NDIS overhaul to kick 160,000 people off, hit regions hardest
Up to 160,000 people could lose NDIS support under sweeping reforms — with regional communities expected to feel the impact most.
McLean Care home support to be taken over by Australian Unity
The first part of transitioning McLean Care services to new companies is complete, with Australian Unity being appointed to take over CHSP services.
Grant writing workshop for Inverell residents and local organisations
Inverell residents can sharpen their grant writing skills at a hands-on workshop aimed at boosting local funding success.
New England in focus as bushfire taskforce ramps up hazard reduction
A new state government taskforce is targeting high-risk areas as part of a broader push to accelerate hazard reduction and strengthen bushfire preparedness.
Local News
Moree on a Plate returns to showcase region’s rich food culture
The rich black soil plains of Moree will once again take centre stage next month, with the return of the much-loved Moree on a Plate Food and Wine Festival on Saturday, May 9.
Drunk driver charged for crash near Tamworth
A woman has been charged after allegedly driving with a high-range blood alcohol level almost five times the legal limit before a crash that left a man seriously injured near Tamworth.
Calling all book lovers: Armidale Rotary Book Fair returns with thousands of bargains
Armidale’s annual Rotary Book Fair returns in May, offering thousands of discounted books and raising funds for local charities and community groups.
Inverell man charged after alleged firearm threats
An Inverell man has been charged after allegedly threatening two residents with a firearm and later being arrested by police.
Events
Tenterfield Shire ANZAC DAY Services 2026Ends: April 25, 2026
Festival of Small Halls, NundleEnds: April 26, 2026
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 1, 2026
Great Southern Nights – Boggabilla: JK-47, Roger Knox, KobiDunksEnds: May 1, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: May 2, 2026
Politics
Disability cuts on table as treasurer eyes cost spiral
State officials will be briefed on the federal government’s plans to overhaul spending on the NDIS, expected to be announced within days.
Mystery deepens over promised gun buyback as states refuse to sign on
The national gun buyback promised after the Bondi Beach massacre is yet to get off the ground, with states refusing to sign on and no clear path forward.
Uralla votes in Ward A by-election today
Voters in Uralla Shire Council’s Ward A will head to the polls today Saturday, 18 April, with polling places open from 8am.
Coalition migration policy widely condemned as bad for regional Australia
The Coalition’s hardline migration policy is drawing fierce criticism, with warnings it ignores the proven success of regional settlement and risks hurting our communities that rely on it.
Joyce backs Hanson as repeat hiring of convicted rapist sparks backlash
Barnaby Joyce has backed Pauline Hanson’s defence of a convicted rapist repeatedly hired by One Nation, arguing people should be allowed to rebuild their lives.
Economic inequality is straining Australian democracy
MPs need to represent the people better and foster a greater sense of inclusion to safeguard democracy, which is under strain, the Grattan Institute says.
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
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On-again, off-again Hormuz blockade leaves locals jittery and fuel prices volatile
Fuel prices are dropping, but it will take at least a week for global oil price drops to flow through to the bowser… if the Strait of Hormuz stays open.
From paddock to petrol: canola could help fuel Australia’s future
The New England’s rolling fields of bright yellow canola have long drawn tourists each spring, but the crop could soon attract attention for a different reason — helping address Australia’s fuel challenges.
ABC breached code over Four Corners ‘Water Grab’ episode
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found the Four Corners episode “Water Grab” breached accuracy and impartiality provisions in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Code of Practice, following a complaint by Cotton Australia.
Energy and Environment
Taking control of power bills with smarter solar and battery solutions
Whether you’re considering an EV or just want to get the power bills down, the best solar solution for you is a tailored system built around how you use energy, installed by locals you can trust.
Falling dam levels signal dry conditions ahead
Armidale Regional Council is urging residents to cut water use as falling dam levels and a drying climate outlook raise the risk of tighter restrictions.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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.
All-electric X Terra delivers a smarter way to explore
Stop worrying about the diesel price: spend more time off-grid without sacrificing comfort, the X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra combines rugged touring capability with an all-electric fit-out designed to simplify…
BUSINESS
Wage increase delivered for midwives, nurses
Thousands of nurses and midwives have won a landmark pay rise for the first time in more than two decades after an industrial umpire ruled in their favour.
INDIGENOUS
Narrabri Shire Libraries launches Community Story Circle program
Narrabri Shire Libraries will launch a four-week program uniting Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents through storytelling, cultural exchange and community connections.
SPORT
‘Worth his weight in gold’: Boy from Bendemeer keeps shining in IPL
Josh Hazlewood has been hailed for yet another matchwinning display, as he helped bowl champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru back to the top of the IPL.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: Correcting the deliberate lie
Jack says he is saddened by the Chanukah Massacre, but blaming then current immigration policy is a totally unacceptable lie. The post QW: Correcting the deliberate lie appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Local woman smashes military glass ceiling
Kyogle born and former 12/16 Hunter River Lancers reservist Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be the first ever female Chief of Army.
SpacePort Australia founder among nominees for national space awards
Moree’s Dr Gabrielle Caswell has been nominated across multiple categories in this year’s Australian Space Awards.
