Trust tax changes put New England businesses on alert
A new 30 per cent trust tax could cost small businesses thousands to adjust. With 21,500 businesses in the New England North West, local owners are being told to see their advisers now.
Deepwater pub backs GoFundMe for home invasion victims with Halloween night
The Longhorn Bar and Grill in Deepwater will host a Halloween fancy dress fundraiser on Friday, 30 October, to boost a GoFundMe appeal for Torrington couple Keith and Dianne Blessing
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.
SBM26: Garden romance, regional connections and community spirit
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three places bringing people together in different ways: a Tenterfield garden escape offering boutique stays and romantic celebrations, a regional transport service connecting communities across the North Coast…
Local News
Tiny village of Rouchel faces biggest visual impact from REZ transmission line
The Rouchel Uniting Church is one of four places rated high for visual impact from the New England REZ transmission line. Here is what the EIS says about noise and views.
Gunnedah’s Chase Berry leads junior bull riders into Tamworth finals
Gunnedah’s Chase Berry is the one to beat as young bull riders from across the country chase $29,000 in Tamworth on Saturday. Entry to the Junior Grand Finals is free.
Tamworth agency launches national survey of regional Australia
A Tamworth agency is asking regional Australians what they really think. The Voice of Region survey takes under 10 minutes, and five participants will win $100 fuel cards.
SBM26: Easy eats, coastal escapes and thoughtful gifts
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses bringing a little something special to everyday life: an Armidale drive-through serving great coffee and hearty pies, a Mid North Coast retreat combining beachfront stays with nature and celebrations, and a Glen Innes favourite bringing together fresh flowers, homemade cakes and thoughtful gifts.
What's On
LONG READ >
The REZ environmental damage the law allows
WEEKEND LONG READ: More than 3,200 hectares of native vegetation will go for the New England REZ transmission line, including 147 hectares of critically endangered New England Peppermint grassy woodland. And they’re allowed to do it because the law gives them a “free kick” as a state significant project.
Events
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Fete, Floral & Craft DisplayEnds: October 31, 2026
Spooky Halloween SkateEnds: October 31, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 1, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: November 29, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: December 6, 2026
Politics
Knife scanning powers made permanent
Police can now scan for knives at major entertainment venues, shopping centres, stations and sports grounds, with permanent powers and longer operations. Here is what the new laws change.
Helen Haines loses second leg
Dr Helen Haines’ husband says she is alive and stable after losing both legs. The Governor-General says the attack must be a moment for Australians to pause and choose to be better.
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.
Tributes flow for Helen Haines
Tributes are pouring in for Helen Haines as she remains in a critical condition. Leaders say the Indi MP, a former nurse and midwife, is an example of kindness in public life.
Senate probes $560m community grants
Senate hearings into how a $560 million community grants program picked its winners – including the Marrickville Golf Club – start today in Canberra. Watch live online on Wednesday and Thursday.
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?
Beef company faces court over Niangala wetland channels
A prime beef company faces fines of more than $2 million per charge over 6km of channels allegedly dug through a Niangala district wetland. Its first court date is Friday, 30 October.
Energy and Environment
More time sought on REZ transmission EIS
Uralla Shire Council wants the planning minister to keep the REZ transmission EIS open until the end of the year, and calls for more time are now coming from Walcha to Armidale.
The REZ environmental damage the law allows
WEEKEND LONG READ: More than 3,200 hectares of native vegetation will go for the New England REZ transmission line, including 147 hectares of critically endangered New England Peppermint grassy woodland. And they’re allowed to do it because the law gives them a “free kick” as a state significant project.
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
New authority to guide NSW coal regions
A new authority backed by more than $200 million will give workers and communities in NSW coal regions a direct voice in their future. Mines will have to plan for worker support before they close.
INDIGENOUS
Black Gully Festival to honour Uncle Cyril Green’s life in music
Armidale musician and Dunghutti elder Uncle Cyril Green will be honoured at this year’s Black Gully Festival on Saturday, 7 November. The tribute will reflect on a lifetime in music that began on a guitar in Walcha.
SPORT
Manilla brothers Mick and Tom Knight to take on world’s best at Warwick rodeo
Manilla bronc-riding brothers Mick and Tom Knight will represent Australia against some of the world’s best riders at the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft later this month.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: We need only look to Helen Haines
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese writes that we need genuine debate. We need more respect. More kindness. More listening and less shouting. And if we want a role model and an example in this we need only to look to Helen Haines. The post Opinion: We need only look to Helen Haines appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
More than 3,000 items delivered to women across regional NSW
More than 3,000 items of clothing and accessories have been delivered to women in Tamworth, Narrabri, Moree and Gunnedah, as Iris Foundation’s Frockin’ The Outback returned for a second consecutive year.
Ballina woman sole winner of $100m powerball
A Ballina woman spent the day spotting signs from a late loved one. By night, she had won $100 million. Hear the moment her family found out.
