TAFE NSW Tamworth to get $950,000 clean energy training upgrade
TAFE NSW Tamworth is getting a $950,000 clean energy upgrade, part of a $25 million push to train the workforce that will build the New England REZ.
Australians urged not to rush 2026 tax returns amid scam warning
CPA Australia is urging Australians to delay lodging their 2026 tax returns until ATO data is complete and remain alert to scams.
Barnaby Joyce called out over false highway closure claim on wind farm
Barnaby Joyce said “someone’s gonna get killed” over a highway closure that was never actually planned. Now Vestas, Channel 7 and a fact-checking page have all called it out. Will he correct the record?
Five teens injured, one critical, in East Tamworth crash
Five Tamworth teens are in hospital after their car hit a tree in East Tamworth overnight, one girl with critical head injuries. Two were flown to John Hunter Hospital. Police are investigating.
Local News
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.
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.
Behavioural science partnership to support New England water users
A behavioural science partnership with Monash University is helping the Natural Resources Access Regulator improve how it supports water users to understand and comply with NSW water laws.
Community invited to help shape Taylor Oval’s future
Residents are invited to help shape Taylor Oval’s future by providing feedback on proposed pool and recreation plans before 31 July.
What's On
Best Mechanic in the New England?
Whether it’s a routine service or a mystery rattle, who keeps your car running smoothly? Which is the best Mechanic in the New England?
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
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.
National gun buyback deadline expires as Parkes MP joins criticism
Labor promised a national gun buyback by 1 July. It’s now collapsed, with states walking away and Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey saying regional gun owners were made a scapegoat.
TRC votes to sell Ray Walsh House after hour-long debate
After four years of uncertainty and more than an hour of heated debate, Tamworth Regional Council has voted 5-3 to sell Ray Walsh House — but the sale isn’t final yet.
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.
NSW farmers need urgent action on China beef tariffs
NSW Liberals and Nationals are urging the State Government to press Canberra for action after China’s new beef tariff hit exporters.
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
Daniel Phillips Electrical takes Best electrician and Bingara’s first BITNE win
The family-owned business, which services communities from Bingara through to Tamworth and across the region, earned widespread support from customers who praised its reliability, workmanship and commitment to going above and beyond.
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.
- Opinion: There is a fund in Armidale being set up with your money. You have until July 14 to say something about it.
If you care about Armidale, then you should care about the future fund, and have your say by making a submission before they close on Tuesday. The post Opinion: There is a fund in Armidale being set up with your money. You have until July 14 to say something about it. appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
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.
