The one week that makes birding trendy
The 2025 Aussie Bird Count is just around the corner, with one week till Australians around the country begin counting!
Westpac reopens its doors in Moree with new regional service centre
Moree has celebrated the return of face-to-face banking services this week, with Westpac officially opening its brand new Regional Service Centre at 84 Balo Street on Monday. The opening marks a significant milestone for the community, coming more than two years after Westpac closed its Moree branch in February 2023. Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor,…
Rural mums forced to travel 500km for miscarriage care
Women in remote areas are 1.6 times more likely to suffer perinatal loss, prompting calls for national standards in care to overcome the tyranny of distance.
Still time to get involved in moving fundraiser for children’s cancer research
There’s still time to sign up for one of Armidale’s most heartfelt community events, with registrations open until midnight Friday for this weekend’s 19 for 19 Challenge
Local News
Three tonnes of clothing for free in Talking Threads community day
Tamworth locals will have the chance to pick up free clothing and enjoy a community barbecue when Talking Threads hosts its second Community Day of the year later this month.
Inverell hosts Regional Pathways to Possibility Networking Day
On Tuesday, 28 October 2025, the Inverell Club will host Regional Pathways to Possibility, a networking and showcase event aimed at strengthening connections across the local disability sector.
Walking football fundraiser kicks Goals for local charity
A recent walking football charity event held in Inverell as part of the Mini World Cup has proven a winner both on and off the field
SBM25: Passion for Goodness
Today for Small Business Month we have a legal firm that is dedicated to supporting with compassion, a specialist in using exercise to take control of your health, and the yummiest, locally made wholesome treat.
Back to the Bush auto festival next weekend bigger than ever
Barraba is gearing up for one of its biggest weekends of the year, with the Back to the Bush Auto Festival returning on Saturday 18 October and it’s expected to be bigger than ever.

What's On
SBM25: Homegrown Harmony
Today for Small Business Month we have locally grown and made berry goodness, a unique store that perfectly blends fashion, homewares and coffee, and a proper chimneysweep to keep the home fires burning.
Events
- Tamworth Historical Society Monthly Meeting: October – Aussie Soldier: Prisoners of WarEnds: October 15, 2025
- Pally Bush MarketsEnds: October 19, 2025
- New England Times Small Business MixerEnds: October 23, 2025
- Nemingha Community Garden Open DayEnds: October 25, 2025
- Annual Fete, Floral Display and Quilting Exhibit-Anglican Church, Glen InnesEnds: October 25, 2025
Politics
Promises, promises: Koala park announced but opinions divided
After more than a decade of election promises, the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) has finally been announced by the NSW Government, but the arguments over culture, conservation and cost continue.
Respected farming leader Michael Tooth leaves groundbreaking legacy
One of the founding fathers of NSW Farmers, Michael Tooth of Armidale, has passed away.
Drive safe this harvest season
NSW Farmers is urging motorists to take care around agricultural vehicles as the state prepares for this year’s grain and hay harvest.
Energy and Environment
Age supervision key element for safe summer season
New supervision requirements will kick in for children under 15 at the start of the summer season at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex.
Work to do: net-zero jobs yet to resonate in classroom
Australia is heading towards labour shortages in the clean energy transition and industry have been urged to step up to inspire the next generation of workers.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Your Tutor Armidale: Restoring confidence and inspiring a love of learning
Determined to bridge the gap between city and regional education, Your Tutor Armidale is dedicated to helping students of all ages rediscover their confidence and love of learning.
North Hill Veterinary Clinic opens doors to state-of-the-art Bundarra Road facility
North Hill Veterinary Clinic have opened the doors to their brand-new, purpose-built facility on Bundarra Road, bring the best and latest in vet care to Armidale.
BUSINESS
SBM25: Playfully creative
Today for Small Business Month we have unique, locally created jewellery and gifts, flawless tanning that comes to you, and the best games and hobbies store where the biggest of kids lose themselves in play.
INDIGENOUS
Red Chief Warriors name inaugural squad as Tamworth readies for KKO25
The Red Chief Warriors are charging into history this weekend, unveiling their first-ever 25-man squad as they prepare to take on the state’s best at the 2025 Koori Knockout in Tamworth.
SPORT
Full throttle fun at Walcha Motorcycle Rally
The Walcha Motorcycle Rally is set to roar back into town this November, bringing together riders, spectators, and the local community for a revved up weekend.

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On engage now
- When wheat prices soar, so do house prices in the grain belt
House prices in Australia’s wheat belt have surged 85% over the past decade, outpacing wheat’s 26% rise. This analysis of 11 key regions shows how weather booms, La Niña cycles, and shifting interest rates drive periods of perfect synchrony – and sudden disconnection – between crops and country property. The post When wheat prices soar, so do house prices in the grain belt appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Local PCYC clubs take local approach to helping kids be fit for life
A program helping to change young lives is being tailored to the local community for great results across the New England.
Community and sports small grants program offers financial boost
Gunnedah Shire Council has launched its Community and Sports Small Grants Program, and eligible groups are invited to apply.