Rocket-themed water play proposed for Moree’s Kirkby Park
A rocket-themed water play area featuring a tipping bucket, ground sprays and water cannons could be coming to Moree’s Kirkby Park.
PLC Armidale sends three teams to Sydney for IGSA finals
PLC Armidale is sending three hockey and netball teams to Sydney to compete in the 2026 IGSA finals series this weekend.
NERAM opens doors to emerging artists with 40 Under 40 exhibition
The New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) in Armidale is calling on emerging artists and artisans from across the region to submit work for its end of year exhibition, 40 Under 40.
Guyra gears up for another big TroutFest weekend
Guyra’s TroutFest is back for another long weekend of markets, art, music and fishing, even as a smaller committee juggles a few last-minute changes.
Local News
Deputy mayor under fire for ‘working mum’ remarks
New deputy mayor Rob Hooke says his predecessor couldn’t do the job because she’s a “working mum”. She’s hit back, and revealed the real reason she stepped aside.
Tamworth diversion pilot gains ground
A Tamworth youth diversion pilot is coming, backed by $8.4 million, as new figures show violent youth offending up 20 per cent and the major parties clash over how tough the response should be.
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!
Pearse, Tighe returned unopposed in Moree Plains
Moree Plains has its leadership locked in for another two years, with Mayor Susannah Pearse and Deputy Mayor Wayne Tighe both returned unopposed. Next week, four more New England councils go to a mayoral vote.
What's On
LONG READ >
A Hillgrove miracle: is this the happiest workplace in the region?
WEEKEND LONG READ: At the re-opened Hillgrove Mine, staff say the culture, not the antimony, is the real story. How did they avoid the Armidale curse?
Events
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: September 19, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: September 20, 2026
Tamworth Weiner Dog Festival 2026Ends: September 20, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: September 20, 2026
Stained Glass Art WorkshopEnds: September 20, 2026
Tenterfield Womens TalkEnds: September 21, 2026
Politics
Gun debate gagged, motion to disallow buyback fails
A motion to scrap the state’s gun buyback failed after debate was gagged, with the mover accusing government MPs of not understanding firearms and warning the laws will push voters to far-right parties.
Screen time caps coming to NSW schools
NSW public schools will cap daily screen time from next year, after new research found teenagers spending up to seven hours a day on devices and literacy results going backwards.
Youth takes the helm at Liverpool Plains
At 38, Charlie Simkin is Liverpool Plains Shire Council’s new mayor. He’s flagged waste, housing and infrastructure as priorities for the next two years, working alongside new Deputy Mayor Jason Allan.
Cotton industry calls for visa clarity
Cotton growers are being warned visa uncertainty could hit the seasonal workforce needed for picking and ginning, as industry leaders demand answers from Canberra.
Free qualifications on offer for tradies
Up to 6,000 experienced tradies could get a free, faster pathway to formal qualifications, as a new national training program launches first in NSW.
Boggabilla agricultural leader Rebecca Fing named 2027 Nuffield Scholar
Boggabilla’s Rebecca Fing will take her farm safety research overseas after being named a 2027 Nuffield Scholar.
New England households to benefit from energy support funding
New England households will get help cutting energy bills, with Southern New England Landcare sharing $4.7 million in state funding.
Energy and Environment
Glen Innes Severn calls for fair REZ funding model
Glen Innes Severn Council is pushing for a fairer funding model to share New England Renewable Energy Zone benefits across communities.
Guyra water treatment upgrades bolster blue-green algae preparations
Guyra’s drinking water supply is better prepared for blue-green algae season following major upgrades to the town’s water treatment plant.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
From open homes to open hearts: Professionals Armidale’s community BBQ making a difference
A real estate agency might not be the first place you’d expect to find a community fundraising program, but Professionals Armidale is quietly becoming as well known for its local giving as…
Is your IT structured? Or just functioning?
Many regional businesses only review their IT support when problems escalate. But more businesses are reassessing how their technology systems are managed, and the story of what happened to Acacia Medical tells…
BUSINESS
The coolest job in Uralla making everyone’s GPS work better
Did you know Uralla has a space facility, working on a new program making GPS ten times more accurate across Australia and New Zealand? Lockheed Martin is hiring someone to run it, and admits it’s a bit of a unicorn job.
INDIGENOUS
Inverell’s Tahnee Capon turns hardship into hope through education
A Kamilaroi woman who spent a year couch surfing before living in a converted bus has been named a 2026 Adult Learners Week Ambassador, crediting study with turning her life around from homelessness to a career helping others in Inverell.
SPORT
Stunning day at Varley Oval for cracker AFL grand finals
Inverell turned the tables on the Tamworth Swans to claim the Regional Australia Bank Cup, while Gunnedah overcame a determined home side in the women’s decider during the AFL North West grand finals at Varley Oval on Saturday.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Kate McGrath Responds to Comments Regarding Working Mothers in Leadership
Read the full statement of Cr Kate McGrath in response to the "working mum" comment made by Cr Rob Hooke, republished with permission. The post Kate McGrath Responds to Comments Regarding Working Mothers in Leadership appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Jack’s Creek named world’s best Wagyu for third straight year
Australian beef producer Jack’s Creek has been crowned the world’s best Wagyu producer for a third consecutive year at the 2026 World Steak Challenge in Amsterdam.
Tamworth stars to honour Dolly Parton with tribute concert
Tamworth’s country music royalty are gathering for a Dolly Parton tribute concert at next year’s TCMF, with ticket sales supporting her local literacy legacy.
