After a groundswell of community support during Best in the New England voting yesterday, Darks Plumbing Walcha has taken out the title of Best Plumber, and their very first Facebook post was to share the good news.

Lia Edwards
Lia Edwards is a staff writer for the New England Times.
Empowering locals to get creative with new arts grants
Grassroots creativity in the New England North West is getting a major boost, with applications now open for the 2025 Country Arts Support Program (CASP) grants.
Remembering Ty by casting a line in his honour this weekend
More than 200 anglers are expected to hit the water at Copeton Dam this weekend for the inaugural Ty Edmonds Memorial Cod Classic
The Queensland festival that sounds like perfect New England
You’d be forgiven for thinking a festival about wool, jazz, art, classic cars, and great food was an event happening in Armidale, but this “Jumpers and Jazz in July” is actually up the highway a bit.
“Transformational” future leaders bootcamp coming to Tamworth
A transformational leadership event aimed at developing the next generation of emotionally intelligent and influential leaders will be held in Tamworth later this month
The bandit bests the outlaw: Bandit Automotive wins Best Mechanic
It was high noon and spanners at ten paces, but when the dust settled and the grease was wiped away, the Bandit had bested the Outlaw.
Waldorf school brings UNE academics into the classroom to inspire students
A new partnership between The Armidale Waldorf School and the University of New England is helping senior students explore future possibilities by connecting them with academics whose careers are driven by passion and purpose.
New England hat artist heads to Sheep and Wool Show with award-winning creations
New England felt maker Jo Barr is heading to Ballarat next weekend, bringing her distinctive handcrafted hats and fashion pieces to the country’s biggest celebration of wool.
Lost in Palm Springs opening at NERAM
NERAM is pleased to present Lost in Palm Springs, a national touring exhibition that brings together the creative minds of 14 internationally recognised artists, photographers and thinkers.
Major roadworks on Waterfall Way and New England Highway next week
Motorists are advised to expect changed traffic conditions on two key local roads from next week, with essential maintenance scheduled on Waterfall Way at Deer Vale and culvert repairs on the New England Highway at Ardglen.