New England renters could benefit from cheaper power under solar reform proposal
Renters across the New England region could gain access to cheaper, cleaner energy under new proposals that would give tenants the right to use portable solar panels and batteries.
PCYC clubs across New England North West record thousands of youth visits
PCYC clubs across the New England North West recorded thousands of members and youth program attendances during another record year for the organisation.
Hazlewood’s champion Challengers smiling despite defeat
Josh Hazlewood’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru have taken pole position in the IPL playoffs despite losing heavily to Pat Cummins’ Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Take the guesswork out of feeding livestock
Northern Tablelands producers are being urged to use feed testing to improve livestock nutrition as seasonal conditions continue deteriorating.
Local News
Troy Cassar-Daley encourages mob to get vaccinated ahead of winter
Country music star Troy Cassar-Daley is urging First Nations Australians to get vaccinated before winter respiratory illnesses increase.
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
For Armidale business owner Andrew Cureton – known to many as Andy – quality workmanship and authenticity go hand in hand.
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.
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
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.
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”.
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
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.
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.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
New England Business Technology: the local team behind smarter business systems
New England Business Technology (NEBT) is focused on helping organisations “do business better” through tailored technology and communication solutions designed specifically for regional conditions.
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.
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.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
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.
