Pilliga at centre of decade-long push to save Australia’s vanishing mammals
Bilbies, numbats and bandicoots are breeding again in NSW after more than a century of local extinction — and the Pilliga is one of the sites making it happen.
Teen charged over alleged Inverell break and enter
A 16-year-old boy has been charged over an alleged aggravated break and enter at a home in Inverell, where police allege a safe, cash and household items were stolen.
Cars in the mall and no more bowling club: Armidale’s city centre plan revealed
Armidale’s bowling club could be redeveloped, cars returned to the mall, and multiple buildings demolished under a sweeping 108-page city centre plan tabled at Monday’s council meeting.
Peter Allen honoured with Blue Plaque at Armidale Folk Museum
An Armidale boy who grew up to become one of Australia’s most celebrated entertainers has been honoured with a Blue Plaque at the newly renovated Armidale Folk Museum.
Local News
Tamworth NAIDOC Week celebrates 50 years of deadly
From flag raisings in the Tamworth CBD to family fun days on the Liverpool Plains, this year’s NAIDOC Week program across the region is shaping up to be one of the most extensive in recent memory, with events running from Thursday, 3 July to Friday, 11 July.
Armidale’s oldest public building opens its doors again after upgrade
Armidale’s oldest public building has re-opened after a $772,000 accessibility upgrade. The Folk Museum has been serving the community since the 1860s — and it’s just getting better.
Teen charged after knife threats on Tamworth’s main street
A teenage man allegedly chased a man with a knife along Peel Street before threatening hotel security in the early hours of Sunday morning. He’s now in custody on nine charges.
Armidale scientist named to lead national cotton research body
An Armidale scientist and farmer who cut rice variety development timelines by nine years is now running the national body that funds cotton research. Meet the new CRDC boss.
What's On
Back-to-back champions: The Bolt Inn named best restaurant again
That unwavering commitment to exceptional food, genuine hospitality and a welcoming country pub atmosphere has seen the Uralla institution crowned Best Restaurant in the Best in the New England 2026 awards for the second consecutive year.
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: July 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: July 4, 2026
Torrington Community Hall AGMEnds: July 4, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: July 5, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: July 10, 2026
Politics
Concern brewing as buried Hanson policy threatens affordable medicines
A local mum says she and her asthmatic daughter could die without PBS medicines. She’s not alone — public concern is growing over a little-noticed One Nation policy, and a petition is now calling on Hanson to back off.
Council to vote on Ray Walsh House sale as residents call for caution
Council will vote Tuesday on selling Ray Walsh House. But a residents group says the process isn’t finished — and once the decision is made, it’s very hard to undo.
Packed gallery hears 22,000-signature New England transmission petition debate
Hundreds of people packed the public gallery of NSW Parliament on Thursday afternoon for a debate on a petition calling for the cancellation of the planned New England Renewable Energy Zone transmission line. Here’s what happened.
Local councils not consulted in Nationals plan to kill New England REZ
In a bizarre backflip, the Coalition has announced that if re-elected next March they would effectively abandon the New England REZ – and they didn’t consult councils before coming up with the destructive policy.
NSW budget offers rego relief, hospital investment, and drought support
The NSW Budget cuts $100 off rego, commits nearly $3 billion to regional hospitals, funds drought support for farmers, and puts $1,000 in the pockets of public servants. Here’s what it means for the New England.
NSW farmers need urgent action on China beef tariffs
NSW Liberals and Nationals are urging the State Government to press Canberra for action after China’s new beef tariff hit exporters.
Paraquat stays but with major new restrictions as regulator delivers verdict
Australia’s pesticide regulator has handed down a major decision on paraquat and diquat— it stays, but with tight new restrictions.
Energy and Environment
Sundown Solar Farm public meeting cancelled due to low interest
Sundown Solar Farm has another green light, with a planned public consultation meeting cancelled after only one person registered to speak against the proposal.
New England REZ key as batteries and renewables reshape the grid
The New England REZ is on track to be delivered and fully operational in 2034, upgraded to ‘anticipated’ in the national energy roadmap released today.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
From open homes to open hearts: Professionals Armidale’s community BBQ making a difference
A real estate agency might not be the first place you’d expect to find a community fundraising program, but Professionals Armidale is quietly becoming as well known for its local giving as…
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…
BUSINESS
Armidale’s oldest pub reclaims its original name
More than two years after the Wicklow Hotel hit the market, the New England region’s oldest licensed pub is undergoing a significant transformation, with new owners Feros Group set to reopen it under its original name before the end of the year.
INDIGENOUS
Council appoints two members to Aboriginal Consultative Committee
Preston Connors and Yoorana Delaney have been appointed as community representatives on Inverell Shire Council’s Aboriginal Consultative Committee for a two-year term.
SPORT
Bledisloe Cup returns to three Tests with Anzac Day match
Local rugby fans are happy today with the news an extra Bledisloe Cup Test is coming… and it’s not too far from home.
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- Denise’s Desk: Legacy? What Legacy?
Denise asks what is the legacy of Pelican Pauline? The post Denise’s Desk: Legacy? What Legacy? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Time running out to enter New England North West Business Awards
Businesses, employers and employees across the New England North West are being encouraged to enter the 2026 New England North West Business Awards before entries close on 6 July.
New England health initiatives share in funding
From Indigenous maternal care to emergency patient retrievals, a number of New England health organisations are sharing in new charitable foundation funding.
