Mid North Coast locals praised for correctly reporting sick bird
A sick bird near Hawks Nest could have been bad, but for the locals who didn’t touch, and called for help. NSW has its first suspect case of H5 bird flu, and authorities say it’s proof the system is working.
One week until Tamworth’s 26th Hats Off To Country Festival
Cooler weather, hotter lineup. Tamworth’s 26th Hats Off To Country kicks off 10 July with Amber Lawrence, Brendan Radford, The Bushwackers and more than 50 events across the city.
Regional Australia Bank completes merger with Summerland Bank
Regional Australia Bank has officially merged with Summerland Bank. Here’s what it means for the 49-branch, 450-staff regional network, and for members’ everyday banking.
Water secured for communities as NSW opening allocations announced
Communities across NSW have essential water secured for 2026–27 despite mixed seasonal conditions and variable opening allocations statewide.
Local News
Go rowing in Moree this weekend
Newcomers and former rowers alike are being invited to hit the water at the Moree Water Ski Park this weekend, with the free Come and Try Rowing Weekend backed by new funding from Moree Plains Shire Council.
Armidale partners with ZapCat to help residents reduce energy costs year-round
Armidale Regional Council has partnered with ZapCat to help residents cut energy bills through free independent efficiency advice.
New salon, same loyal following: Taylah Rose Hair wins best Hairdresser
Less than 12 months after opening the doors to her own salon, Taylah Rose Hair has been crowned Best Hairdresser in Best in the New England 2026.
A weekend of fire, iron and community: Eulah Creek’s big event returns
A beloved fixture on the north-west calendar is gearing up for its 28th year, with the Eulah Creek Vintage Machinery Day and Cast Iron Chef Weekend set to draw crowds to Beulah Park Hall once again.
What's On
Best Bakery in the New England?
Fresh bread, irresistible pies, sweet treats or the perfect sausage roll – where do you always find yourself stopping? Which is the best Bakery in the New England?
Events
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: July 4, 2026
Torrington Community Hall AGMEnds: July 4, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: July 5, 2026
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 5, 2026
Stained Glass Weekend WorkshopEnds: July 12, 2026
Politics
National gun buyback deadline expires as Parkes MP joins criticism
Labor promised a national gun buyback by 1 July. It’s now collapsed, with states walking away and Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey saying regional gun owners were made a scapegoat.
Concern brewing as buried Hanson policy threatens affordable medicines
A local mum says she and her asthmatic daughter could die without PBS medicines. She’s not alone — public concern is growing over a little-noticed One Nation policy, and a petition is now calling on Hanson to back off.
Council to vote on Ray Walsh House sale as residents call for caution
Council will vote Tuesday on selling Ray Walsh House. But a residents group says the process isn’t finished — and once the decision is made, it’s very hard to undo.
Packed gallery hears 22,000-signature New England transmission petition debate
Hundreds of people packed the public gallery of NSW Parliament on Thursday afternoon for a debate on a petition calling for the cancellation of the planned New England Renewable Energy Zone transmission line. Here’s what happened.
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.
Armidale scientist named to lead national cotton research body
An Armidale scientist and farmer who cut rice variety development timelines by nine years is now running the national body that funds cotton research. Meet the new CRDC boss.
NSW farmers need urgent action on China beef tariffs
NSW Liberals and Nationals are urging the State Government to press Canberra for action after China’s new beef tariff hit exporters.
Energy and Environment
Pilliga at centre of decade-long push to save Australia’s vanishing mammals
Bilbies, numbats and bandicoots are breeding again in NSW after more than a century of local extinction — and the Pilliga is one of the sites making it happen.
Sundown Solar Farm public meeting cancelled due to low interest
Sundown Solar Farm has another green light, with a planned public consultation meeting cancelled after only one person registered to speak against the proposal.
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
Mountview Pharmacy fills the prescription for best pharmacy
Whether it’s taking the time to explain a new medication, answering questions without rushing, or simply greeting customers with a smile, voters say it’s the genuine care shown by the team that makes Mountview Pharmacy the Best in the New England.
INDIGENOUS
Council appoints two members to Aboriginal Consultative Committee
Preston Connors and Yoorana Delaney have been appointed as community representatives on Inverell Shire Council’s Aboriginal Consultative Committee for a two-year term.
SPORT
Four TAS players earn NSW Schools selection for national championships
Four The Armidale School rugby players have earned NSW Schools selection, with Oscar Saunders securing a surprise place in NSW I.
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- Begin Rant: It’s the economy stupid
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Good News
R2B2 stands tall again as Warialda principal rebuilds storm-hit icon
Warialda’s beloved black and yellow replica of Star Wars droid R2D2 is back on his feet at the entrance to town, eight months after a violent storm tore his head clean off.
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.
