She has survived a terrifying home invasion, including watching her husband shoot their attacker to save their lives. Now 72 year old Di Blessing has turned to activist, kicking politicians into gear and getting the community together to fight for better phone service – with a previously unknown detail making the issue even more real.
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Posted inBest in the New England 2026, Glen Innes, Good News, Inverell
Inverell and Glen Innes bakeries shine at national pie competition
Two New England bakeries have brought home a swag of national medals from the 2026 Australia’s Best Pie and Pastie Competition, held on the Gold Coast, putting the region firmly on the map as one of Australia’s top pie destinations.
Posted inAgriculture, Local News, Money
CGT shake-up brings relief, but succession remains the real test for farmers
A major tax backdown has lifted the CGT threshold to $10 million, but farm groups say the real test is still to come: can families actually pass the farm on?
Posted inAgriculture, NSW News
NSW unveils roadmap to grow $100 million hemp industry
NSW has unveiled a roadmap to grow its hemp industry into a $100 million sector, with new support for farmers, manufacturers and regional investment.
Posted inEducation, Moree, Petitions
E-petition launched for space school at Moree site
A push to turn Moree’s old high school site into a Space Science School is gathering signatures, but it faces a long-running rival bid for an agricultural boarding school
Posted inCompetitions and free stuff, National News
Do you have a future PM in the family?
Could your teenager be Australia’s next great political voice? A national competition wants students to write the speech they’d give as a newly elected MP.
Posted inEntertainment, New England Surrounds
Norma O’Hara Murphy returns with Aussie take on Tennessee Waltz
Warwick’s own Norma O’Hara Murphy is back with an Aussie take on Tennessee Waltz, the first single from her new album Riding With The Wind, out this September.
Posted inEnergy, National News
Fuel excise extended but lower relief to come
Australians will get an extended discount on fuel but the savings will amount to less, as a tentative truce allows ships to move through the Strait of Hormuz.
Posted inMoree
Moree farewells Cowley, appoints Stoneman as acting general manager
Moree Plains Shire Council has farewelled general manager Natalia Cowley and appointed Ian Stoneman acting general manager.
Posted inEmergency management, Environment, National News
Uncertainty for wildlife as killer bird flu detected
Australian wildlife is facing a new and uncertain chapter after a dangerous strain of bird flu was confirmed on the mainland.