Community calls for urgent clarity on Wee Waa Hospital services
Narrabri Shire Council and the Save Our Wee Waa Hospital Group have expressed disappointment at the lack of progress towards restoring services at Wee Waa Hospital.
Government plays politics by allowing Joyce Net Zero bill to be debated
The Albanese Government has used a little trickery of parliament to highlight Coalition divisions on climate policy, allowing debate on Member for New England Barnaby Joyce’s Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025 – despite it being a private member’s bill that is unlikely to ever face a vote.
Armidale’s Optiweigh wins global ag tech award
Armidale’s own Optiweigh has been recognised on the world stage, taking out the title of “Herd Management Solution of the Year” at the 2025 AgTech Breakthrough Awards .
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Local News
25-year legacy of serving our region to be honoured today
A display and community barbecue to mark the milestone will be happening in Fitzroy Street Tamworth today to mark the Westpac rescue chopper’s 25 years of service to the region.
Additional nurses boost safe staffing ratios at local hospitals
Tamworth and Armidale hospitals will benefit from additional nurses, with recruitment well underway to deliver on the State Government’s promise to roll out a major healthcare staffing reform.
Workers are making their mark through vocational education and training
National Skills Week 2025 will be officially launched in New South Wales this Monday, celebrating the power of vocational education and training to transform careers, communities, and the NSW economy.
Inverell Shire Council appoints New Director
Inverell Shire Council has confirmed Mr Greg Doman has been appointed as Director Environmental Services. Read more here.
NIAS to host annual UAA Talent ID Day for aspiring indigenous athletes
The Northern Inland region’s aspiring young indigenous athlete will descend on Inverell next Wednesday to participate in the annual NIAS / UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day.
What's On
INVESTIGATION
New England roads mostly ‘not safe’; beyond ‘maintenance’
There is a growing sense that regional NSW needs a fundamental rethink of how roads are funded and managed.
Events
FREE Your Life Matters Rural & Regional WorkshopsEnds: August 27, 2025
Girls’ Night In 2025Ends: August 29, 2025
Nosh Narrabri Food & Drink FestivalEnds: August 30, 2025
Markets in the mallEnds: August 31, 2025
Spring Seasonal Update – ArmidaleEnds: September 4, 2025
Politics
Springborg calls time on LNP presidency, but not Goondiwindi
Goondiwindi Mayor Lawrence Springborg will continue to serve his local community as he steps down as Liberal National Party president today at the party’s annual convention.
Farmers underwhelmed by intergovernmental biosecurity review
The National Farmers’ Federation is disappointed in this week’s release of the 2024 Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity Review Report and the accompanying joint government response. Read more here.
Financial year 2025 delivers historic highs for Australian beef, lamb and mutton production
The latest statistics on livestock slaughtered and red meat production, which, according to Meat & Livestock Australia has confirmed a historic period for the red meat sector.
Energy and Environment
Insecticide fenitrothion to be sharply restricted following APVMA decision
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has issued a final regulatory decision to impose wide-ranging additional restrictions on the insecticide, fenitrothion.
Weed Alert: Sticky florestina spreading south
Narrabri Shire Council Biosecurity Officers have discovered that Sticky Florestina is on the march down from Queensland.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
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.
Real Support for Real Homeowners: $2000 cash back
In a time where rising costs and uncertainty define the housing conversation, Regional Australia Bank is backing the people who call regional NSW home, not with slogans, but with something tangible.
BUSINESS
New chapter for Tamworth law firm, Harris Solicitors, as Lyon Legal steps in
A familiar name in Tamworth’s legal community is entering a new chapter, with Harris Solicitors now officially taken over by Lyon Legal Services.
INDIGENOUS
Emerging Moree artists showcase culture and identity at BAMM Gallery exhibition
A powerful new exhibition featuring four emerging artists who share their deep connections to country is now open at Bank Art Museum Moree.
SPORT
Softball returns to NIAS
Following months of negotiation, softball will be officially included in the suite of program offerings at NIAS for the 2025-2026 season.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- The Liberals used to be the party for women – then John Howard came along
Blair Williams argues that if the Liberal Party wants to solve its “women problem”, it must return to its liberal roots. Read now on New England Times Engage
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Filling bags, sharing hope: Anglicare’s new Glen Innes Community Pantry launches
Anglicare has opened its newest Community Pantry in the New England area this week—the third in the region.
Tamworth announces Baiada Carols in the Park
Christmas magic, dazzling lights, and spectacular production is coming to Tamworth at the 2025 Baiada Carols in the Park, set to take place on Saturday 13 December in Bicentennial Park.
