Nationals blast buyback starting before the rules
The firearms buyback starts 2 November, and Grafton Police Station is one of the first collection points. The Nationals say the rules aren’t even written yet, and Tamworth’s music festival is in the way.
Tenterfield Show turns 150 with a black-tie ball
A black-tie ball at the Tenterfield Showgrounds will celebrate 150 years of the Tenterfield Show, with 400 tickets now on sale for Saturday, 20 February 2027.
Armidale regulator accused of $6.1m fee blunder
A $6.1 million error and $6.2 million in unexplained costs. CropLife says the Armidale-based APVMA’s fee overhaul is riddled with mistakes and wants the numbers redone before it reaches the Minister.
SBM26: Road-ready support, inclusive opportunities and a helping hand
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses and organisations making life easier for their communities: a Tamworth towing and caravan specialist offering personal service from purchase to repairs, an Inverell not-for-profit creating opportunities…
Local News
Salvos call for community support as New England North West families face Christmas hardship
The Salvation Army is calling on New England North West residents to dig deep this Christmas, as rising living costs put further pressure on families already struggling to make ends meet.
Christmas cheer returns to Tamworth with Carols in the Park
Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park will come alive with festive cheer on 12 December as Carols in the Park returns with live entertainment, family activities and Christmas celebrations.
Man charged following alleged armed robbery in Tamworth
A 39-year-old man has been charged over an alleged aggravated robbery in Tamworth last week, during which another man was reportedly threatened with a knife, assaulted and robbed.
Tamworth sports precinct road upgrades near finish
New crossings, lighting, and a shared path are coming to Tamworth’s sports precinct by mid-December. But the roundabout makeover has cost the median some greenery, and more grass trees are on the way.
What's On
LONG READ >
The cost of civility: how do we learn to disagree again?
WEEKEND LONG READ: Regular abuse online. Targeted campaigns of lies. Threats of violence, rape and even death. As Australia asks how it treats its politicians after the alleged attack on Helen Haines, local female politicians say they have been living the challenge, and agree we need to hold social media accountable – and find a…
Events
From Fire and Ash – The Ceramic ExhibitionEnds: October 30, 2026
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Fete, Floral & Craft DisplayEnds: October 31, 2026
Spooky Halloween SkateEnds: October 31, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 1, 2026
Twilight Tales at Calala Cottage Museum – Garden Picnic and Museum ToursEnds: November 7, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Politics
Chaffey urges kindness after Haines attack
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey says words can hurt and words can heal, as parliament pays tribute to Dr Helen Haines. His message to Australians after the attack: “Let’s continue with kindness.”
Gun buyback starts before rules are set
The NSW gun buyback starts next week, but the rules on who can keep extra firearms aren’t final. In Armidale, Tamworth, Moree and Inverell, you can’t hand anything in until January.
Minister threatens to suspend Moree council, dodges safety questions
The Minister for Local Government is asking Moree Plains Shire Council why he shouldn’t put them into administration, but has not answered questions about why he failed to act to keep councillors and staff safe.
Fears for regional prostate cancer care
Regional men with prostate cancer could lose specialist nursing support when federal funding ends in June 2027. Jamie Chaffey wants a guarantee no community is left worse off.
Plastic phase-outs passed in NSW
Bread tags, balloon sticks and lollipop sticks are on the way out in NSW. Coffee cups are not banned, but cafes will have to offer mugs and accept keep cups from 2028.
Murrami rice farmer is new NFF vice president
A Murrami rice, sheep, and walnut farmer with an environmental law degree is the National Farmers’ Federation’s new vice president, as four new committee chairs are also named.
Coalition water taskforce targets Basin buybacks
Water buybacks are in the Coalition’s sights. A new taskforce will tour the Basin to hear from irrigators and push for dams and a ban on more buybacks.
Farmers push parties to reject EU deal
The coalition is against the EU trade deal, the trade minister says that would be “economic self harm”, and farmers say the agreement leaves them behind. Who blinks first?
Energy and Environment
Copeton Dam turns 50: the water behind Inverell’s economy
Copeton Dam marked 50 years since its official opening yesterday, Friday, 23 October, and Inverell Mayor Kate Dight says many people do not realise how much the community relies on it.
Why can’t we get this done? Oven Mountain latest renewable project to falter
The latest announcement of a renewable project to fail is the one that no one expected. Questions are being asked about whether the NSW Government is to blame, or if there is a bigger problem about how we do large infrastructure in this country.
Free field day to explore Racecourse Lagoon
Spend a day at Racecourse Lagoon learning to spot wetland plants, birds, and bugs. The free field day on Tuesday, 17 November includes morning tea and lunch.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Primary Health Network continues to support and invest in the Glen Innes community
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to Glen Innes through continued investment in local healthcare services, community programs and innovative models of…
Have your say on the future name of Killean
New owners of McLean Care want your help in naming the main home, and have put up $5000 to make it worth your while to have your say. Vote now!
BUSINESS
NSW releases critical minerals skills plan
NSW has launched what it calls an Australian-first Critical Minerals Skills Plan as Sydney hosts a global mining conference, and renewed its coal agreement with Japan, the state’s biggest buyer.
INDIGENOUS
First Nations culture to take centre stage at Black Gully Festival
Armidale Community Radio 2ARM will honour its long-time musical patron, Uncle Cyril Green Senior, and bring First Nations culture to the 15th Black Gully Festival on Saturday, 7 November.
SPORT
Gunnedah brothers claim bull riding glory in Tamworth
Two Gunnedah brothers, a Barraba rider, and a Walcha cowboy all got their moment in Tamworth. Then the Open final came down to just 0.10 of a point.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: Creative Streets was incredible
What an incredible event Armidale’s Creative Streets Festival was! The organisers and participants should be congratulated on the diverse array of high-quality events, live music, films, installations, chalk art, food stalls and karaoke which lit up the centre of town, while the new murals will continue to brighten the town for years. It shows that The post QW: Creative Streets was incredible appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Gunnedah women recognised at NSW local government awards
Two women from Gunnedah Shire Council have been recognised for their leadership and contributions to local government at the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
SBM26: Gaming communities, compassionate care and practical skills
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three organisations bringing people together and making a difference across the region: an Armidale gaming store building community around shared hobbies, a long-established Coffs Coast care provider supporting independence and connection, and a Mid North Coast training academy helping people develop practical safety skills for when they matter…
