Demographic bulimia: why immigration is a stuck-in-the-muck issue
Labor, the Coalition and One Nation all say they want fewer migrants. Australia’s economy, its farms and its own refugee-resettlement towns all need more of them. It’s a clash between electoral populism and policy reality with no solution.
Armidale cake shop marks first birthday with a year’s worth of sweet memories
A shopfront that began as a nervous experiment on Saturdays is about to celebrate its first birthday, with the woman behind New England Cake Co. crediting the Armidale community for turning a side hustle into a full-time business.
National park upgrades to boost Tenterfield region
Changes to two Tenterfield national parks aim to boost regional tourism, improve visitor facilities and strengthen Western Bundjalung cultural recognition.
Fahim comes home to mentor Tamworth’s next big thing
She won Star Maker in Tamworth back in 2017. Now chart-topping singer Rachael Fahim is coming home as the new face of Macca’s Golden Gig, mentoring the next generation of country hopefuls.
Local News
Rocket-themed water play proposed for Moree’s Kirkby Park
A rocket-themed water play area featuring a tipping bucket, ground sprays and water cannons could be coming to Moree’s Kirkby Park.
PLC Armidale sends three teams to Sydney for IGSA finals
PLC Armidale is sending three hockey and netball teams to Sydney to compete in the 2026 IGSA finals series this weekend.
NERAM opens doors to emerging artists with 40 Under 40 exhibition
The New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) in Armidale is calling on emerging artists and artisans from across the region to submit work for its end of year exhibition, 40 Under 40.
Guyra gears up for another big TroutFest weekend
Guyra’s TroutFest is back for another long weekend of markets, art, music and fishing, even as a smaller committee juggles a few last-minute changes.
What's On
LONG READ >
Demographic bulimia: why immigration is a stuck-in-the-muck issue
Labor, the Coalition and One Nation all say they want fewer migrants. Australia’s economy, its farms and its own refugee-resettlement towns all need more of them. It’s a clash between electoral populism and policy reality with no solution.
Events
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: September 20, 2026
Tamworth Weiner Dog Festival 2026Ends: September 20, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: September 20, 2026
Tenterfield Womens TalkEnds: September 21, 2026
Drake Village MarketsEnds: September 26, 2026
Bundarra CWA Spring MarketsEnds: September 26, 2026
Politics
Pearse, Tighe returned unopposed in Moree Plains
Moree Plains has its leadership locked in for another two years, with Mayor Susannah Pearse and Deputy Mayor Wayne Tighe both returned unopposed. Next week, four more New England councils go to a mayoral vote.
Fuller returned in Gunnedah as Tiemens unopposed in Narrabri
Councillors in Gunnedah and Narrabri have selected their leadership teams for the next two years, but the neighbouring councils took markedly different paths to their results.
Gun debate gagged, motion to disallow buyback fails
A motion to scrap the state’s gun buyback failed after debate was gagged, with the mover accusing government MPs of not understanding firearms and warning the laws will push voters to far-right parties.
Screen time caps coming to NSW schools
NSW public schools will cap daily screen time from next year, after new research found teenagers spending up to seven hours a day on devices and literacy results going backwards.
Youth takes the helm at Liverpool Plains
At 38, Charlie Simkin is Liverpool Plains Shire Council’s new mayor. He’s flagged waste, housing and infrastructure as priorities for the next two years, working alongside new Deputy Mayor Jason Allan.
Boggabilla agricultural leader Rebecca Fing named 2027 Nuffield Scholar
Boggabilla’s Rebecca Fing will take her farm safety research overseas after being named a 2027 Nuffield Scholar.
New England households to benefit from energy support funding
New England households will get help cutting energy bills, with Southern New England Landcare sharing $4.7 million in state funding.
Energy and Environment
Glen Innes Severn calls for fair REZ funding model
Glen Innes Severn Council is pushing for a fairer funding model to share New England Renewable Energy Zone benefits across communities.
F4CA report says farmers carry industry’s climate load
Farmers are already propping up Australia’s climate accounts for free, while coal, gas and oil buy their way out of cutting pollution at the source, according to a new report from Farmers for Climate Action.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
From open homes to open hearts: Professionals Armidale’s community BBQ making a difference
A real estate agency might not be the first place you’d expect to find a community fundraising program, but Professionals Armidale is quietly becoming as well known for its local giving as…
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…
BUSINESS
The coolest job in Uralla making everyone’s GPS work better
Did you know Uralla has a space facility, working on a new program making GPS ten times more accurate across Australia and New Zealand? Lockheed Martin is hiring someone to run it, and admits it’s a bit of a unicorn job.
INDIGENOUS
Inverell’s Tahnee Capon turns hardship into hope through education
A Kamilaroi woman who spent a year couch surfing before living in a converted bus has been named a 2026 Adult Learners Week Ambassador, crediting study with turning her life around from homelessness to a career helping others in Inverell.
SPORT
Stunning day at Varley Oval for cracker AFL grand finals
Inverell turned the tables on the Tamworth Swans to claim the Regional Australia Bank Cup, while Gunnedah overcame a determined home side in the women’s decider during the AFL North West grand finals at Varley Oval on Saturday.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Kate McGrath Responds to Comments Regarding Working Mothers in Leadership
Read the full statement of Cr Kate McGrath in response to the "working mum" comment made by Cr Rob Hooke, republished with permission. The post Kate McGrath Responds to Comments Regarding Working Mothers in Leadership appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Tamworth Regional Sports Awards nominations open
Nominations will open this week for the 2026 Tamworth Regional Sports Awards, recognising the region’s leading athletes, coaches, teams, volunteers and sporting organisations.
Nominate your Australia Day heroes now
From Guyra to Nundle, nominations are open for 2027 Australia Day honours. Know a quiet achiever? Now’s the time to say thanks.
