Nundle Rocks returns in 2027 with more than 25 acts
Nundle Rocks returns in January 2027, bringing more than 25 country, folk and roots acts to the New England village for three days of live music.
Why can’t we get this done? Oven Mountain latest renewable project to falter
The latest announcement of a renewable project to fail is the one that no one expected. Questions are being asked about whether the NSW Government is to blame, or if there is a bigger problem…
Road closures for Inverell fireworks and Uralla festival
Highway closures are on for festivals in Inverell and Uralla this weekend, with detours for light and heavy vehicles. Check the times before you go.
SBM26: Handmade treasures, personalised support and creative inspiration
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three organisations making a difference through creativity and connection: an Armidale shop bringing together unique creations from independent makers, a Coffs Harbour disability support provider focused on individual…
Local News
Gunnedah women recognised at NSW local government awards
Two women from Gunnedah Shire Council have been recognised for their leadership and contributions to local government at the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
Deepwater pub backs GoFundMe for home invasion victims with Halloween night
The Longhorn Bar and Grill in Deepwater will host a Halloween fancy dress fundraiser on Friday, 30 October, to boost a GoFundMe appeal for Torrington couple Keith and Dianne Blessing
Free field day to explore Racecourse Lagoon
Spend a day at Racecourse Lagoon learning to spot wetland plants, birds, and bugs. The free field day on Tuesday, 17 November includes morning tea and lunch.
SBM26: Garden romance, regional connections and community spirit
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three places bringing people together in different ways: a Tenterfield garden escape offering boutique stays and romantic celebrations, a regional transport service connecting communities across the North Coast and New England, and a Mullumbimby showground that brings locals and visitors together for markets, events and outdoor adventures.
What's On
LONG READ >
The REZ environmental damage the law allows
WEEKEND LONG READ: More than 3,200 hectares of native vegetation will go for the New England REZ transmission line, including 147 hectares of critically endangered New England Peppermint grassy woodland. And they’re allowed to do it because the law gives them a “free kick” as a state significant project.
Events
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Fete, Floral & Craft DisplayEnds: October 31, 2026
Spooky Halloween SkateEnds: October 31, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 1, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: November 29, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: December 6, 2026
Politics
Butler warns visa cuts would hit the west
No visa workers, no pub meal, no aged care staff? Barwon MP Roy Butler warns that deep migration cuts could bring country services to a halt, and has put a motion to Parliament.
Tree vandals face $500,000 penalties
Poison a tree and you could pay $500,000. New laws will let councils chase tree vandals through the courts for the first time, on public and private land.
Knife scanning powers made permanent
Police can now scan for knives at major entertainment venues, shopping centres, stations and sports grounds, with permanent powers and longer operations. Here is what the new laws change.
Helen Haines loses second leg
Dr Helen Haines’ husband says she is alive and stable after losing both legs. The Governor-General says the attack must be a moment for Australians to pause and choose to be better.
Coalition water taskforce targets Basin buybacks
Water buybacks are in the Coalition’s sights. A new taskforce will tour the Basin to hear from irrigators and push for dams and a ban on more buybacks.
Farmers push parties to reject EU deal
The coalition is against the EU trade deal, the trade minister says that would be “economic self harm”, and farmers say the agreement leaves them behind. Who blinks first?
Beef company faces court over Niangala wetland channels
A prime beef company faces fines of more than $2 million per charge over 6km of channels allegedly dug through a Niangala district wetland. Its first court date is Friday, 30 October.
Energy and Environment
More time sought on REZ transmission EIS
Uralla Shire Council wants the planning minister to keep the REZ transmission EIS open until the end of the year, and calls for more time are now coming from Walcha to Armidale.
Koala park bill hits Parliament
The Great Koala National Park has moved from promise to Parliament, with legislation to create the giant Mid North Coast reserve introduced this week.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Primary Health Network continues to support and invest in the Glen Innes community
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to Glen Innes through continued investment in local healthcare services, community programs and innovative models of…
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!
BUSINESS
Trust tax changes put New England businesses on alert
A new 30 per cent trust tax could cost small businesses thousands to adjust. With 21,500 businesses in the New England North West, local owners are being told to see their advisers now.
INDIGENOUS
Black Gully Festival to honour Uncle Cyril Green’s life in music
Armidale musician and Dunghutti elder Uncle Cyril Green will be honoured at this year’s Black Gully Festival on Saturday, 7 November. The tribute will reflect on a lifetime in music that began on a guitar in Walcha.
SPORT
Manilla brothers Mick and Tom Knight to take on world’s best at Warwick rodeo
Manilla bronc-riding brothers Mick and Tom Knight will represent Australia against some of the world’s best riders at the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft later this month.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: We need only look to Helen Haines
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese writes that we need genuine debate. We need more respect. More kindness. More listening and less shouting. And if we want a role model and an example in this we need only to look to Helen Haines. The post Opinion: We need only look to Helen Haines appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
SBM26: Gaming communities, compassionate care and practical skills
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three organisations bringing people together and making a difference across the region: an Armidale gaming store building community around shared hobbies, a long-established Coffs Coast care provider supporting independence and connection, and a Mid North Coast training academy helping people develop practical safety skills for when they matter…
Warialda advocate recognised with prestigious community award at NSW Parliament
Warialda’s Louisa Gilmour has received a prestigious NSW community award for championing regional voices through storytelling and the creative arts.
