New England riders set to shine as Newcastle opens 2026 PBR Origin Series
New England riders will play a major role when New South Wales launches its 2026 PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series campaign in Newcastle later this month.
More Than Paint: quality, creativity and community
New England Business Technology (NEBT) is focused on helping organisations “do business better” through tailored technology and communication solutions designed specifically for regional conditions.
Another life lost in Warialda crash
A second fatal crash near Warialda in less than 24 hours, and the second fatal motorcycle crash in the New England region this week, has claimed the life of a woman on Friday afternoon.
Mayor calls for completion of Glen Innes Hospital masterplan
Glen Innes Severn Council is urging the NSW Government to commit to completing the hospital masterplan and expanding regional services.
Local News
Nationals launch “Flick the Tick” petition
Nationals MPs have launched a “Flick the Tick” petition at Primex today, demanding stronger action and more funding to tackle the growing cattle tick threat across regional NSW.
Man killed in rollover crash near Bingara
A man has died after a single-vehicle crash in the New England region overnight.
Three charged over alleged aggravated break-ins in Armidale
A man and two teenage boys have been charged following a series of alleged aggravated break-ins in the New England region.
Bonshaw battery project split as solar farm construction pushes ahead
The proposed Bonshaw battery project has been acquired by Enervest, while construction continues on the separate 200MW solar farm south of Bonshaw still owned by Gaia.
What's On
Nominate now! We are looking for local trades and services businesses – from micro-businesses to major companies – to feature in our “Trades you can Trust” series. Really.
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 29, 2026
Uniting NSW.ACT Home Care InformationEnds: June 2, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 5, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: June 6, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: June 7, 2026
Politics
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.
Community transport trial expands access to education and jobs across regional NSW
A new trial across regional New South Wales is set to broaden the role of community transport services, with the aim of helping more people access education, training and employment opportunities.
‘Almost didn’t survive’: the fraught path to parenthood
A NSW Parliamentary Inquiry hearing in Tamworth today will hear how rural families are disadvantaged ‘at every turn’ while trying to access fertility care.
Taylor mimics One Nation in Budget Reply speech that snubs regions
Critics say Angus Taylor’s budget reply speech exposed a Coalition mimicking One Nation rhetoric on “mass migration” while offering little detail, little vision, and little for regional Australia.
Budget leaves regional councils facing impossible choices
Regional councils say the federal budget still leaves country communities behind, warning shrinking grants and rising costs are forcing councils to “operate on the smell of an oily rag”.
Local leaders testify to “human cost” of Inland Rail axing
Regional mayors, farming leaders and senior Nationals MPs have taken the fight over Inland Rail directly to Parliament House, accusing the Federal Government of abandoning communities that invested years preparing for Inland Rail.
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 >
Narrabri scientists named finalists for 2026 Cotton Researcher of the Year Award
Three Narrabri scientists have been named finalists for the 2026 Cotton Researcher of the Year Award for industry innovation.
Speck Fest set to bring beef, community and big ideas to Nundle
A brand new agricultural festival celebrating Speckle Park cattle, regional communities and the future of farming is heading to the New England this June, with organisers hoping Speck Fest 2026 will become a major annual event for the region.
Energy and Environment
Work begins on 46km Dorrigo Great Escarpment Walk
Work has officially started on the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk, with the project tipped to create 270 jobs and attract thousands more visitors to the region.
NSW moves to tighten non-urban water metering rules
NSW is proposing tougher non-urban water metering rules, including annual attestation requirements for larger licence holders, as the state pushes to strengthen compliance and improve water management.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Tow World trusted for honest service and practical know-how
Helping people tow, travel and explore with confidence is what drives the Tow World team every day – and they’re expanding their service capacity with a move to new premises.
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…
BUSINESS
Local services making a difference in Inverell
In Inverell, two local organisations are providing care, opportunity and long-term support that reaches far beyond their front doors.
INDIGENOUS
Free flu clinic to support Tamworth community this season
TAMS-AC Tamworth is hosting a free flu vaccination clinic to help keep the community healthy this flu season.
SPORT
Historic rivalry renewed as Farrer and TAS battle for annual shields
Farrer and The Armidale School will renew one of the region’s longest-running school sporting rivalries this Friday as students battle for the Dick Hodgson Shield and Jim Levy Shield.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: The Magical Mystery Budget
RK Crosby spent some time with the Armidale Regional Council budget and says it's like an influencer on a shopping spree with someone else's credit card. The post Begin Rant: The Magical Mystery Budget appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
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.
Warialda community comes together for Shop of Opportunity opening
The Warialda Shop of Opportunity officially opened on Saturday, May 2, drawing strong local support and marking the end of a three-year community-led project.
