Three generations of theatre return home for Rocky Horror
She debuted on the Armidale stage at seven, alongside her mum and grandmother. Now she’s back for Rocky Horror, and her mum is right beside her again.
New mental health unit a ‘game changer’ for Tamworth region
Tamworth’s new purpose-built mental health unit is open, with 37 beds, a specialist adolescent service and artwork from 12 regional artists. Advocates say it’s been a decade in the making.
Rescue operation underway after Nundle crash
A teenager has been pulled from a ute that crashed down a steep embankment near Nundle this morning. A multi-agency rescue involving a helicopter is ongoing and Barry Road is closed in both directions.
Two 13-year-olds charged after alleged assault and theft in Moree
Two 13-year-old boys have faced court after allegedly assaulting a man and stealing from a vehicle in Moree over the weekend.
Local News
Mountview Pharmacy fills the prescription for best pharmacy
Whether it’s taking the time to explain a new medication, answering questions without rushing, or simply greeting customers with a smile, voters say it’s the genuine care shown by the team that makes Mountview Pharmacy the Best in the New England.
New England Teapot Show returns after COVID hiatus
The New England Teapot Show is making its long-awaited return to the Glen Innes Art Gallery this year, with the opening gala set for this Saturday, 4 July.
Four TAS players earn NSW Schools selection for national championships
Four The Armidale School rugby players have earned NSW Schools selection, with Oscar Saunders securing a surprise place in NSW I.
Teen charged over alleged Inverell break and enter
A 16-year-old boy has been charged over an alleged aggravated break and enter at a home in Inverell, where police allege a safe, cash and household items were stolen.
What's On
Best Coffee Shop in the New England?
Whether you’re grabbing a quick takeaway, catching up with friends or fuelling an early start, who pours the best coffee in town? Which is the best Coffee Shop in the New England? Vote now!
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: July 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: July 4, 2026
Torrington Community Hall AGMEnds: July 4, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: July 5, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: July 10, 2026
Politics
Concern brewing as buried Hanson policy threatens affordable medicines
A local mum says she and her asthmatic daughter could die without PBS medicines. She’s not alone — public concern is growing over a little-noticed One Nation policy, and a petition is now calling on Hanson to back off.
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.
Packed gallery hears 22,000-signature New England transmission petition debate
Hundreds of people packed the public gallery of NSW Parliament on Thursday afternoon for a debate on a petition calling for the cancellation of the planned New England Renewable Energy Zone transmission line. Here’s what happened.
Local councils not consulted in Nationals plan to kill New England REZ
In a bizarre backflip, the Coalition has announced that if re-elected next March they would effectively abandon the New England REZ – and they didn’t consult councils before coming up with the destructive policy.
NSW budget offers rego relief, hospital investment, and drought support
The NSW Budget cuts $100 off rego, commits nearly $3 billion to regional hospitals, funds drought support for farmers, and puts $1,000 in the pockets of public servants. Here’s what it means for the New England.
Armidale scientist named to lead national cotton research body
An Armidale scientist and farmer who cut rice variety development timelines by nine years is now running the national body that funds cotton research. Meet the new CRDC boss.
NSW farmers need urgent action on China beef tariffs
NSW Liberals and Nationals are urging the State Government to press Canberra for action after China’s new beef tariff hit exporters.
Energy and Environment
Pilliga at centre of decade-long push to save Australia’s vanishing mammals
Bilbies, numbats and bandicoots are breeding again in NSW after more than a century of local extinction — and the Pilliga is one of the sites making it happen.
Sundown Solar Farm public meeting cancelled due to low interest
Sundown Solar Farm has another green light, with a planned public consultation meeting cancelled after only one person registered to speak against the proposal.
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
Back-to-back champions: The Bolt Inn named best restaurant again
That unwavering commitment to exceptional food, genuine hospitality and a welcoming country pub atmosphere has seen the Uralla institution crowned Best Restaurant in the Best in the New England 2026 awards for the second consecutive year.
INDIGENOUS
Council appoints two members to Aboriginal Consultative Committee
Preston Connors and Yoorana Delaney have been appointed as community representatives on Inverell Shire Council’s Aboriginal Consultative Committee for a two-year term.
SPORT
Bledisloe Cup returns to three Tests with Anzac Day match
Local rugby fans are happy today with the news an extra Bledisloe Cup Test is coming… and it’s not too far from home.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: the mall debate again
Re: Cars in the mall and no more bowling club: Armidale’s city centre plan revealed As an old Armidale boy I recall the debate about closing the mall. Armidale suffers from a fragmented shopping precinct. They all look dead. Another one would make it worse. We live near Inverell that has a thriving shopping centre. The post QW: the mall debate again appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Gunnedah woman’s debut poem earns place in national collection
A Gunnedah agronomist who spent decades helping farmers through the worst the land could throw at them has found an unexpected new outlet for those experiences, with her debut poem selected for a national anthology of writing by country women.
New shade coming to Lions Park playground
Lions Park’s playground is getting a shade structure at last, thanks to cooperation between Inverell Shire Council and the Inverell Lions Club.
