Local councils unite to push for fairer federal funding
Glen Innes Severn Council has joined councils across Australia in calling for Financial Assistance Grants to be restored to 1 per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.
Young people invited to help shape Gunnedah’s future
Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging more young people to join its Youth Consultative Council and Youth Working Group to shape local initiatives.
Scam warning as EOFY sales and tax time approach
Australians are being urged to stay vigilant as scammers exploit EOFY sales and tax season with increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts.
New England REZ key as batteries and renewables reshape the grid
The New England REZ is on track to be delivered and fully operational in 2034, upgraded to ‘anticipated’ in the national energy roadmap released today.
Local News
A big July ahead for NERAM as gallery turns up the heat this winter
The New England Regional Art Museum is set for one of its busiest months of the year, with three distinct events lined up across July that promise to draw in seasoned gallery-goers and first-timers alike.
Uralla’s Operational Plan and Budget 2026–27 approved
Uralla Shire Council has adopted its 2026–27 Operational Plan and Budget, including a Special Rate Variation recently approved by IPART.
Armidale’s oldest pub reclaims its original name
More than two years after the Wicklow Hotel hit the market, the New England region’s oldest licensed pub is undergoing a significant transformation, with new owners Feros Group set to reopen it under its original name before the end of the year.
Local councils not consulted in Nationals plan to kill New England REZ
In a bizarre backflip, the Coalition has announced that if re-elected next March they would effectively abandon the New England REZ – and they didn’t consult councils before coming up with the destructive policy.
What's On
It’s time to have your say: Best in the New England voting opens soon
The countdown is on – New England region’s most hotly contested community vote is back, and this year’s Best in the New England (BITNE) is shaping up to be the fiercest yet.
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 26, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: July 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: July 4, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: July 5, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: July 10, 2026
Politics
NSW budget offers rego relief, hospital investment, and drought support
The NSW Budget cuts $100 off rego, commits nearly $3 billion to regional hospitals, funds drought support for farmers, and puts $1,000 in the pockets of public servants. Here’s what it means for the New England.
Airport funding grants open as report warns regional aviation at a crossroads
Half of NSW’s regional airports are running at a loss. The latest funding round has opened — and the Member for Parkes is urging councils to get their applications in before 28 July.
Decade-long push pays off as former Quirindi TAFE site goes to market
Empty for almost a decade, the old Quirindi TAFE site is finally going to market, and the Deputy Mayor reckons it could be the perfect spot for a retirement village.
CGT shake-up brings relief, but succession remains the real test for farmers
A major tax backdown has lifted the CGT threshold to $10 million, but farm groups say the real test is still to come: can families actually pass the farm on?
Where do all the bad numbers come from?
In the next part of our New England Times investigation by RK Crosby, we delve more deeply to find out where the bad numbers come from.
Paraquat stays but with major new restrictions as regulator delivers verdict
Australia’s pesticide regulator has handed down a major decision on paraquat and diquat— it stays, but with tight new restrictions.
NSW unveils roadmap to grow $100 million hemp industry
NSW has unveiled a roadmap to grow its hemp industry into a $100 million sector, with new support for farmers, manufacturers and regional investment.
Energy and Environment
Fuel excise extended but lower relief to come
Australians will get an extended discount on fuel but the savings will amount to less, as a tentative truce allows ships to move through the Strait of Hormuz.
Uncertainty for wildlife as killer bird flu detected
Australian wildlife is facing a new and uncertain chapter after a dangerous strain of bird flu was confirmed on the mainland.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
From open homes to open hearts: Professionals Armidale’s community BBQ making a difference
A real estate agency might not be the first place you’d expect to find a community fundraising program, but Professionals Armidale is quietly becoming as well known for its local giving as…
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…
BUSINESS
Varroa mite reality sinks in, calls for managed pollination plans
Bee industry leaders say free pollination is gone for good, and growers everywhere need to start paying for it.
INDIGENOUS
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.
SPORT
Henderson earns Australian selection for US Rowing challenge
The Armidale School rower Isabella Henderson will represent Australia at the inaugural US Rowing International Rowing Challenge.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: The New England can’t afford friends like these
RK Crosby writes that the political stupidity on display in Sydney yesterday, threatening to take away the REZ, really wasn't needed on top of the Inland Rail decision. The post Begin Rant: The New England can’t afford friends like these appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Inverell and Glen Innes bakeries shine at national pie competition
Two New England bakeries have brought home a swag of national medals from the 2026 Australia’s Best Pie and Pastie Competition, held on the Gold Coast, putting the region firmly on the map as one of Australia’s top pie destinations.
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.
