Uralla growth plan shaped by feedback
Water security, workforce housing, rural character: Uralla Shire Council has released what it heard from residents on its draft growth strategy, and what happens next.
‘Just magic’: life is but a dream rowing in the outback
With a lack of water and boats, Australia’s outback communities have never been at the centre of the elite sport of rowing. Until now.
Hazard Reduction Burn in Oxley Wild Rivers this week
An 800 hectare hazard reduction burn near Armidale and Uralla could send smoke over Spring Camp, Enmore and Blue Knobby Roads this week. Here’s what to know before you head out.
Moree drone trial extended for two years
Moree’s Australian-first police drone trial has proven such a hit with locals that the government is extending it for two more years, and eyeing a rollout to other regional towns.
Local News
Armidale regulator’s slow approvals slammed
A new global study says slow, costly approvals are cutting Australian farmers off from new technology, reigniting scrutiny of the Armidale-based APVMA’s slumping performance.
Tamworth Skywalk officially opens with community celebration
Tamworth’s new $18 million Skywalk is officially open, connecting Victoria Park to Oxley Scenic Lookout with a 1.5-kilometre elevated walk built for every ability.
Census stumble in New England North West blamed on apparent staffing failure
Fears are rising that the Census rollout has been a “disaster”, with forms undelivered and almost no local advertising. The ABS won’t confirm reports of a staffing bungle behind it, but locals are asking: can the data be trusted?
Four teenagers arrested after Moree police pursuit
A stolen SUV, a police drone and four teenagers under arrest after an alleged pursuit through Moree ended in two crashes.
What's On
LONG READ >
Three strikes and still not out: the weak council rules unable to deal with populist politicians
They run the same playbook as Pauline Hanson and Donald Trump: turn every sanction into persecution. Inside the NSW rules that still can’t make badly behaved councillors stop.
Events
The Rusty PickupsEnds: September 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: September 5, 2026
Spring Garden ExpoEnds: September 5, 2026
Make Your Own Macrame Hat HangerEnds: September 5, 2026
A Decade in Harmony: Ten-Year Anniversary ConcertEnds: September 5, 2026
A Decade in Harmony: Ten-Year Anniversary ConcertEnds: September 5, 2026
Politics
Three strikes and still not out: the weak council rules unable to deal with populist politicians
They run the same playbook as Pauline Hanson and Donald Trump: turn every sanction into persecution. Inside the NSW rules that still can’t make badly behaved councillors stop.
Moree Plains council releases confidential pool report, but reveals nothing new
Moree Plains Shire Council released the confidential report behind its pool decision – but it didn’t reveal anything the community didn’t already know.
Barraba pushes for health worker housing amid regional drive
Barraba says it’s missing out on health worker housing while Armidale gets a $200 million upgrade. The local MP wants that to change.
Barnaby Joyce fails to clear up One Nation migration confusion
Barnaby Joyce said his colleague was wrong on One Nation’s migration numbers, then confirmed that PALM workers don’t count. But he refused to say what skilled workers the New England would have to go without.
New Englanders to get some answers from ‘King Rat’ Barnaby Joyce
Barnaby Joyce will address his dramatic defection from the Nationals and his new political partnership with Pauline Hanson in an Australian Story episode airing on Monday night.
NSW floodplain harvesting audit begins
Only 58 per cent of floodplain harvesting storages in NSW were compliant as of June, and now a watchdog audit wants to know if the water take data can be trusted at all.
Bird flu funding boost branded thin
A $145 million bird flu funding boost has been branded “deeply unserious” by conservationists, as the virus reaches a dolphin for the first time and NSW rolls out a native bird vaccine trial.
Energy and Environment
Digital meters catch $364,000 in water leaks across Armidale, Guyra
Digital water meters have already caught $364,000 worth of leaks across Armidale and Guyra. With Level 2 restrictions in place and warmer weather on the way, Council says the savings are only going to grow.
Uralla farmer leads charge as new guide maps out electrification options for regional business
Uralla producer Justin Hoad has already made the switch. Now a new guide is helping others follow his lead to electrify and save.
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
Manufacturers to converge on Tamworth for Future Made Forum
Workforce shortages, rising costs, and a region fighting to secure its manufacturing future. Tamworth hosts national industry leaders next week as the Future Made Forum opens for its fourth year.
INDIGENOUS
Funding to prevent violence through Aboriginal sport
A $625,000 fund is open to Aboriginal groups across NSW running sport programs aimed at preventing family and sexual violence, with applications closing in October.
SPORT
Tamworth boy’s ride comes full circle for Ronald McDonald House
A Tamworth boy whose family once relied on Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW is now getting on his bike to help other families in the same situation.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Denise’s Desk: Why does Pauline Hanson want to defund the ABC?
Denise says Pauline Hanson has a long and difficult history with the national broadcaster, a well-developed dislike of difficult questions and, at times, a remarkably thin political skin. So, is this really about taxpayers and ratings — or is it about the journalism? The post Denise’s Desk: Why does Pauline Hanson want to defund the ABC? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Older Armidale Singles connects the over-50 crowd, one coffee at a time
Armidale local Andrew Hunt has kicked off a Facebook group for over-50s across the New England North West, and in just weeks it has become a fast-growing hub for singles looking for friendship or something more.
Armidale software company named among world’s best four by Xero
An Armidale software company built inside a local earthmoving business is one of just four finalists worldwide for Xero’s top small-business app award, up against some of the biggest names in the game.
