Major plans to expand aged care home in Uralla
Uralla Shire Council plans McMaugh Gardens expansion, lifting care capacity from 36 to 50 beds. Read more here.
Gas tax no, new gas fields yes, Narrabri Gas Project don’t know
In the context of a global crisis on liquid fuel supply including gas, the lack of a final green light for the project leaves a Narrabri sized hole in the national gas debate.
Public consultation to commence on rail trail framework
Armidale Regional Council will open public consultation next week on plans to convert a disused rail corridor into a 67km recreational trail, as preliminary studies get underway.
New England drought tightens as Narrabri eases watering hours and Tenterfield imposes restrictions
Water restrictions are tightening across the New England, with Narrabri easing watering hours under Level 3 rules while Tenterfield introduces new limits as dam levels fall.
Local News
Moree Plains GM Natalia Cowley off to an even bigger challenge
Moree Plains GM Natalia Cowley is heading to Cessnock to tackle one of NSW’s toughest council financial turnarounds.
More than 200 homes proposed for East Tamworth
More than 200 new homes could be built in East Tamworth under a rezoning proposal now on public exhibition
New England North West renters bear the brunt as housing crisis deepens
New data shows renters in the New England North West are increasingly priced out, with full-time work no longer enough.
Tamworth rivals set for AFL boost in 2026 Carlton Draft
Tamworth’s Kangaroos and Swans will face off with AFL talent after being selected for the 2026 Carlton Draft.
Events
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: May 2, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: May 3, 2026
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 8, 2026
Regional Roadshow – Building prosperity through circularityEnds: May 8, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 15, 2026
COMING SOON! To be part of our upcoming promotion celebrating local trades and services – including your opportunity to get a story about your business absolutely free – sign up to our advertisers email list here.
Politics
Coalition pledges to double fuel reserves with $800m storage plan
The Coalition wants to double Australia’s fuel reserves and build new storage, arguing the current crisis has exposed major gaps.
Council considers sale of Sporties carpark land in Inverell
Inverell Shire Council is considering selling land used as the Sporties carpark in Inverell, but the proposal is still in early stages.
NDIS overhaul to kick 160,000 people off, hit regions hardest
Up to 160,000 people could lose NDIS support under sweeping reforms — with regional communities expected to feel the impact most.
Disability cuts on table as treasurer eyes cost spiral
State officials will be briefed on the federal government’s plans to overhaul spending on the NDIS, expected to be announced within days.
Mystery deepens over promised gun buyback as states refuse to sign on
The national gun buyback promised after the Bondi Beach massacre is yet to get off the ground, with states refusing to sign on and no clear path forward.
Uralla votes in Ward A by-election today
Voters in Uralla Shire Council’s Ward A will head to the polls today Saturday, 18 April, with polling places open from 8am.
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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On-again, off-again Hormuz blockade leaves locals jittery and fuel prices volatile
Fuel prices are dropping, but it will take at least a week for global oil price drops to flow through to the bowser… if the Strait of Hormuz stays open.
Moree on a Plate returns to showcase region’s rich food culture
The rich black soil plains of Moree will once again take centre stage next month, with the return of the much-loved Moree on a Plate Food and Wine Festival on Saturday, May 9.
30 cents more on weekly shop to deliver $1m more for local farmers
Households will pay about 30 cents more a week for milk after Norco moved to increase what it pays local dairy farmers, delivering an estimated $1 million a month back into local communities.
Energy and Environment
Glen Innes enters Level 3 water restrictions as demand stays high
Glen Innes has been placed under Level 3 water restrictions as falling levels at the Beardy Weir and persistently high demand tighten pressure on the town’s supply.
Climate concern rising in regional Australia, poll finds
Climate concern is rising in regional Australia, with most residents backing renewables and blaming energy companies for high power bills.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Taking control of power bills with smarter solar and battery solutions
Whether you’re considering an EV or just want to get the power bills down, the best solar solution for you is a tailored system built around how you use energy, installed by…
Fuel driven changes mean your website is more important than ever
The fuel crisis is changing how people spend, how they travel, and how they choose where to shop. Across the New England, that shift is already being felt by local businesses.
BUSINESS
Armidale Jobs Expo to connect job seekers with real opportunities
Job seekers and employers across the New England are set to come together later this month, with the first-ever BEST Employment Armidale Jobs Expo promising to open doors, spark conversations and strengthen the region’s workforce.
INDIGENOUS
Gamilaraay journalist honoured at inaugural Luminas awards
A leading First Nations journalist with deep ties to northwest New South Wales has been recognised on the national stage, with Lorena Allam named a 2026 Luminas honouree.
SPORT
Master craftsman Bendemeer’s Hazlewood puts on an IPL clinic
Australian pace maestro Josh Hazlewood has delivered his most supreme performance of the IPL season, his four wickets spearheading another RCB win.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Marketing Clarity: How to use AI for content without getting it wrong
Ingrid Rothe says AI is incredibly efficient at producing average - you need to give it a better brief to get better results. The post Marketing Clarity: How to use AI for content without getting it wrong appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Call for nominations for 2026 Healing Heart Award
Public nominations are now open for the 2026 Healing Heart Award, recognising outstanding nurses and midwives across Northern NSW for compassionate, high-quality care.
Local woman smashes military glass ceiling
Kyogle born and former 12/16 Hunter River Lancers reservist Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be the first ever female Chief of Army.
