Armidale takes major step forward on long-term water security
Armidale’s water security fight moves from council chambers to the planning system. A scoping report is in, SEARS have been requested, the clock is ticking on the REZ standoff, and construction could start in 2028.
Bingara set for another day of food, music and community on the Gwydir
Bingara’s much-loved riverside festival, Grazing on the Gwydir, returns to Junction Park on Saturday, 29 August, bringing local food, family activities and live outdoor music to the banks of the Gwydir River.
Fans to decide Tamworth’s respected Galaxy of Stars Honour
Country music fans will have the power to choose the next Galaxy of Stars recipient, with public nominations opening for one of the Tamworth Country Music Festival’s most respected honours.
Teens charged after alleged machete break-in and stolen car pursuit near Moree
Two teenagers have been charged after an alleged crime spree involving home break-ins, stolen vehicles and a police pursuit in the Moree region.
Local News
Farm leaders tackle agriculture’s biggest challenges at NFF summit
Agriculture leaders gathered in Canberra to tackle global uncertainty, food security and growing competition for the nation’s agricultural land.
The Armidale School caps undefeated season with 39-0 win over King’s
The Armidale School’s First XV has gone the whole season without a loss, sealing an undefeated run and the AAGPS Third Grade Premiership with a 39-0 rout of King’s.
Creativity comes alive across Armidale this October
Armidale’s CBD shuts down to traffic and opens up to art, music and karaoke as the Creative Streets Festival returns for three weeks of events this October.
Winter Blooming festival growing strong at NERAM
New England’s Winter Blooming Festival returns this August with three days of art, performance and celebration of the region’s diverse communities.
What's On
LONG READ >
No water, no REZ: how Armidale is using the REZ as leverage to fix a decade-old problem
WEEKEND LONG READ: There’s an $800m price tag on getting water security for Armidale and Uralla, and ratepayers don’t have it Now the state wants a $24 billion energy zone built here, and Mayor Sam Coupland is using that need as leverage: no water, no REZ.
Events
Drop-in social sewingEnds: August 20, 2026
Learn To DrawEnds: August 20, 2026
Student NightEnds: August 20, 2026
Drop-in social sewingEnds: August 21, 2026
Exhibition Opening NightEnds: August 21, 2026
High Country Theatre’s performance of “Lonely Love”Ends: August 21, 2026
Politics
Building inspectors give New England sites tick of approval
Just four fines from 32 building sites: New England’s builders have impressed state regulators during a compliance blitz that also swept through the Mid North Coast.
Joyce denies One Nation are ‘a pack of homophobes’
“You can absolutely bet I will not go.” Barnaby Joyce denies One Nation are homophobic, but won’t say if he backs Mardi Gras, only saying he won’t be there and he doesn’t have an opinion.
No water, no REZ: how Armidale is using the REZ as leverage to fix a decade-old problem
WEEKEND LONG READ: There’s an $800m price tag on getting water security for Armidale and Uralla, and ratepayers don’t have it Now the state wants a $24 billion energy zone built here, and Mayor Sam Coupland is using that need as leverage: no water, no REZ.
Hillvue Public Preschool opens as first new regional public preschool in 20 years
Tamworth has landed the first new public preschool built in regional NSW in more than 20 years, with Hillvue Public Preschool now open to 80 children a week.
Wee Waa Health Service extends opening hours after years of lobbying
Wee Waa Health Service is extending its hours to 7am to 10pm from October, more than three years after a staffing crunch forced them back. But the fight for a full emergency department isn’t over yet.
PLC Armidale crowned champion at NSW Merino Wether Challenge
PLC Armidale students have taken top honours at the 2026 NSW Merino Wether Challenge in Dubbo, winning both statewide and regional titles.
Knee-jerk reaction to flawed ABC program may make food more expensive
In the continuing fallout from the ABC’s Four Corners investigation Duped, more highly experienced food industry professionals have come out and criticised the program, warning that a knee-jerk reaction from government could make food more expensive.
Energy and Environment
New battery discounts welcomed, but farmers want more
Batteries just got cheaper for NSW businesses and farms, but Farmers for Climate Action says the savings won’t count for much without a fix for the regional grid.
Data centres forced to pay their own way under reforms
Fast-tracked data centres will have to comply with standards on water and energy that the state government says are needed to protect local communities.
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
Tamworth Skywalk nears completion ahead of grand opening
Tamworth’s newest tourism drawcard, the Tamworth Skywalk, will officially open to the public on Saturday, 29 August, giving locals and visitors their first chance to walk the elevated path through Victoria Park to the Oxley Scenic Lookout.
INDIGENOUS
Tamworth to host Aboriginal business leaders as NSW builds economic ‘Foundations of Tomorrow’
Aboriginal business leaders will gather in Tamworth next month to explore new opportunities for growth, government procurement and investment.
SPORT
Big scores mark round 17 of New England Rugby Union
Armidale Blues and Tamworth Magpies piled on the points in a high-scoring round 17 of the New England Rugby Union competition.
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- Denise’s Desk: Just how many feet can one man fit in his mouth?
Denise says another week of Barnaby Joyce headlines raises a more important question for New England: amid all the noise, where is the representation? The post Denise’s Desk: Just how many feet can one man fit in his mouth? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
New England communities celebrate RFBI Showcase Awards recognition
New England aged care workers and volunteers are among those recognised in RFBI’s annual Showcase Awards, celebrating excellence and dedication across the sector.
Nominations open for women in local government awards
Rising stars, mayors and general managers alike, nominations are open for the state’s top awards recognising women in local government.
