Anderson puts Labor on notice ahead of NSW Budget
: Roads, hospitals, fire stations, mobile coverage and a new school for Moore Creek — the Member for Tamworth has put Labor on notice ahead of next Tuesday’s NSW Budget.
Tamworth’s No. 1 Oval gets a modern makeover
Tamworth’s No. 1 Oval now has a pavilion to match — modern changerooms, better amenities, and a focus on getting more women and girls on the field.
Armidale not-for-profit takes HSC to central China
An Armidale not-for-profit has helped a Wuhan high school become the first in central China to offer the NSW HSC
Tamworth MP pushes for return of mobile blackspot program
Residents in Werris Creek, Manilla and other centres across the region are still waiting for reliable mobile coverage. Now Kevin Anderson is pushing hard for the return of a program that once fixed exactly this problem.
Local News
Deepwater’s historic railway station gets new lease on life
After years of sitting vacant, the Deepwater Railway Station is set to come back to life, with the Deepwater Progress Association securing a formal licence to occupy the heritage-listed building.
NAIDOC basketball gala day returns to Armidale
An Olympic medallist, free basketball competitions and cultural celebrations — Armidale’s NAIDOC Deadly 3×3 Gala Day is back on 9 July and everyone is welcome.
Almost $15 million boost for Namoi Gwydir emergency services
A new $13.1 million fire control centre and six firefighting vehicles have boosted emergency response capabilities across the Namoi Gwydir District.
Do the work: Local MP leads call for evidence in Government decisions
Part two of our Bad Numbers investigation: one local MP’s push to require evidence and consultation before any bill passes NSW Parliament, to fix a problem they’ve known about for decades.
Events
Tamworth Historical Society June Meeting: Tom McClellandEnds: June 17, 2026
New England North West Future Tourism Forum 2026 | Hosted by Business NSWEnds: June 18, 2026
RSL Armidale NSW Veterans DVA Advocacy SeminarEnds: June 19, 2026
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 19, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: June 21, 2026
Politics
New England hospitals to share in $400m maintenance blitz
A $400 million hospital maintenance blitz is coming to the New England — but with Moree’s redevelopment taking shape and Glen Innes still waiting for answers, the bigger picture is far from settled.
Country mayors push back on Inland Rail decision
Narrabri and Moree are among those communities “devastated” by the axing of Inland Rail — but country mayors say there is still a path to completion, and they’re taking their case straight to the minister.
Women to be hardest-hit by sweeping NDIS changes
Cost-saving measures to target the National Disability Insurance Scheme are likely to put responsibility back on families.
Anti-abortion fight evolves into ‘noxious brew’
The pro-life movement is incorporating anti-immigrant sentiment in its latest fight against abortion and reproductive healthcare.
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.
New report calls for protection of farm diesel rebate and support for electric farm machinery
Farmers for Climate Action has released a roadmap proposing protection of farm diesel rebates while supporting a transition to electric machinery.
Five days left to enter George the Farmer book competition
Schools and early learning centres have just five days to enter a competition to win a collection of George the Farmer storybooks, as Rabobank and the agricultural education brand mark five years of their Children’s Book Week partnership. Rabobank’s Rabo Community Fund is teaming up with George the Farmer to award 100 educational institutions a…
Energy and Environment
Solar farm set for approval as community gets final say
A 360 megawatt solar farm east of Inverell — with sheep still grazing under the panels — is heading for approval. But locals have until 8 July to have their say, with a public meeting to be held on 1 July in Elsmore.
Tenterfield Shire Council to protect future of iconic Pin Oaks
Tenterfield Shire Council to remove 10 hazardous Pin Oaks after an independent arborist identified significant safety risks among 203 trees.
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
Inverell businesses urged to have their say
Inverell Shire Council is urging local businesses to complete a survey helping shape future economic growth and support.
INDIGENOUS
Strong turnout for Armidale’s 15th Reconciliation Bridge Walk despite wet forecast
Around 300 people gathered in Armidale on Sunday, May 31, for the 15th Annual Reconciliation Bridge Walk, braving a forecast of “cold with intermittent rain” to take part in the community event marking National Reconciliation Week.
SPORT
Armidale to host 2026 George Cowie West Ham United football selection camp
Armidale will host the 2026 George Cowie West Ham United Football Selection Camp in July, giving young regional players the chance to train with coaches from the English Premier League club.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Chaffey’s Corner: Concern and confusion post-budget
In his latest newsletter, Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey says there's been a lot of confusion after the budget. The post Chaffey’s Corner: Concern and confusion post-budget appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Return and Earn hits 16 billion containers and $100 million for charity
Sixteen billion bottles, cans and cartons — and counting. NSW’s Return and Earn scheme has now raised more than $100 million for charities, from koala hospitals to kids’ education.
$35 million transformation underway at Wests as iconic Tamworth club enters new era
One of Tamworth’s most recognisable venues is undergoing a major transformation, with a multi-stage redevelopment set to deliver a completely refreshed experience for members, guests and visitors.
