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.
Tamworth rivals set for AFL boost in 2026 Carlton Draft
Tamworth’s Kangaroos and Swans will face off with AFL talent after being selected for the 2026 Carlton Draft.
Community invited to Armidale’s Annual Bird Show this Sunday
Hundreds of birds are set to fill the pavilion at Armidale Showground this Sunday, as the Armidale and District Bird Club Inc prepares to host its much-loved Annual Show
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.
Local News
$5m community safety grants target youth crime in New England and regional NSW
Armidale, Tamworth and Moree will share in nearly $5 million to fund community-led programs targeting youth crime prevention.
Mental health roadshow to tour regional NSW
A statewide mental health listening initiative is set to travel across regional New South Wales over the coming months
CT facility opens in Glen Innes after council land sale
A new CT scanning service has opened in Glen Innes, with council backing credited for bringing the region’s first local diagnostic imaging facility to life.
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.
Events
Great Southern Nights – Boggabilla: JK-47, Roger Knox, KobiDunksEnds: May 1, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: May 2, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: May 3, 2026
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 8, 2026
Regional Roadshow – Building prosperity through circularityEnds: May 8, 2026
COMING SOON! To be part of our upcoming promotion celebrating local trades and services – including your opportunity to get a story about your business absolutely free – sign up to our advertisers email list here.
Politics
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Village bore commissioning completed in Torrington and Drake
Village bores in Torrington and Drake near Tenterfield have been successfully commissioned and are now fully operational.
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
Armidale Jobs Expo to connect job seekers with real opportunities
Job seekers and employers across the New England are set to come together later this month, with the first-ever BEST Employment Armidale Jobs Expo promising to open doors, spark conversations and strengthen the region’s workforce.
INDIGENOUS
Outback search for missing girl ends in tragedy
Police have found the body of a five-year-old girl after a massive outback search, confirming fears the suspected abduction ended in tragedy.
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: TRC does nothing for Manilla’s main street
The local Manilla Precinct Committee (TRC community consultation strategy) has been requesting for some time that the 12 gardens in the main street be planted with suitable plants, at the moment only one and a half gardens are planted the rest are a baron disgrace and have been so for the past two to three The post QW: TRC does nothing for Manilla’s main street 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.
