Three in four can’t afford $20 rent rise
Could you cope with $20 more a week in rent? Three in four Australians say they would have to make sacrifices, and most back limits on rent increases.
Copeton Dam turns 50: the water behind Inverell’s economy
Copeton Dam marks 50 years since its official opening yesterday, Friday, 23 October, and Inverell Mayor Kate Dight says many people do not realise how much the community relies on it. The dam supports the…
The cost of civility: how do we learn to disagree again?
WEEKEND LONG READ: Regular abuse online. Targeted campaigns of lies. Threats of violence, rape and even death. As Australia asks how it treats its politicians after the alleged attack on Helen Haines, local female politicians…
Tamworth Country Music Parade entries open for 2027
Country Music Icons is the 2027 parade theme, and entries are open now. Artists, businesses, and community groups can enter now for Saturday, 23 January.
Local News
Tamworth detox centre bid goes on as Banksia future stays open
Tamworth has 2,462 signatures and a plan, but the government says the old Banksia unit’s future is undecided. Kevin Anderson says the community is demanding a drug and alcohol detox centre there.
Why can’t we get this done? Oven Mountain latest renewable project to falter
The latest announcement of a renewable project to fail is the one that no one expected. Questions are being asked about whether the NSW Government is to blame, or if there is a bigger problem…
Nundle Rocks returns in 2027 with more than 25 acts
Nundle Rocks returns in January 2027, bringing more than 25 country, folk and roots acts to the New England village for three days of live music.
Road closures for Inverell fireworks and Uralla festival
Highway closures are on for festivals in Inverell and Uralla this weekend, with detours for light and heavy vehicles. Check the times before you go.
What's On
LONG READ >
The cost of civility: how do we learn to disagree again?
WEEKEND LONG READ: Regular abuse online. Targeted campaigns of lies. Threats of violence, rape and even death. As Australia asks how it treats its politicians after the alleged attack on Helen Haines, local female politicians say they have been living the challenge, and agree we need to hold social media accountable – and find a…
Events
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Fete, Floral & Craft DisplayEnds: October 31, 2026
Spooky Halloween SkateEnds: October 31, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 1, 2026
Twilight Tales at Calala Cottage Museum – Garden Picnic and Museum ToursEnds: November 7, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: November 29, 2026
Politics
Butler warns visa cuts would hit the west
No visa workers, no pub meal, no aged care staff? Barwon MP Roy Butler warns that deep migration cuts could bring country services to a halt, and has put a motion to Parliament.
Tree vandals face $500,000 penalties
Poison a tree and you could pay $500,000. New laws will let councils chase tree vandals through the courts for the first time, on public and private land.
Knife scanning powers made permanent
Police can now scan for knives at major entertainment venues, shopping centres, stations and sports grounds, with permanent powers and longer operations. Here is what the new laws change.
Helen Haines loses second leg
Dr Helen Haines’ husband says she is alive and stable after losing both legs. The Governor-General says the attack must be a moment for Australians to pause and choose to be better.
Coalition water taskforce targets Basin buybacks
Water buybacks are in the Coalition’s sights. A new taskforce will tour the Basin to hear from irrigators and push for dams and a ban on more buybacks.
Farmers push parties to reject EU deal
The coalition is against the EU trade deal, the trade minister says that would be “economic self harm”, and farmers say the agreement leaves them behind. Who blinks first?
Beef company faces court over Niangala wetland channels
A prime beef company faces fines of more than $2 million per charge over 6km of channels allegedly dug through a Niangala district wetland. Its first court date is Friday, 30 October.
Energy and Environment
Tiny village of Rouchel faces biggest visual impact from REZ transmission line
The Rouchel Uniting Church is one of four places rated high for visual impact from the New England REZ transmission line. Here is what the EIS says about noise and views.
More time sought on REZ transmission EIS
Uralla Shire Council wants the planning minister to keep the REZ transmission EIS open until the end of the year, and calls for more time are now coming from Walcha to Armidale.
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
Trust tax changes put New England businesses on alert
A new 30 per cent trust tax could cost small businesses thousands to adjust. With 21,500 businesses in the New England North West, local owners are being told to see their advisers now.
INDIGENOUS
First Nations culture to take centre stage at Black Gully Festival
Armidale Community Radio 2ARM will honour its long-time musical patron, Uncle Cyril Green Senior, and bring First Nations culture to the 15th Black Gully Festival on Saturday, 7 November.
SPORT
Manilla brothers Mick and Tom Knight to take on world’s best at Warwick rodeo
Manilla bronc-riding brothers Mick and Tom Knight will represent Australia against some of the world’s best riders at the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft later this month.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: We need only look to Helen Haines
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese writes that we need genuine debate. We need more respect. More kindness. More listening and less shouting. And if we want a role model and an example in this we need only to look to Helen Haines. The post Opinion: We need only look to Helen Haines appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
SBM26: Gaming communities, compassionate care and practical skills
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three organisations bringing people together and making a difference across the region: an Armidale gaming store building community around shared hobbies, a long-established Coffs Coast care provider supporting independence and connection, and a Mid North Coast training academy helping people develop practical safety skills for when they matter…
Warialda advocate recognised with prestigious community award at NSW Parliament
Warialda’s Louisa Gilmour has received a prestigious NSW community award for championing regional voices through storytelling and the creative arts.
