Glen Innes enters Level 3 water restrictions as demand stays high
Glen Innes has been placed under Level 3 water restrictions as falling levels at the Beardy Weir and persistently high demand tighten pressure on the town’s supply.
Narrabri’s boost to emergency services on track
A $13.1 million fire control centre in Narrabri is nearing completion, set to boost emergency response and coordination across north-west NSW.
Emergency Warning: Uralla fire
A bush fire is burning in the vicinity of Burial Ground Gully, on the western edge of the Uralla township. If you are in the areas of Leece Rd, Quartz Gully Rd or Wilkens St, you are at risk. Seek shelter now or as the fire approaches to protect yourself from…
Telstra to upgrade coverage in Inverell
Telstra will upgrade its Inverell base station from 30 April, with temporary outages as it boosts 4G and 5G capacity.
Local News
First Nations Art Competition returns to Tamworth Town Hall
A vibrant celebration of culture, storytelling and artistic expression is set to return to Tamworth, with the 2026 Joblink Plus First Nations Art Competition taking over the historic Tamworth Town Hall from 2–10 May.
Coalition pledges to double fuel reserves with $800m storage plan
The Coalition wants to double Australia’s fuel reserves and build new storage, arguing the current crisis has exposed major gaps.
Be the hope our community needs: Support the Red Shield Appeal
The Salvation Army is urging New England North West residents to support the Red Shield Appeal amid rising cost-of-living pressures.
Tenterfield Shire Council accepts GM resignation, appoints acting head
Tenterfield Shire Council has accepted the resignation of its general manager, with a leadership transition set for June.
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 1, 2026
Great Southern Nights – Boggabilla: JK-47, Roger Knox, KobiDunksEnds: May 1, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: May 2, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: May 3, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 8, 2026
Politics
NDIS overhaul to kick 160,000 people off, hit regions hardest
Up to 160,000 people could lose NDIS support under sweeping reforms — with regional communities expected to feel the impact most.
Disability cuts on table as treasurer eyes cost spiral
State officials will be briefed on the federal government’s plans to overhaul spending on the NDIS, expected to be announced within days.
Mystery deepens over promised gun buyback as states refuse to sign on
The national gun buyback promised after the Bondi Beach massacre is yet to get off the ground, with states refusing to sign on and no clear path forward.
Uralla votes in Ward A by-election today
Voters in Uralla Shire Council’s Ward A will head to the polls today Saturday, 18 April, with polling places open from 8am.
Coalition migration policy widely condemned as bad for regional Australia
The Coalition’s hardline migration policy is drawing fierce criticism, with warnings it ignores the proven success of regional settlement and risks hurting our communities that rely on it.
Joyce backs Hanson as repeat hiring of convicted rapist sparks backlash
Barnaby Joyce has backed Pauline Hanson’s defence of a convicted rapist repeatedly hired by One Nation, arguing people should be allowed to rebuild their lives.
The fuel crunch is affecting daily life across our region, so we’re doing the one thing we can do, and helping people get the information they need so we can all make it through this together. Read more
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On-again, off-again Hormuz blockade leaves locals jittery and fuel prices volatile
Fuel prices are dropping, but it will take at least a week for global oil price drops to flow through to the bowser… if the Strait of Hormuz stays open.
Moree on a Plate returns to showcase region’s rich food culture
The rich black soil plains of Moree will once again take centre stage next month, with the return of the much-loved Moree on a Plate Food and Wine Festival on Saturday, May 9.
30 cents more on weekly shop to deliver $1m more for local farmers
Households will pay about 30 cents more a week for milk after Norco moved to increase what it pays local dairy farmers, delivering an estimated $1 million a month back into local communities.
Energy and Environment
Climate concern rising in regional Australia, poll finds
Climate concern is rising in regional Australia, with most residents backing renewables and blaming energy companies for high power bills.
Village bore commissioning completed in Torrington and Drake
Village bores in Torrington and Drake near Tenterfield have been successfully commissioned and are now fully operational.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Taking control of power bills with smarter solar and battery solutions
Whether you’re considering an EV or just want to get the power bills down, the best solar solution for you is a tailored system built around how you use energy, installed by…
Fuel driven changes mean your website is more important than ever
The fuel crisis is changing how people spend, how they travel, and how they choose where to shop. Across the New England, that shift is already being felt by local businesses.
BUSINESS
Wage increase delivered for midwives, nurses
Thousands of nurses and midwives have won a landmark pay rise for the first time in more than two decades after an industrial umpire ruled in their favour.
INDIGENOUS
Narrabri Shire Libraries launches Community Story Circle program
Narrabri Shire Libraries will launch a four-week program uniting Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents through storytelling, cultural exchange and community connections.
SPORT
Still time to join Nomads juniors ahead of season start
Keen to play Junior AFL? There’s still time to join the Nomads before the season kicks off.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: This new tax probably won’t affect you – but you want it to
Claire Stuchbery writes the government is proposing a new levy on tech giants like Google and Facebook, which probably won't have any impact on you - but you want it to. The post Opinion: This new tax probably won’t affect you – but you want it to appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Call for nominations for 2026 Healing Heart Award
Public nominations are now open for the 2026 Healing Heart Award, recognising outstanding nurses and midwives across Northern NSW for compassionate, high-quality care.
Local woman smashes military glass ceiling
Kyogle born and former 12/16 Hunter River Lancers reservist Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be the first ever female Chief of Army.
