Walcha students find lasting lessons in Fiji
Two Walcha students swapped holiday downtime for a Fiji orphanage, where they scrubbed, sewed curtains and installed new beds in a sick bay left empty since Covid. Saying goodbye was the hardest part.
UNE research gives people with intellectual disability a voice in rural health care
A University of New England research project is giving people with intellectual disability a direct role in improving rural health care.
Quirindi and Werris Creek residents invited to shape future of their towns
Residents, businesses and community groups in Quirindi and Werris Creek are being encouraged to help shape the future of their towns through two upcoming community roundtables.
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.
Local News
NSW businesses could avoid stamp duty costs under proposed changes
Thousands of NSW small and family-run businesses could avoid additional stamp duty costs under proposed changes to trust regulations.
Tamworth PET scanner upgraded
Prostate cancer affects around 1 in 6 men, and Tamworth’s PET scanner can now image it locally. Here is what the upgrade means for some patients who used to travel for scans.
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.
Glen Innes community set to fibre up with faster internet
More than 3,000 Glen Innes homes and businesses can now access full fibre internet upgrades, improving connectivity across the community.
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
The New England Community ShowcaseEnds: October 21, 2026
Tamworth Historical Society October Meeting: Spice Island WarsEnds: October 21, 2026
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
Politics
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.
Butler bill would return firearms appeals to NCAT
A firearms owner fighting a minor confiscation must find $20,000 to appeal in the Supreme Court. Roy Butler’s new bill would send those cases back to NCAT, which he says is faster and affordable.
New offences for dangerous drivers
Film a crash victim and share it online, and you could face jail. New NSW laws also target dangerous driving, hit-and-runs and street racing. Here is what the legislation seeks to introduce.
Tamworth Labor honours its long-timers
Twenty members, 10 to 30 years of loyalty, and one pointed question: why do you stay? Tamworth Labor’s long-timers share what keeps them turning up, and how they fared in the trivia contest.
It’s out: the 889 page New England REZ transmission line EIS
The New England transmission line EIS is 889 pages long. You don’t have to read it all – here’s where to find the maps, summaries, and sessions throughout the region before submissions close on Thursday, 12 November.
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.
One in three young women low in iron
One in three young Australian women are low in iron. For Iron Awareness Week, MLA is taking its message into GP waiting rooms, social media feeds, and overseas markets.
Energy and Environment
Recycling baskets coming to Uralla’s Bridge Street and Alma Park
Twenty new bin baskets are heading to Uralla’s Bridge Street and Alma Park to catch 10-cent drink containers before they hit landfill. Installation starts next month.
Uralla water upgrades aim to protect supply and reduce waste for residents
Uralla residents are set to benefit from improved water security and fewer losses following upgrades to the town’s network.
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
SBM26: Local shopping, keeping you moving and thoughtful design
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses bringing practical solutions and personal service to the region: a country boutique making shopping and special occasions easier, a family-run automotive and towing group keeping motorists moving, and an architect creating considered spaces tailored to the people who use them.
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.
- Begin Rant: When Albo lets slip he doesn’t care about the regions
Bob Katter asked the Prime Minister for a report. Anthony Albanese gave him a comedy routine. RK writes that regional people deserve better than a PM who doesn't get it, and doesn't care. The post Begin Rant: When Albo lets slip he doesn’t care about the regions appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Ballina woman sole winner of $100m powerball
A Ballina woman spent the day spotting signs from a late loved one. By night, she had won $100 million. Hear the moment her family found out.
SBM26: Getting it done
Today we’re celebrating three local businesses that the New England trusts to keep them working: a premium business technology support service, a mortgage broker that understands rural lending, and a marketing specialist giving you the tools to do it yourself.
