Changed traffic conditions on Bloomfield Street, Gunnedah
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on Bloomfield Street, Gunnedah, on Friday, 22 May, for maintenance work by Transport for NSW.
Annual Currabubula Art Show showcases local creativity for a cause
The Currabubula Red Cross Art Show returns today, from 21 to 24 May, featuring local artists while raising funds for humanitarian work.
Celebrating New England Volunteer of the Year Awards
Armidale’s Nick Hanson has been named New England Volunteer of the Year for his long-standing community service with Vinnies.
Transport planning assumptions unravel across all levels of government
In this New England Times investigation by RK Crosby, we look at how bad numbers, assumptions and guesses, and misrepresentations of old documents, have led to plans at all levels of government being not worth the paper they are printed on.
Local News
Curtain rises on Gunnedah’s “friendly” Eisteddfod
The 74th Gunnedah Eisteddfod will showcase generations of local talent when it returns this week for music, speech and drama events.
Calm companions: Greyhounds take centre stage at Tamworth adoption event
Tamworth local Josh Crelley says adopting retired racing greyhound Nibbles not only brought a beloved breed back into his family’s life – it also inspired him to give back through volunteering.
Vintage machinery, tractors and nostalgia roll into Manilla for annual rally
The sights and sounds of a bygone era will return to the Manilla Showground next month, with the Manilla Vintage Machinery Group preparing for another huge Annual Rally on 6 and 7 June.
Community left waiting as key road projects stall
Delays to two major road projects are raising concerns about traffic congestion and safety across the Tamworth region.
What's On
Nominate now! We are looking for local trades and services businesses – from micro-businesses to major companies – to feature in our “Trades you can Trust” series. Really.
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 22, 2026
Nemingha Community Garden “Growing Up” WorkshopEnds: May 23, 2026
Greyhound Adoption Event | Petstock Tamworth 🐕Ends: May 23, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 29, 2026
Uniting NSW.ACT Home Care InformationEnds: June 2, 2026
Politics
‘Almost didn’t survive’: the fraught path to parenthood
A NSW Parliamentary Inquiry hearing in Tamworth today will hear how rural families are disadvantaged ‘at every turn’ while trying to access fertility care.
Taylor mimics One Nation in Budget Reply speech that snubs regions
Critics say Angus Taylor’s budget reply speech exposed a Coalition mimicking One Nation rhetoric on “mass migration” while offering little detail, little vision, and little for regional Australia.
Budget leaves regional councils facing impossible choices
Regional councils say the federal budget still leaves country communities behind, warning shrinking grants and rising costs are forcing councils to “operate on the smell of an oily rag”.
Local leaders testify to “human cost” of Inland Rail axing
Regional mayors, farming leaders and senior Nationals MPs have taken the fight over Inland Rail directly to Parliament House, accusing the Federal Government of abandoning communities that invested years preparing for Inland Rail.
‘Class war’ budget targets aspiration
Barnaby Joyce has accused Labor of punishing aspiration through its budget tax reforms, warning changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax and trusts will drive investment offshore and push renters “onto the street”.
Chaffey blasts Budget as “broken promises” for Parkes electorate
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey has slammed the Federal Budget, accusing Labor of abandoning regional Australia through Inland Rail cuts and “net zero obsession”.
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 >
Moree hydrogen project aims to reshape farming’s future
Could Moree hold the answer to farming’s fuel and fertiliser crisis? Construction is now underway on NSW’s first large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia plant.
Blackville grower named finalist in national cotton awards
Blackville grower Bruce Mennie has been named a finalist in the 2026 Australian cotton industry awards.
Energy and Environment
Work begins on 46km Dorrigo Great Escarpment Walk
Work has officially started on the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk, with the project tipped to create 270 jobs and attract thousands more visitors to the region.
Local farmer earns more than 5,000 carbon credits through soil project
A farmer near Uralla has earned more than 5,000 carbon credits after major improvements in soil health and grazing management.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Tow World trusted for honest service and practical know-how
Helping people tow, travel and explore with confidence is what drives the Tow World team every day – and they’re expanding their service capacity with a move to new premises.
Taking control of power bills with smarter solar and battery solutions
Whether you’re considering an EV or just want to get the power bills down, the best solar solution for you is a tailored system built around how you use energy, installed by…
BUSINESS
Small jobs and practical expertise
Small and special businesses are scattered across the New England, plying their specialised skills with great attention and care, and these two are no exception.
INDIGENOUS
Free flu clinic to support Tamworth community this season
TAMS-AC Tamworth is hosting a free flu vaccination clinic to help keep the community healthy this flu season.
SPORT
Historic rivalry renewed as Farrer and TAS battle for annual shields
Farrer and The Armidale School will renew one of the region’s longest-running school sporting rivalries this Friday as students battle for the Dick Hodgson Shield and Jim Levy Shield.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: The Magical Mystery Budget
RK Crosby spent some time with the Armidale Regional Council budget and says it's like an influencer on a shopping spree with someone else's credit card. The post Begin Rant: The Magical Mystery Budget appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Entries open for New England North West Business Awards 2026
Entries have opened for the 2026 New England North West Business Awards, celebrating regional business innovation, growth and achievement.
Gamilaraay journalist honoured at inaugural Luminas awards
A leading First Nations journalist with deep ties to northwest New South Wales has been recognised on the national stage, with Lorena Allam named a 2026 Luminas honouree.
