New England North West leaders to gather for major housing forum
Government, business and community leaders will gather in Tamworth for Future Build Forum 2026 addressing housing shortages.
Council to vote on Ray Walsh House sale as residents call for caution
Council will vote Tuesday on selling Ray Walsh House. But a residents group says the process isn’t finished — and once the decision is made, it’s very hard to undo.
Sundown Solar Farm public meeting cancelled due to low interest
Sundown Solar Farm has another green light, with a planned public consultation meeting cancelled after only one person registered to speak against the proposal.
Free first aid course in Manilla this Saturday
Free CPR and first aid qualifications, this Saturday in Manilla. Spots are strictly limited — register now before they’re gone.
Local News
Labor-Greens deal criticised over proposed changes to self-managed super funds
Federal MP Alison Penfold says Labor’s reported deal with the Greens on superannuation would limit retirement investment choice.
Community petition seeks warmer pool
Gunnedah Shire Council has noted a community petition calling for the temperature of the indoor pool at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex to be increased.
Packed gallery hears 22,000-signature New England transmission petition debate
Hundreds of people packed the public gallery of NSW Parliament on Thursday afternoon for a debate on a petition calling for the cancellation of the planned New England Renewable Energy Zone transmission line. Here’s what happened.
Local councils unite to push for fairer federal funding
Glen Innes Severn Council has joined councils across Australia in calling for Financial Assistance Grants to be restored to 1 per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.
What's On
It’s time to have your say: Best in the New England voting opens soon
The countdown is on – New England region’s most hotly contested community vote is back, and this year’s Best in the New England (BITNE) is shaping up to be the fiercest yet.
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: July 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: July 4, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: July 5, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: July 10, 2026
Stained Glass Weekend WorkshopEnds: July 12, 2026
Politics
Local councils not consulted in Nationals plan to kill New England REZ
In a bizarre backflip, the Coalition has announced that if re-elected next March they would effectively abandon the New England REZ – and they didn’t consult councils before coming up with the destructive policy.
NSW budget offers rego relief, hospital investment, and drought support
The NSW Budget cuts $100 off rego, commits nearly $3 billion to regional hospitals, funds drought support for farmers, and puts $1,000 in the pockets of public servants. Here’s what it means for the New England.
Airport funding grants open as report warns regional aviation at a crossroads
Half of NSW’s regional airports are running at a loss. The latest funding round has opened — and the Member for Parkes is urging councils to get their applications in before 28 July.
Decade-long push pays off as former Quirindi TAFE site goes to market
Empty for almost a decade, the old Quirindi TAFE site is finally going to market, and the Deputy Mayor reckons it could be the perfect spot for a retirement village.
CGT shake-up brings relief, but succession remains the real test for farmers
A major tax backdown has lifted the CGT threshold to $10 million, but farm groups say the real test is still to come: can families actually pass the farm on?
Paraquat stays but with major new restrictions as regulator delivers verdict
Australia’s pesticide regulator has handed down a major decision on paraquat and diquat— it stays, but with tight new restrictions.
NSW unveils roadmap to grow $100 million hemp industry
NSW has unveiled a roadmap to grow its hemp industry into a $100 million sector, with new support for farmers, manufacturers and regional investment.
Energy and Environment
Fuel excise extended but lower relief to come
Australians will get an extended discount on fuel but the savings will amount to less, as a tentative truce allows ships to move through the Strait of Hormuz.
Uncertainty for wildlife as killer bird flu detected
Australian wildlife is facing a new and uncertain chapter after a dangerous strain of bird flu was confirmed on the mainland.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
From open homes to open hearts: Professionals Armidale’s community BBQ making a difference
A real estate agency might not be the first place you’d expect to find a community fundraising program, but Professionals Armidale is quietly becoming as well known for its local giving as…
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
Armidale’s oldest pub reclaims its original name
More than two years after the Wicklow Hotel hit the market, the New England region’s oldest licensed pub is undergoing a significant transformation, with new owners Feros Group set to reopen it under its original name before the end of the year.
INDIGENOUS
Council appoints two members to Aboriginal Consultative Committee
Preston Connors and Yoorana Delaney have been appointed as community representatives on Inverell Shire Council’s Aboriginal Consultative Committee for a two-year term.
SPORT
Henderson earns Australian selection for US Rowing challenge
The Armidale School rower Isabella Henderson will represent Australia at the inaugural US Rowing International Rowing Challenge.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: About time
Re: Denise’s Desk: The Reform Everyone Wanted — Until They Got It An excellent analysis of the Dr Jim Chalmers reforms to residential real estate investment conditions, that were too long overdue and disadvantaged first home buyers. The slowing of auction clearances and prices slowly going down plus vendors meeting 10% price discounts for sales The post QW: About time appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Walcha Coffee adds seven more medals to growing awards record
Walcha Coffee has added another seven medals to its growing awards record after competing at Golden Bean Australasia 2026, one of the coffee industry’s largest competitions.
Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship names New England finalists for 2026 program
Wallabadah designer Robbie Hartigan and West Tamworth musician Aimee Hannan are among finalists in the 2026 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship.
