Labor abandons controversial plan to drop speed limits on rural roads
Federal Government has quietly abandoned its proposal to cut default speed limits on unsigned country roads, following overwhelming backlash from regional Australia.
From the lab to leadership: Stephanie Cameron new regional director for business
Stephanie Cameron has been appointed the New England North West Regional Director for peak business advocacy body Business NSW
J&K Auto Repairs comes to you to keep you moving
A new mobile mechanic business is bringing convenience, reliability and a friendly local touch to drivers right across the New England
RAB members greenlight merger with Summerland Bank
Members of Regional Australia Bank and Summerland Bank have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a proposed merger between the two customer-owned institutions.
Local News
The livestock owners dream: new rural sitting services finds a niche and gives locals back freedom
Tamworth’s newest small business has hit the ground running, with The Rural Sitter quickly becoming an essential service for locals juggling the demands of animals, property and the realities of rural life.
Call for Parliamentary Inquiry into GRNSW
Barwon MP Roy Butler is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW after a report recommended shutting down 15 country tracks, including Tamworth and Moree.
‘Spend in Glen’ continues to promote buying local this festive season
Glen Innes Severn Council will once again support Spend in Glen, a long-running ‘buy local’ initiative that encourages the community to shop locally in the lead-up to Christmas.
Westpac’s regional banking plan slammed as “Tokenistic” by Banking Alliance
Westpac is facing sharp criticism over its newly announced regional banking initiative, with a coalition of regional banks labelling the move a “tokenistic and cosmetic”.
NSW Government responds to Bushfire Inquiry reforms
The NSW Government has now responded to all 76 recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, transforming the state’s ability to prepare, respond and recover when bushfire strikes.
What's On
Ushers Ag Services backs local farmers with the (not that) big jobs
A new Guyra business is stepping up to help farmers with the jobs the big operators are not interested in doing.
Events
PLC Armidale Signature Summer FairEnds: November 29, 2025
Markets in the mallEnds: November 30, 2025
Save the date for Rising TideEnds: December 3, 2025
Armidale Farmers MarketEnds: December 14, 2025
Armidale Dumaresq Creek RegenerationEnds: December 14, 2025
Politics
Barnaby, it’s time to go
The latest New England Times Engage Poll has found that Barnaby Joyce has chosen the right time to move on, with New Englanders grateful for his service, but not wanting him to change his mind and contest the next election. Nor join One Nation.
Another younger woman to take over as NSW Liberal leader quits
Kellie Sloane is set to take the reins of the NSW Liberal Party as a second state party leader departs their post in three days.
Local growers asked to join NSW Action Research Network
Local grain and cotton growers are being invited to take part in a major new initiative aimed at reducing emissions while supporting profitable, productive farming across New South Wales
Plan to protect livestock during bushfire season
Local Land Services is urging farmers and animal owners to include livestock and pets in their bushfire planning.
Energy and Environment
Citizen scientists act to prevent destruction of endangered Glider Habitat
A citizen scientist has taken direct action in an effort to protect habitat critical to the endangered Greater Glider, amid growing tensions over native forest logging east of Armidale.
EWON to hold drop-in sessions in New England region 19-20 November
The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) will visit Invergowrie, Walcha and Guyra on 19-20 November to speak with landholders and community members about renewable energy infrastructure concerns.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Law Conveyancing Welcomes New Solicitor and Expands for the Future
There’s an exciting new chapter underway for Law Conveyancing and Legal Services, as the Inverell-based firm expands its team, grows its premises, and welcomes solicitor Gabrielle Robinson to the practice.
Granny Fi’s Toy Cupboard: handmade magic and a growing online adventure
From hand-crafted dragons and whimsical dolls to enchanted accessories, this family-run business has become a beloved name for anyone who believes in the magic of make-believe. But wait… there’s more…
BUSINESS
More seats, more movies, more fun at the Crossing Theatre
Movie lovers have another reason to grab the popcorn, with Cinema 2 at The Crossing Theatre officially reopening today following a major technology upgrade.
INDIGENOUS
Cultural Grants open to celebrate Aboriginal cultures and connection
Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW are invited to apply for grants to support events and activities that celebrate and strengthen Aboriginal cultures.
SPORT
Herrick seals second national title as Dunker dominates Gunnedah TT round
A huge crowd returned to Gunnedah’s Balcary Park on Sunday for the final day of the Yamaha BLU CRU Aussie Flat Track Nationals, where Thomas Herrick claimed his second Pro 450 championship
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Why is Canberra hogging the Indigenous Procurement pie?
Dean Foley writes there is something really odd going on in Indigenous procurement, and our communities are missing out. The post Why is Canberra hogging the Indigenous Procurement pie? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Christmas in the Mall brings magic to Armidale
Armidale locals and visitors alike are invited to join in a magical evening filled with festive cheer as Armidale’s Christmas in the Mall takes place again this year.
Building beautiful spaces, one tile at a time with BH Wall and Floor Tiling
BH Wall & Floor Tiling is a small, family-run business headed by local tiler Brock Hobday, who has built a reputation for precision, reliability, and genuine pride in his work.
