NSW Farmers host info sessions on the Native Vegetation Map
Farmers across northern New South Wales are being encouraged to attend upcoming information sessions hosted by NSW Farmers to help them navigate the state’s new draft Native Vegetation Regulatory (NVR) map.
Have your say: community consultations in Armidale and Tamworth on supports for children
You’re invited to have your say on a new initiative designed to give young children with developmental delay or autism a stronger start in life.
More artists added to stellar Tamworth line-up
Performance programs for venues across Tamworth are filling fast, with less than four months to go until the Toyota 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival.
PLC Armidale wins junior hockey IGSA Division One Grand Final
PLC Armidale’s representative Junior Hockey Team has won the Division One Grand Final in the Independent Girls’ Schools Association (IGSA) competition in Sydney.
Local News
Aleyce Simmonds marks 20 years of Mighty Mighty Love
Twenty years on, Tamworth singer-songwriter Aleyce Simmonds is celebrating the milestone with a new take on the song that launched her journey.
Local talent takes to the stage at Inverell
Inverell’s Town Hall will once again be alive with music, dance, and laughter when Inverell’s Got Talent returns this October.
Boost to extreme weather resilience and response across the New England
Tamworth will welcome a new 4WD flood rescue vehicle to help boost flood and disaster response capability. Read more here.
Secure your spot now with UNE Early Entry
School leavers across NSW and beyond are reminded that there is still time to apply for UNE’s Early Entry program before they sit their exams.
Cr Brett Nolan elected as Deputy Mayor of Narrabri
Cr Brett Nolan has been elected as Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months following a vote at this week’s Narrabri Council Meeting.

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
- Tenterden Hall CentenaryEnds: September 27, 2025
- Markets in the mallEnds: September 28, 2025
- Armidale Farmers MarketEnds: October 12, 2025
- Armidale Dumaresq Creek regenerationEnds: October 12, 2025
- THE UNOFFICIAL TRIBUTE SHOW – TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift MusicEnds: October 12, 2025
Politics
Crime down in New England but fears remain
Despite the encouraging drop in crime statistics revealed this week, locals say the statistics are cold comfort, pointing to high rates of violence compared to the rest of New South Wales and shocking recent incidents like the stabbing of a Moree motel owner.
Hay could pay for northern NSW farmers this season
Farmers across the northern NSW region can seize the upcoming hay season with the right seed varieties. Read more here.
Engines, horses, and heritage on show at Armidale Rally
Back for another year, the New England Antique Machinery Club’s annual rally will take over the Armidale Showground this November.
Energy and Environment
Recycling trial expands to combat battery fires
Armidale Community Recycling Centre will join the NSW EPA’s batteries trial, allowing more communities to safely dispose of and recycle items with built-in batteries for free.
Pilliga Ultra: A weekend of running, nature, culture, and community
From Friday 19 to Sunday 21 September, runners and supporters will gather on Gomeroi Country at Pilliga Pottery, near Coonabarabran, for the fourth Pilliga Ultra. The event promises a weekend of trail running, on-Country activities, and family-friendly fun.
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
Glen Innes gets a fun new attraction just in time for the school holidays
Glen Innes is set to welcome an exciting new addition to its local tourism scene with the opening of The Mystery Rooms escape experience on Thursday, 2 October 2025.
INDIGENOUS
Widders in the commentary box for Koori Knockout in Tamworth
Local hero Dean Widders will play a central role in the broadcast of this year’s Koori Knockout from Tamworth over the October long weekend.
SPORT
Sweeney tops Tamworth tennis championship
Tamworth has wrapped up its first Professional Tennis Tournament with Dane Sweeney claiming his fifth championship title.

Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Why I no longer support Net Zero
Last week, RK Crosby came to the realisation she no longer supports the goal of Net Zero emissions - but not because of anything Barnaby said. The post Why I no longer support Net Zero appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
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.