No negative impact of improving protection for renters
One year after banning no-grounds evictions, NSW’s rental market is holding steady: more bonds lodged than refunded, investor lending up 23.4 per cent, and renters staying put longer than before.
Crucial boarding school expo helps local parents make important decisions
Hundreds of local families are expected to make their way to the 2026 Tamworth Boarding Schools Expo, where 41 boarding schools from across New South Wales, the ACT and Queensland will gather under one roof.
Sherelle Fashions goes back-to-back as New England’s Best Fashion Store
The Tenterfield boutique successfully defended the title it won in 2025, with customers once again voting in large numbers for the family business they say offers far more than just clothing.
Fear of child protection puts regional mums at risk
Pregnant women in regional NSW face a double risk: less access to health care, and a fear of child protection that stops many from seeking help at all, new research shows.
Local News
50 Years of Deadly brings communities together across the New England
From bustling street marches and flag-raising ceremonies to art exhibitions, community barbecues, children’s activities and sporting events, communities across the New England embraced this year’s NAIDOC Week
BW Welding & Mechanical Services take out Best Mechanic
Doing more than just providing a valuable service, BW Welding & Mechanical Service is a community asset and very worth of the Best Mechanic title.
AIHW report reveals worsening youth mental health as experts call for new approaches
Australia’s youth mental health crisis is deepening, with new AIHW data showing rising illness rates and growing pressure on services.
Search underway for new UNE chancellor after Pearson resignation
UNE has kicked off the search for a new chancellor after Dr Sarah Pearson’s unexpected resignation. Acting Chancellor David Van Aanholt steps in, but it’s not an easy job to fill.
What's On
Best Real Estate Agent in the New England?
Buying, selling or renting can be a big deal, and sometimes very stressful – particularly in such a tight property market. Who made the process easier than you expected?
Events
Seed SwapEnds: July 18, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: July 19, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: August 1, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: August 2, 2026
- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: August 16, 2026
Politics
Confusion surrounds new forest carbon credit method as opposition comes from all sides
Farmers say it’s unfair. Green groups call it a scam. The government calls it rigorous. A new forest carbon credit scheme has almost everyone disagreeing, just not about the same thing.
‘No resources’: One Nation defends uncosted policies
Barnaby Joyce has blamed deficient parliamentary resources for the lack of detail about how much its plans will cost.
Telstra outage resolved, 333 failed calls to Triple Zero
Telstra’s network is back after a nationwide outage traced to a 20-year “time travel” glitch. Customers still having trouble connecting are urged to restart their devices.
Right-wing rivals locked in ‘race to the bottom’: PM
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken a broad swipe at right-wing rivals, telling the Labor Party faithful they are only interested in airing grievances.
NSW extends consultation on Crown land bill after land rights warning
Consultation has been extended on a Crown land bill after Aboriginal land councils said amendments were dropped too late to properly consult with the network. The Law Society wants a key clause scrapped entirely.
Disease doesn’t wait for slow and inefficient bureaucracy, says CropLife
CropLife Australia says APVMA delays leave farmers without timely crop protection products amid rising biosecurity risks nationwide today.
Armidale scientist named to lead national cotton research body
An Armidale scientist and farmer who cut rice variety development timelines by nine years is now running the national body that funds cotton research. Meet the new CRDC boss.
Energy and Environment
Bundarra returns to Level 2 water restrictions
Bundarra has returned to Level 2 water restrictions, effective immediately, following below-average rainfall and ongoing declines in local water supplies.
Mid North Coast locals praised for correctly reporting sick bird
A sick bird near Hawks Nest could have been bad, but for the locals who didn’t touch, and called for help. NSW has its first suspect case of H5 bird flu, and authorities say it’s proof the system is working.
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
Wallace Construction Services builds on reputation to win Best Builder
Voters repeatedly highlighted not only the quality of the finished product but also the experience of dealing with the business from start to finish.
INDIGENOUS
Tamworth community invited to celebrate NAIDOC Week together
Tamworth community members are invited to celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC at a family fun day this Wednesday.
SPORT
Cleary’s class: NSW win State of Origin decider
Inspired by Nathan Cleary, NSW have clinched a State of Origin series victory with an upset win over Queensland in the decider at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Denise’s Desk: The Price of Privatisation
Denise says the essentials of every day life have both been increasingly privatised, and are the things which have become considerably more expensive. The post Denise’s Desk: The Price of Privatisation appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
80 student volunteers to descend on Uralla, Deepwater for The Big Lift
Eighty student volunteers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will arrive in Uralla on Tuesday, 7 July, as part of The Big Lift’s 2026 Winter Trip across regional New South Wales and Queensland.
Peter Allen honoured with Blue Plaque at Armidale Folk Museum
An Armidale boy who grew up to become one of Australia’s most celebrated entertainers has been honoured with a Blue Plaque at the newly renovated Armidale Folk Museum.
