Tamworth nursing students no longer need to move
For years, Tamworth’s nursing students had to start their degree somewhere else. From 2027, they can do it all at home, with 30 places, scholarships worth $10,000 a year, and priority accommodation on offer.
Free first aid training back for regional women
In the country, help can be a long way off, and women are often first on the scene. Free first aid and mental health training is coming to Armidale, Forster and more.
Tracey Spicer to headline regional leadership summit in Tamworth
AI, misinformation, and the cost of doing business are on the agenda as Tracey Spicer heads to Tamworth next week to headline the region’s big leadership summit. Tickets are selling now.
Road widening to slow New England Highway traffic at Link Road, Armidale
Heading through Armidale on the New England Highway? Roadworks at Link Road start Monday, bringing 40 km/h limits, one-way traffic, and a closed turn-off until the end of January.
Local News
By-elections loom for Walcha and Tenterfield after councillors resign
Two New England councils are down a councillor. Walcha has locked in a January by-election, while Tenterfield waits on advice about how to fill its empty A Ward seat.
Downstream councils vow to fight Keepit Dam pipeline to Tamworth
Tamworth wants a pipeline from Keepit Dam. Seven councils downstream, from Gunnedah to Walgett, say it would leave their towns exposed in the next drought, and they’re vowing to fight it.
Inverell Shire Council adopts road plan to 2037
118 locals had their say on Inverell Shire’s roads. Now council has locked in a plan to 2037 that puts unsealed roads, freight demand, and safety on the agenda. Here’s what it means.
Uralla residents asked to have their say on draft inclusion plan
Is Uralla Shire easy to get around, get information, and take part in, for everyone? The council wants to hear from you, but the clock is ticking on feedback.
What's On
LONG READ >
Camps in the paddock: the REZ housing legacy that isn’t
WEEKEND LONG READ: New England was promised worker housing that would stay behind as homes. The REZ EIS delivers 2,060 beds in five temporary camps on paddocks a long way from anywhere.
Events
Twilight Tales at Calala Cottage Museum – Garden Picnic and Museum ToursEnds: November 7, 2026
Twilight Tales at Calala Cottage Museum – Garden Picnic and Museum ToursEnds: November 7, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Tenterfield Job ExpoEnds: November 20, 2026
Sounds of the SessonEnds: November 28, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: November 29, 2026
Politics
Stamp duty relief pledged for family trusts
Thousands of family businesses run through trusts have been left wondering if a federal tax change would trigger a state stamp duty bill. Labor says, if re-elected, it won’t.
Nationals blast buyback starting before the rules
The firearms buyback starts 2 November, and Grafton Police Station is one of the first collection points. The Nationals say the rules aren’t even written yet, and Tamworth’s music festival is in the way.
Chaffey urges kindness after Haines attack
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey says words can hurt and words can heal, as parliament pays tribute to Dr Helen Haines. His message to Australians after the attack: “Let’s continue with kindness.”
Gun buyback starts before rules are set
The NSW gun buyback starts next week, but the rules on who can keep extra firearms aren’t final. In Armidale, Tamworth, Moree and Inverell, you can’t hand anything in until January.
Minister threatens to suspend Moree council, dodges safety questions
The Minister for Local Government is asking Moree Plains Shire Council why he shouldn’t put them into administration, but has not answered questions about why he failed to act to keep councillors and staff safe.
Phosphine rules delayed until 2028
Harvest is here and grain growers have dodged a curveball. New phosphine exposure rules won’t kick in until 2028, giving the industry time to find practical answers.
Crop margins stay tight, but yields help
Rabobank says crop margins stay squeezed into 2027. Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia are cushioned by strong yields, but dry Queensland and northern NSW growers are more exposed.
Tamworth gun buyback pushed back until after country music festival
Tamworth’s gun buyback has been pushed back so police can focus on the country music festival, but farmers say they are still in limbo with days to go before it starts statewide.
Energy and Environment
Armidale pipeline tops list as Uralla weighs its water future
A pipeline from Armidale has topped the list of options to secure Uralla’s water. But Council says nothing is decided yet, and it wants to hear what residents think.
$8.28m for drought resilience, and more on offer
Women cutting their own hair because there wasn’t enough water. That’s the kind of drought hardship $8.28 million in new grants aims to tackle, and there’s more money still on offer.
Copeton Dam turns 50: the water behind Inverell’s economy
Copeton Dam marked 50 years since its official opening yesterday, Friday, 23 October, and Inverell Mayor Kate Dight says many people do not realise how much the community relies on it.
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
Rural Aid hay and water heading to Inverell and Glen Innes as dry bites New England farms
Rain has fallen, but the dry hasn’t let go. One cattle farmer near the border says it costs him $3 a head a day just to keep them alive. Help is heading to Inverell and Glen Innes.
INDIGENOUS
Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship opens fifth year
Five years, one $10,000 prize, and a platform for First Nations creatives. Applications for the 2027 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship are open until 7 March.
SPORT
Gunnedah brothers claim bull riding glory in Tamworth
Two Gunnedah brothers, a Barraba rider, and a Walcha cowboy all got their moment in Tamworth. Then the Open final came down to just 0.10 of a point.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: Hoenig is going to lose Minns the election
RK Crosby writes that the threat to put Moree Plains Shire Council into administration provides a how-to-guide for the destruction of local government, and if Minns doesn't deal with Hoenig, it may cost him the election. The post Begin Rant: Hoenig is going to lose Minns the election appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Moree Plains Shire Council names new general manager
Moree Plains Shire Council has found its new general manager. Meet the man who says the shire has “enormous potential”.
SBM26: Road-ready support, inclusive opportunities and a helping hand
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses and organisations making life easier for their communities: a Tamworth towing and caravan specialist offering personal service from purchase to repairs, an Inverell not-for-profit creating opportunities and independence for people with disability, and a Coffs Coast family business helping households and businesses clear clutter, move furniture…
