Fears for regional prostate cancer care
Regional men with prostate cancer could lose specialist nursing support when federal funding ends in June 2027. Jamie Chaffey wants a guarantee no community is left worse off.
SBM26: Rustic style, craft beer and finance made simpler
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses bringing their own kind of personal touch to the region: a Deepwater family business specialising in distinctive cowhide and leather goods, a Coffs Harbour brewery pairing…
Tamworth’s City Sider motel changes hands
A Tamworth motel a short walk from the CBD has new owners. The agents say the city’s growth plans, big investment, and event calendar helped drive the sale.
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.
Local News
Telstra maintenance to impact Tamworth CBD residents and businesses
Tamworth CBD residents and businesses are being warned of temporary mobile outages next week, with Telstra maintenance potentially affecting phone calls, EFTPOS payments and medical alert devices.
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.
The cost of civility: how do we learn to disagree again?
WEEKEND LONG READ: Regular abuse online. Targeted campaigns of lies. Threats of violence, rape and even death. As Australia asks how it treats its politicians after the alleged attack on Helen Haines, local female politicians…
Tamworth Country Music Parade entries open for 2027
Country Music Icons is the 2027 parade theme, and entries are open now. Artists, businesses, and community groups can enter now for Saturday, 23 January.
What's On
LONG READ >
The cost of civility: how do we learn to disagree again?
WEEKEND LONG READ: Regular abuse online. Targeted campaigns of lies. Threats of violence, rape and even death. As Australia asks how it treats its politicians after the alleged attack on Helen Haines, local female politicians say they have been living the challenge, and agree we need to hold social media accountable – and find a…
Events
From Fire and Ash – The Ceramic ExhibitionEnds: October 30, 2026
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Fete, Floral & Craft DisplayEnds: October 31, 2026
Spooky Halloween SkateEnds: October 31, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 1, 2026
Twilight Tales at Calala Cottage Museum – Garden Picnic and Museum ToursEnds: November 7, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Politics
Plastic phase-outs passed in NSW
Bread tags, balloon sticks and lollipop sticks are on the way out in NSW. Coffee cups are not banned, but cafes will have to offer mugs and accept keep cups from 2028.
Community groups have until 2 November to chase $20,000 grants
Up to $20,000 is on offer for hall upgrades, new equipment and better access, but groups and councils in the Parkes electorate must lodge expressions of interest by 5pm on Monday, 2 November
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.
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.
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
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.
Tiny village of Rouchel faces biggest visual impact from REZ transmission line
The Rouchel Uniting Church is one of four places rated high for visual impact from the New England REZ transmission line. Here is what the EIS says about noise and views.
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.
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: 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 needs and genuine relationships, and a volunteer-run Forster gallery offering exhibitions, workshops and opportunities for everyone to explore their creativity.
INDIGENOUS
First Nations culture to take centre stage at Black Gully Festival
Armidale Community Radio 2ARM will honour its long-time musical patron, Uncle Cyril Green Senior, and bring First Nations culture to the 15th Black Gully Festival on Saturday, 7 November.
SPORT
Gunnedah’s Chase Berry leads junior bull riders into Tamworth finals
Gunnedah’s Chase Berry is the one to beat as young bull riders from across the country chase $29,000 in Tamworth on Saturday. Entry to the Junior Grand Finals is free.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Denise’s Desk: We need to talk about mental illness
Denise writes the attack on independent MP Helen Haines has shocked Australians. It has also brought into sharp focus an issue that successive governments have failed to adequately address for decades: the treatment of people living with serious mental illness. The post Denise’s Desk: We need to talk about mental illness appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good 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.
SBM26: Easier cooking, handmade skincare and waterfront escapes
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses bringing a personal touch to everyday life and leisure: a Thermomix consultant helping busy households feel more confident in the kitchen, a local maker crafting small-batch soaps and skincare, and a houseboat holiday business offering a different way to explore the Myall Lakes.
