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Nominations extended for 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards
BALLINA SHIRE: There is still time to recognise the local legends who make the community shine, with nominations for the 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards now extended until Friday 7 November.
Williamson backs community preschools in fight for fair pay
Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has joined educators in a state-wide push for pay parity, calling on the NSW Government to deliver fair funding for community-based preschools and address what he says is a “crisis” in the sector.
Richmond Valley solar farm approved to power 175,000 homes
A $1.2 billion solar farm near Rappville has been approved, set to power 175,000 homes, create more than 300 construction jobs and deliver $11 million in community infrastructure funding for the Richmond Valley.
Local News
Senators claim future gas plan ‘deaf’ to traditional owners’ concerns
The future gas strategy has been criticised for misrepresenting the views of traditional owners, with calls for an apology from the federal government.
Major road safety boost: Transforming hundreds of kilometres of regional roads and extending their life by decades
The State Government is investing $37.5 million to transform more than 470 kilometres of state-managed roads across the regions.
Major film studio coming soon, just down the road
A $600M film studio backed by Russell Crowe is a step closer in Coffs Harbour, with the NSW Government pledging $5.5M for a key noise wall to support the “Aussiewood” project and boost regional jobs.
Runners set to take to the trails in Washpool this weekend
Recent rainfall won’t stop the Washpool World Heritage Trails running event celebrating its 15th year this weekend.
Country Mayors sit down to talk police action
The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has sat down with the NSW Minister for Police & Counter Terrorism, to speak frankly about getting tough on regional crime.
What's On
Nominations extended for 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards
BALLINA SHIRE: There is still time to recognise the local legends who make the community shine, with nominations for the 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards now extended until Friday 7 November.
Tamworth Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo doubles in size for 2025
Tamworth’s huge lifestyle event is back and it’s bigger than ever, with the Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo returning later this month.
Runners set to take to the trails in Washpool this weekend
Recent rainfall won’t stop the Washpool World Heritage Trails running event celebrating its 15th year this weekend.
Events
No upcoming events.
Lifestyle
Tamworth Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo doubles in size for 2025
Tamworth’s huge lifestyle event is back and it’s bigger than ever, with the Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo returning later this month.
Visitor spending hits record high in NSW
NSW has reaffirmed its status as Australia’s top visitor economy, with record $55.9 billion spending, strong growth across regional areas including New England North West and the North Coast, and record international arrivals.
Busy two days for NSW Farmers Annual Conference next week
A jam packed agenda is in store next week as the state’s peak farming body holds their annual general conference in Sydney.
Environment
TRC unveils cheaper sludge dewatering process
Tamworth Regional Council yesterday unveiled its new sludge dewatering process at its Westdale wastewater facility that, according to the Council, promises to save $300,000 over previous treatments.
Swap your old yabby traps for a new lure at AgQuip to help fish habitat
Recreational fishers will have the chance to swap their old and unwanted opera house yabby traps for an Oar-Gee Plow lure at AgQuip to support sustainable fishing practices.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
North Hill Veterinary Clinic opens doors to state-of-the-art Bundarra Road facility
North Hill Veterinary Clinic have opened the doors to their brand-new, purpose-built facility on Bundarra Road, bring the best and latest in vet care to Armidale.
The Grove Yamba: Coastal Living Elevated to a New Standard
Discover The Grove Yamba, a boutique collection of 14 luxury villas that blend timeless design with coastal serenity. Just a short stroll from town, it’s a rare chance to own in this…
HEALTH
Rural Mothers Receive Postnatal Support Via PHN’s Innovative Virtual Psychologist Pilot
Rural mothers in Narrabri, Gunnedah, and Moree to receive crucial postnatal mental health support through a new pilot program.
EDUCATION
Celebrating 10 years of the 1000 Books Before School Program
Did you read a book to your kid(s) before bed tonight? If not, its time to start. The 1000 Books Before School is a program that has spread across the country – from the city streets of Sydney to the beaches of the Gold Coast and the Tasmanian town of Wynyard. And it started in…
POLITICS
Former regional health minister Bronnie Taylor departs politics
The NSW Opposition will lose another high-profile MP with the departure of Nationals deputy leader Bronnie Taylor.
MONEY
Ampol continues support for Westpac rescue chopper
Ampol Australia has extended its support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service for a further five years as part of its Ampol Foundation program.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Letter: Alarm Bells Over Armidale Council’s Rail Trail Decision
Siri Gamage writer the rail trail should be built along side the existing rail corridor. The post Letter: Alarm Bells Over Armidale Council’s Rail Trail Decision appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Good News
More upgrades for New England, Newell, Kamilaroi, Gwydir, and coast roads
The NSW Government has announced and additional $46 million for new road safety projects with Armidale, Moree and major New England and North Coast links set to benefit.
Locals leverage City to Surf to raise funds
Locals from school students to a mum are taking part in this weekend’s City to Surf in Sydney to support causes they care about.
By kids, for kids: Trackside’s brave and innovative model that just might work
As most communities in the New England struggle with youth issues, the community with the youngest population is trying something new – and they don’t have the money to do it.