Blues fans to see red when Split Enz headline festival
The pioneering Kiwi band Split Enz will take centre stage as the iconic Byron Bay Bluesfest is resurrected for Easter 2026.
New owners ride a fresh wave at Coastal Curves Surf
A familiar Nambucca Heads surf shop has welcomed new owners, with Sarah and Simon Barrow taking the helm at Coastal Curves Surf.
All headline, no policy: Nationals Net Zero alternative raises questions
Locals warn the Nationals move to drop Net Zero risks higher power bills and more pressure on productive farmland.
Four charged, $2.3 million worth of illicit tobacco seized following week of action
The NSW Police Organised Crime Squad, together with NSW Health and the Australian Border Force, have charged four people and seized more than 18,000 vapes, 1.9 million illicit cigarettes, 74kg of loose-leaf tobacco and five unregistered firearms
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.
Red alert issued for Lake Ainsworth
A red alert has been issued for Lake Ainsworth in Lennox Head after tests detected high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae, with WaterNSW urging people to avoid swimming and other recreational activities until the warning is lifted.
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.
Nationals say koala park plan will hit North Coast industries hard
The NSW Nationals say the Minns Labor Government has failed to protect North Coast workers and industries affected by the creation of the Great Koala National Park.
What's On
Blues fans to see red when Split Enz headline festival
The pioneering Kiwi band Split Enz will take centre stage as the iconic Byron Bay Bluesfest is resurrected for Easter 2026.
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.
Community invited to have their say on Ballina’s future growth
Ballina Shire Council is calling for community feedback on its Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement, which will shape how the region grows over the next 20 years, addressing housing diversity, ageing demographics and employment opportunities.
Events
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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
- Denise’s Desk: It’s Time to Give Our Community Preschool Teachers the Pay They Deserve
Denise McHugh writes that we need to be ensuring community preschool teachers are paid on par with primary teachers. The post Denise’s Desk: It’s Time to Give Our Community Preschool Teachers the Pay They Deserve 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.