Armidale will again become a hub for sheep and wool innovation next week as the 2026 MerinoLink Conference brings producers, researchers and advisors together for two days of practical learning and industry connection, as well as to honour the contribution of an industry giant.
Kath Jacobs
Kath Jacobs is a senior journalist and manager at New England Times. Got a story for me? Email kathj@netimes.com.au
Posted inDomestic Violence, Indigenous, National News, Women
New plan to address violence against Indigenous women and children
Australia’s first standalone national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children has been launched
Posted inIndigenous, Sport, Sport and fitness events
Hunt on for the next Indigenous Matilda or Socceroo
For the first time, JMF will host a National Talent Showcase in Sydney on May 30 and 31, bringing together some of the most exciting young Indigenous football talent from across Australia.
Posted inGlen Innes Severn Shire, Local politics, Money
Glen Innes rates increase application lodged
Glen Innes Severn Council has formally lodged an application with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal seeking approval for a Special Rate Variation that would see general rates increase by 48.3 per cent over three years.
Posted inArmidale Regional, New England Surrounds, Roads and Infrastructure
Categorisation spat as Armidale Road continues to decline
Responsibility for maintaining Armidale Road has become the centre of a growing bureaucratic dispute, as closures on other key routes continue to push more traffic onto a road described as both dangerous and chronically underfunded.
Posted inBusiness, Local News
Regional Australia Bank announces another merger
Regional Australia Bank and SWSbank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a potential merger that would focus on supporting regional communities.
Posted inAccidents and road closures, Roads and Infrastructure
Waterfall Way closed for at least a week after fresh landslip
Waterfall Way is expected to remain closed for at least a week, and potentially up to 10 days, after another significant landslip cut the vital mountain route between the North Coast and the Northern Tablelands.
Posted inConsultations and feedback, New England Surrounds
Have your say on Great Koala National Park recreation
Community consultation has opened on the proposed Great Koala National Park, with the NSW Government inviting locals, visitors and user groups to help shape how the park will be used and managed into the future.
Posted inAgriculture, Local News
Local beef producers to be impacted by China’s mega tariff
Local producers across the New England are likely to feel the impact of China’s sudden decision to impose tariffs of up to 55 per cent on beef imports
Posted inEnvironment, Good News
NSW recyclers return record 15 billion containers
NSW residents have returned a record 15 billion bottles, cans and cartons through the Return and Earn scheme, delivering $1.5 billion in refunds, but access in the New England remains limited.