Inverell Library selected for expanded LitUp program
Inverell Library will welcome an Australian author or illustrator for local library and school events after being selected for the 2027 LitUp program.
New England RFBI villages shine at 2026 Showcase Awards
RFBI staff, volunteers and villages across the New England have earned multiple honours at the organisation’s 2026 Showcase Awards.
Tamworth cuts approval times to unlock infrastructure funding
Tamworth missed out last time. Now, after slashing 36 days off its average approval time, the council is back in line for a share of $73 million in infrastructure funding.
Woolbrook firefighter honoured for six decades of service
One Woolbrook volunteer has been fighting fires for six decades. He was among more than 61 Tamworth-area firefighters honoured this weekend, as two brigades rolled out new trucks.
Local News
Rural Women’s Day turns the spotlight on women’s health in Glen Innes
Rural women spend their lives looking after everyone else. Now Glen Innes women are being invited to take a day just for themselves, with nutrition, strength, and mental health on the menu.
Armidale water users urged to prepare for metering deadline
Large water users in Armidale and surrounding areas are being urged to prepare for new water metering requirements before a December deadline.
Chaffey says backpacker visa cuts leave tourism operators short-staffed
Motels, cafes, and tourist attractions across the north west could be short of staff this summer. The local MP says backpacker visa cuts are to blame, and industry figures put the cost at $1.65 billion.
Four charged after Armidale drug raids
Four people have been charged following an investigation into the alleged supply of drugs across the New England region.
What's On
LONG READ >
No bed, no way home: the aged care logjam reaching New England hospitals
WEEKEND LONG READ: Medically ready to leave, but nowhere to go. Older people are stranded in New England hospitals, while families are left footing the bill, and politicians squabble.
Events
Railway MarketsEnds: October 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: October 3, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: October 4, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: October 4, 2026
The Spring Food & Wine Festival, TenterfieldEnds: October 5, 2026
Annual Human Rights LectureEnds: October 15, 2026
Politics
Please explain: One Nation donations diverted to a liquor company
$56,000 of One Nation money. A shed on James Ashby’s private land. A distillery owned by Ashby and Pauline Hanson. Now the party is rushing to explain itself to members.
Glen Innes Severn Council sacks GM, takes control of PIO
Glen Innes Severn Council has sacked its general manager, and the Mayor says councillors will now hold the organisation to account. Here’s what else changed at a pivotal meeting.
Blessing family says Keith’s gun licence not revoked, as Joyce joins in misinformation
Politicians say Keith Blessing lost his gun licence. His family says that’s not true. Now Barnaby Joyce has joined in spreading the misinformation as part of election campaigning.
Gwydir Shire Mayor and Deputy returned
Gwydir Shire Council has confirmed its leadership team for the coming year, with Cr Tiffany Galvin re-elected as Mayor and Cr Sean Coleman re-elected as Deputy Mayor
Davis, Sparkes, survive Scott challenge in Glen Innes
David Scott put his name forward for both mayor and deputy mayor at Glen Innes Severn Council, and lost both, as Margot Davis and Carol Sparks retained the top jobs in for the next two years. Jen Philp takes over as deputy mayor in Uralla.
Landholders encouraged to report plague locust sightings
Landholders across NSW are being urged to report signs of Australian plague locusts as authorities monitor activity across the state.
Business coaching to help New England farmers build resilience
New England farmers can access tailored business coaching to strengthen financial planning, manage risk and better prepare for drought.
Energy and Environment
Seven-hour power outage planned for Uralla, Walcha and surrounds
Residents from Yarrowyk to Yarrowitch face a seven-hour power outage on Tuesday as Essential Energy carries out critical maintenance ahead of bushfire season.
Farm crops could fuel the nation: report
Australia imports 80 per cent of its diesel. A new report says the answer could be growing in paddocks right now, and farmers could be the big winners.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Primary Health Network continues to support and invest in the Glen Innes community
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to Glen Innes through continued investment in local healthcare services, community programs and innovative models of…
Have your say on the future name of Killean
New owners of McLean Care want your help in naming the main home, and have put up $5000 to make it worth your while to have your say. Vote now!
BUSINESS
Uralla’s The Alternate Root named New England North West Business of the Year
A Uralla favourite has swept the region’s top business awards, taking home four gongs including Business of the Year. See the full list of New England North West winners.
INDIGENOUS
Inverell’s Tahnee Capon turns hardship into hope through education
A Kamilaroi woman who spent a year couch surfing before living in a converted bus has been named a 2026 Adult Learners Week Ambassador, crediting study with turning her life around from homelessness to a career helping others in Inverell.
SPORT
Bundarra races rally community behind local health care push
Bundarra’s race weekend is about more than horses crossing the finish line this year, with locals using the event to help bring much-needed health services closer to home.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Denise’s Desk: Progress doesn’t happen by accident
Denise says she doesn't know where the increasingly complicated relationship between the Coalition and One Nation will ultimately end. The post Denise’s Desk: Progress doesn’t happen by accident appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Liverpool Range firefighters honoured for 1,700 years of service
One joined in 1951, the other in 1956, and they are still turning out. Meet the Liverpool Range firefighters among 55 volunteers honoured for a combined 1,700 years of service.
Tamworth Regional Sports Awards nominations open
Nominations will open this week for the 2026 Tamworth Regional Sports Awards, recognising the region’s leading athletes, coaches, teams, volunteers and sporting organisations.
