Something went very wrong at Toomelah’s polling booth in the local government elections held on September 14. Like a canary in a coal mine, the abnormal election result at Toomelah may have revealed a much bigger problem state wide.

RK Crosby
RK Crosby is a broadcaster, journalist and pollster, and publisher of the New England Times.
Small Business Month: Body beautiful – Bowen therapy, tan, make up
Today we have three businesses all about the body – a Bowen therapist, a come-to-you tanning and beauty service, and a beautician and make-up artist.
Small Business Month: Plant it – florist, arborist, and a green place to stay
Today we have three businesses that are all about plants: a wholesale florist, and a motel with a plant filled courtyard for you to enjoy.
Fears for public safety as authorities fail to act on asbestos contamination near Armidale school
Asbestos contamination at O’Connor Catholic College has remained undealt with for almost a year, with no effort made to alert public to the risk or clean up the site, according to neighbours.
Small Business Month: C this… Concrete, chimneys, and computers
Today we have (clearly run out of clever puns and) three c’s: a concreter, chimney sweep, and a computer shop.
Trusted hands to lead Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains
Colleen Fuller has been elected Mayor of Gunnedah Shire, while Ken Cudmore has been elected Mayor of Liverpool Plains Shire.
Two more mayors elected in Moree and Tamworth
It was a fitting start to Rural Womens Day when former Deputy Mayor Susannah Pearse was promoted by her peers to be the new mayor of Moree Plains Shire Council, while Russell Webb was re-elected in Tamworth Regional Council.
Inclusive fancy dress dance party for Halloween weekend
The Tamworth Network Group will host a free all-inclusive fancy dress dance party on November 1.
Revised Winterbourne proposal open for comment
The proposed Winterbourne Wind Farm at Walcha has returned to the exhibition stage in the planning process, with submissions open on an amended proposal until 4th November, 2024.
Another Mayor bites the dust: Banham quits GISC after losing 4-3
Less than 24 hours after Kate Dight rolled Paul Harmon as Mayor of Inverell Shire, Margot Davis defeated Rob Banham to be elected Mayor of Glen Innes Severn… and Banham promptly quit council entirely.