Rangari Road upgrade moves ahead after funding agreement finalised
The sealing of Rangari Road has taken a significant step forward following the official finalisation and signing of the funding agreement for the $9 million project.
Access Bus expansion offers a lifeline to more Glen Innes Severn villages
Residents in more townships across Glen Innes Severn Council will soon have easier access to medical appointments, shopping and other essential services, with Council expanding its Access Bus service to Emmaville, Glencoe, Red Range and Deepwater.
Community rallies behind NESS’s Winter Warmth Drive
As temperatures continue to drop across the region, New England Support Services (NESS) is calling on the community to help ensure nobody faces winter without a warm blanket.
Challenge Community Services appoints new chief executive officer
Challenge Community Services has appointed Tim Curran as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing in mid-July 2026.
Local News
NBN Fixed Wireless to reach Deepwater
More than 250 homes and businesses in and around Deepwater are expected to become eligible for nbn Fixed Wireless services.
Fifteen fires, one tip, one fix: Uralla’s battery wake-up call
Just one battery in the wrong bin can spark a fire. Uralla’s tip has had 15 of them since December.
Country mayors push back on Inland Rail decision
Narrabri and Moree are among those communities “devastated” by the axing of Inland Rail — but country mayors say there is still a path to completion, and they’re taking their case straight to the minister.
PWA brings big-time wrestling action to Moree
Moree is set to experience the spectacle of live professional wrestling for the first time this weekend, with Pro Wrestling Australia (PWA) bringing some of the country’s top wrestling talent to Moree Memorial Hall this Saturday, 13 June.
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 12, 2026
New England North West Future Tourism Forum 2026 | Hosted by Business NSWEnds: June 18, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 19, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: June 21, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 26, 2026
Politics
Women to be hardest-hit by sweeping NDIS changes
Cost-saving measures to target the National Disability Insurance Scheme are likely to put responsibility back on families.
Anti-abortion fight evolves into ‘noxious brew’
The pro-life movement is incorporating anti-immigrant sentiment in its latest fight against abortion and reproductive healthcare.
Glen Innes, Uralla rate rises approved
IPART has approved major rate rises for Glen Innes Severn and Uralla Shire councils, with both citing infrastructure costs, underfunding and long-term financial sustainability pressures.
Welcome Experience program expands to help regional councils tackle worker shortages
Regional councils across the New England and North West are set to receive extra support in attracting and retaining staff, following the expansion of the NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program into local government.
Right to Repair discussion paper welcomed
Farmers could soon gain greater freedom to repair and service their own machinery, with the Federal Government proposing to extend Right to Repair laws to agriculture.
The fuel crunch is affecting daily life across our region, so we’re doing the one thing we can do, and helping people get the information they need so we can all make it through this together. Read more
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Call to cut red tape amid fuel cost pressures
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson is calling for cuts to red tape to help small businesses and farmers facing rising fuel costs.
READ MORE FUEL CRUNCH STORIES >
Five days left to enter George the Farmer book competition
Schools and early learning centres have just five days to enter a competition to win a collection of George the Farmer storybooks, as Rabobank and the agricultural education brand mark five years of their Children’s Book Week partnership. Rabobank’s Rabo Community Fund is teaming up with George the Farmer to award 100 educational institutions a…
Producers urged to watch stock as green pick emerges
Rain is always welcome, but North West Local Land Services is reminding livestock producers to keep a close eye on stock health following the emergence of fresh green pick.
Energy and Environment
Mount Kaputar’s pink wonder emerges after the rain
On a cold, grey day atop Mount Kaputar, a group of adults found themselves peering into the undergrowth with the excitement of children on a treasure hunt. The object of their search wasn’t rare gold or a hidden landmark, but a bright pink slug found nowhere else on Earth.
Applications closing soon to get a seat at the REZ table
EnergyCo is seeking new members for its New England REZ community reference groups, with vacancies open for residents representing community, environmental and business interests. Applications close Friday June 5.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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…
Narrabri residents encouraged to take advantage of full fibre upgrade opportunity
The latest expansion of nbn full fibre technology is helping people in Narrabri keep pace with changing digital needs. Find out how you can upgrade now.
BUSINESS
Armidale Barbeques Galore to continue despite chain collapse
The owners of Armidale’s Barbeques Galore store say they are committed to continuing their business despite the national retail chain being put into liquidation.
INDIGENOUS
Strong turnout for Armidale’s 15th Reconciliation Bridge Walk despite wet forecast
Around 300 people gathered in Armidale on Sunday, May 31, for the 15th Annual Reconciliation Bridge Walk, braving a forecast of “cold with intermittent rain” to take part in the community event marking National Reconciliation Week.
SPORT
Armidale to host 2026 George Cowie West Ham United football selection camp
Armidale will host the 2026 George Cowie West Ham United Football Selection Camp in July, giving young regional players the chance to train with coaches from the English Premier League club.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: Are we now third class? The inland is being left even further behind
RK Crosby writes that there is a new divide emerging: it's no longer city versus country, it's city vs coast vs country, and we're rapidly being demoted to third class citizens. The post Begin Rant: Are we now third class? The inland is being left even further behind appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
New England region celebrates King’s Birthday Honours recipients
Six New Englanders have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, with five receiving the Order of Australia Medal and one receiving an Australian Fire Service Medal.
Tamworth tenor lands dream role with Opera Australia
Tamworth tenor Christopher Whalley is set to join the next generation of Australian opera talent after being selected for Opera Australia’s prestigious Young Artist Program.
