Regional festivals secure NSW Government funding
Two New England events are among 56 regional festivals to receive NSW Government funding through the 2026–27 Regional Event Fund.
Glen Innes youth program recognised at state level for third time
Glen Innes Severn Council’s Youth Booth has again been recognised among NSW’s leading youth programs, with its Youth Week 2026 program named a finalist in the NSW Youth Week Awards.
Local partnership extends Pathfinders’ Pumpkin Run year-round
A new partnership will deliver fresh local produce to people experiencing hardship every month, strengthening community food relief across regional New South Wales.
Daniel Phillips Electrical takes Best electrician and Bingara’s first BITNE win
The family-owned business, which services communities from Bingara through to Tamworth and across the region, earned widespread support from customers who praised its reliability, workmanship and commitment to going above and beyond.
Local News
New era for companion animal care
Lost and displaced companion animals in Gunnedah Shire now have access to improved care, with Gunnedah Shire Council officially opening its new Animal Impound Facility.
Armidale community to unite for Vinnies NSW Community Sleepout
Armidale residents will sleep outdoors on 28 August to raise funds supporting local homelessness, housing hardship services statewide.
Creative excellence on display as PLC Armidale caps off successful semester
PLC Armidale students celebrated championship wins, state honours across music, dance, drama and visual arts this semester.
Moree tourism services to transition to council
Moree Plains Shire Council will bring Tourism Moree back in-house, approving six months’ interim funding while planning the transition.
What's On
Best Take Away Food in the New England?
When cooking is off the menu, where do you head for the tastiest take away? Which is the best Take Away Food business 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
Telstra outage resolved, 333 failed calls to Triple Zero
Telstra’s network is back after a nationwide outage traced to a 20-year “time travel” glitch. Customers still having trouble connecting are urged to restart their devices.
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.
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
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.
INDIGENOUS
Tamworth community invited to celebrate NAIDOC Week together
Tamworth community members are invited to celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC at a family fun day this Wednesday.
SPORT
Cleary’s class: NSW win State of Origin decider
Inspired by Nathan Cleary, NSW have clinched a State of Origin series victory with an upset win over Queensland in the decider at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: On masculinities, femininities, and city planning
RK Crosby has summoned her inner academic to apply a critical gender lens to the Draft Armidale City Centre Vitality Plan, and concludes that Council needs a lesson in consent. The post Begin Rant: On masculinities, femininities, and city planning appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
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.
Peter Allen honoured with Blue Plaque at Armidale Folk Museum
An Armidale boy who grew up to become one of Australia’s most celebrated entertainers has been honoured with a Blue Plaque at the newly renovated Armidale Folk Museum.
