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.
Reserve Bank Governor returns to UNE for Graduation
The Reserve Bank Governor is coming home to UNE. Michele Bullock will address the graduation ceremony on Friday, and you can watch the live stream.
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…
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.
Local News
Coaches replace trains at five New England stations from Wednesday
Six weeks without trains at Tamworth, Armidale, Uralla, Kootingal, and Walcha Road. Coaches take over from Wednesday, 21 October, and Kevin Anderson MP says any delay would be unacceptable.
Walcha shines at Tidy Towns awards
Walcha’s Peter Blomfield is a NSW Tidy Towns Local Hero, and the town’s WinterFest earned a commendation. Gunnedah also took home an award. See how the New England fared.
Stormwater repairs planned for Tamworth CBD levee
Ageing stormwater infrastructure beneath Tamworth’s CBD flood levee will undergo major repairs after inspections uncovered damage requiring reconstruction.
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.
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
Haines loses leg, fights for life
Federal independent MP for Indi has lost a leg and is fighting for her life after being allegedly deliberately struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta yesterday. Barnaby Joyce says it is an attack on our democracy.
Terror probe after MP critically injured in attack
An attack on independent MP Helen Haines is being investigated by counter-terrorism authorities after she was allegedly intentionally hit by a man driving a Toyota Landcruiser outside her electorate office.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
NSW tops Australia for food tourism
NSW has been named Australia’s food tourism capital, with visitors spending more than $12 billion. See what they are eating, and which regional food events are drawing the crowds.
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.
- Denise’s Desk: The NSW election – What’s at stake for workers
There are moments in politics when you wonder whether the person speaking has forgotten their own history. Or perhaps they hope the rest of us have. Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor declared on ABC’s 7.30 on 6 October that Australia needed an economy where wages rise faster than inflation. Well, there’s a revelation. Workers should The post Denise’s Desk: The NSW election – What’s at stake for workers appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
More than 3,000 items delivered to women across regional NSW
More than 3,000 items of clothing and accessories have been delivered to women in Tamworth, Narrabri, Moree and Gunnedah, as Iris Foundation’s Frockin’ The Outback returned for a second consecutive year.
SBM26: Sweet treats, thoughtful gifts and secondhand treasures
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three local businesses offering something a little different: artisan chocolate made with dietary needs in mind, a thoughtfully curated boutique full of gifts and homewares, and a secondhand treasure trove where you never know what you’ll find.
