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.
New home for the arts strikes a chord in Glen Innes
Glen Innes’ new School of Arts & Music threw open its doors on Saturday, 20 June, with a free community day that filled the historic former Severn Shire Council Building with music, laughter and creative activity from morning to mid-afternoon.
Concert designed for relaxed, inclusive audience experience comes to Gunnedah
A relaxed, low-sensory concert designed to welcome neurodivergent audiences and families will be presented at Gunnedah’s Smithurst Theatre on 12 July.
Local News
Crofters Cottage brews up a winning formula
Crofters Cottage, overlooking the Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes, has been crowned the region’s Best Coffee Shop, with customers praising not only its consistently excellent coffee, but also its homemade food, welcoming atmosphere and the passionate team behind the business.
R2B2 stands tall again as Warialda principal rebuilds storm-hit icon
Warialda’s beloved black and yellow replica of Star Wars droid R2D2 is back on his feet at the entrance to town, eight months after a violent storm tore his head clean off.
Community invited to help shape the future of the Glen Innes Highlands
Glen Innes Severn Council is seeking community feedback on a draft framework guiding future planning across the Highlands region.
Novice riders reminded to gear up as new motorcycle safety requirements roll out
Transport for NSW is reminding novice motorcycle riders new protective gear requirements begin 1 July to improve safety statewide.
What's On
Best Hairdresser in the New England?
Whether it’s a quick trim, a bold new look or your regular pamper session, who always gets it right? Which is the best Hairdresser in the New England? Vote now!
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 5, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: July 4, 2026
Torrington Community Hall AGMEnds: July 4, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: July 5, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 5, 2026
Politics
Concern brewing as buried Hanson policy threatens affordable medicines
A local mum says she and her asthmatic daughter could die without PBS medicines. She’s not alone — public concern is growing over a little-noticed One Nation policy, and a petition is now calling on Hanson to back off.
Council to vote on Ray Walsh House sale as residents call for caution
Council will vote Tuesday on selling Ray Walsh House. But a residents group says the process isn’t finished — and once the decision is made, it’s very hard to undo.
Packed gallery hears 22,000-signature New England transmission petition debate
Hundreds of people packed the public gallery of NSW Parliament on Thursday afternoon for a debate on a petition calling for the cancellation of the planned New England Renewable Energy Zone transmission line. Here’s what happened.
Local councils not consulted in Nationals plan to kill New England REZ
In a bizarre backflip, the Coalition has announced that if re-elected next March they would effectively abandon the New England REZ – and they didn’t consult councils before coming up with the destructive policy.
NSW budget offers rego relief, hospital investment, and drought support
The NSW Budget cuts $100 off rego, commits nearly $3 billion to regional hospitals, funds drought support for farmers, and puts $1,000 in the pockets of public servants. Here’s what it means for the New England.
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
Pilliga at centre of decade-long push to save Australia’s vanishing mammals
Bilbies, numbats and bandicoots are breeding again in NSW after more than a century of local extinction — and the Pilliga is one of the sites making it happen.
Sundown Solar Farm public meeting cancelled due to low interest
Sundown Solar Farm has another green light, with a planned public consultation meeting cancelled after only one person registered to speak against the proposal.
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
Mountview Pharmacy fills the prescription for best pharmacy
Whether it’s taking the time to explain a new medication, answering questions without rushing, or simply greeting customers with a smile, voters say it’s the genuine care shown by the team that makes Mountview Pharmacy the Best in the New England.
INDIGENOUS
Council appoints two members to Aboriginal Consultative Committee
Preston Connors and Yoorana Delaney have been appointed as community representatives on Inverell Shire Council’s Aboriginal Consultative Committee for a two-year term.
SPORT
Four TAS players earn NSW Schools selection for national championships
Four The Armidale School rugby players have earned NSW Schools selection, with Oscar Saunders securing a surprise place in NSW I.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: the mall debate again
Re: Cars in the mall and no more bowling club: Armidale’s city centre plan revealed As an old Armidale boy I recall the debate about closing the mall. Armidale suffers from a fragmented shopping precinct. They all look dead. Another one would make it worse. We live near Inverell that has a thriving shopping centre. The post QW: the mall debate again appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Gunnedah woman’s debut poem earns place in national collection
A Gunnedah agronomist who spent decades helping farmers through the worst the land could throw at them has found an unexpected new outlet for those experiences, with her debut poem selected for a national anthology of writing by country women.
New shade coming to Lions Park playground
Lions Park’s playground is getting a shade structure at last, thanks to cooperation between Inverell Shire Council and the Inverell Lions Club.
