McLean Care axes allied health team as search for new operator continues
McLean Care says its new allied health model is an upgrade. Staff say it means losing the physio team that gets residents up and walking each day.
Quarry owner fined $190,000 for operating without licence near Armidale
The owner of a quarry near Armidale has been ordered to pay $190,000 after extracting gravel at up to four times the legal limit without an Environment Protection Licence.
Uralla shire water restrictions eased to Level 1
Uralla Shire Council has eased water restrictions to Level 1 for the townships of Uralla and Bundarra following recent rainfall.
16, no helmet, loaded gun
He got bogged, then he got arrested. Read what highway patrol found in Narrabri on Saturday night.
Local News
Armidale Library launches new club for digital creators
Armidale Library’s Digital Creators Club launches 21 July — free access to a pro recording studio, film gear and software for anyone aged 14+. Mentors also welcome.
Tamworth’s No. 1 Oval gets a modern makeover
Tamworth’s No. 1 Oval now has a pavilion to match — modern changerooms, better amenities, and a focus on getting more women and girls on the field.
Armidale not-for-profit takes HSC to central China
An Armidale not-for-profit has helped a Wuhan high school become the first in central China to offer the NSW HSC
Tamworth MP pushes for return of mobile blackspot program
Residents in Werris Creek, Manilla and other centres across the region are still waiting for reliable mobile coverage. Now Kevin Anderson is pushing hard for the return of a program that once fixed exactly this problem.

Events
Tamworth Historical Society June Meeting: Tom McClellandEnds: June 17, 2026
New England North West Future Tourism Forum 2026 | Hosted by Business NSWEnds: June 18, 2026
RSL Armidale NSW Veterans DVA Advocacy SeminarEnds: June 19, 2026
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 19, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: June 21, 2026
Politics
Anderson puts Labor on notice ahead of NSW Budget
Roads, hospitals, fire stations, mobile coverage and a new school for Moore Creek — the Member for Tamworth has put Labor on notice ahead of next Tuesday’s NSW Budget.
New England hospitals to share in $400m maintenance blitz
A $400 million hospital maintenance blitz is coming to the New England — but with Moree’s redevelopment taking shape and Glen Innes still waiting for answers, the bigger picture is far from settled.
Country mayors push back on Inland Rail decision
Narrabri and Moree are among those communities “devastated” by the axing of Inland Rail — but country mayors say there is still a path to completion, and they’re taking their case straight to the minister.
Women to be hardest-hit by sweeping NDIS changes
Cost-saving measures to target the National Disability Insurance Scheme are likely to put responsibility back on families.
Anti-abortion fight evolves into ‘noxious brew’
The pro-life movement is incorporating anti-immigrant sentiment in its latest fight against abortion and reproductive healthcare.
Drought and rising costs send New England farmer confidence to record lows
Farmer confidence across the New England North West has plunged to its lowest level in recent memory, with drought and surging input costs hitting producers harder than anywhere else in New South Wales, new survey data shows.
New executive director for national livestock transport body
Ben Maguire has been appointed Executive Director of the national peak body for livestock and rural transport, bringing decades of experience across trucking, agriculture and the not-for-profit sector.
Energy and Environment
Solar farm set for approval as community gets final say
A 360 megawatt solar farm east of Inverell — with sheep still grazing under the panels — is heading for approval. But locals have until 8 July to have their say, with a public meeting to be held on 1 July in Elsmore.
Tenterfield Shire Council to protect future of iconic Pin Oaks
Tenterfield Shire Council to remove 10 hazardous Pin Oaks after an independent arborist identified significant safety risks among 203 trees.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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…
Narrabri residents encouraged to take advantage of full fibre upgrade opportunity
The latest expansion of nbn full fibre technology is helping people in Narrabri keep pace with changing digital needs. Find out how you can upgrade now.
BUSINESS
Inverell businesses urged to have their say
Inverell Shire Council is urging local businesses to complete a survey helping shape future economic growth and support.
INDIGENOUS
Strong turnout for Armidale’s 15th Reconciliation Bridge Walk despite wet forecast
Around 300 people gathered in Armidale on Sunday, May 31, for the 15th Annual Reconciliation Bridge Walk, braving a forecast of “cold with intermittent rain” to take part in the community event marking National Reconciliation Week.
SPORT
Armidale to host 2026 George Cowie West Ham United football selection camp
Armidale will host the 2026 George Cowie West Ham United Football Selection Camp in July, giving young regional players the chance to train with coaches from the English Premier League club.
On engage now
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- Marketing Clarity: Your Clients Find You on Facebook. That’s Exactly Why You Need a Website
What happens when you don’t own your marketing? Ingrid writes that Facebook is great for discoverability, but you need a website for control. The post Marketing Clarity: Your Clients Find You on Facebook. That’s Exactly Why You Need a Website appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Return and Earn hits 16 billion containers and $100 million for charity
Sixteen billion bottles, cans and cartons — and counting. NSW’s Return and Earn scheme has now raised more than $100 million for charities, from koala hospitals to kids’ education.
$35 million transformation underway at Wests as iconic Tamworth club enters new era
One of Tamworth’s most recognisable venues is undergoing a major transformation, with a multi-stage redevelopment set to deliver a completely refreshed experience for members, guests and visitors.







