Have your say on flowers and trinkets at Inverell Shire cemeteries
Flowers, trinkets, and ornaments on loved ones’ graves could soon come under new rules across Inverell Shire cemeteries. Here’s what’s proposed, and how long you have to speak up.
Tenterfield Dam full, water restrictions lifted
The rain has done its job. Tenterfield Dam is full to the brim and Level 2 water restrictions are gone, but Council has one request before you turn on the hose.
Telstra mobile coverage to drop out in Hillvue
Hillvue, your Telstra mobile signal is about to drop out. Here’s what it means for Triple Zero calls, medical alarms and EFTPOS, and how to stay connected while the work is done.
Gunnedah’s Rainbow Serpent restoration wins state award
Crafted by Kamilaroi women, eroded by the western sun, and pieced back together tile by tile. Gunnedah’s Rainbow Serpent has just won a state award, and the judges couldn’t stop praising it.
Local News
Top 10 named for 2027 Toyota Star Maker in Tamworth
Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan and Beccy Cole all started here. Now 10 new hopefuls are chasing the 2027 Toyota Star Maker title in Tamworth. Who will join country music’s most famous club?
Armidale’s only 4.5-star hotel hits the market as mining and REZ demand builds
Armidale’s only 4.5-star hotel is up for sale, with agents pitching Rydges Armidale as a ready-made base for the miners, renewable energy workers, and corporate visitors expected to fill the city’s beds in coming years.
Tenterfield School of Arts turns 150 with a swish soiree
150 years, one very glamorous night. Tenterfield’s School of Arts is throwing a Swish Soiree to celebrate its milestone, and every dollar raised goes back into the beloved building.
Tamworth nursing students no longer need to move
For years, Tamworth’s nursing students had to start their degree somewhere else. From 2027, they can do it all at home, with 30 places, scholarships worth $10,000 a year, and priority accommodation on offer.
What's On
LONG READ >
Camps in the paddock: the REZ housing legacy that isn’t
WEEKEND LONG READ: New England was promised worker housing that would stay behind as homes. The REZ EIS delivers 2,060 beds in five temporary camps on paddocks a long way from anywhere.
Events
Twilight Tales at Calala Cottage Museum – Garden Picnic and Museum ToursEnds: November 7, 2026
Twilight Tales at Calala Cottage Museum – Garden Picnic and Museum ToursEnds: November 7, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Tenterfield Job ExpoEnds: November 20, 2026
Sounds of the SessonEnds: November 28, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: November 29, 2026
Politics
Stamp duty relief pledged for family trusts
Thousands of family businesses run through trusts have been left wondering if a federal tax change would trigger a state stamp duty bill. Labor says, if re-elected, it won’t.
By-elections loom for Walcha and Tenterfield after councillors resign
Two New England councils are down a councillor. Walcha has locked in a January by-election, while Tenterfield waits on advice about how to fill its empty A Ward seat.
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.
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.
Phosphine rules delayed until 2028
Harvest is here and grain growers have dodged a curveball. New phosphine exposure rules won’t kick in until 2028, giving the industry time to find practical answers.
Crop margins stay tight, but yields help
Rabobank says crop margins stay squeezed into 2027. Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia are cushioned by strong yields, but dry Queensland and northern NSW growers are more exposed.
Hanging Rock trout farm reels in grant to go off the grid
One of the region’s hidden jewels is going off the grid. The Hanging Rock trout farm behind The Drunken Trout Café has landed a grant to ditch diesel and power up with renewables.
Energy and Environment
Downstream councils vow to fight Keepit Dam pipeline to Tamworth
Tamworth wants a pipeline from Keepit Dam. Seven councils downstream, from Gunnedah to Walgett, say it would leave their towns exposed in the next drought, and they’re vowing to fight it.
Camps in the paddock: the REZ housing legacy that isn’t
WEEKEND LONG READ: New England was promised worker housing that would stay behind as homes. The REZ EIS delivers 2,060 beds in five temporary camps on paddocks a long way from anywhere.
Armidale pipeline tops list as Uralla weighs its water future
A pipeline from Armidale has topped the list of options to secure Uralla’s water. But Council says nothing is decided yet, and it wants to hear what residents think.
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
Tamworth gun buyback pushed back until after country music festival
Tamworth’s gun buyback has been pushed back so police can focus on the country music festival, but farmers say they are still in limbo with days to go before it starts statewide.
INDIGENOUS
Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship opens fifth year
Five years, one $10,000 prize, and a platform for First Nations creatives. Applications for the 2027 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship are open until 7 March.
SPORT
Point Of Law wins Melbourne Cup
Favourite Point Of Law has run down frontrunner Royal Supremacy to win the $10 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: Congrats to The Bolt
Re: Uralla’s Bolt Inn adds Best Steak in a Pub NSW to awards haul Congratulations Bolt Inn Team!!! Hard earned & well deserved!! Another Uralla business setting the standard for others to follow. The post QW: Congrats to The Bolt appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Moree Plains Shire Council names new general manager
Moree Plains Shire Council has found its new general manager. Meet the man who says the shire has “enormous potential”.
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 and independence for people with disability, and a Coffs Coast family business helping households and businesses clear clutter, move furniture…
