Ballina woman sole winner of $100m powerball
A Ballina woman spent the day spotting signs from a late loved one. By night, she had won $100 million. Hear the moment her family found out.
SBM26: Local shopping, keeping you moving and thoughtful design
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses bringing practical solutions and personal service to the region: a country boutique making shopping and special occasions easier, a family-run automotive and towing group keeping motorists moving, and an architect creating considered spaces tailored to the people who use them.
Investors head to Tamworth and Goondiwindi to meet rural business owners
Investors will travel to Tamworth and Goondiwindi this November to sit down with rural business owners, as the Invest Rural roadshow brings capital and conversation to country towns.
Camels, wagon tours and country camping on the way to Narrabri
Amanda Renyard and her husband Wayne moved to the Narrabri area about six months ago, and they brought their camels with them. Now the couple are in the final stages of getting ready to open Narrabri Camel Camp, a new camping and animal experience.
Local News
Tamworth residents warned of scam targeting council events
Tamworth residents and businesses are being warned to watch for fraudulent event booking forms and websites impersonating council services.
Tamworth Labor honours its long-timers
Twenty members, 10 to 30 years of loyalty, and one pointed question: why do you stay? Tamworth Labor’s long-timers share what keeps them turning up, and how they fared in the trivia contest.
More than 200 new homes unlocked for East Tamworth
More than 200 new homes are planned for East Tamworth, including at least 70 affordable and social dwellings to ease housing pressures.
Black Gully Festival to honour Uncle Cyril Green’s life in music
Armidale musician and Dunghutti elder Uncle Cyril Green will be honoured at this year’s Black Gully Festival on Saturday, 7 November. The tribute will reflect on a lifetime in music that began on a guitar in Walcha.
What's On
LONG READ >
The High Court coal win that may close the door it opened
WEEKEND LONG READ: Much has been said about a High Court judgement this week relating to what climate impacts should be included in planning decisions. The backlash and election timing could shut Scope 3 emissions out of planning permanently and give workers and communities the confidence they desperately seek.
Events
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: October 18, 2026
Armidale Youth Futures Monster Spring SaleEnds: October 21, 2026
The New England Community ShowcaseEnds: October 21, 2026
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Fete, Floral & Craft DisplayEnds: October 31, 2026
Spooky Halloween SkateEnds: October 31, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 1, 2026
Politics
The High Court coal win that may close the door it opened
WEEKEND LONG READ: Much has been said about a High Court judgement this week relating to what climate impacts should be included in planning decisions. The backlash and election timing could shut Scope 3 emissions out of planning permanently and give workers and communities the confidence they desperately seek.
Gunnedah petition calls for 24-hour police station
Gunnedah is petitioning for a 24-hour police station, but a council voice says the town already has 24-hour policing. Is a staffed station the best use of police?
Chaffey backs migration cut as refugee group warns of cost
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey says the Coalition’s migration cuts would take pressure off local housing, roads, and schools. Refugee group SSI says halving the humanitarian intake would shut out thousands in need.
Tamworth’s Jeff Bacon joins One Nation upper house ticket
Shooters, then Nationals, now One Nation. Third time lucky, Tamworth gun maker Jeff Bacon has landed second on an upper house ticket promising to repeal NSW’s new firearm laws.
Anderson urges locals to shut the laptop and shop local
Rising costs and a slow economy are biting local businesses. Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has a simple ask for October: shut the laptop and shop in town.
Beef company faces court over Niangala wetland channels
A prime beef company faces fines of more than $2 million per charge over 6km of channels allegedly dug through a Niangala district wetland. Its first court date is Friday, 30 October.
One in three young women low in iron
One in three young Australian women are low in iron. For Iron Awareness Week, MLA is taking its message into GP waiting rooms, social media feeds, and overseas markets.
Energy and Environment
Recycling baskets coming to Uralla’s Bridge Street and Alma Park
Twenty new bin baskets are heading to Uralla’s Bridge Street and Alma Park to catch 10-cent drink containers before they hit landfill. Installation starts next month.
Uralla water upgrades aim to protect supply and reduce waste for residents
Uralla residents are set to benefit from improved water security and fewer losses following upgrades to the town’s network.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Primary Health Network continues to support and invest in the Glen Innes community
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to Glen Innes through continued investment in local healthcare services, community programs and innovative models of…
Have your say on the future name of Killean
New owners of McLean Care want your help in naming the main home, and have put up $5000 to make it worth your while to have your say. Vote now!
BUSINESS
SBM26: Sweet treats, thoughtful gifts and secondhand treasures
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three local businesses offering something a little different: artisan chocolate made with dietary needs in mind, a thoughtfully curated boutique full of gifts and homewares, and a secondhand treasure trove where you never know what you’ll find.
INDIGENOUS
Gunnedah petition demands Aboriginal flag in Council chamber
Gunnedah’s deputy mayor warned of “a reverse type of apartheid” before councillors voted to hang just one flag in the chamber. Now Aboriginal community members are fighting back with a petition.
SPORT
Manilla brothers Mick and Tom Knight to take on world’s best at Warwick rodeo
Manilla bronc-riding brothers Mick and Tom Knight will represent Australia against some of the world’s best riders at the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft later this month.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: When Albo lets slip he doesn’t care about the regions
Bob Katter asked the Prime Minister for a report. Anthony Albanese gave him a comedy routine. RK writes that regional people deserve better than a PM who doesn't get it, and doesn't care. The post Begin Rant: When Albo lets slip he doesn’t care about the regions appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Good luck, HSC class of 2026
Year 12 students across the New England start their Higher School Certificate exams tomorrow, Tuesday, 13 October. Schools across the region have taken to social media, wishing them well.
Uralla’s Bolt Inn wins two statewide dining awards
Uralla’s Bolt Inn has taken out two honours at the NSW Restaurant and Catering Awards, winning Best Restaurant in a Pub/Club – Regional NSW and Best Family Dining in a Pub – Regional NSW.
