Big-city fun planned for Armidale ten pin bowling centre
Karaoke, escape rooms, and a licensed bar could be heading for Armidale’s Skate Bowl Play transitions to The Alley Armidale. Its new owners say regional towns deserve the same entertainment as the big cities.
Nimbin man found unresponsive at Drake bush doof
A man has died at a property near Drake after desperate efforts to revive him at a bush doof failed.
SBM26: relationship, chill, finance
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three very different local businesses: disability service built on a genuine relationship, cool rooms on the move, and finance solutions for business.
Roadworks to cause delays along Waterfall Way
Motorists travelling between Raleigh and Armidale are being warned to expect delays as multiple roadworks take place along Waterfall Way later this month.
Local News
SBM26: Getting it done
Today we’re celebrating three local businesses that the New England trusts to keep them working: a premium business technology support service, a mortgage broker that understands rural lending, and a marketing specialist giving you the tools to do it yourself.
Westdale subdivision breaks ground as Tamworth housing demand grows
The first sod was turned this week at Talee Estate, on Mayne Drive, where 47 residential lots are planned, including blocks of about 4000 square metres.
Tamworth CBD attracts thousands for the inaugural City of Lights Festival
Tamworth’s CBD sparkled for the inaugural City of Lights Festival with more than 2000 people turning out to enjoy the light displays on the first night alone.
Tenterfield foundation launches with a Wish Bowl for local ideas
What is your wish for Tenterfield? A new local foundation is opening a Wish Bowl at its launch on Saturday, 31 October, and every dollar it raises will stay in the region.
What's On
LONG READ >
The High Court coal win that may close the door it opened
WEEKEND LONG READ: Much has been said about a High Court judgement this week relating to what climate impacts should be included in planning decisions. The backlash and election timing could shut Scope 3 emissions out of planning permanently and give workers and communities the confidence they desperately seek.
Events
Annual Human Rights LectureEnds: October 15, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: October 18, 2026
The New England Community ShowcaseEnds: October 21, 2026
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Fete, Floral & Craft DisplayEnds: October 31, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 1, 2026
- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Politics
Gunnedah petition calls for 24-hour police station
Gunnedah is petitioning for a 24-hour police station, but a council voice says the town already has 24-hour policing. Is a staffed station the best use of police?
Chaffey backs migration cut as refugee group warns of cost
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey says the Coalition’s migration cuts would take pressure off local housing, roads, and schools. Refugee group SSI says halving the humanitarian intake would shut out thousands in need.
Tamworth’s Jeff Bacon joins One Nation upper house ticket
Shooters, then Nationals, now One Nation. Third time lucky, Tamworth gun maker Jeff Bacon has landed second on an upper house ticket promising to repeal NSW’s new firearm laws.
Anderson urges locals to shut the laptop and shop local
Rising costs and a slow economy are biting local businesses. Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has a simple ask for October: shut the laptop and shop in town.
Tough on crime, weak on details: how emotion rather than evidence drives justice reform
WEEKEND LONG READ: The NSW election is less than six months away, and both sides are selling ‘tough on crime’. The evidence says their tough slogans don’t make us safer. So why do they keep doing it?
Wheat prices up, but not from shortage
Wheat prices are rising, but the world is not short of grain. Rabobank says disrupted shipping is the cause, and growers face higher fertiliser and fuel bills as well.
Armidale livestock unit celebrates 50 years
From a handful of traits to trillions of data points, an Armidale unit has spent 50 years reshaping Australian livestock. Now it is throwing a party, and auctioning a heifer.
Energy and Environment
Uralla water upgrades aim to protect supply and reduce waste for residents
Uralla residents are set to benefit from improved water security and fewer losses following upgrades to the town’s network.
Regional women rush clean energy course
Nearly 70 regional women applied in a single month. A new program is training women to help their communities shape the renewable energy rollout, and demand has been huge.
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
Uralla’s Bolt Inn wins two statewide dining awards
Uralla’s Bolt Inn has taken out two honours at the NSW Restaurant and Catering Awards, winning Best Restaurant in a Pub/Club – Regional NSW and Best Family Dining in a Pub – Regional NSW.
INDIGENOUS
Gunnedah petition demands Aboriginal flag in Council chamber
Gunnedah’s deputy mayor warned of “a reverse type of apartheid” before councillors voted to hang just one flag in the chamber. Now Aboriginal community members are fighting back with a petition.
SPORT
World Cup Show brings four days of entertainment to Tamworth
Tamworth will host four days of free entertainment as the World Cup Show brings elite showjumping and family activities to the region.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: Australian men are fundamentally good men
RK writes that in all the handwringing about the manosphere and DV, a simple truth gets lost: the vast majority of Australian men are genuinely good people. The post Begin Rant: Australian men are fundamentally good men appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
SBM26: Aaah, clink, vroom
Today we’re celebrating three local businesses that keep the New England confident, happy and looking good.
Armidale’s Narwan Eels defend under 17 boys title at Koori Knockout
Armidale club Narwan Eels have held on to their under-17 boys crown at the Koori Knockout, beating the Waterloo Storm Academy 22-10 in the grand final at Raymond Terrace on Monday, 5 October.
