Hanson defies protest to call for ‘monocultural’ nation
A mid-speech protest has marred Pauline Hanson’s first address to the National Press Club after decades in politics.
Mayor urges transport strategy to drive regional growth
Glen Innes Severn Council wants Transport for NSW to prioritise northern links and use infrastructure to drive growth.
Tourism forum to highlight opportunities for growth across regional NSW
Tourism, business and government leaders will meet in Tenterfield to explore opportunities to grow regional economies through tourism investment.
Somerton poultry farm awarded $500,000 grant for innovative water storage project
A Somerton poultry farm has secured a $500,000 grant to trial an innovative water storage system improving water security.
Local News
Quarry owner fined $190,000 for operating without licence at Balala
The owner of a quarry near Armidale has been ordered to pay $190,000 after extracting gravel at up to four times the legal limit without an Environment Protection Licence.
McLean Care axes allied health team as search for new operator continues
McLean Care says its new allied health model is an upgrade. Staff say it means losing the physio team that gets residents up and walking each day.
Uralla shire water restrictions eased to Level 1
Uralla Shire Council has eased water restrictions to Level 1 for the townships of Uralla and Bundarra following recent rainfall.
16, no helmet, loaded gun
He got bogged, then he got arrested. Read what highway patrol found in Narrabri on Saturday night.
Events
New England North West Future Tourism Forum 2026 | Hosted by Business NSWEnds: June 18, 2026
RSL Armidale NSW Veterans DVA Advocacy SeminarEnds: June 19, 2026
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 19, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: June 21, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 26, 2026
Politics
Hanson’s Press Club speech: the crib notes
If you don’t feel like listening to a 50 minute speech, we’ve made a brief set of notes of every major topic covered in Pauline Hanson’s first ever Press Club Address.
Anderson puts Labor on notice ahead of NSW Budget
Roads, hospitals, fire stations, mobile coverage and a new school for Moore Creek — the Member for Tamworth has put Labor on notice ahead of next Tuesday’s NSW Budget.
Do the work: Local MP leads call for evidence in Government decisions
Part two of our Bad Numbers investigation: one local MP’s push to require evidence and consultation before any bill passes NSW Parliament, to fix a problem they’ve known about for decades.
New England hospitals to share in $400m maintenance blitz
A $400 million hospital maintenance blitz is coming to the New England — but with Moree’s redevelopment taking shape and Glen Innes still waiting for answers, the bigger picture is far from settled.
Country mayors push back on Inland Rail decision
Narrabri and Moree are among those communities “devastated” by the axing of Inland Rail — but country mayors say there is still a path to completion, and they’re taking their case straight to the minister.
Drought and rising costs send New England farmer confidence to record lows
Farmer confidence across the New England North West has plunged to its lowest level in recent memory, with drought and surging input costs hitting producers harder than anywhere else in New South Wales, new survey data shows.
New executive director for national livestock transport body
Ben Maguire has been appointed Executive Director of the national peak body for livestock and rural transport, bringing decades of experience across trucking, agriculture and the not-for-profit sector.
Energy and Environment
Solar farm set for approval as community gets final say
A 360 megawatt solar farm east of Inverell — with sheep still grazing under the panels — is heading for approval. But locals have until 8 July to have their say, with a public meeting to be held on 1 July in Elsmore.
Tenterfield Shire Council to protect future of iconic Pin Oaks
Tenterfield Shire Council to remove 10 hazardous Pin Oaks after an independent arborist identified significant safety risks among 203 trees.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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…
Narrabri residents encouraged to take advantage of full fibre upgrade opportunity
The latest expansion of nbn full fibre technology is helping people in Narrabri keep pace with changing digital needs. Find out how you can upgrade now.
BUSINESS
Inverell businesses urged to have their say
Inverell Shire Council is urging local businesses to complete a survey helping shape future economic growth and support.
INDIGENOUS
Strong turnout for Armidale’s 15th Reconciliation Bridge Walk despite wet forecast
Around 300 people gathered in Armidale on Sunday, May 31, for the 15th Annual Reconciliation Bridge Walk, braving a forecast of “cold with intermittent rain” to take part in the community event marking National Reconciliation Week.
SPORT
Armidale to host 2026 George Cowie West Ham United football selection camp
Armidale will host the 2026 George Cowie West Ham United Football Selection Camp in July, giving young regional players the chance to train with coaches from the English Premier League club.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: Who owns McLean Care?
Phil Girle writes that the people of Inverell deserve to know who owns McLean Care now and what is happening with "their" aged care facility. The post Opinion: Who owns McLean Care? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Return and Earn hits 16 billion containers and $100 million for charity
Sixteen billion bottles, cans and cartons — and counting. NSW’s Return and Earn scheme has now raised more than $100 million for charities, from koala hospitals to kids’ education.
New England region celebrates King’s Birthday Honours recipients
Six New Englanders have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, with five receiving the Order of Australia Medal and one receiving an Australian Fire Service Medal.
