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.
University of New England teams up with Maccas for uni credits
The University of New England (UNE) has joined forces with McDonald’s Australia to recognise workplace training as university credit, helping thousands of Macca’s employees nationwide take their next step into higher education.
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.
Westpac admits dropping the ball on regional customers
Westpac is promising to better support its regional bank brands after losing customers because of overpriced mortgage products for home owners.
Support local this Christmas with a Seasons of New England hamper
This Christmas, skip the shopping centre chaos and give a gift that’s packed with local flavour, heart, and a personal delivery from the New England to your door.
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
Country mayors reject federal plan to lower default speed limits
Rural and regional councils across New South Wales have come out strongly against a Federal Government proposal to reduce default speed limits on country roads by 30 kilometres per hour.
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.
The Super Strawberry opens its fields for a season of family fun
It’s an especially sweet time at The Super Strawberry, and locals are invited to come along and savour it.
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.
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.
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.
Farmers, greenies divided over ‘dirty’ bounty deal
The premier has thrown his weight behind paying bounty hunters to reduce feral cats, goats and pigs, but it has come with scrutiny.
Environment
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.
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.
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
Singh backs fair pay for community preschool teachers
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh has called on the Minns Government to boost funding for community preschools to help address low wages and staffing shortages across the early childhood sector.
POLITICS
Weak bail laws failing regional communities, says Kemp
NSW Opposition MP Michael Kemp says weak bail laws are failing regional communities after violent youth offenders in Kempsey were granted bail despite serious repeat offences.
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.