Terrifying home invasion detail prompts phone action for Torrington
She has survived a terrifying home invasion, including watching her husband shoot their attacker to save their lives. Now 72 year old Di Blessing has turned to activist, kicking politicians into gear and getting the community together to fight for better phone service – with a previously unknown and terrifying detail making the issue even…
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 it is for selling homes.
Decade-long push pays off as former Quirindi TAFE site goes to market
Empty for almost a decade, the old Quirindi TAFE site is finally going to market, and the Deputy Mayor reckons it could be the perfect spot for a retirement village.
Girls step into PLC Armidale life ahead of high school
Future students of PLC Armidale are being invited to spend a night in the boarding house and watch the school’s famous Guild Song Battle as part of an Experience Day later this month.
Local News
Inverell and Glen Innes bakeries shine at national pie competition
Two New England bakeries have brought home a swag of national medals from the 2026 Australia’s Best Pie and Pastie Competition, held on the Gold Coast, putting the region firmly on the map as one of Australia’s top pie destinations.
CGT shake-up brings relief, but succession remains the real test for farmers
A major tax backdown has lifted the CGT threshold to $10 million, but farm groups say the real test is still to come: can families actually pass the farm on?
E-petition launched for space school at Moree site
A push to turn Moree’s old high school site into a Space Science School is gathering signatures, but it faces a long-running rival bid for an agricultural boarding school
Norma O’Hara Murphy returns with Aussie take on Tennessee Waltz
Warwick’s own Norma O’Hara Murphy is back with an Aussie take on Tennessee Waltz, the first single from her new album Riding With The Wind, out this September.
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: June 26, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: July 3, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: July 4, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: July 5, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: July 10, 2026
Politics
‘Basics’ budget the start of Labor state election pitch
In his government’s last budget before a state election, the NSW treasurer is looking to sell a message of responsibility and basic service delivery.
Hanson’s Press Club speech: the crib notes
If you don’t feel like listening to a 50 minute speech, we’ve made a brief set of notes of every major topic covered in Pauline Hanson’s first ever Press Club Address.
Hanson defies protest to call for ‘monocultural’ nation
A mid-speech protest has marred Pauline Hanson’s first address to the National Press Club after decades in politics.
Anderson puts Labor on notice ahead of NSW Budget
Roads, hospitals, fire stations, mobile coverage and a new school for Moore Creek — the Member for Tamworth has put Labor on notice ahead of next Tuesday’s NSW Budget.
Tamworth MP pushes for return of mobile blackspot program
Residents in Werris Creek, Manilla and other centres across the region are still waiting for reliable mobile coverage. Now Kevin Anderson is pushing hard for the return of a program that once fixed exactly this problem.
NSW unveils roadmap to grow $100 million hemp industry
NSW has unveiled a roadmap to grow its hemp industry into a $100 million sector, with new support for farmers, manufacturers and regional investment.
Varroa mite reality sinks in, calls for managed pollination plans
Bee industry leaders say free pollination is gone for good, and growers everywhere need to start paying for it.
Energy and Environment
Fuel excise extended but lower relief to come
Australians will get an extended discount on fuel but the savings will amount to less, as a tentative truce allows ships to move through the Strait of Hormuz.
Uncertainty for wildlife as killer bird flu detected
Australian wildlife is facing a new and uncertain chapter after a dangerous strain of bird flu was confirmed on the mainland.
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
NBN Fixed Wireless launched near Narrabri
The new nbn Fixed Wireless tower is improving broadband connectivity for more than 700 homes and businesses near Narrabri.
INDIGENOUS
NAIDOC basketball gala day returns to Armidale
An Olympic medallist, free basketball competitions and cultural celebrations — Armidale’s NAIDOC Deadly 3×3 Gala Day is back on 9 July and everyone is welcome.
SPORT
‘Be remembered for all-time’: Blues urged to rise up
Coach Laurie Daley says the Blues must approach the game-three decider in Brisbane as a challenge after they missed wrapping up State of Origin in Melbourne.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Denise’s Desk: Common Sense? What Common Sense?
Denise writes that Pauline Hanson may have promised common sense, but did not deliver any at her Press Club appearance. The post Denise’s Desk: Common Sense? What Common Sense? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
New shade coming to Lions Park playground
Lions Park’s playground is getting a shade structure at last, thanks to cooperation between Inverell Shire Council and the Inverell Lions Club.
Return and Earn hits 16 billion containers and $100 million for charity
Sixteen billion bottles, cans and cartons — and counting. NSW’s Return and Earn scheme has now raised more than $100 million for charities, from koala hospitals to kids’ education.
