New England venues bring Sydney Writers’ Festival to the region
Readers across the New England will again have front-row access to one of the country’s biggest literary events, as the 2026 Sydney Writers’ Festival comes to town.
Another high visibility operation in Tamworth
Police have charged eight people following a three-day high-visibility operation targeting crime around Tamworth and Gunnedah.
Thread Shed Armidale to open, building skills and community connections
A new community initiative aimed at tackling textile waste and strengthening local connections will officially open in Armidale this week.
Quirindi gears up for community Heritage Festival
Quirindi will come alive with tractors, trains and community spirit when the annual Heritage Festival returns to the Rural Heritage Village on May 2–3.
Local News
Glen Innes Severn Council welcomes illicit tobacco crackdown
Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Margot Davis has welcomed a recent multi-agency operation targeting illegal products in the local community, following raids on stores in Armidale and Glen Innes.
‘Worth his weight in gold’: Boy from Bendemeer keeps shining in IPL
Josh Hazlewood has been hailed for yet another matchwinning display, as he helped bowl champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru back to the top of the IPL.
Aged-care residents shine at Armidale Show art exhibition
RFBI Armidale residents have taken out multiple awards at this year’s Armidale Show. Check it out here.
New England communities to gather for ANZAC Day commemorations
Communities across the New England and North West will come together on Saturday, April 25 to mark ANZAC Day, with dawn services, marches and commemorations planned across all 12 local government areas.
Events
Tenterfield Shire ANZAC DAY Services 2026Ends: April 25, 2026
Festival of Small Halls, NundleEnds: April 26, 2026
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 1, 2026
Great Southern Nights – Boggabilla: JK-47, Roger Knox, KobiDunksEnds: May 1, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: May 2, 2026
Politics
Coalition migration policy widely condemned as bad for regional Australia
The Coalition’s hardline migration policy is drawing fierce criticism, with warnings it ignores the proven success of regional settlement and risks hurting our communities that rely on it.
Joyce backs Hanson as repeat hiring of convicted rapist sparks backlash
Barnaby Joyce has backed Pauline Hanson’s defence of a convicted rapist repeatedly hired by One Nation, arguing people should be allowed to rebuild their lives.
Economic inequality is straining Australian democracy
MPs need to represent the people better and foster a greater sense of inclusion to safeguard democracy, which is under strain, the Grattan Institute says.
Regional councils and workers hit hardest as fuel crisis continues
Regional councils and their workers are bearing the brunt of rising fuel costs, as new figures highlight the growing strain on local government services and staff across New South Wales.
Meet the Uralla Shire Council By-Election candidates
Some Uralla residents will again be queing up at the Memorial Hall next week to cast a ballot – this time for the Uralla Shire Council Ward A by-election triggered by the passing of Lone Petrov. There are 8 candidates.
Mark Strahle elected as Narrabri Shire Councillor
Mark Strahle has been elected as Narrabri Shire Council’s newest councillor following the 2026 Narrabri Shire Council Countback Election held last week.
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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On-again, off-again Hormuz blockade leaves locals jittery and fuel prices volatile
Fuel prices are dropping, but it will take at least a week for global oil price drops to flow through to the bowser… if the Strait of Hormuz stays open.
From paddock to petrol: canola could help fuel Australia’s future
The New England’s rolling fields of bright yellow canola have long drawn tourists each spring, but the crop could soon attract attention for a different reason — helping address Australia’s fuel challenges.
ABC breached code over Four Corners ‘Water Grab’ episode
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found the Four Corners episode “Water Grab” breached accuracy and impartiality provisions in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Code of Practice, following a complaint by Cotton Australia.
Energy and Environment
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 locals you can trust.
Falling dam levels signal dry conditions ahead
Armidale Regional Council is urging residents to cut water use as falling dam levels and a drying climate outlook raise the risk of tighter restrictions.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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.
All-electric X Terra delivers a smarter way to explore
Stop worrying about the diesel price: spend more time off-grid without sacrificing comfort, the X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra combines rugged touring capability with an all-electric fit-out designed to simplify…
BUSINESS
Wage increase delivered for midwives, nurses
Thousands of nurses and midwives have won a landmark pay rise for the first time in more than two decades after an industrial umpire ruled in their favour.
INDIGENOUS
New toolkit to help New England councils strengthen Closing the Gap partnerships
Tamworth’s landmark Aboriginal partnership is being highlighted as NSW launches a new Closing the Gap toolkit for local councils.
SPORT
Tamworth ready to host NSW’s rising sporting stars this weekend
Tamworth will host about 1,000 of New South Wales’ top emerging athletes this weekend for the 2026 Regional Academy Games.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: There’s a hole in our bucket
Annabel writes we are all fossil fuel junkies, currently living a perfect demonstration of collective addiction. The post Opinion: There’s a hole in our bucket appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Local woman smashes military glass ceiling
Kyogle born and former 12/16 Hunter River Lancers reservist Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be the first ever female Chief of Army.
SpacePort Australia founder among nominees for national space awards
Moree’s Dr Gabrielle Caswell has been nominated across multiple categories in this year’s Australian Space Awards.
