Sluggish APVMA risks long term ag “productivity drought”
The sluggish performance of a government regulator based in Armidale is being blamed for creating a looming productivity drought for the nation’s farmers.
Spirit of the Liverpool Plains returns to Blackville
The much-loved Blackville Arts and Market Day returns Sunday, 19 October, with 50+ boutique stalls, kids’ entertainment, gourmet food, live music and the Judith Lee Art Prize – a true celebration of community spirit.
Costs, staff shortages holding back local business
Business confidence across the New England and North West has lifted slightly, but local operators warn rising costs, skill shortages and red tape are choking productivity and holding back growth.
It’s time to lace up for Run the Plains Moree
Back for its second year on 26 and 27 September, Run the Plains Moree is proving to be a popular weekend running festival in the region.
Local News
Sweeney tops Tamworth tennis championship
Tamworth has wrapped up its first Professional Tennis Tournament with Dane Sweeney claiming his fifth championship title.
Broken down and locked out: Machinery costs fuel right to repair debate
Local farmer joins NSW Farmers’ push for right to repair laws to cover agricultural machinery- saving time and cost.
UNE keeps rugby league fever going this October
Just days after the Koori Knockout takes over Tamworth and the NRL Grand Final is decided, rugby league will take over UNE with the first-ever rugby league conference. This October, the brightest minds in rugby league will come together for a first-of-its-kind event aimed at providing game-changing strategies to improve performance, reduce injury risk, and…
Moree kids to travel to learn to swim
Moree Plains Shire Council is making sure local kids still learn to swim while major works continue on the local pool.
Duval Dam Buster postponed to December
The annual Duval Dam Buster (DDB) Trail Run has been postponed to Sunday December 7 for safety reasons.
What's On
Supporting New England business for Small Business Month 2025
October is Small Business Month, and to celebrate, the New England Times is giving small businesses around the region a chance to raise their profile for free!
Events
Tamworth Historical Society Monthly Meeting: September – Media then, now and yet to comeEnds: September 17, 2025
New England New Age SymposiumEnds: September 21, 2025
Santos Festival of RugbyEnds: September 21, 2025
Tenterden Hall CentenaryEnds: September 27, 2025
Markets in the mallEnds: September 28, 2025
Politics
Barnaby goes to bat for one of the New England’s smallest communities
Lower Creek, one of the smallest communities in the New England region, has found itself at the centre of attention, with Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce praising locals.
New crop of Nuffield Drought Resilience Scholars announced
A new cohort of 5 Nuffield Drought Resilience Scholars will help further research into drought resilience, fostering Australia’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture and international collaboration in addressing drought challenges.
Farmers’ health, safety and wellbeing in the spotlight at Glen Innes Fit Farmers Event
Farmers and rural community members are invited to attend an informal evening focused on physical, mental and financial health this Thursday.
Energy and Environment
Boggabri Transfer Station closed due to illegal dumping of asbestos
Narrabri Shire Council is looking for those responsible for an illegal dumping of asbestos-contaminated waste at the Boggabri Transfer Station last week.
Glen Innes Severn Council teams up with Glen Industries to rejuvenate the local landfill
Glen Innes Severn Council has partnered with Glen Industries to deliver the Glen Innes Landfill Revegetation project.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Your Tutor Armidale: Restoring confidence and inspiring a love of learning
Determined to bridge the gap between city and regional education, Your Tutor Armidale is dedicated to helping students of all ages rediscover their confidence and love of learning.
North Hill Veterinary Clinic opens doors to state-of-the-art Bundarra Road facility
North Hill Veterinary Clinic have opened the doors to their brand-new, purpose-built facility on Bundarra Road, bring the best and latest in vet care to Armidale.
BUSINESS
Get your votes in – The Bolt Inn nominated for AHA NSW People’s Choice Best Pub 2025
Uralla’s beloved The Bolt Inn is lighting up local spirits yet again, being named a finalist in the 2025 AHA NSW People’s Choice Best Pub awards.
INDIGENOUS
Retirement finances not so super for Indigenous people
With more than half of Indigenous people dying before they can access the age pension, researchers have found simple changes to the system may reduce the disadvantage they face.
SPORT
Blues win NERU Grand Final
In an action packed day of action at Bellevue Oval, the Armidale Blues have secured the trophy in the NERU grand final, defeating Walcha 26 to 13.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Too many Indigenous Australians die before getting to claim the age pension. We need to make retirement fairer
Indigenous Australians face a stark challenge: with a median age at death of just 63, around four years below pension eligibility, many never live long enough to claim the age pension, exposing deep retirement inequities. The post Too many Indigenous Australians die before getting to claim the age pension. We need to make retirement fairer appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Tenterden Hall marks 100 years of community spirit – and looks ahead to the future
A century of memories, milestones, and community connection will be celebrated later this month when Tenterden Hall marks its centenary with a special day of festivities.
Better nightlife coming to Tamworth
Tamworth is set to see a boost to its nightlife, with the city among the first regional areas to introduce a Special Entertainment Precinct as part of the NSW Government’s push to reinvigorate after-dark economies.
