ASC recognised for refugee pathways
As Armidale became a regional refugee home, a team from Armidale Secondary College rebuilt the pathways from school to work and study. Now their “Pathways to Belonging” program has earned a NSW Humanitarian Award.
Second wild migratory bird tests positive for H5 avian influenza
NSW has confirmed a second wild migratory seabird infected with highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza, while authorities say the risk to people remains low.
Moree residents invited to shape new Keeping of Animals Policy
Moree residents are invited to provide feedback on a draft Keeping of Animals Policy designed to support responsible ownership and community amenity.
D&J Assisted Technology takes the first Best IT Service title
New category, first time winner, and the first win for Inverell in BITNE2026!
Local News
Grazing NSW conference brings Bingara family’s grazing journey to Tamworth
Graziers from across the New England North West are set to converge on Tamworth next week for the Pastures & Grazing NSW conference
Council seeks direct talks with HNELHD over Gunnedah Hospital helipad
Gunnedah Shire Council is urging Hunter New England Local Health District to meet locally and reinstate the hospital helipad for emergency retrievals.
Tenterfield launches Historian in Residence program with free public lecture on Australia’s animal history
School of Arts Tenterfield Incorporated launches annual Historian in Residence program with free public lecture by Associate Professor Nancy Cushing.
Dead heat: Boobooks and Reader’s Companion share Best Book Store crown
While the two businesses have different personalities, voters agreed they share one important quality: both have become treasured parts of Armidale’s cultural life.
What's On
Best Cleaner in the New England?
Home, office or business, who leaves every space sparkling clean? Which is the best Cleaner in the New England?
Events
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: July 19, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: August 1, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: August 2, 2026
- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: August 16, 2026
Stained Glass Art WorkshopEnds: August 30, 2026
Politics
Squadron stops work on Boorolong wind farm as neighbouring Origin project pushes on
Squadron has quietly walked away from its Boorolong wind farm near Armidale, while Origin’s project next door pushes on. The transmission line the Coalition says they won’t build is right in the middle of it.
$2.7 million disaster threshold plan an “insult” to small councils
Damage to your whole town, still miss out on funding: that’s the risk if Canberra’s disaster threshold triples to $2.7 million. Barwon MP Roy Butler says it’s “an insult” to small councils.
NSW extends consultation on Crown land bill after land rights warning
Consultation has been extended on a Crown land bill after Aboriginal land councils said amendments were dropped too late to properly consult with the network. The Law Society wants a key clause scrapped entirely.
TRC votes to sell Ray Walsh House after hour-long debate
After four years of uncertainty and more than an hour of heated debate, Tamworth Regional Council has voted 5-3 to sell Ray Walsh House — but the sale isn’t final yet.
Council to vote on Ray Walsh House sale as residents call for caution
Council will vote Tuesday on selling Ray Walsh House. But a residents group says the process isn’t finished — and once the decision is made, it’s very hard to undo.
Dung beetles cut methane emissions from cattle manure by 85 per cent, study finds
Dung beetles could play a bigger role in reducing the climate impact of Australia’s livestock industry, with new research finding they cut methane emissions from cattle manure by up to 85 per cent.
New crop chemical fee model could drive up costs, force products out
Fees to register farm chemicals could jump more than 200 per cent, and industry warns growers will pay for it, while some products may never reach Australian paddocks at all.
Energy and Environment
Armidale community invited to help shape future water services
Armidale Regional Council is inviting residents to help shape future water, wastewater and stormwater services through community consultation now.
Confusion surrounds new forest carbon credit method as opposition comes from all sides
Farmers say it’s unfair. Green groups call it a scam. The government calls it rigorous. A new forest carbon credit scheme has almost everyone disagreeing, just not about the same thing.
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
Tenterfield Home Hardware nails Best Hardware title
The family-focused business earned strong support from across the community, with voters repeatedly highlighting the team’s willingness to go the extra mile to help customers, whether they were tackling a major renovation or simply looking for the right tool or garden product.
INDIGENOUS
Walhallow community reaps long-term benefits from Aboriginal-led infrastructure investment
Aboriginal-led investment has transformed the Walhallow community, improving health, education, employment, tourism and cultural outcomes while creating lasting opportunities for future generations.
SPORT
TAS students shine on national and world stage
While most students spent the school holidays relaxing, these TAS students were busy winning national and international titles in rugby, hockey and rowing.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: Lazy politics means no growth
Mal Peters writes that we need innovation that will drive growth while making sure farmers concerns are addressed. The post Opinion: Lazy politics means no growth appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
80 student volunteers to descend on Uralla, Deepwater for The Big Lift
Eighty student volunteers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will arrive in Uralla on Tuesday, 7 July, as part of The Big Lift’s 2026 Winter Trip across regional New South Wales and Queensland.
Peter Allen honoured with Blue Plaque at Armidale Folk Museum
An Armidale boy who grew up to become one of Australia’s most celebrated entertainers has been honoured with a Blue Plaque at the newly renovated Armidale Folk Museum.
