Gwydir water sale to fund environmental projects
The Gwydir community could benefit from environmental projects funded through the sale of up to 15 gigalitres of annual water allocations.
Blessing family says Keith’s gun licence not revoked, as Joyce joins in misinformation
Politicians say Keith Blessing lost his gun licence. His family says that’s not true. Now Barnaby Joyce has joined in spreading the misinformation as part of election campaigning.
Regions the focus of $11m cancer research push
Live in the regions and get cancer, and your odds are worse than in the city. A new $11 million research push is aiming squarely at that gap.
Gwydir Shire Mayor and Deputy returned
Gwydir Shire Council has confirmed its leadership team for the coming year, with Cr Tiffany Galvin re-elected as Mayor and Cr Sean Coleman re-elected as Deputy Mayor
Local News
One man dead, another trapped in Guyra Road accident
Updated: a 75 year old man died, and a 30 year old man and 5 year old girl remain in hospital after a crash on Guyra Road.
Uralla seeks feedback on Fibonacci Park name change
Uralla Shire Council is seeking community feedback on a proposal to rename Pioneer Park as Fibonacci Park, reflecting the design adopted during the park’s major redevelopment.
Tamworth Stars dance their way to $202,000 for Cancer Council
Tamworth’s Stars Dance For Cancer has raised more than $202,000 for Cancer Council NSW, following a sold-out-style night of dancing and fundraising at TRECC.
Davis, Sparkes, survive Scott challenge in Glen Innes
David Scott put his name forward for both mayor and deputy mayor at Glen Innes Severn Council, and lost both, as Margot Davis and Carol Sparks retained the top jobs in for the next two years. Jen Philp takes over as deputy mayor in Uralla.
What's On
LONG READ >
Demographic bulimia: why immigration is a stuck-in-the-muck issue
Labor, the Coalition and One Nation all say they want fewer migrants. Australia’s economy, its farms and its own refugee-resettlement towns all need more of them. It’s a clash between electoral populism and policy reality with no solution.
Events
Drake Village MarketsEnds: September 26, 2026
Bundarra CWA Spring MarketsEnds: September 26, 2026
Weekly Women’s Tea & TalkEnds: September 28, 2026
Railway MarketsEnds: October 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: October 3, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: October 4, 2026
Politics
No challengers as three councils return mayors and deputies unopposed
Three New England councils, six elections, not a single challenger. But in Glen Innes, a councillor who came last in 2024 wants the mayor’s chair, and he’s interviewed himself about it.
New system for drivers who use medicinal cannabis
Drivers who use lawfully prescribed medicinal cannabis will no longer automatically lose their licence just for testing positive to THC, after the NSW Government’s new driving reforms passed State Parliament.
Crown land reforms pass NSW Parliament after land rights fight
NSW Parliament has passed sweeping Crown land reforms, but only after last minute amendments to address Aboriginal land council concerns over 44,000 unresolved land claims.
Nationals slam Federal road toll data
882 lives lost on Australian roads so far this year. The federal Coalition says it is the worst result since governments vowed to halve the road toll, and Labor still has no plan to replace.
Grants open for local defibrillators
A defibrillator can be the difference between life and death within eight minutes of cardiac arrest. Tamworth area sporting clubs have until 7 October to apply for grants to get one.
Federal lender urges New England farmers to seek help early as conditions dry out
As seasonal conditions worsen across the New England, the federal farm lender behind $3.83 billion in loans has a message: don’t wait for a drought declaration to ask for help.
Rural Aid urges farmers to register early
Bushfire risk is rising this spring, and Rural Aid wants farmers registered before disaster hits, not after. “Disasters don’t wait, and neither should farmers.”
Energy and Environment
Glen Innes Severn calls for fair REZ funding model
Glen Innes Severn Council is pushing for a fairer funding model to share New England Renewable Energy Zone benefits across communities.
F4CA report says farmers carry industry’s climate load
Farmers are already propping up Australia’s climate accounts for free, while coal, gas and oil buy their way out of cutting pollution at the source, according to a new report from Farmers for Climate Action.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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!
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…
BUSINESS
Gunnedah businesses invited to connect and grow
Free workshops, a business breakfast and an AI crash course. Gunnedah’s small businesses have a packed month ahead as Small Business Month kicks off in October.
INDIGENOUS
Inverell’s Tahnee Capon turns hardship into hope through education
A Kamilaroi woman who spent a year couch surfing before living in a converted bus has been named a 2026 Adult Learners Week Ambassador, crediting study with turning her life around from homelessness to a career helping others in Inverell.
SPORT
PLC Armidale hockey teams crowned IGSA champions
PLC Armidale’s senior and junior hockey teams have been crowned 2026 IGSA champions after impressive Grand Final victories in Sydney.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant | Challenge is always good
RK says Glen Innes Severn Councillor David Scott has lost all day. Be like David. The post Begin Rant | Challenge is always good appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Armidale brewery takes top honours at Sydney beer awards
The Welder’s Dog has taken home a Champion Award from the 2026 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show for its Piney Pale Ale.
Tickets released for 2026 New England North West Business Awards
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 New England North West Business Awards in Quirindi.
