Darks Plumbing takes the win – and Facebook – by storm
After a groundswell of community support during Best in the New England voting yesterday, Darks Plumbing Walcha has taken out the title of Best Plumber, and their very first Facebook post was to share the good news.
Walcha to get a visit from 2025 Melbourne Cup tour
After watching hometown horse Knight’s Choice win last year’s ‘race that stops the nation’, Walcha will welcome this year’s Melbourne Cup trophy on Friday, August 15.
Northern canola crops could takeoff
Canola crops in the Liverpool Plains and the north west ‘Golden Triangle’ region could soon be fuelling the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production in Australia.
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Local News
Calls for more resources as APVMA performance nosedives
The continued fallout from ministerial directives and attempts to tackle toxic culture within the Armidale-based APVMA has led to significant delays in new pesticide approvals
Empowering locals to get creative with new arts grants
Grassroots creativity in the New England North West is getting a major boost, with applications now open for the 2025 Country Arts Support Program (CASP) grants.
Paws-itively awesome: Inverell Barnyard wins Best Pet Store
Inverell Barnyard has proved themselves to be leaders of the pack, taking out the title of Best Pet Store in the New England.
It’s official: Australian Standing Stones named
A site long celebrated by locals and visitors alike has now been formally recognised by the NSW Government, with the name ‘Australian Standing Stones’ officially approved and gazetted
Real Support for Real Homeowners: $2000 cash back
In a time where rising costs and uncertainty define the housing conversation, Regional Australia Bank is backing the people who call regional NSW home, not with slogans, but with something tangible.
What's On
Best in the New England – Click the image to vote now.
Events
Greyhound Adoption Event Petstock TamworthEnds: July 26, 2025
Markets in the mallEnds: July 27, 2025
Nabiac Automotive Swap MeetEnds: July 27, 2025
Film: Turning the Ship at Armidale PlayhouseEnds: July 27, 2025
Things of Stone and Wood ArmidaleEnds: July 27, 2025
Politics
New low-rise pattern book to speed up home building – but not here
The NSW Government has delivered a new housing initiative aimed at cutting red tape but questions remain about whether the new designs meet the needs of regional communities.
Applications open for 2025 National Beef Leaders Program
Young cattle men and women with the ability and ambition to make a difference to their industry are being urged to polish up their resumes and apply for Cattle Australia’s National Beef Leaders program.
Boost for next gen farmers as call goes out for next gen farming leaders
NSW Farmers is encouraging young people to upskill in agriculture as it prepares for a leadership changeover at their forthcoming conference.
Energy and Environment
Helping locals plug into cheaper home batteries
A free community event in Armidale this Thursday night promises to demystify the world of battery storage and help locals tap into the new federal rebate for home batteries.
International solar farm biodiversity expert comes to New England
Next Tuesday will see local expertise and international insight brought together at an event in Armidale to explore how solar farms can support biodiversity as well as energy generation.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
The Grove Yamba: Coastal Living Elevated to a New Standard
Discover The Grove Yamba, a boutique collection of 14 luxury villas that blend timeless design with coastal serenity. Just a short stroll from town, it’s a rare chance to own in this…
The Bungalow & Ivy Leaf Chapel: a hidden gem for intimate weddings and unforgettable events in Tenterfield
Tucked away in the heart of Tenterfield, just a short stroll from the main street, lies one of the region’s most charming and versatile event venues
BUSINESS
Armidale Business Supplies nails it to take our Best Hardware Store
Armidale Building Supplies has been crowned Best Hardware Store in Best in the New England 2025, with local love outshining chains again.
INDIGENOUS
Local services receive major boost to support Aboriginal community safety
Aboriginal-led organisations in the New England have secured more than half a million dollars in new funding to tackle domestic, family and sexual violence
SPORT
Remembering Ty by casting a line in his honour this weekend
More than 200 anglers are expected to hit the water at Copeton Dam this weekend for the inaugural Ty Edmonds Memorial Cod Classic
On engage now
- What happens when student feedback is racist
Two indigenous academics say nothing prepares you for seeing anonymous comments regarding Indigenous peoples, our knowledges, and histories, dragged through a system that was never built for or by us. The post What happens when student feedback is racist appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Hats Off To Country brings new music, big laughs and plenty of heart this weekend
Hats Off To Country is taking over Tamworth this weekend, and while it may be smaller and cooler than its January cousin, there’s no shortage of star power, singalongs or standout new music.
Service and Support: UHA volunteers celebrated as Lions Club lends a hand
The volunteer team behind the much-loved Ivy Café at the hospital has received a significant boost thanks to the Armidale Lions Club
