Liverpool Range RFS volunteers honoured for more than 1,000 years of combined service
More than 40 Liverpool Range RFS volunteers will be recognised for a combined 1,050 years of service. Read more here.
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.
Still time to join Nomads juniors ahead of season start
Keen to play Junior AFL? There’s still time to join the Nomads before the season kicks off.
Burst water main closes New England Highway at Uralla
A burst water main has shut the New England Highway in Uralla, with detours sending trucks through local streets.
Local News
Forgotten Armidale war hero’s story resurfaces ahead of ANZAC Day
As communities across the New England prepare to mark ANZAC Day this Saturday, the story of a little-known Armidale-born war hero is finally being brought back into the spotlight.
International oboist Jane Downer to lead ‘Dance with Bach’ celebration in Armidale
UK-based oboist Jane Downer will lead a Baroque concert in Armidale for REMEMBER BACHfest’s 10th anniversary.
UNE prepares for largest Open Day in years
UNE will host its largest Open Day in years, with more than 1,300 prospective students expected on campus.
Youth Week partnerships to help young people ‘Dream. Dare. Do.’
Young people across Moree Plains Shire will lead Youth Week activities focused on building skills, confidence and connection.
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.
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.
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.
Energy and Environment
Armidale forum to tackle end-of-life solar challenge
What happens to solar panels and other renewable infrastructure when they reach the end of their lifespan? A forum on May 4 will look at how we can recycle them locally.
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.
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
Clubs dominate as record crowds flock to TAS Rugby Carnival
Record numbers turned out for the TAS Rugby Carnival in Armidale, with clubs dominating across the divisions.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: Howard’s Politics of Division
Whenever the Coalition comes under pressure, the same reflex returns: stir anxiety about borders, migration and who belongs here. It is a formula refined during the Howard years and one the party still reaches for when ideas run thin. Instead of serious policies on housing, wages, health or productivity, we get another round of division The post QW: Howard’s Politics of Division appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Fire-Fly Fete returns to Tenterfield Aerodrome
The Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome Fire-Fly Fete will return on Saturday, 9 May, transforming the Tenterfield Aerodrome into a hub of aircraft displays, local markets and community celebration from 9 am to 3 pm.
Swim for free day in Moree
Moree’s iconic hot artesian pools are reopening, with a free community day this Thursday to celebrate.
