Five new bridges completed across Tenterfield Shire
Five new bridges across Tenterfield Shire have been completed under state and federal funding programs aimed at improving regional connectivity and resilience.
Mungindi set for Border Battle as Blues take Origin 1
The Barwon River Campsite in Mungindi has been lit up in Maroon and Blue, with the intensity of the Mungindi Border Battle already building after the Mighty NSW Blues smashed the cane toads in last night’s thriller.
Glen Innes Service NSW Centre refreshed
Northern Tablelands residents can now access upgraded NSW Government services following the refurbishment of the Glen Innes Service NSW Centre.
Regional NSW faces ongoing skills and labour shortages
Regional NSW councils are battling persistent skills shortages, with workforce gaps threatening housing delivery, essential services and economic growth.
Local News
Confidence in uncertainty from long standing local businesses
Whether you’re unsure if your new home will be ready in time, or can’t figure out what’s wrong with the wifi, today’s Trades you can Trust local businesses are friends you can rely on when things are a bit uncertain.
National Reconciliation Week marks milestone year with community events across New England
Communities across Australia are marking National Reconciliation Week this week, with this year’s theme – “All In for Reconciliation” – encouraging Australians to commit to reconciliation every day, not just during one week of the year.
Technology, trust and transformation: Business NSW and Telstra bring future tech forum to Inverell on Thursday
Regional businesses will explore AI, digital transformation and emerging technologies at the Future Tech Forum in Inverell on Thursday 28 May.
The Neighbour at the Gate: Major New Exhibition Arrives at NERAM
NERAM’s new exhibition The Neighbour at the Gate explores colonialism, migration and identity through contemporary First Nations and Asian Australian art.
What's On
Redefining self-care in the New England
From advanced skin treatments and laser hair removal to creative colour work and luxury salon experiences, two New England businesses are proving that regional communities no longer need to travel to access high-quality beauty services.
Nominate now! We are looking for local trades and services businesses – from micro-businesses to major companies – to feature in our “Trades you can Trust” series. Really.
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 29, 2026
Uniting NSW.ACT Home Care InformationEnds: June 2, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 5, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: June 6, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: June 7, 2026
Politics
Right to Repair discussion paper welcomed
Farmers could soon gain greater freedom to repair and service their own machinery, with the Federal Government proposing to extend Right to Repair laws to agriculture.
Transport planning assumptions unravel across all levels of government
In this New England Times investigation by RK Crosby, we look at how bad numbers, assumptions and guesses, and misrepresentations of old documents, have led to plans at all levels of government being not worth the paper they are printed on.
Community transport trial expands access to education and jobs across regional NSW
A new trial across regional New South Wales is set to broaden the role of community transport services, with the aim of helping more people access education, training and employment opportunities.
‘Almost didn’t survive’: the fraught path to parenthood
A NSW Parliamentary Inquiry hearing in Tamworth today will hear how rural families are disadvantaged ‘at every turn’ while trying to access fertility care.
Taylor mimics One Nation in Budget Reply speech that snubs regions
Critics say Angus Taylor’s budget reply speech exposed a Coalition mimicking One Nation rhetoric on “mass migration” while offering little detail, little vision, and little for regional Australia.
Budget leaves regional councils facing impossible choices
Regional councils say the federal budget still leaves country communities behind, warning shrinking grants and rising costs are forcing councils to “operate on the smell of an oily rag”.
The fuel crunch is affecting daily life across our region, so we’re doing the one thing we can do, and helping people get the information they need so we can all make it through this together. Read more
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If you run a business that offers a product or service people will be looking for in this uncertain time, we want to help you reach the community. Find out more
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Call to cut red tape amid fuel cost pressures
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson is calling for cuts to red tape to help small businesses and farmers facing rising fuel costs.
READ MORE FUEL CRUNCH STORIES >
Take the guesswork out of feeding livestock
Northern Tablelands producers are being urged to use feed testing to improve livestock nutrition as seasonal conditions continue deteriorating.
Nationals launch “Flick the Tick” petition
Nationals MPs have launched a “Flick the Tick” petition at Primex today, demanding stronger action and more funding to tackle the growing cattle tick threat across regional NSW.
Energy and Environment
‘Hoarding has stopped’: Albanese says fuel levels stable
Australia’s fuel supply will be stable until at least July, despite volatility in the oil market due to the Iran war, the prime minister has confirmed.
Bonshaw battery project split as solar farm construction pushes ahead
The proposed Bonshaw battery project has been acquired by Enervest, while construction continues on the separate 200MW solar farm south of Bonshaw still owned by Gaia.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
More Than Paint: quality, creativity and community
For Armidale business owner Andrew Cureton – known to many as Andy – quality workmanship and authenticity go hand in hand.
New England Business Technology: the local team behind smarter business systems
New England Business Technology (NEBT) is focused on helping organisations “do business better” through tailored technology and communication solutions designed specifically for regional conditions.
BUSINESS
Narrabri scientists named finalists for 2026 Cotton Researcher of the Year Award
Three Narrabri scientists have been named finalists for the 2026 Cotton Researcher of the Year Award for industry innovation.
INDIGENOUS
Community invited to come together for Annual Armidale Bridge Walk
The Armidale community is being invited to come together for this year’s Annual Armidale Bridge Walk on Sunday, during National Reconciliation Week.
SPORT
Hazlewood’s champion Challengers smiling despite defeat
Josh Hazlewood’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru have taken pole position in the IPL playoffs despite losing heavily to Pat Cummins’ Sunrisers Hyderabad.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: 3 big fixes Australian needs to avoid infrastructure blow outs
Dominic D Ahiaga-Dagbui, Director of Deakin Megaprojects Research Group, writes we have a bad track record of bad budget blow outs on big projects like Inland Rail. The post Opinion: 3 big fixes Australian needs to avoid infrastructure blow outs appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Entries open for New England North West Business Awards 2026
Entries have opened for the 2026 New England North West Business Awards, celebrating regional business innovation, growth and achievement.
Warialda community comes together for Shop of Opportunity opening
The Warialda Shop of Opportunity officially opened on Saturday, May 2, drawing strong local support and marking the end of a three-year community-led project.
