Tamworth project backed in $6.4m community grants program
Tamworth health services will expand under a $6.4 million NSW community grants round. Read more here.
Doctors’ housing to boost Boggabri
Boggabri will gain two new homes for doctors after councillors approved the relocation of housing to address the town’s ongoing need for medical accommodation.
Leading classical musicians to perform in lead up to Mothers Day
Two of Australia’s leading classical musicians will take to the stage in Tamworth, Armidale and Gunnedah next month, with pianist Konstantin Shamray and clarinettist David Griffiths set to perform a special chamber music recital. The performances will be held at the Armidale Town Hall on 7 May, the Chapel Theatre…
State Government expands essential workers program with boost for New England region
New England communities are set to benefit from an expanded essential workers program aimed at easing local staff shortages.
Local News
Draft council plans open for community input
Residents are invited to have their say on council’s future plans, with key documents now on public exhibition.
Major reforms proposed to strengthen rural freight sector and boost productivity
The livestock transport industry is pushing for national reforms to cut red tape, boost workforce capacity and improve freight efficiency.
Drug concerns framed as growing community challenge in Narrabri Shire
Councillors have raised concerns about illegal drug use in Narrabri Shire, warning of growing impacts on young people, families and services.
Police pursuit comes dangerously close to Anzac Day service
A police pursuit has ended with a 22-year-old woman charged, after an allegedly stolen vehicle was chased just metres from Anzac Day commemorations.
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 1, 2026
Great Southern Nights – Boggabilla: JK-47, Roger Knox, KobiDunksEnds: May 1, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: May 2, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: May 3, 2026
2026 Australian Celtic FestivalEnds: May 3, 2026
Politics
NDIS overhaul to kick 160,000 people off, hit regions hardest
Up to 160,000 people could lose NDIS support under sweeping reforms — with regional communities expected to feel the impact most.
Disability cuts on table as treasurer eyes cost spiral
State officials will be briefed on the federal government’s plans to overhaul spending on the NDIS, expected to be announced within days.
Mystery deepens over promised gun buyback as states refuse to sign on
The national gun buyback promised after the Bondi Beach massacre is yet to get off the ground, with states refusing to sign on and no clear path forward.
Uralla votes in Ward A by-election today
Voters in Uralla Shire Council’s Ward A will head to the polls today Saturday, 18 April, with polling places open from 8am.
Coalition migration policy widely condemned as bad for regional Australia
The Coalition’s hardline migration policy is drawing fierce criticism, with warnings it ignores the proven success of regional settlement and risks hurting our communities that rely on it.
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.
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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On-again, off-again Hormuz blockade leaves locals jittery and fuel prices volatile
Fuel prices are dropping, but it will take at least a week for global oil price drops to flow through to the bowser… if the Strait of Hormuz stays open.
30 cents more on weekly shop to deliver $1m more for local farmers
Households will pay about 30 cents more a week for milk after Norco moved to increase what it pays local dairy farmers, delivering an estimated $1 million a month back into local communities.
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.
Energy and Environment
Village bore commissioning completed in Torrington and Drake
Village bores in Torrington and Drake near Tenterfield have been successfully commissioned and are now fully operational.
Armidale forum to tackle end-of-life solar challenge
What happens to solar panels and other renewable infrastructure when they reach the end of their lifespan? A forum on May 4 will look at how we can recycle them locally.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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…
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.
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
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.
SPORT
Challenge swimming carnival returns to Gunnedah
More than 250 people will head to Gunnedah for a full day of racing, novelty events and community at the annual swim carnival for people with disabilities.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Denise’s Desk: Barnaby Joyce, One Nation and the Politics of Pretending
Denise says there are few things more predictable in Australian politics than Barnaby Joyce putting on the hat, rolling out the country bloke routine, and warning Australians that someone else is coming for their money. The post Denise’s Desk: Barnaby Joyce, One Nation and the Politics of Pretending appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Five Decades of Action: Zonta Armidale’s Lasting Impact on Women’s Lives
Half a century of advocacy, service and community connection is being celebrated this year as the Zonta Club of Armidale marks its 50th anniversary – a milestone that speaks not only to longevity, but to a sustained commitment to improving the lives of women and girls.
Nominations open to recognise region’s quiet achievers
Know someone who gives their time to help others? Nominations are now open to recognise the New England’s volunteers.
