50 Years of Deadly brings communities together across the New England
From bustling street marches and flag-raising ceremonies to art exhibitions, community barbecues, children’s activities and sporting events, communities across the New England embraced this year’s NAIDOC Week
BW Welding & Mechanical Services take out Best Mechanic
Doing more than just providing a valuable service, BW Welding & Mechanical Service is a community asset and very worth of the Best Mechanic title.
AIHW report reveals worsening youth mental health as experts call for new approaches
Australia’s youth mental health crisis is deepening, with new AIHW data showing rising illness rates and growing pressure on services.
Search underway for new UNE chancellor after Pearson resignation
UNE has kicked off the search for a new chancellor after Dr Sarah Pearson’s unexpected resignation. Acting Chancellor David Van Aanholt steps in, but it’s not an easy job to fill.
Local News
TAFE NSW Tamworth to get $950,000 clean energy training upgrade
TAFE NSW Tamworth is getting a $950,000 clean energy upgrade, part of a $25 million push to train the workforce that will build the New England REZ.
Australians urged not to rush 2026 tax returns amid scam warning
CPA Australia is urging Australians to delay lodging their 2026 tax returns until ATO data is complete and remain alert to scams.
Barnaby Joyce called out over false highway closure claim on wind farm
Barnaby Joyce said “someone’s gonna get killed” over a highway closure that was never actually planned. Now Vestas, Channel 7 and a fact-checking page have all called it out. Will he correct the record?
Five teens injured, one critical, in East Tamworth crash
Five Tamworth teens are in hospital after their car hit a tree in East Tamworth overnight, one girl with critical head injuries. Two were flown to John Hunter Hospital. Police are investigating.
What's On
Best Fashion Store in the New England?
Whether you’re dressing up, keeping it casual or refreshing the wardrobe, where do you love to shop? Which is the best Fashion Store in the New England?
Events
Seed SwapEnds: July 18, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: July 19, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: August 1, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: August 2, 2026
- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: August 16, 2026
Politics
‘No resources’: One Nation defends uncosted policies
Barnaby Joyce has blamed deficient parliamentary resources for the lack of detail about how much its plans will cost.
Telstra outage resolved, 333 failed calls to Triple Zero
Telstra’s network is back after a nationwide outage traced to a 20-year “time travel” glitch. Customers still having trouble connecting are urged to restart their devices.
Right-wing rivals locked in ‘race to the bottom’: PM
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken a broad swipe at right-wing rivals, telling the Labor Party faithful they are only interested in airing grievances.
NSW extends consultation on Crown land bill after land rights warning
Consultation has been extended on a Crown land bill after Aboriginal land councils said amendments were dropped too late to properly consult with the network. The Law Society wants a key clause scrapped entirely.
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.
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
Bundarra returns to Level 2 water restrictions
Bundarra has returned to Level 2 water restrictions, effective immediately, following below-average rainfall and ongoing declines in local water supplies.
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.
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
East Armidale Store claims historic three-peat as New England’s Best Take Away
The popular store has successfully defended its Best Take Away title again after first claiming the crown in 2024, completing the promotion’s first-ever three-peat.
INDIGENOUS
Tamworth community invited to celebrate NAIDOC Week together
Tamworth community members are invited to celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC at a family fun day this Wednesday.
SPORT
Cleary’s class: NSW win State of Origin decider
Inspired by Nathan Cleary, NSW have clinched a State of Origin series victory with an upset win over Queensland in the decider at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: There is a fund in Armidale being set up with your money. You have until July 14 to say something about it.
If you care about Armidale, then you should care about the future fund, and have your say by making a submission before they close on Tuesday. The post Opinion: There is a fund in Armidale being set up with your money. You have until July 14 to say something about it. appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
80 student volunteers to descend on Uralla, Deepwater for The Big Lift
Eighty student volunteers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will arrive in Uralla on Tuesday, 7 July, as part of The Big Lift’s 2026 Winter Trip across regional New South Wales and Queensland.
Peter Allen honoured with Blue Plaque at Armidale Folk Museum
An Armidale boy who grew up to become one of Australia’s most celebrated entertainers has been honoured with a Blue Plaque at the newly renovated Armidale Folk Museum.
