Goat producers urged to have levy say
The goat levy hasn’t changed since 1997. Now producers face a vote that would more than double it. Here’s where the money would go, and why every vote counts.
Armidale livestock unit celebrates 50 years
From a handful of traits to trillions of data points, an Armidale unit has spent 50 years reshaping Australian livestock. Now it is throwing a party, and auctioning a heifer.
Grants of up to $50,000 now open
A $540,000 pool, grants of up to $50,000, and one month to apply. Regional charities with a good idea have until Saturday, 31 October to put their case to the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
SBM26: Happy, sparkling and safe
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three local businesses that keep the New England hydrated, clean and secure.
Local News
Telstra maintenance to disrupt mobile coverage in Tamworth CBD
Tamworth CBD residents and businesses are being warned of temporary Telstra mobile disruptions during 17 days of maintenance from October 7.
Gwydir growers face lower water as cotton planting begins
The national cotton crop is tipped to fall from 4.5 million bales to 2.7 million. With Gwydir allocations down after a dry winter, growers are planting less and bracing for a hot, dry season.
Regional women rush clean energy course
Nearly 70 regional women applied in a single month. A new program is training women to help their communities shape the renewable energy rollout, and demand has been huge.
Gwydir Highway works to impact motorists for six months
Motorists face changed traffic conditions on the Gwydir Highway for six months as turnout lane works begin at Gibraltar Range.
What's On
LONG READ >
Tough on crime, weak on details: how emotion rather than evidence drives justice reform
WEEKEND LONG READ: The NSW election is less than six months away, and both sides are selling ‘tough on crime’. The evidence says their tough slogans don’t make us safer. So why do they keep doing it?
Events
Annual Human Rights LectureEnds: October 15, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: October 18, 2026
The New England Community ShowcaseEnds: October 21, 2026
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Fete, Floral & Craft DisplayEnds: October 31, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 1, 2026
- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Politics
Tamworth’s Jeff Bacon joins One Nation upper house ticket
Shooters, then Nationals, now One Nation. Third time lucky, Tamworth gun maker Jeff Bacon has landed second on an upper house ticket promising to repeal NSW’s new firearm laws.
Tough on crime, weak on details: how emotion rather than evidence drives justice reform
WEEKEND LONG READ: The NSW election is less than six months away, and both sides are selling ‘tough on crime’. The evidence says their tough slogans don’t make us safer. So why do they keep doing it?
Farmers back labour hire crackdown, but warn shearers and harvesters must not be caught
Labor wants every labour hire firm in NSW licensed. Farmers agree rogue operators must go, but warn the shearing team and harvest contractor could get caught in the net.
100,000 first home buyers in a year
More than 100,000 first home buyers have used the expanded 5% Deposit Scheme in its first year, including more than 28,000 in NSW, according to new figures from Housing Australia.
NSW Aboriginal Land Council supports Gunnedah community in flag debate
“This man knows nothing about segregation.” A Gomeroi Elder and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council have hit back after Gunnedah councillors voted to fly just one flag in the chamber.
Landholders encouraged to report plague locust sightings
Landholders across NSW are being urged to report signs of Australian plague locusts as authorities monitor activity across the state.
Business coaching to help New England farmers build resilience
New England farmers can access tailored business coaching to strengthen financial planning, manage risk and better prepare for drought.
Energy and Environment
Origin walks away from Skye Ridge wind farm near Walcha
Origin has walked away from its 870MW Skye Ridge wind farm near Walcha, effective immediately, to double down on its Northern Tablelands project west of Armidale. But the move was no surprise.
Inverell waste strategy opens for public feedback
Inverell Shire residents are being invited to help shape the region’s waste and resource recovery services for the next decade.
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
SBM26: Clean it up with a lick of paint
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three local businesses that keep the New England looking good,
INDIGENOUS
Gunnedah petition demands Aboriginal flag in Council chamber
Gunnedah’s deputy mayor warned of “a reverse type of apartheid” before councillors voted to hang just one flag in the chamber. Now Aboriginal community members are fighting back with a petition.
SPORT
Roosters win NRL grand final in one point nail-biter
One point. One last game for Daly Cherry-Evans. The Roosters survived a wild Knights fightback to win the NRL grand final in a close finish.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: Change the school time
I dont like daylight saving, but another option, particularly for school children (& teachers) is to have school start later in the day. Children’s brains aren’t wired (particularly secondary students) for such an early start. The post QW: Change the school time appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains call for local legends
Every town has a local legend who never gets thanked. Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains want their names, and in Gunnedah there are new award categories to find them.
Liverpool Range firefighters honoured for 1,700 years of service
One joined in 1951, the other in 1956, and they are still turning out. Meet the Liverpool Range firefighters among 55 volunteers honoured for a combined 1,700 years of service.
