Mungindi father, 58, starts over as apprentice plumber
At 58, Francois Henning is back on the tools, retraining through TAFE NSW and stepping into a new plumbing apprenticeship in Moree.
What’s on across the New England to celebrate Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is next Sunday – and there’s community events, live music, local food, garden experiences and fundraising walks to celebrate the occasion.
Wrap your laughing gear around the Comedy Festival
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow returns to Moree on 6 May at the newly reopened Memorial Hall.
Draft transport blueprint for New England draws early debate
A draft of the 20-year transport plan is out, but debate is already raging over rail, roads and regional priorities.
Local News
Major plans to expand aged care home in Uralla
Uralla Shire Council plans McMaugh Gardens expansion, lifting care capacity from 36 to 50 beds.
Gas tax no, new gas fields yes, Narrabri Gas Project don’t know
In the context of a global crisis on liquid fuel supply including gas, the lack of a final green light for the project leaves a Narrabri sized hole in the national gas debate.
Public consultation to commence on rail trail framework
Armidale Regional Council will open public consultation next week on plans to convert a disused rail corridor into a 67km recreational trail, as preliminary studies get underway.
New England drought tightens as Narrabri eases watering hours and Tenterfield imposes restrictions
Water restrictions are tightening across the New England, with Narrabri easing watering hours under Level 3 rules while Tenterfield introduces new limits as dam levels fall.
Events
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: May 3, 2026
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 8, 2026
Regional Roadshow – Building prosperity through circularityEnds: May 8, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 15, 2026
- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: May 17, 2026
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Politics
Coalition pledges to double fuel reserves with $800m storage plan
The Coalition wants to double Australia’s fuel reserves and build new storage, arguing the current crisis has exposed major gaps.
Council considers sale of Sporties carpark land in Inverell
Inverell Shire Council is considering selling land used as the Sporties carpark in Inverell, but the proposal is still in early stages.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
30 cents more on weekly shop to deliver $1m more for local farmers
Households will pay about 30 cents more a week for milk after Norco moved to increase what it pays local dairy farmers, delivering an estimated $1 million a month back into local communities.
Energy and Environment
Armidale activates Level 2 water restrictions amid escalating dry conditions
Armidale will impose Level 2 water restrictions from today as dam levels fall and dry conditions persist, with residents urged to curb outdoor water use to protect supplies.
Glen Innes enters Level 3 water restrictions as demand stays high
Glen Innes has been placed under Level 3 water restrictions as falling levels at the Beardy Weir and persistently high demand tighten pressure on the town’s supply.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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…
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.
BUSINESS
Climate concern rising in regional Australia, poll finds
Climate concern is rising in regional Australia, with most residents backing renewables and blaming energy companies for high power bills.
INDIGENOUS
Gamilaraay journalist honoured at inaugural Luminas awards
A leading First Nations journalist with deep ties to northwest New South Wales has been recognised on the national stage, with Lorena Allam named a 2026 Luminas honouree.
SPORT
Master craftsman Bendemeer’s Hazlewood puts on an IPL clinic
Australian pace maestro Josh Hazlewood has delivered his most supreme performance of the IPL season, his four wickets spearheading another RCB win.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: Coalition fuel reserves plan
This is a better plan than the previous Coalition proposal of overseas storage. However, will the proposed storage be located near current coastal metropolitan sites, or fresh infrastructure strategically placed near major inland agricultural centres? Consider the advantages of ten (10) major storage sites of say 100 million litres (100,000,000 L) located outside towns along The post QW: Coalition fuel reserves plan appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Call for nominations for 2026 Healing Heart Award
Public nominations are now open for the 2026 Healing Heart Award, recognising outstanding nurses and midwives across Northern NSW for compassionate, high-quality care.
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.
