Beyond the stones: big plans to grow Celtic Festival’s reach
The Australian Celtic Festival could soon spill out of the Standing Stones and into the streets of Glen Innes, under an ambitious five year plan now open for community feedback. Glen Innes Severn Council endorsed the Draft Australian Celtic Festival Strategic Plan 2026 to 2030 for public exhibition at its Ordinary Meeting on 26 August,…
Kootingal Country Fair set to draw thousands for Father’s Day
Thousands of families are expected to descend on Kootingal this weekend as the Kootingal Country Fair returns for its Father’s Day celebration on Sunday, 6 September, from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Gunnedah streamlines small grants program
Gunnedah Shire Council has merged three separate grant schemes into one streamlined program, with funding of up to $5,000 on offer for local community groups and charities.
Tamworth Pride cancels Fair Day after funding falls short
Tamworth Pride has scrapped its Fair Day and After Party after funding fell through, joining a growing list of regional pride events forced to cancel this year.
Local News
Bush Fire Danger Period starts across the region
Seven New England North West council areas start their Bush Fire Danger Period today. Here’s what it means for permits, and how to get your property ready.
Hazard reduction burn in Guy Fawkes River National Park
A 2,000 hectare hazard reduction burn is planned for Guy Fawkes River National Park this week. Here’s what locals need to know about closures and smoke.
Free workshop to boost grant writing skills
Got a great community project but no idea how to fund it? Armidale Regional Council’s free grant writing workshop on 8 October wants to change that.
Buy a badge this Legacy Week
Inverell Legacy needs volunteers, donors and badge-buyers this week, as the charity marks its biggest eligibility shake-up in 100 years.
What's On
LONG READ >
Three strikes and still not out: the weak council rules unable to deal with populist politicians
They run the same playbook as Pauline Hanson and Donald Trump: turn every sanction into persecution. Inside the NSW rules that still can’t make badly behaved councillors stop.
Events
The Rusty PickupsEnds: September 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: September 5, 2026
Spring Garden ExpoEnds: September 5, 2026
Make Your Own Macrame Hat HangerEnds: September 5, 2026
A Decade in Harmony: Ten-Year Anniversary ConcertEnds: September 5, 2026
A Decade in Harmony: Ten-Year Anniversary ConcertEnds: September 5, 2026
Politics
Three strikes and still not out: the weak council rules unable to deal with populist politicians
They run the same playbook as Pauline Hanson and Donald Trump: turn every sanction into persecution. Inside the NSW rules that still can’t make badly behaved councillors stop.
Moree Plains council releases confidential pool report, but reveals nothing new
Moree Plains Shire Council released the confidential report behind its pool decision – but it didn’t reveal anything the community didn’t already know.
Barraba pushes for health worker housing amid regional drive
Barraba says it’s missing out on health worker housing while Armidale gets a $200 million upgrade. The local MP wants that to change.
Barnaby Joyce fails to clear up One Nation migration confusion
Barnaby Joyce said his colleague was wrong on One Nation’s migration numbers, then confirmed that PALM workers don’t count. But he refused to say what skilled workers the New England would have to go without.
New Englanders to get some answers from ‘King Rat’ Barnaby Joyce
Barnaby Joyce will address his dramatic defection from the Nationals and his new political partnership with Pauline Hanson in an Australian Story episode airing on Monday night.
NSW floodplain harvesting audit begins
Only 58 per cent of floodplain harvesting storages in NSW were compliant as of June, and now a watchdog audit wants to know if the water take data can be trusted at all.
Armidale regulator’s slow approvals slammed
A new global study says slow, costly approvals are cutting Australian farmers off from new technology, reigniting scrutiny of the Armidale-based APVMA’s slumping performance.
Energy and Environment
Glen Innes energy evening to help locals cut power bills
Want to cut your power bill? Glen Innes locals can get free, practical energy advice from farmers, a professor and energy experts next month.
Digital meters catch $364,000 in water leaks across Armidale, Guyra
Digital water meters have already caught $364,000 worth of leaks across Armidale and Guyra. With Level 2 restrictions in place and warmer weather on the way, Council says the savings are only going to grow.
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
Tamworth Skywalk officially opens with community celebration
Tamworth’s new $18 million Skywalk is officially open, connecting Victoria Park to Oxley Scenic Lookout with a 1.5-kilometre elevated walk built for every ability.
INDIGENOUS
Funding to prevent violence through Aboriginal sport
A $625,000 fund is open to Aboriginal groups across NSW running sport programs aimed at preventing family and sexual violence, with applications closing in October.
SPORT
‘Just magic’: life is but a dream rowing in the outback
With a lack of water and boats, Australia’s outback communities have never been at the centre of the elite sport of rowing. Until now.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Letter: New management at Bupa impresses
Damien writes there have been many positive changes at Bupa Aged Care Tamworth under its new General Manager, Katie. The post Letter: New management at Bupa impresses appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Armidale’s Gojee named world’s best small business app by Xero
An Armidale software company built inside a family earthmoving business has been named the best small business app in the world, beating some of the biggest names in the global Xero ecosystem.
Food, wine and a touch of Peter Allen set for big Tenterfield weekend
Tenterfield is gearing up for one of its busiest weekends of the year, with a brand new Spring Food and Wine Festival joining forces with the Peter Allen Festival over the October long weekend.
