Police out in force as double demerits begin for long weekend
Double demerits are in force and police are out in numbers — with the road toll already higher than last year.
International oboist Jane Downer to lead ‘Dance with Bach’ celebration in Armidale
UK-based oboist Jane Downer will lead a Baroque concert in Armidale for REMEMBER BACHfest’s 10th anniversary.
UNE prepares for largest Open Day in years
UNE will host its largest Open Day in years, with more than 1,300 prospective students expected on campus.
Youth Week partnerships to help young people ‘Dream. Dare. Do.’
Young people across Moree Plains Shire will lead Youth Week activities focused on building skills, confidence and connection.
Local News
NDIS overhaul to kick 160,000 people off, hit regions hardest
Up to 160,000 people could lose NDIS support under sweeping reforms — with regional communities expected to feel the impact most.
McLean Care home support to be taken over by Australian Unity
The first part of transitioning McLean Care services to new companies is complete, with Australian Unity being appointed to take over CHSP services.
Grant writing workshop for Inverell residents and local organisations
Inverell residents can sharpen their grant writing skills at a hands-on workshop aimed at boosting local funding success.
New England in focus as bushfire taskforce ramps up hazard reduction
A new state government taskforce is targeting high-risk areas as part of a broader push to accelerate hazard reduction and strengthen bushfire preparedness.
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
Disability cuts on table as treasurer eyes cost spiral
State officials will be briefed on the federal government’s plans to overhaul spending on the NDIS, expected to be announced within days.
Mystery deepens over promised gun buyback as states refuse to sign on
The national gun buyback promised after the Bondi Beach massacre is yet to get off the ground, with states refusing to sign on and no clear path forward.
Uralla votes in Ward A by-election today
Voters in Uralla Shire Council’s Ward A will head to the polls today Saturday, 18 April, with polling places open from 8am.
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.
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.
30 cents more on weekly shop to deliver $1m more for local farmers
Households will pay about 30 cents more a week for milk after Norco moved to increase what it pays local dairy farmers, delivering an estimated $1 million a month back into local communities.
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.
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
Narrabri Shire Libraries launches Community Story Circle program
Narrabri Shire Libraries will launch a four-week program uniting Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents through storytelling, cultural exchange and community connections.
SPORT
Clubs dominate as record crowds flock to TAS Rugby Carnival
Record numbers turned out for the TAS Rugby Carnival in Armidale, with clubs dominating across the divisions.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: Should we split Northern NSW into its own state? Yes.
RK Crosby says the issue of Statehood does tend to resurface whenever the gap between what our communities need and what they get becomes painful. Like now. The post Begin Rant: Should we split Northern NSW into its own state? Yes. appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Fire-Fly Fete returns to Tenterfield Aerodrome
The Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome Fire-Fly Fete will return on Saturday, 9 May, transforming the Tenterfield Aerodrome into a hub of aircraft displays, local markets and community celebration from 9 am to 3 pm.
Swim for free day in Moree
Moree’s iconic hot artesian pools are reopening, with a free community day this Thursday to celebrate.
