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.
Australian Celtic Festival 2026 to bring community together in Glen Innes Highlands
Glen Innes Highlands will host the 2026 Australian Celtic Festival, bringing the community together for four days of celebration.
Young people turning to AI for mental health support, NSW Youth Week poll finds
Nearly one in three young people in NSW are using AI to support their mental health, as new polling highlights rising anxiety and cost-of-living pressures.
Join the journey: Roadtrip! through memories, stories, possibilities
Salvaged car parts are reimagined in a body of work coming to the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery in May.
Local News
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.
Community gathers as Moree Memorial Hall reopens on Anzac Day
Moree’s historic War Memorial Hall will reopen on Anzac Day, bringing the community together to celebrate its past and mark a new era for local events and gatherings.
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.
Community-first response contains Hillgrove bushfire
A fast-moving bushfire at Hillgrove Village was quickly contained on Sunday, with protecting local residents the top priority.
What's On
Reviving treasures, inventing solutions
From restoring heirlooms to building custom machinery, Revive by Hyde and New England Hydraulics and Diesel are solving real problems in Armidale.
Events
2nd International Conference on Gravitation, Astrophysics and CosmologyEnds: April 18, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: April 19, 2026
Tenterfield Shire ANZAC DAY Services 2026Ends: April 25, 2026
Festival of Small Halls, NundleEnds: April 26, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: May 2, 2026
Politics
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.
Last days to weigh in on mobile connectivity bill
Locals have just days left to have their say on a proposed mobile connectivity bill, with submissions closing 8 April.
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
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.
Draft Blackjack Creek Flood Study Update released for public comment
Gunnedah Shire Council has placed the Draft Blackjack Creek Flood Study Update on public exhibition and is inviting community feedback.
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
New England talent shines at Sydney Royal Easter Show
New England exhibitors have put the region in the spotlight, claiming major wins across youth, auctioneering, livestock, food, and craft competitions at the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show.
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
Funding open for innovative women’s sport projects in NSW
NSW sporting organisations can apply for $500,000 to boost women and girls’ participation through the Play Her Way Innovation Program.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Chaffey’s Corner: Still a long way to go with the current crisis
In his latest newsletter, Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey says there could be still a long way to go with the current fuel crisis. The post Chaffey’s Corner: Still a long way to go with the current crisis appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Moree’s hot pools reopen as town celebrates return of iconic assets
Moree’s iconic artesian pools are back open after 21 months, with the Memorial Town Hall set to reopen for Anzac Day and plans pushing ahead for a new aquatic centre at Taylor Oval.
Tamworth real estate team among nation’s best at PRD awards
PRD Tamworth has been named one of Australia’s top real estate offices, with multiple team members recognised nationally.
