Default rural speed limit could drop to 80km/h under new road safety proposal
A proposal to reduce the default speed limit on roads outside built-up areas to 80 kilometres per hour has sparked debate across regional Australia, with local leaders calling for investment in safer roads rather than slower travel.
SBM25: Keeping Things in Tune
Today for Small Business Month we have a precision engraver turning achievements into keepsakes, a music charity helping young regional talent find their voice, and a mobile mechanic keeping the New England community moving with skill and reliability.
Inverell’s Got Talent launches Sapphire City Festival with packed Town Hall
Inverell East Rotary Club has kicked off the Sapphire City Festival with a full house for the annual Inverell’s Got Talent concert at the Town Hall last weekend.
Granny Fi’s Toy Cupboard: handmade magic and a growing online adventure
From hand-crafted dragons and whimsical dolls to enchanted accessories, this family-run business has become a beloved name for anyone who believes in the magic of make-believe. But wait… there’s more…
Local News
Fears for our nurses as incentives slashed
Fears are growing across the Northern Tablelands that the region’s already struggling hospitals could lose even more staff, after Hunter New England Health confirmed financial incentives for some nurses will be cut.
Fairy magic to return to Uralla in November
Mark your calendars and dust off your wings — the Uralla Fairy Festival is coming back on Saturday, 22 November 2025, from 9:30 am to 1 pm.
New Quirindi pool open in weeks
The new Quirindi Aquatic Centre is nearing completion, with Liverpool Plains Shire Council confirming the facility will open for the upcoming 2025/26 summer season from Saturday, 22 November 2025.
SBM25: Shaping Better Lives
Today for Small Business Month we have a creative metalwork studio transforming steel into art, a trusted medical supplier supporting healthcare professionals across the region, and a compassionate physiotherapist helping people regain strength and independence.
Local golfers to rally for mental health at Lifeline Tamworth Golf Day 2025
On Friday, 28 November 2025, local businesses, golfers and community members will tee off for a cause close to home, the Lifeline Tamworth Golf Day, held at the scenic Longyard Golf Course.

What's On
SBM25: Keeping Things in Tune
Today for Small Business Month we have a precision engraver turning achievements into keepsakes, a music charity helping young regional talent find their voice, and a mobile mechanic keeping the New England community moving with skill and reliability.
Events
Nemingha Community Garden Open DayEnds: October 25, 2025
Armidale Youth Futures Monster Spring SaleEnds: October 25, 2025
Annual Fete, Floral Display and Quilting Exhibit-Anglican Church, Glen InnesEnds: October 25, 2025
Markets in the mallEnds: October 26, 2025
Regional Pathways to PossibilityEnds: October 28, 2025
Politics
‘No throwing plates around the kitchen’ – Barnaby Joyce plans peaceful political exit
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce says his decision to step away from politics in the New England at the next federal election was about finishing on his own terms.
Cool climate permaculture workshops in Guyra invite hands-on learning
Gardeners, foragers and curious learners alike are being invited to roll up their sleeves this November for Cool Climate Permaculture 2025, a series of hands-on workshops at the Guyra Neighbourhood Centre Community Garden.
Farmers push for legislated right to repair
National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) joined global Right to Repair leaders, policymakers, industry representatives and academics at the 2025 Australian Repair Summit to map the future of Right to Repair.
Energy and Environment
It’s the week to learn how water works (literally)
New Englanders are being urged to rethink how they use water and to uncover the hidden ways it flows through everyday life as part of National Water Week 2025
Tackling feral animals: workshop offers solutions for landholders
Local landholders and residents will have the chance to gain hands-on advice on managing feral animals at a special workshop in Loomerah on Saturday, 1 November.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Your Tutor Armidale: Restoring confidence and inspiring a love of learning
Determined to bridge the gap between city and regional education, Your Tutor Armidale is dedicated to helping students of all ages rediscover their confidence and love of learning.
North Hill Veterinary Clinic opens doors to state-of-the-art Bundarra Road facility
North Hill Veterinary Clinic have opened the doors to their brand-new, purpose-built facility on Bundarra Road, bring the best and latest in vet care to Armidale.
BUSINESS
Lifeline found for Rex in US buyer
Rex has secured a lifeline, set to exit voluntary administration and avoid a government takeover after being sold to US-based aviation company Air T.
INDIGENOUS
Not a fad: billions spent with Indigenous businesses
Indigenous businesses are continuing to grow as their goods and services are in high demand from government, corporate, and non-profit organisations.
SPORT
Full throttle fun at Walcha Motorcycle Rally
The Walcha Motorcycle Rally is set to roar back into town this November, bringing together riders, spectators, and the local community for a revved up weekend.

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- No justification for intimidation and a lack of leadership on renewable energy
Recent reports about farmers being harassed for hosting renewable energy projects may have shocked city readers, but to us they rang true. The post No justification for intimidation and a lack of leadership on renewable energy appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Narrabri young leader shines in national competition
Caitlin Evans of Narrabri will join five other winners from other Australian states and territories at Country to Canberra’s Power Trip
Still time to get involved in moving fundraiser for children’s cancer research
There’s still time to sign up for one of Armidale’s most heartfelt community events, with registrations open until midnight Friday for this weekend’s 19 for 19 Challenge








