“The world’s most expensive bollard” – the Draft Armidale City Centre Vitality Plan is now open for comment, but Council is not keen on answering questions about it, and Coupland admits his position is that traffic would not be returned to the mall.
RK Crosby
RK Crosby is a broadcaster, journalist and pollster, and publisher of the New England Times.
Posted inBest in the New England 2026, Business, Glen Innes
Great Central Hotel steals Best Pub title in one-vote thriller
After one of the closest contests in this year’s Best in the New England, the Great Central Hotel in Glen Innes has snatched the title of Best Pub or Club from reigning champion The Bolt Inn, winning by the narrowest possible margin.
Posted inArmidale, Business
REGGIE founder hands over platform to new owner
One of regional NSW’s best-known travel and lifestyle guides has entered a new chapter. Armidale-founded REGGIE has officially changed hands, with a new owner taking the reins while promising to continue showcasing the best of country NSW.
Posted inBest in the New England 2026, Business, Sport
Anytime Fitness Armidale flexes its strength to win Best Gym
For the members who filled the nomination forms with praise, the award confirms what they already knew — Anytime Fitness Armidale isn’t simply a place to exercise, but a community that keeps people coming back long after the workout is over.
Posted inBest in the New England 2026, Business, Glen Innes
Sweetie Pies reclaims Best Bakery title after landslide finish
Sweetie Pies Bake Shop has reclaimed its place as New England’s Best Bakery, surging home late in one of the closest contests of this year’s Best in the New England.
Posted inEnvironment, North Coast
Mid North Coast locals praised for correctly reporting sick bird
A sick bird near Hawks Nest could have been bad, but for the locals who didn’t touch, and called for help. NSW has its first suspect case of H5 bird flu, and authorities say it’s proof the system is working.
Posted inBest in the New England 2026, Business, Tamworth
New salon, same loyal following: Taylah Rose Hair wins best Hairdresser
Less than 12 months after opening the doors to her own salon, Taylah Rose Hair has been crowned Best Hairdresser in Best in the New England 2026.
Posted inFederal Politics, Parkes Electorate, Social issues and services
National gun buyback deadline expires as Parkes MP joins criticism
Labor promised a national gun buyback by 1 July. It’s now collapsed, with states walking away and Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey saying regional gun owners were made a scapegoat.
Posted inBest in the New England 2026, Business, Glen Innes
Crofters Cottage brews up a winning formula
Crofters Cottage, overlooking the Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes, has been crowned the region’s Best Coffee Shop, with customers praising not only its consistently excellent coffee, but also its homemade food, welcoming atmosphere and the passionate team behind the business.
Posted inArmidale, Entertainment, Local profiles
Three generations of theatre return home for Rocky Horror
She debuted on the Armidale stage at seven, alongside her mum and grandmother. Now she’s back for Rocky Horror, and her mum is right beside her again.