical action
UNE’s Myall Creek Memorial Symposium will bring together First Nations and non-Indigenous leaders to advance truth-telling, reconciliation and practical action.
Aboriginal women to gather on Gamilaraay Country for historic water justice gathering
Aboriginal women from across the northern Murray–Darling Basin will gather in Moree to strengthen their voice on water.
Regional volleyball thriving as Inverell teams lead New England charge
Regional volleyball is gaining serious momentum across the region, and Inverell’s young players are leading the charge.
What's On
VOTE NOW to have your say in which categories we have in this years Best in the New England.
BITNE 26 starts June 28!
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 5, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: June 6, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: June 7, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 12, 2026
New England North West Future Tourism Forum 2026 | Hosted by Business NSWEnds: June 18, 2026
Politics
Glen Innes, Uralla rate rises approved
IPART has approved major rate rises for Glen Innes Severn and Uralla Shire councils, with both citing infrastructure costs, underfunding and long-term financial sustainability pressures.
Welcome Experience program expands to help regional councils tackle worker shortages
Regional councils across the New England and North West are set to receive extra support in attracting and retaining staff, following the expansion of the NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program into local government.
Right to Repair discussion paper welcomed
Farmers could soon gain greater freedom to repair and service their own machinery, with the Federal Government proposing to extend Right to Repair laws to agriculture.
Transport planning assumptions unravel across all levels of government
In this New England Times investigation by RK Crosby, we look at how bad numbers, assumptions and guesses, and misrepresentations of old documents, have led to plans at all levels of government being not worth the paper they are printed on.
Community transport trial expands access to education and jobs across regional NSW
A new trial across regional New South Wales is set to broaden the role of community transport services, with the aim of helping more people access education, training and employment opportunities.
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 >
Watchdog flooded with complaints as dry spell persists
There has been a sharp increase in the number of people being dobbed in for misusing water as the region experiences ongoing drought.
Take the guesswork out of feeding livestock
Northern Tablelands producers are being urged to use feed testing to improve livestock nutrition as seasonal conditions continue deteriorating.
Energy and Environment
Have your say on community batteries in the New England region
New England residents are being invited to help shape future community battery projects through local focus groups and interviews.
‘Hoarding has stopped’: Albanese says fuel levels stable
Australia’s fuel supply will be stable until at least July, despite volatility in the oil market due to the Iran war, the prime minister has confirmed.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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…
Narrabri residents encouraged to take advantage of full fibre upgrade opportunity
The latest expansion of nbn full fibre technology is helping people in Narrabri keep pace with changing digital needs. Find out how you can upgrade now.
BUSINESS
Regional NSW faces ongoing skills and labour shortages
Regional NSW councils are battling persistent skills shortages, with workforce gaps threatening housing delivery, essential services and economic growth.
INDIGENOUS
Honouring Elders of the Moree Plains Shire in Reconciliation Week
Moree Plains Shire Council has honoured four community leaders on its Elders Honour Board to mark National Reconciliation Week 2026.
SPORT
Chaffey demands Federal Government recommit to full Inland Rail project
Late Monday night when most politicians were heading home or out to dinner, Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey has continued his efforts to put a human face on the cost of the Government’s decision to axe the Inland Rail project north of Parkes.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Bonus Denise’s Desk: “Girls Are Not As Good As Boys” – Joyce Shows His True Colours
Denise couldn't wait to next week to have her say on the latest offensive act by Barnaby Joyce. The post Bonus Denise’s Desk: “Girls Are Not As Good As Boys” – Joyce Shows His True Colours appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Inverell library to undergo major refresh after $500,000 grant
Inverell Library is set for a major refresh after securing a $500,000 State Library of NSW grant to modernise and revitalise the much-loved community facility.
Armidale local turns childhood challenge into fundraising mission
An Armidale woman who once spent eight months in hospital as a child is now giving back to the organisation that helped brighten some of her toughest days.
