More than 3,000 items delivered to women across regional NSW
More than 3,000 items of clothing and accessories have been delivered to women in Tamworth, Narrabri, Moree and Gunnedah, as Iris Foundation’s Frockin’ The Outback returned for a second consecutive year.
Coaches replace trains at five New England stations from Wednesday
Six weeks without trains at Tamworth, Armidale, Uralla, Kootingal, and Walcha Road. Coaches take over from Wednesday, 21 October, and Kevin Anderson MP says any delay would be unacceptable.
Walcha shines at Tidy Towns awards
Walcha’s Peter Blomfield is a NSW Tidy Towns Local Hero, and the town’s WinterFest earned a commendation. Gunnedah also took home an award. See how the New England fared.
Stormwater repairs planned for Tamworth CBD levee
Ageing stormwater infrastructure beneath Tamworth’s CBD flood levee will undergo major repairs after inspections uncovered damage requiring reconstruction.
Local News
SBM26: Easier cooking, handmade skincare and waterfront escapes
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses bringing a personal touch to everyday life and leisure: a Thermomix consultant helping busy households feel more confident in the kitchen, a local maker crafting small-batch soaps and skincare, and a houseboat holiday business offering a different way to explore the Myall Lakes.
Teys Australia backs Gunnedah families with $2,793 fundraiser
A community fundraiser at Gunnedah’s AgQuip Field Days has raised $2,793 to support vulnerable families experiencing hardship, homelessness and domestic violence.
Walcha students find lasting lessons in Fiji
Two Walcha students swapped holiday downtime for a Fiji orphanage, where they scrubbed, sewed curtains and installed new beds in a sick bay left empty since Covid. Saying goodbye was the hardest part.
UNE research gives people with intellectual disability a voice in rural health care
A University of New England research project is giving people with intellectual disability a direct role in improving rural health care.
What's On
LONG READ >
The REZ environmental damage the law allows
WEEKEND LONG READ: More than 3,200 hectares of native vegetation will go for the New England REZ transmission line, including 147 hectares of critically endangered New England Peppermint grassy woodland. And they’re allowed to do it because the law gives them a “free kick” as a state significant project.
Events
The New England Community ShowcaseEnds: October 21, 2026
Tamworth Historical Society October Meeting: Spice Island WarsEnds: October 21, 2026
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Fete, Floral & Craft DisplayEnds: October 31, 2026
Spooky Halloween SkateEnds: October 31, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 1, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Politics
Terror probe after MP critically injured in attack
An attack on independent MP Helen Haines is being investigated by counter-terrorism authorities after she was allegedly intentionally hit by a man driving a Toyota Landcruiser outside her electorate office.
Koala park bill hits Parliament
The Great Koala National Park has moved from promise to Parliament, with legislation to create the giant Mid North Coast reserve introduced this week.
Butler bill would return firearms appeals to NCAT
A firearms owner fighting a minor confiscation must find $20,000 to appeal in the Supreme Court. Roy Butler’s new bill would send those cases back to NCAT, which he says is faster and affordable.
New offences for dangerous drivers
Film a crash victim and share it online, and you could face jail. New NSW laws also target dangerous driving, hit-and-runs and street racing. Here is what the legislation seeks to introduce.
Tamworth Labor honours its long-timers
Twenty members, 10 to 30 years of loyalty, and one pointed question: why do you stay? Tamworth Labor’s long-timers share what keeps them turning up, and how they fared in the trivia contest.
Farmers push parties to reject EU deal
The coalition is against the EU trade deal, the trade minister says that would be “economic self harm”, and farmers say the agreement leaves them behind. Who blinks first?
Beef company faces court over Niangala wetland channels
A prime beef company faces fines of more than $2 million per charge over 6km of channels allegedly dug through a Niangala district wetland. Its first court date is Friday, 30 October.
Energy and Environment
The REZ environmental damage the law allows
WEEKEND LONG READ: More than 3,200 hectares of native vegetation will go for the New England REZ transmission line, including 147 hectares of critically endangered New England Peppermint grassy woodland. And they’re allowed to do it because the law gives them a “free kick” as a state significant project.
Recycling baskets coming to Uralla’s Bridge Street and Alma Park
Twenty new bin baskets are heading to Uralla’s Bridge Street and Alma Park to catch 10-cent drink containers before they hit landfill. Installation starts next month.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Primary Health Network continues to support and invest in the Glen Innes community
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to Glen Innes through continued investment in local healthcare services, community programs and innovative models of…
Have your say on the future name of Killean
New owners of McLean Care want your help in naming the main home, and have put up $5000 to make it worth your while to have your say. Vote now!
BUSINESS
SBM26: Local shopping, keeping you moving and thoughtful design
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses bringing practical solutions and personal service to the region: a country boutique making shopping and special occasions easier, a family-run automotive and towing group keeping motorists moving, and an architect creating considered spaces tailored to the people who use them.
INDIGENOUS
Black Gully Festival to honour Uncle Cyril Green’s life in music
Armidale musician and Dunghutti elder Uncle Cyril Green will be honoured at this year’s Black Gully Festival on Saturday, 7 November. The tribute will reflect on a lifetime in music that began on a guitar in Walcha.
SPORT
Manilla brothers Mick and Tom Knight to take on world’s best at Warwick rodeo
Manilla bronc-riding brothers Mick and Tom Knight will represent Australia against some of the world’s best riders at the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft later this month.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Denise’s Desk: The NSW election – What’s at stake for workers
There are moments in politics when you wonder whether the person speaking has forgotten their own history. Or perhaps they hope the rest of us have. Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor declared on ABC’s 7.30 on 6 October that Australia needed an economy where wages rise faster than inflation. Well, there’s a revelation. Workers should The post Denise’s Desk: The NSW election – What’s at stake for workers appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Ballina woman sole winner of $100m powerball
A Ballina woman spent the day spotting signs from a late loved one. By night, she had won $100 million. Hear the moment her family found out.
SBM26: relationship, chill, finance
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three very different local businesses: disability service built on a genuine relationship, cool rooms on the move, and finance solutions for business.
