New offences for dangerous drivers
Film a crash victim and share it online, and you could face jail. New NSW laws also target dangerous driving, hit-and-runs and street racing. Here is what the legislation seeks to introduce.
Big weekend of festival action across the New England
Street art in Armidale, world food in Tamworth, and rural women gathering in Narrabri. Saturday, 17 October is shaping up as the biggest festival day of the season. Here is where to be.
Teen charged over violent Armidale home invasion
An 18-year-old man has been refused bail after allegedly taking part in a violent home invasion in Armidale that left a woman in her 40s with head and arm injuries.
Gunnedah students make their voices heard in Federal Parliament
Two young Gunnedah students have taken their voices to Federal Parliament, highlighting housing concerns and the importance of regional health services.
Local News
Packsaddle 2026 offers art for every budget at NERAM
Artworks priced from $99 to $12,000 will go on show at the 2026 Packsaddle Exhibition at NERAM in Armidale, with all money raised going directly to the gallery.
SBM26: Local shopping, keeping you moving and thoughtful design
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses bringing practical solutions and personal service to the region: a country boutique making shopping and special occasions easier, a family-run automotive and towing group keeping motorists moving, and an architect creating considered spaces tailored to the people who use them.
Investors head to Tamworth and Goondiwindi to meet rural business owners
Investors will travel to Tamworth and Goondiwindi this November to sit down with rural business owners, as the Invest Rural roadshow brings capital and conversation to country towns.
Ballina woman sole winner of $100m powerball
A Ballina woman spent the day spotting signs from a late loved one. By night, she had won $100 million. Hear the moment her family found out.
What's On
LONG READ >
The High Court coal win that may close the door it opened
WEEKEND LONG READ: Much has been said about a High Court judgement this week relating to what climate impacts should be included in planning decisions. The backlash and election timing could shut Scope 3 emissions out of planning permanently and give workers and communities the confidence they desperately seek.
Events
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: October 18, 2026
The New England Community ShowcaseEnds: October 21, 2026
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Fete, Floral & Craft DisplayEnds: October 31, 2026
Spooky Halloween SkateEnds: October 31, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 1, 2026
- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Politics
It’s out: the 889 page New England REZ transmission line EIS
The New England transmission line EIS is 889 pages long. You don’t have to read it all – here’s where to find the maps, summaries, and sessions throughout the region before submissions close on Thursday, 12 November.
The High Court coal win that may close the door it opened
WEEKEND LONG READ: Much has been said about a High Court judgement this week relating to what climate impacts should be included in planning decisions. The backlash and election timing could shut Scope 3 emissions out of planning permanently and give workers and communities the confidence they desperately seek.
Gunnedah petition calls for 24-hour police station
Gunnedah is petitioning for a 24-hour police station, but a council voice says the town already has 24-hour policing. Is a staffed station the best use of police?
Chaffey backs migration cut as refugee group warns of cost
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey says the Coalition’s migration cuts would take pressure off local housing, roads, and schools. Refugee group SSI says halving the humanitarian intake would shut out thousands in need.
Tamworth’s Jeff Bacon joins One Nation upper house ticket
Shooters, then Nationals, now One Nation. Third time lucky, Tamworth gun maker Jeff Bacon has landed second on an upper house ticket promising to repeal NSW’s new firearm laws.
Beef company faces court over Niangala wetland channels
A prime beef company faces fines of more than $2 million per charge over 6km of channels allegedly dug through a Niangala district wetland. Its first court date is Friday, 30 October.
One in three young women low in iron
One in three young Australian women are low in iron. For Iron Awareness Week, MLA is taking its message into GP waiting rooms, social media feeds, and overseas markets.
Energy and Environment
Recycling baskets coming to Uralla’s Bridge Street and Alma Park
Twenty new bin baskets are heading to Uralla’s Bridge Street and Alma Park to catch 10-cent drink containers before they hit landfill. Installation starts next month.
Uralla water upgrades aim to protect supply and reduce waste for residents
Uralla residents are set to benefit from improved water security and fewer losses following upgrades to the town’s network.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Primary Health Network continues to support and invest in the Glen Innes community
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to Glen Innes through continued investment in local healthcare services, community programs and innovative models of…
Have your say on the future name of Killean
New owners of McLean Care want your help in naming the main home, and have put up $5000 to make it worth your while to have your say. Vote now!
BUSINESS
SBM26: Caring support, country kids and bush escapes
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three New England businesses making a difference in their own way: a counselling practice helping young people and families find the support they need, a children’s clothing brand inspired by country life, and a bush camping destination offering granite landscapes, wide-open spaces and a taste of country hospitality.
INDIGENOUS
Black Gully Festival to honour Uncle Cyril Green’s life in music
Armidale musician and Dunghutti elder Uncle Cyril Green will be honoured at this year’s Black Gully Festival on Saturday, 7 November. The tribute will reflect on a lifetime in music that began on a guitar in Walcha.
SPORT
Manilla brothers Mick and Tom Knight to take on world’s best at Warwick rodeo
Manilla bronc-riding brothers Mick and Tom Knight will represent Australia against some of the world’s best riders at the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft later this month.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: When Albo lets slip he doesn’t care about the regions
Bob Katter asked the Prime Minister for a report. Anthony Albanese gave him a comedy routine. RK writes that regional people deserve better than a PM who doesn't get it, and doesn't care. The post Begin Rant: When Albo lets slip he doesn’t care about the regions appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Good luck, HSC class of 2026
Year 12 students across the New England start their Higher School Certificate exams tomorrow, Tuesday, 13 October. Schools across the region have taken to social media, wishing them well.
SBM26: Trusted excellence
Today we’re celebrating three local businesses that are trusted as the best in their field – medical equipment, hydraulics and diesel mechanic, and a graphic designer so good we use her ourselves.
