Nationals launch fuel tracker as diesel standards lowered to boost supply
The Nationals have launched a new online tool to track fuel shortages across regional Australia, as governments move to ease diesel standards in a bid to boost supply during the deepening fuel crisis.
Push to cut rego costs for rural drivers introduced to Parliament
A proposal to cut vehicle registration costs for country drivers has been introduced to NSW Parliament, with Barwon MP Roy Butler arguing the current system unfairly penalises people living in rural areas.
Locally made gifts of love
Looking for a locally made gift? Whether it’s flowers and cakes from Glen Innes, or handmade toys from Moree, you can get what you need Made in New England.
Off-duty officer injured in Moree robbery interception
An off-duty police officer is being praised after intervening in an alleged robbery at a Moree grocery store, despite being injured in the process.
Local News
Mayor warns Narrabri risks being “ripped off” again without accurate Census count
Concerns that Narrabri Shire was undercounted in the last Census have prompted a renewed push from Mayor Darrell Tiemens to ensure every resident is counted in 2026.
A very Uralla thing to say… and a little bit of wonder
Andrew Parker Ceramics is doing something new for this year’s Seasons of New England Festival – and it’s very Uralla.
New England students take the stage at Pulse Alive in Sydney
New England students are among thousands performing at Pulse Alive in Sydney this week, showcasing their talents on a major stage.
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.
What's On
Locally made gifts of love
Looking for a locally made gift? Whether it’s flowers and cakes from Glen Innes, or handmade toys from Moree, you can get what you need Made in New England.
Do you make something here in the New England? We want to tell your story! Click here to find out more and submit your business to Made in the New England today.
Events
Fundraising Concert: New England Bach FestivalEnds: March 28, 2026
A Recital of Solo Piano WorksEnds: March 29, 2026
Warbirds Over SconeEnds: March 29, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: March 29, 2026
Inverell Motorcycle Restorers Club 31st Annual Rally & DisplayEnds: March 30, 2026
Politics
Business cheers as landmark EU trade deal signed, but farmers sold short
Australian businesses are celebrating a long-awaited free trade deal with the EU, but farmers warn the agreement delivers little for agriculture and could hurt the sector for decades.
Illegal e-bikes to be seized and crushed under new NSW laws
New laws allowing police to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes will be introduced to Parliament today, as the NSW Government moves to crack down on dangerous riding behaviour across the state.
Transwest unable to get fuel again as governments fail to effectively deal with crisis
Local independent fuel distributor Transwest Fuels says it is once again unable to secure diesel or petrol supply, warning the situation is now forcing closures and leaving entire communities exposed as governments struggle to translate policy into practical outcomes. The company has confirmed it has been forced to close its Mungindi and Manilla service stations…
Anger as speed limits slashed on key Liverpool Plains roads without consultation
Anger has erupted across the Liverpool Plains after speed limits on two key roads were abruptly reduced, with locals, council and the state MP Kevin Anderson all calling for an urgent review.
ACCC launches probe into fuel giants as shortages deepen across regions
Action is finally being taken to deal with the fuel crisis, with the competition watchdog launching an enforcement investigation into major suppliers role in supply disruptions and alleged anti-competitive conduct impacting regional communities.
Digital birth certificates rolled out for young people in NSW
Young people across NSW can now carry their birth certificate on their phone, with the state government launching a new Digital Birth Certificate in an Australian first.
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
Suggest a story – What are you worried about? What questions do you need answered? Tell us now so we can get the information you need.
If you run a business that offers a product or service people will be looking for in this uncertain time, we want to help you reach the community. Find out more
And if you just want to support us to keep reporting on these challenging issues, you can make a donation here.
Fuel theft and aggression spikes at petrol stations
Service station operators are reporting a rise in fuel theft and customer anger as the cost of fuel continues to climb.
READ MORE FUEL CRUNCH STORIES >
Pumps and gearboxes made for local conditions
From the heart of cotton country, Proton Engineering Pty Ltd is proudly part of the Made in New England story, manufacturing pumps, gearboxes and custom engineering solutions built for real-world conditions.
Early-bird tickets open for Pastures conference in Tamworth
Early-bird registrations have opened for the Pastures & Grazing NSW Conference in Tamworth from July 28–30.
Energy and Environment
Glen Innes moves to Level 2 water restrictions
Glen Innes residents are now under Level 2 water restrictions after falling levels at Beardy Weir triggered the next stage of council’s drought response.
Aussie firm to roll out AI-in-a-box in regional areas
A network of portable data centres could be installed throughout Australia’s regions as part of a plan to power artificial intelligence with renewable energy.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Restoring the past, reimagining the future at Jolly Good Emporium
Behind the doors of 168–170 Beardy Street, a 150-year-old building is being lovingly restored and reimagined, not simply as an antiques store, but as a heritage-inspired space where history, craftsmanship and community…
“People deserve health”: local gastroenterologist looks at the bigger picture
For local gastroenterologist Dr Pran Yoganathan, better health is at the intersection of clinical science, lived experience, and a deep curiosity about the systems shaping modern health.
BUSINESS
Wild Mob Australia creating real gear for real Australians
Wild Mob Australia is creating tough, Australian-designed apparel and printing it locally in New England for people who live and work in the real world.
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
Armidale cricketers pad up for Douglas Shield grand final
The Armidale School is through to its first Douglas Shield grand final in more than two decades after defeating defending premiers Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Chaffey’s Corner: There’s one thing everyone is talking about.
Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey says There is one thing everyone is talking about across all of Australia, and that is the access and cost of fuel. The post Chaffey’s Corner: There’s one thing everyone is talking about. appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Aquatic centre project moves closer to construction in Tamworth
Tamworth’s long-awaited aquatic centre is edging closer to construction, with council moving into the final stages of planning and design as the swimming season comes to a close.
Families to benefit from Council partnership with Centacare
Glen Innes Severn Council has partnered with Centacare New England North West to continue delivering weekly playgroup services for local families, ensuring ongoing access to early childhood support through a strong, community-focused partnership.
