Census stumble in New England North West blamed on apparent staffing failure
Fears are rising that the Census rollout has been a “disaster”, with forms undelivered and almost no local advertising. The ABS won’t confirm reports of a staffing bungle behind it, but locals are asking: can the data be trusted?
Four teenagers arrested after Moree police pursuit
A stolen SUV, a police drone and four teenagers under arrest after an alleged pursuit through Moree ended in two crashes.
All-Inclusive Dance Party set to bring 80s fun to South Tamworth
Leg warmers, shoulder pads and a night for everyone. Tamworth’s All-Inclusive Dance Party is back, and organisers want an even bigger crowd this year.
Four charged after Armidale drug and weapons raid
Meth, a drug ledger and a zombie knife allegedly seized as police charge four people following a raid on an Armidale home.
Local News
Elderly couple threatened with machete in Tamworth crime spree
A machete, two stolen cars and an elderly couple threatened in their own motel room. Police are investigating a string of linked incidents across Tamworth overnight.
Vote now to send Tamworth clubman to AFL grand final
He’s played, coached and manned the barbecue for the Tamworth Swans for three decades. Now Paul Kelly needs your vote to make the AFL Grand Final.
Three strikes and still not out: the weak council rules unable to deal with populist politicians
They run the same playbook as Pauline Hanson and Donald Trump: turn every sanction into persecution. Inside the NSW rules that still can’t make badly behaved councillors stop.
Glen Innes energy evening to help locals cut power bills
Want to cut your power bill? Glen Innes locals can get free, practical energy advice from farmers, a professor and energy experts next month.
What's On
LONG READ >
Three strikes and still not out: the weak council rules unable to deal with populist politicians
They run the same playbook as Pauline Hanson and Donald Trump: turn every sanction into persecution. Inside the NSW rules that still can’t make badly behaved councillors stop.
Events
Weekly Women’s Tea & Talk hostedEnds: August 31, 2026
The Rusty PickupsEnds: September 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: September 5, 2026
Spring Garden ExpoEnds: September 5, 2026
Make Your Own Macrame Hat HangerEnds: September 5, 2026
A Decade in Harmony: Ten-Year Anniversary ConcertEnds: September 5, 2026
Politics
Moree Plains council releases confidential pool report, but reveals nothing new
Moree Plains Shire Council released the confidential report behind its pool decision – but it didn’t reveal anything the community didn’t already know.
Barnaby Joyce fails to clear up One Nation migration confusion
Barnaby Joyce said his colleague was wrong on One Nation’s migration numbers, then confirmed that PALM workers don’t count. But he refused to say what skilled workers the New England would have to go without.
New Englanders to get some answers from ‘King Rat’ Barnaby Joyce
Barnaby Joyce will address his dramatic defection from the Nationals and his new political partnership with Pauline Hanson in an Australian Story episode airing on Monday night.
One Nation’s real migration plans revealed to be bigger than Labor’s
One Nation’s promise to “slash” migration to 130,000 has become a policy to increase migration to at least 230,000, live on national TV.
The tax that built a black market
WEEKEND LONG READ: A federal tax has turned main streets into a battleground for organised crime, insurance hikes and arson. Canberra is still dismissing calls to cut the tobacco excise as a thought bubble.
Biggest goat levy shakeup in 30 years
Goat producers are being urged to vote after workshops across the country backed the biggest shakeup to their industry levy since 1997, more than doubling what they pay per transaction.
Graeme Sait to deliver four-day Nutrition Farming workshop in Guyra
Internationally recognised regenerative farming educator Graeme Sait will return to the New England in September for a four-day workshop in Guyra.
Energy and Environment
Digital meters catch $364,000 in water leaks across Armidale, Guyra
Digital water meters have already caught $364,000 worth of leaks across Armidale and Guyra. With Level 2 restrictions in place and warmer weather on the way, Council says the savings are only going to grow.
Uralla farmer leads charge as new guide maps out electrification options for regional business
Uralla producer Justin Hoad has already made the switch. Now a new guide is helping others follow his lead to electrify and save.
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
92 finalists named for New England North West Business Awards
From Tamworth to Walcha, 92 businesses and individuals are finalists in this year’s regional business awards. See the full list and find out who’s in the running.
INDIGENOUS
Funding to prevent violence through Aboriginal sport
A $625,000 fund is open to Aboriginal groups across NSW running sport programs aimed at preventing family and sexual violence, with applications closing in October.
SPORT
Tamworth boy’s ride comes full circle for Ronald McDonald House
A Tamworth boy whose family once relied on Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW is now getting on his bike to help other families in the same situation.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Letter: Make them earn your vote
Robyn writes that she understands why people are frustrated, but we need to take the time to look beyond what politicians say, and make them earn your vote. The post Letter: Make them earn your vote appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Older Armidale Singles connects the over-50 crowd, one coffee at a time
Armidale local Andrew Hunt has kicked off a Facebook group for over-50s across the New England North West, and in just weeks it has become a fast-growing hub for singles looking for friendship or something more.
Armidale software company named among world’s best four by Xero
An Armidale software company built inside a local earthmoving business is one of just four finalists worldwide for Xero’s top small-business app award, up against some of the biggest names in the game.
