New era for New England Rugby as 2026 season kicks off
New England Rugby’s 2026 season kicks off with Barraba’s debut and Dorrigo’s historic women’s first, signalling competition growth across region.
Narrabri Shire Libraries launches Community Story Circle program
Narrabri Shire Libraries will launch a four-week program uniting Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents through storytelling, cultural exchange and community connections.
Fire-Fly Fete returns to Tenterfield Aerodrome
The Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome Fire-Fly Fete will return on Saturday, 9 May, transforming the Tenterfield Aerodrome into a hub of aircraft displays, local markets and community celebration from 9 am to 3 pm.
Gunnedah set to shine as Show weekend arrives
Gunnedah prepares for a vibrant show weekend, with community spirit, agriculture, entertainment and tradition on display across three days locally.
Local News
Tamworth ready to host NSW’s rising sporting stars this weekend
Tamworth will host about 1,000 of New South Wales’ top emerging athletes this weekend for the 2026 Regional Academy Games.
When the RARA Rabbis come to town
Two young rabbis from Canada are travelling across the New England this week, bringing connection and support to local Jewish families.
Level 2 water restrictions now in place for Bundarra residents
Bundarra residents are now under Level 2 water restrictions as local storage levels drop below 62 per cent, triggering tighter limits on household water use.
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 locals you can trust.
Events
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: April 19, 2026
Tenterfield Shire ANZAC DAY Services 2026Ends: April 25, 2026
Festival of Small Halls, NundleEnds: April 26, 2026
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 1, 2026
Great Southern Nights – Boggabilla: JK-47, Roger Knox, KobiDunksEnds: May 1, 2026
Politics
Joyce backs Hanson as repeat hiring of convicted rapist sparks backlash
Barnaby Joyce has backed Pauline Hanson’s defence of a convicted rapist repeatedly hired by One Nation, arguing people should be allowed to rebuild their lives.
Economic inequality is straining Australian democracy
MPs need to represent the people better and foster a greater sense of inclusion to safeguard democracy, which is under strain, the Grattan Institute says.
Regional councils and workers hit hardest as fuel crisis continues
Regional councils and their workers are bearing the brunt of rising fuel costs, as new figures highlight the growing strain on local government services and staff across New South Wales.
Meet the Uralla Shire Council By-Election candidates
Some Uralla residents will again be queing up at the Memorial Hall next week to cast a ballot – this time for the Uralla Shire Council Ward A by-election triggered by the passing of Lone Petrov. There are 8 candidates.
Mark Strahle elected as Narrabri Shire Councillor
Mark Strahle has been elected as Narrabri Shire Council’s newest councillor following the 2026 Narrabri Shire Council Countback Election held last week.
Country mayors launch ‘Invest in Us’ campaign calling for more federal funding
Regional mayors are calling for more federal funding, launching a new “Invest in Us” campaign to support local councils and services.
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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Electric truck transition preparing for the long haul
Overseas competition and boosted government incentives for fleet electrification are good omens for a trucking industry on the brink of a battery revolution.
READ MORE FUEL CRUNCH STORIES >
From paddock to petrol: canola could help fuel Australia’s future
The New England’s rolling fields of bright yellow canola have long drawn tourists each spring, but the crop could soon attract attention for a different reason — helping address Australia’s fuel challenges.
ABC breached code over Four Corners ‘Water Grab’ episode
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found the Four Corners episode “Water Grab” breached accuracy and impartiality provisions in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Code of Practice, following a complaint by Cotton Australia.
Energy and Environment
Ashton’s Circus squeezed as fuel costs surge
As the cost of diesel remains stubbornly above $3 a litre, the fuel crisis is also hitting something less obvious — the moments of joy that keep regional communities connected.
Extra diesel not getting to New England as fuel tensions persist
Extra diesel is flowing into NSW, but not into the New England, with just 60,000L confirmed for the region while millions go elsewhere.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Fuel driven changes mean your website is more important than ever
The fuel crisis is changing how people spend, how they travel, and how they choose where to shop. Across the New England, that shift is already being felt by local businesses.
All-electric X Terra delivers a smarter way to explore
Stop worrying about the diesel price: spend more time off-grid without sacrificing comfort, the X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra combines rugged touring capability with an all-electric fit-out designed to simplify…
BUSINESS
Wage increase delivered for midwives, nurses
Thousands of nurses and midwives have won a landmark pay rise for the first time in more than two decades after an industrial umpire ruled in their favour.
INDIGENOUS
New toolkit to help New England councils strengthen Closing the Gap partnerships
Tamworth’s landmark Aboriginal partnership is being highlighted as NSW launches a new Closing the Gap toolkit for local councils.
SPORT
Newcastle Permanent and Northern NSW Football renew community partnership
Young footballers across northern NSW will start the season with a free ball under a long-running community partnership.
On engage now
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- Tips & Tricks: Money’s tight but food prices are up… here’s how to save
How can you reduce grocery costs without compromising taste and nutrition? Two experts share their advice. The post Tips & Tricks: Money’s tight but food prices are up… here’s how to save appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Local woman smashes military glass ceiling
Kyogle born and former 12/16 Hunter River Lancers reservist Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be the first ever female Chief of Army.
SpacePort Australia founder among nominees for national space awards
Moree’s Dr Gabrielle Caswell has been nominated across multiple categories in this year’s Australian Space Awards.
