Historic rivalry renewed as Farrer and TAS battle for annual shields
Farrer and The Armidale School will renew one of the region’s longest-running school sporting rivalries this Friday as students battle for the Dick Hodgson Shield and Jim Levy Shield.
Budget leaves regional councils facing impossible choices
Regional councils say the federal budget still leaves country communities behind, warning shrinking grants and rising costs are forcing councils to “operate on the smell of an oily rag”.
Narrabri to benefit from Telstra 4G and 5G upgrade
From Friday, Narrabri residents will experience temporary disruptions as Telstra upgrades the town’s 4G and 5G network.
Vans, chrome and nostalgia set to roll into Tamworth for VANFEST
Custom vans, roaring engines, shag pile interiors and old-school imagination are set to take over Tamworth this week as it prepares to celebrate Australia’s thriving vanning culture from May 14 to 17 at the 2026 VANFEST Expo.
Local News
Accessibility focus highlighted in Gunnedah CBD awareness activity
Gunnedah residents took part in an access awareness activity last week to better understand the challenges faced by people with disability in the CBD.
Tamworth Cycle Club gears up for biggest Goodyear GRVL yet
The Tamworth Cycle Club is gearing up for its biggest gravel cycling event yet, with the return of Goodyear GRVL this May featuring an expanded two-day format designed to challenge riders while showcasing the region’s growing gravel riding scene.
Refurbished respite home opens in Armidale for people with disability
A newly refurbished respite home has opened in Armidale, helping fill a critical gap in disability support services in New England
Moree community invited to nominate local Elders for Honour Roll
Moree Plains residents are invited to nominate local Elders who have made a lasting contribution to reconciliation and community life.
What's On
NOMINATE NOW: All local trades and services businesses can be profiled in this promotion for free. Really.
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 15, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: May 17, 2026
National Volunteers Week Community CelebrationEnds: May 18, 2026- National Volunteers Week Community CelebrationEnds: May 18, 2026
TRRRA Monthly Meeting – MayEnds: May 20, 2026
Politics
‘Class war’ budget targets aspiration
Barnaby Joyce has accused Labor of punishing aspiration through its budget tax reforms, warning changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax and trusts will drive investment offshore and push renters “onto the street”.
Farmers exempted from new Trust Tax
Primary producers have been exempted from the federal government’s new discretionary trust tax reforms, after farm groups warned family farm succession could be put at risk.
New England follows Farrer but Joyce candidacy confusion muddies numbers
The latest New England Times Engage Poll has revealed Barnaby Joyce has converted a large number of New England voters to One Nation, but most only if they are voting for him personally.
Regional Australia braces city-biased budget
Regional Australia is bracing for a tough federal budget night, with Inland Rail axed north of Parkes and local leaders warning the regions are being left behind while billions flow to city projects.
Coalition launches ‘Rescue our Rail’ campaign over Inland Rail cuts
The Coalition has launched a “Rescue our Rail” campaign as anger grows over the decision to halt Inland Rail at Parkes.
‘Need to do more’: PM flags housing changes in budget
The upcoming federal budget will be one of reform, the prime minister has insisted, despite accusations of broken election promises.
The fuel crunch is affecting daily life across our region, so we’re doing the one thing we can do, and helping people get the information they need so we can all make it through this together. Read more
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Call to cut red tape amid fuel cost pressures
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson is calling for cuts to red tape to help small businesses and farmers facing rising fuel costs.
READ MORE FUEL CRUNCH STORIES >
Small wins overshadowed by deep cuts for regions
Not happy: small wins on measures like excluding farmers from new taxes are not impressing rural advocates.
Armidale’s APVMA budget winner with additional public good funding
The APVMA has emerged as a surprise winner in the federal Budget, with an $8.7 million funding boost welcomed by industry after years of concerns about the regulator’s performance and resourcing.
Energy and Environment
Local farmer earns more than 5,000 carbon credits through soil project
A farmer near Uralla has earned more than 5,000 carbon credits after major improvements in soil health and grazing management.
State government expands support for communities affected by GKNP timber moratorium
Expanded NSW support aims to help North Coast businesses, workers and communities transition through Koala National Park changes
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Taking control of power bills with smarter solar and battery solutions
Whether you’re considering an EV or just want to get the power bills down, the best solar solution for you is a tailored system built around how you use energy, installed by…
Fuel driven changes mean your website is more important than ever
The fuel crisis is changing how people spend, how they travel, and how they choose where to shop. Across the New England, that shift is already being felt by local businesses.
BUSINESS
Watchdog seeks big penalty after Coles goes ‘Down Down’
The consumer watchdog will be seeking a “significant penalty” to act as a deterrent to Coles and others, after a court found the supermarket misled shoppers.
INDIGENOUS
Borah Crossing declared Aboriginal Place
Borah Crossing near Gunnedah and Manilla has been officially declared an Aboriginal Place, recognising generations of cultural connection to the site.
SPORT
New England Junior Hockey season gets underway
Junior hockey returned across New England this weekend as Hockey New England launched its 2026 season.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: One Nation did not win Farrer
RK Crosby says that One Nation did not win the Farrer by-election. Also: wind turbines are hypnotising cattle. It's true. The post Begin Rant: One Nation did not win Farrer appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Warialda community comes together for Shop of Opportunity opening
The Warialda Shop of Opportunity officially opened on Saturday, May 2, drawing strong local support and marking the end of a three-year community-led project.
Five Decades of Action: Zonta Armidale’s Lasting Impact on Women’s Lives
Half a century of advocacy, service and community connection is being celebrated this year as the Zonta Club of Armidale marks its 50th anniversary – a milestone that speaks not only to longevity, but to a sustained commitment to improving the lives of women and girls.
