Young cotton leader Natalie Aquilina named finalist for national industry award
New England agronomist Natalie Aquilina has been named a finalist in the 2026 Young Cotton Achiever of the Year Award.
Community Showcase to celebrate local talent at Moree Memorial Hall
Moree Plains Shire Council will showcase local talent at Moree Memorial Hall on 14 June with Community Showcase – One Stage, One Community.
PLC Armidale Livestock Team celebrates success, service and the future of agriculture
More than 80 guests gathered to celebrate PLC Armidale’s livestock achievements, leadership development and fundraising success for heart research.
Moree Hospital redevelopment reaches major construction milestone
The $105 million Moree Hospital redevelopment has reached a major milestone, with the new acute services building topping out.
Local News
New England region celebrates King’s Birthday Honours recipients
Six New Englanders have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, with five receiving the Order of Australia Medal and one receiving an Australian Fire Service Medal.
GLENRAC welcomes funding boost for Farming Forecaster project
Landholders across the Northern Tablelands are set to benefit from a new wave of real-time agricultural data, following the announcement of more than $1.7 million in Landcare funding under the NSW Government’s Landcare Enabling Program.
$500,000 boost to enhance community spaces at Glen Innes Severn Learning Centre
A $500,000 funding boost will transform the Glen Innes Severn Learning Centre into a more accessible community hub.
TAFE NSW helps third-generation Tamworth plumber Makenzie break new ground
Tamworth apprentice Makenzie Noble is carrying on a three-generation plumbing tradition while helping pave the way for more women in the trade.
What's On
VOTE NOW to have your say in which categories we have in this years Best in the New England.
BITNE 26 starts June 28!
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 12, 2026
New England North West Future Tourism Forum 2026 | Hosted by Business NSWEnds: June 18, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 19, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: June 21, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 26, 2026
Politics
Anti-abortion fight evolves into ‘noxious brew’
The pro-life movement is incorporating anti-immigrant sentiment in its latest fight against abortion and reproductive healthcare.
Glen Innes, Uralla rate rises approved
IPART has approved major rate rises for Glen Innes Severn and Uralla Shire councils, with both citing infrastructure costs, underfunding and long-term financial sustainability pressures.
Welcome Experience program expands to help regional councils tackle worker shortages
Regional councils across the New England and North West are set to receive extra support in attracting and retaining staff, following the expansion of the NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program into local government.
Right to Repair discussion paper welcomed
Farmers could soon gain greater freedom to repair and service their own machinery, with the Federal Government proposing to extend Right to Repair laws to agriculture.
Transport planning assumptions unravel across all levels of government
In this New England Times investigation by RK Crosby, we look at how bad numbers, assumptions and guesses, and misrepresentations of old documents, have led to plans at all levels of government being not worth the paper they are printed on.
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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Call to cut red tape amid fuel cost pressures
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson is calling for cuts to red tape to help small businesses and farmers facing rising fuel costs.
READ MORE FUEL CRUNCH STORIES >
Sheep eID adoption offers data-driven support for drought management
Northern Tablelands sheep producers are being urged to use eID technology to improve flock management during worsening drought conditions.
Young people and industry to take centre stage at Tamworth Agricultural Careers Expo
More than 1,300 students will connect with agricultural employers, innovators and educators at Tamworth’s largest agricultural careers expo.
Energy and Environment
Mount Kaputar’s pink wonder emerges after the rain
On a cold, grey day atop Mount Kaputar, a group of adults found themselves peering into the undergrowth with the excitement of children on a treasure hunt. The object of their search wasn’t rare gold or a hidden landmark, but a bright pink slug found nowhere else on Earth.
Applications closing soon to get a seat at the REZ table
EnergyCo is seeking new members for its New England REZ community reference groups, with vacancies open for residents representing community, environmental and business interests. Applications close Friday June 5.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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…
Narrabri residents encouraged to take advantage of full fibre upgrade opportunity
The latest expansion of nbn full fibre technology is helping people in Narrabri keep pace with changing digital needs. Find out how you can upgrade now.
BUSINESS
$35 million transformation underway at Wests as iconic Tamworth club enters new era
One of Tamworth’s most recognisable venues is undergoing a major transformation, with a multi-stage redevelopment set to deliver a completely refreshed experience for members, guests and visitors.
INDIGENOUS
Strong turnout for Armidale’s 15th Reconciliation Bridge Walk despite wet forecast
Around 300 people gathered in Armidale on Sunday, May 31, for the 15th Annual Reconciliation Bridge Walk, braving a forecast of “cold with intermittent rain” to take part in the community event marking National Reconciliation Week.
SPORT
Regional volleyball thriving as Inverell teams lead New England charge
Regional volleyball is gaining serious momentum across the region, and Inverell’s young players are leading the charge.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Roy’s Roundup: Student leaders, evidence in making laws, health care
Read the latest newsletter from Member for Barwon Roy Butler The post Roy’s Roundup: Student leaders, evidence in making laws, health care appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Mental health spotlight on first responders as national gratitude campaign begins
The psychological impact of emergency service work is being brought into focus ahead of Thank a First Responder Day, with new data showing many frontline workers continue to carry the effects of trauma long after responding to emergencies.
Entries open for New England North West Business Awards 2026
Entries have opened for the 2026 New England North West Business Awards, celebrating regional business innovation, growth and achievement.
