Modern facility to improve outcomes for companion animals
Construction is under way for Gunnedah Shire’s new Animal Impound Facility. The multi-million-dollar facility is expected by mid-2026.
Road safety on the Newell Highway gets a boost
Drivers on the Newell Highway will soon notice the start of construction of two new Average Speed Cameras targeting heavy vehicle speeding offences.
Glen Innes gets a fun new attraction just in time for the school holidays
Glen Innes is set to welcome an exciting new addition to its local tourism scene with the opening of The Mystery Rooms escape experience on Thursday, 2 October 2025.
Engines, horses, and heritage on show at Armidale Rally
Back for another year, the New England Antique Machinery Club’s annual rally will take over the Armidale Showground this November.
Local News
New wave of artists set to take on The Golden Gig, sponsored by Macca’s
Australia’s youngest emerging country music talent will take the stage in January for The Golden Gig, sponsored by Macca’s, during the Toyota 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Battle lines drawn in Armidale
Step back in time as the Call to Arms Australia 1470 military reenactment provides an immersive, four-day historical simulation set in the heart of Armidale’s state forest.
Sluggish APVMA risks long term ag “productivity drought”
The sluggish performance of a government regulator based in Armidale is being blamed for creating a looming productivity drought for the nation’s farmers.
Spirit of the Liverpool Plains returns to Blackville
The much-loved Blackville Arts and Market Day returns Sunday, 19 October, with 50+ boutique stalls, kids’ entertainment, gourmet food, live music and the Judith Lee Art Prize – a true celebration of community spirit.
Costs, staff shortages holding back local business
Business confidence across the New England and North West has lifted slightly, but local operators warn rising costs, skill shortages and red tape are choking productivity and holding back growth.
What's On
Supporting New England business for Small Business Month 2025
October is Small Business Month, and to celebrate, the New England Times is giving small businesses around the region a chance to raise their profile for free!
Events
New England New Age SymposiumEnds: September 21, 2025
Santos Festival of RugbyEnds: September 21, 2025
Tenterden Hall CentenaryEnds: September 27, 2025
Markets in the mallEnds: September 28, 2025
Armidale Farmers MarketEnds: October 12, 2025
Politics
Moree kids to travel to learn to swim
Moree Plains Shire Council is making sure local kids still learn to swim while major works continue on the local pool.
Broken down and locked out: Machinery costs fuel right to repair debate
Local farmer joins NSW Farmers’ push for right to repair laws to cover agricultural machinery- saving time and cost.
New crop of Nuffield Drought Resilience Scholars announced
A new cohort of 5 Nuffield Drought Resilience Scholars will help further research into drought resilience, fostering Australia’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture and international collaboration in addressing drought challenges.
Energy and Environment
Boggabri Transfer Station closed due to illegal dumping of asbestos
Narrabri Shire Council is looking for those responsible for an illegal dumping of asbestos-contaminated waste at the Boggabri Transfer Station last week.
Glen Innes Severn Council teams up with Glen Industries to rejuvenate the local landfill
Glen Innes Severn Council has partnered with Glen Industries to deliver the Glen Innes Landfill Revegetation project.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Your Tutor Armidale: Restoring confidence and inspiring a love of learning
Determined to bridge the gap between city and regional education, Your Tutor Armidale is dedicated to helping students of all ages rediscover their confidence and love of learning.
North Hill Veterinary Clinic opens doors to state-of-the-art Bundarra Road facility
North Hill Veterinary Clinic have opened the doors to their brand-new, purpose-built facility on Bundarra Road, bring the best and latest in vet care to Armidale.
BUSINESS
Walcha brews up first-ever Regional Latte Art Smackdown
Walcha is set to put itself firmly on the coffee map this month, with the town preparing to host the first-ever Regional Latte Art Smackdown on Tuesday, September 24.
INDIGENOUS
Retirement finances not so super for Indigenous people
With more than half of Indigenous people dying before they can access the age pension, researchers have found simple changes to the system may reduce the disadvantage they face.
SPORT
Sweeney tops Tamworth tennis championship
Tamworth has wrapped up its first Professional Tennis Tournament with Dane Sweeney claiming his fifth championship title.
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Freshen up your cat’s litter box this spring with simple, vet-approved tips from Breeder’s Choice. Keep odours away, your cat happy, and your home clean with sustainable, recycled paper litter. The post Tip: How to keep your cat’s litter box fresh and spring-ready appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Tenterden Hall marks 100 years of community spirit – and looks ahead to the future
A century of memories, milestones, and community connection will be celebrated later this month when Tenterden Hall marks its centenary with a special day of festivities.
Better nightlife coming to Tamworth
Tamworth is set to see a boost to its nightlife, with the city among the first regional areas to introduce a Special Entertainment Precinct as part of the NSW Government’s push to reinvigorate after-dark economies.
