Chaffey says backpacker visa cuts leave tourism operators short-staffed
Motels, cafes, and tourist attractions across the north west could be short of staff this summer. The local MP says backpacker visa cuts are to blame, and industry figures put the cost at $1.65 billion.
Four charged after Armidale drug raids
Four people have been charged following an investigation into the alleged supply of drugs across the New England region.
Woman, 83, dies after being struck by car in Oxley Vale
An 83-year-old woman has died after being struck by a car on Manilla Road at Oxley Vale this morning. Police are investigating and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Changed overnight traffic conditions on Goonoo Goonoo Road
Motorists are being advised of changed traffic conditions on Goonoo Goonoo Road at South Tamworth next week as geotechnical investigations get underway.
Local News
Star Maker’s Jarrad Wrigley releases cheeky new single Wear The Hat
There’s an old cowboy rule about wearing the hat, and Star Maker’s Jarrad Wrigley has turned it into a cheeky party anthem ahead of his Tamworth EP launch.
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 care.
Landholders encouraged to report plague locust sightings
Landholders across NSW are being urged to report signs of Australian plague locusts as authorities monitor activity across the state.
Man killed in car and truck crash near Moree
A man in his 80s has died and a woman was taken to hospital after a car and truck collided near Moree, closing the Newell Highway well into the night.
What's On
LONG READ >
No bed, no way home: the aged care logjam reaching New England hospitals
WEEKEND LONG READ: Medically ready to leave, but nowhere to go. Older people are stranded in New England hospitals, while families are left footing the bill, and politicians squabble.
Events
Railway MarketsEnds: October 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: October 3, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: October 4, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: October 4, 2026
The Spring Food & Wine Festival, TenterfieldEnds: October 5, 2026
Annual Human Rights LectureEnds: October 15, 2026
Politics
Please explain: One Nation donations diverted to a liquor company
$56,000 of One Nation money. A shed on James Ashby’s private land. A distillery owned by Ashby and Pauline Hanson. Now the party is rushing to explain itself to members.
Glen Innes Severn Council sacks GM, takes control of PIO
Glen Innes Severn Council has sacked its general manager, and the Mayor says councillors will now hold the organisation to account. Here’s what else changed at a pivotal meeting.
Blessing family says Keith’s gun licence not revoked, as Joyce joins in misinformation
Politicians say Keith Blessing lost his gun licence. His family says that’s not true. Now Barnaby Joyce has joined in spreading the misinformation as part of election campaigning.
Gwydir Shire Mayor and Deputy returned
Gwydir Shire Council has confirmed its leadership team for the coming year, with Cr Tiffany Galvin re-elected as Mayor and Cr Sean Coleman re-elected as Deputy Mayor
Davis, Sparkes, survive Scott challenge in Glen Innes
David Scott put his name forward for both mayor and deputy mayor at Glen Innes Severn Council, and lost both, as Margot Davis and Carol Sparks retained the top jobs in for the next two years. Jen Philp takes over as deputy mayor in Uralla.
Business coaching to help New England farmers build resilience
New England farmers can access tailored business coaching to strengthen financial planning, manage risk and better prepare for drought.
Farm crops could fuel the nation: report
Australia imports 80 per cent of its diesel. A new report says the answer could be growing in paddocks right now, and farmers could be the big winners.
Energy and Environment
Seven-hour power outage planned for Uralla, Walcha and surrounds
Residents from Yarrowyk to Yarrowitch face a seven-hour power outage on Tuesday as Essential Energy carries out critical maintenance ahead of bushfire season.
Water watchdog pushes for Basin overhaul
Drought exposed deep failures in how the Murray-Darling Basin is run. Now the water watchdog says a review of the Water Act is the chance to fix them.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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!
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
Uralla’s The Alternate Root named New England North West Business of the Year
A Uralla favourite has swept the region’s top business awards, taking home four gongs including Business of the Year. See the full list of New England North West winners.
INDIGENOUS
Inverell’s Tahnee Capon turns hardship into hope through education
A Kamilaroi woman who spent a year couch surfing before living in a converted bus has been named a 2026 Adult Learners Week Ambassador, crediting study with turning her life around from homelessness to a career helping others in Inverell.
SPORT
Newcastle go from wooden spoon to NRL grand final
Newcastle have beaten Penrith 22-14 to book a spot in the NRL grand final against Sydney Roosters.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion | Keeping the Light on the Hill burning
Denise asks what is government actually for? It is a question worth asking at a time when politics increasingly seems to be about outrage, grievance, personalities and winning the daily argument on social media. The post Opinion | Keeping the Light on the Hill burning appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Liverpool Range firefighters honoured for 1,700 years of service
One joined in 1951, the other in 1956, and they are still turning out. Meet the Liverpool Range firefighters among 55 volunteers honoured for a combined 1,700 years of service.
Tamworth Regional Sports Awards nominations open
Nominations will open this week for the 2026 Tamworth Regional Sports Awards, recognising the region’s leading athletes, coaches, teams, volunteers and sporting organisations.
