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.
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.
Local News
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.
Big weekend of festival action across the New England
Street art in Armidale, world food in Tamworth, and rural women gathering in Narrabri. Saturday, 17 October is shaping up as the biggest festival day of the season. Here is where to be.
Teen charged over violent Armidale home invasion
An 18-year-old man has been refused bail after allegedly taking part in a violent home invasion in Armidale that left a woman in her 40s with head and arm injuries.
Gunnedah students make their voices heard in Federal Parliament
Two young Gunnedah students have taken their voices to Federal Parliament, highlighting housing concerns and the importance of regional health services.
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
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: October 18, 2026
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
Politics
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.
The High Court coal win that may close the door it opened
WEEKEND LONG READ: Much has been said about a High Court judgement this week relating to what climate impacts should be included in planning decisions. The backlash and election timing could shut Scope 3 emissions out of planning permanently and give workers and communities the confidence they desperately seek.
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
Camels, wagon tours and country camping on the way to Narrabri
Amanda Renyard and her husband Wayne moved to the Narrabri area about six months ago, and they brought their camels with them. Now the couple are in the final stages of getting ready to open Narrabri Camel Camp, a new camping and animal experience.
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.
Tenterfield foundation launches with a Wish Bowl for local ideas
What is your wish for Tenterfield? A new local foundation is opening a Wish Bowl at its launch on Saturday, 31 October, and every dollar it raises will stay in the region.
