China test fires missile in Pacific as alliance struck
China has confirmed it fired a sea-based missile in the Pacific, just hours after Australia signed a landmark defence alliance with Fiji.
Tamworth student awarded Premier’s scholarship for military history tour of Greece
Calrossy Anglican College student Ella Gottke is one of 18 NSW students selected for the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship, which includes a military history tour of Greece and Crete.
Discover winter at its best in Walcha
Walcha is turning up the cool this July, with WinterFest serving snow, markets, music and country warmth in equal measure.
Great Central Hotel steals Best Pub title in one-vote thriller
After one of the closest contests in this year’s Best in the New England, the Great Central Hotel in Glen Innes has snatched the title of Best Pub or Club from reigning champion The Bolt Inn, winning by the narrowest possible margin.
Local News
Largest Silent Auction returns to Tamworth Regional Gallery
Tamworth Regional Gallery will host its largest-ever Friends of Tamworth Regional Gallery Silent Auction in 2026, with more than 300 artworks by almost 100 regional artists on display.
REGGIE founder hands over platform to new owner
One of regional NSW’s best-known travel and lifestyle guides has entered a new chapter. Armidale-founded REGGIE has officially changed hands, with a new owner taking the reins while promising to continue showcasing the best of country NSW.
Man charged after firearm, knife and drugs allegedly seized at Taminda business
A 40-year-old man will face court after police allegedly seized a firearm, a knife and drugs in Tamworth.
80 student volunteers to descend on Uralla, Deepwater for The Big Lift
Eighty student volunteers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will arrive in Uralla on Tuesday, 7 July, as part of The Big Lift’s 2026 Winter Trip across regional New South Wales and Queensland.
What's On
Best Plumber in the New England?
When the taps are leaking or disaster strikes, who do you trust to get the job done? Which is the best Plumber in the New England?
Events
Stained Glass Weekend WorkshopEnds: July 12, 2026
Seed SwapEnds: July 18, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: July 19, 2026
2nd Global Summit on Materials Science and NanoscienceEnds: July 21, 2026
2nd Global Summit on Materials Science and Nanoscience (MATERIALS2026)Ends: July 21, 2026
Politics
Right-wing rivals locked in ‘race to the bottom’: PM
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken a broad swipe at right-wing rivals, telling the Labor Party faithful they are only interested in airing grievances.
NSW extends consultation on Crown land bill after land rights warning
Consultation has been extended on a Crown land bill after Aboriginal land councils said amendments were dropped too late to properly consult with the network. The Law Society wants a key clause scrapped entirely.
National gun buyback deadline expires as Parkes MP joins criticism
Labor promised a national gun buyback by 1 July. It’s now collapsed, with states walking away and Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey saying regional gun owners were made a scapegoat.
TRC votes to sell Ray Walsh House after hour-long debate
After four years of uncertainty and more than an hour of heated debate, Tamworth Regional Council has voted 5-3 to sell Ray Walsh House — but the sale isn’t final yet.
Concern brewing as buried Hanson policy threatens affordable medicines
A local mum says she and her asthmatic daughter could die without PBS medicines. She’s not alone — public concern is growing over a little-noticed One Nation policy, and a petition is now calling on Hanson to back off.
Armidale scientist named to lead national cotton research body
An Armidale scientist and farmer who cut rice variety development timelines by nine years is now running the national body that funds cotton research. Meet the new CRDC boss.
NSW farmers need urgent action on China beef tariffs
NSW Liberals and Nationals are urging the State Government to press Canberra for action after China’s new beef tariff hit exporters.
Energy and Environment
Mid North Coast locals praised for correctly reporting sick bird
A sick bird near Hawks Nest could have been bad, but for the locals who didn’t touch, and called for help. NSW has its first suspect case of H5 bird flu, and authorities say it’s proof the system is working.
Water secured for communities as NSW opening allocations announced
Communities across NSW have essential water secured for 2026–27 despite mixed seasonal conditions and variable opening allocations statewide.
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
Anytime Fitness Armidale flexes its strength to win Best Gym
For the members who filled the nomination forms with praise, the award confirms what they already knew — Anytime Fitness Armidale isn’t simply a place to exercise, but a community that keeps people coming back long after the workout is over.
INDIGENOUS
Tamworth NAIDOC Week celebrates 50 years of deadly
From flag raisings in the Tamworth CBD to family fun days on the Liverpool Plains, this year’s NAIDOC Week program across the region is shaping up to be one of the most extensive in recent memory, with events running from Thursday, 3 July to Friday, 11 July.
SPORT
Rugby grants open for round two
Rugby clubs and councils across NSW can now apply for a share of $2.15 million in World Cup legacy funding, with grants of up to $150,000 on offer. Applications close 14 August.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Denise’s Desk: When Labor found its courage
Denise says the gambling reforms voted on at the NSW Labor Conference on the weekend felt different. The post Denise’s Desk: When Labor found its courage appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
A weekend of fire, iron and community: Eulah Creek’s big event returns
A beloved fixture on the north-west calendar is gearing up for its 28th year, with the Eulah Creek Vintage Machinery Day and Cast Iron Chef Weekend set to draw crowds to Beulah Park Hall once again.
Time running out to enter New England North West Business Awards
Businesses, employers and employees across the New England North West are being encouraged to enter the 2026 New England North West Business Awards before entries close on 6 July.
