Rural Aid urges farmers to register early
Bushfire risk is rising this spring, and Rural Aid wants farmers registered before disaster hits, not after. “Disasters don’t wait, and neither should farmers.”
Changed traffic conditions to three New England Highway sites
Major roadworks are happening on the New England Highway at Blandford, Moonbi and Bendemeer.
Nature Machine opens at Tamworth gallery
Eighteen artists, five decades of legacy and a national tour ahead. Tamworth Regional Gallery has thrown open its doors for the 6th Tamworth Textile Triennial, Nature Machine.
Confusion as man accused of Mole River decapitation won’t talk
A mental health order for the Mole River murder accused lasted only minutes in court, before they realised the charge was too serious for it to be an option.
Local News
Man critically injured in Boggabilla stabbing
A man, 20, is fighting for life after a stabbing at a Boggabilla home. Police have set up a crime scene and want anyone with information to come forward.
Volunteer grants boost Gunnedah, Moree, Narrabri groups
Gunnedah, Moree, Narrabri and Wee Waa groups are among 42 organisations sharing in $62,966 of Volunteer Grants funding across the electorate of Parkes, with grants of up to $2,733 going to local clubs.
Farmers welcome confidence rebound, but new cost pressures loom
Farmer confidence is bouncing back, but rising fuel and fertiliser costs, diesel security fears and a backpacker visa freeze could put that recovery at risk.
Man charged after West Tamworth road rage crash
A parked-car argument, an alleged pursuit through West Tamworth streets, and a ute crashing into a home. A 43-year-old man now faces five charges.
What's On
LONG READ >
Demographic bulimia: why immigration is a stuck-in-the-muck issue
Labor, the Coalition and One Nation all say they want fewer migrants. Australia’s economy, its farms and its own refugee-resettlement towns all need more of them. It’s a clash between electoral populism and policy reality with no solution.
Events
Drake Village MarketsEnds: September 26, 2026
Bundarra CWA Spring MarketsEnds: September 26, 2026
Weekly Women’s Tea & TalkEnds: September 28, 2026
Railway MarketsEnds: October 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: October 3, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: October 4, 2026
Politics
Crown land reforms pass NSW Parliament after land rights fight
NSW Parliament has passed sweeping Crown land reforms, but only after last minute amendments to address Aboriginal land council concerns over 44,000 unresolved land claims.
Nationals slam Federal road toll data
882 lives lost on Australian roads so far this year. The federal Coalition says it is the worst result since governments vowed to halve the road toll, and Labor still has no plan to replace.
Grants open for local defibrillators
A defibrillator can be the difference between life and death within eight minutes of cardiac arrest. Tamworth area sporting clubs have until 7 October to apply for grants to get one.
Demographic bulimia: why immigration is a stuck-in-the-muck issue
Labor, the Coalition and One Nation all say they want fewer migrants. Australia’s economy, its farms and its own refugee-resettlement towns all need more of them. It’s a clash between electoral populism and policy reality with no solution.
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.
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.
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.
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.
F4CA report says farmers carry industry’s climate load
Farmers are already propping up Australia’s climate accounts for free, while coal, gas and oil buy their way out of cutting pollution at the source, according to a new report from Farmers for Climate Action.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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!
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…
BUSINESS
Armidale cake shop marks first birthday with a year’s worth of sweet memories
A shopfront that began as a nervous experiment on Saturdays is about to celebrate its first birthday, with the woman behind New England Cake Co. crediting the Armidale community for turning a side hustle into a full-time business.
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
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.
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.
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Good News
Armidale brewery takes top honours at Sydney beer awards
The Welder’s Dog has taken home a Champion Award from the 2026 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show for its Piney Pale Ale.
Rivers of antimony: Hillgrove Mine officially reopened
Australia’s oldest new critical minerals mine is up and running near Armidale, expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Locals say it’s bringing families back to the village, and antimony for solar panels is just the start.
