Eric Noakes stands down after a decade as Walcha’s mayor
Eric Noakes has handed Walcha’s mayoralty to Hyde Thomson, as his deputy steps aside amid questions over a tourism venture.
Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains call for local legends
Every town has a local legend who never gets thanked. Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains want their names, and in Gunnedah there are new award categories to find them.
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.
Inverell waste strategy opens for public feedback
Inverell Shire residents are being invited to help shape the region’s waste and resource recovery services for the next decade.
Local News
Waterfall Way roadworks bring delays between Raleigh and Armidale
Residents, commuters and businesses relying on Waterfall Way are being urged to allow extra travel time as multiple roadworks continue between Raleigh and Armidale.
UNE extends accommodation support for regional and disadvantaged students
UNE will continue its accommodation credit in 2027, helping eligible students reduce the cost of living and studying in Armidale.
Inverell Library selected for expanded LitUp program
Inverell Library will welcome an Australian author or illustrator for local library and school events after being selected for the 2027 LitUp program.
New England RFBI villages shine at 2026 Showcase Awards
RFBI staff, volunteers and villages across the New England have earned multiple honours at the organisation’s 2026 Showcase Awards.
What's On
LONG READ >
No bed, no way home: the aged care logjam reaching New England hospitals
WEEKEND LONG READ: Medically ready to leave, but nowhere to go. Older people are stranded in New England hospitals, while families are left footing the bill, and politicians squabble.
Events
Railway MarketsEnds: October 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: October 3, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: October 4, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: October 4, 2026
The Spring Food & Wine Festival, TenterfieldEnds: October 5, 2026
Annual Human Rights LectureEnds: October 15, 2026
Politics
Chaffey says backpacker visa cuts leave tourism operators short-staffed
Motels, cafes, and tourist attractions across the north west could be short of staff this summer. The local MP says backpacker visa cuts are to blame, and industry figures put the cost at $1.65 billion.
Please explain: One Nation donations diverted to a liquor company
$56,000 of One Nation money. A shed on James Ashby’s private land. A distillery owned by Ashby and Pauline Hanson. Now the party is rushing to explain itself to members.
Glen Innes Severn Council sacks GM, takes control of PIO
Glen Innes Severn Council has sacked its general manager, and the Mayor says councillors will now hold the organisation to account. Here’s what else changed at a pivotal meeting.
Blessing family says Keith’s gun licence not revoked, as Joyce joins in misinformation
Politicians say Keith Blessing lost his gun licence. His family says that’s not true. Now Barnaby Joyce has joined in spreading the misinformation as part of election campaigning.
Gwydir Shire Mayor and Deputy returned
Gwydir Shire Council has confirmed its leadership team for the coming year, with Cr Tiffany Galvin re-elected as Mayor and Cr Sean Coleman re-elected as Deputy Mayor
Landholders encouraged to report plague locust sightings
Landholders across NSW are being urged to report signs of Australian plague locusts as authorities monitor activity across the state.
Business coaching to help New England farmers build resilience
New England farmers can access tailored business coaching to strengthen financial planning, manage risk and better prepare for drought.
Energy and Environment
Armidale water users urged to prepare for metering deadline
Large water users in Armidale and surrounding areas are being urged to prepare for new water metering requirements before a December deadline.
Seven-hour power outage planned for Uralla, Walcha and surrounds
Residents from Yarrowyk to Yarrowitch face a seven-hour power outage on Tuesday as Essential Energy carries out critical maintenance ahead of bushfire season.
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 The Alternate Root named New England North West Business of the Year
A Uralla favourite has swept the region’s top business awards, taking home four gongs including Business of the Year. See the full list of New England North West winners.
INDIGENOUS
Inverell’s Tahnee Capon turns hardship into hope through education
A Kamilaroi woman who spent a year couch surfing before living in a converted bus has been named a 2026 Adult Learners Week Ambassador, crediting study with turning her life around from homelessness to a career helping others in Inverell.
SPORT
Bundarra races rally community behind local health care push
Bundarra’s race weekend is about more than horses crossing the finish line this year, with locals using the event to help bring much-needed health services closer to home.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Planting for frost on the New England tablelands: tips for spring
Isaac from Nursery Near Me has some tips for spring planting on the tablelands, and says you should keep it simple, and choose natives from the cold country, not the coast. The post Planting for frost on the New England tablelands: tips for spring appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Liverpool Range firefighters honoured for 1,700 years of service
One joined in 1951, the other in 1956, and they are still turning out. Meet the Liverpool Range firefighters among 55 volunteers honoured for a combined 1,700 years of service.
Tamworth Regional Sports Awards nominations open
Nominations will open this week for the 2026 Tamworth Regional Sports Awards, recognising the region’s leading athletes, coaches, teams, volunteers and sporting organisations.
