ACCC mobile coverage inquiry welcomed Dodgy mobile coverage isn't just an inconvenience, it's been life-threatening. Now the ACCC is finally investigating regional blackspots.

Command centre established to coordinate winter hospital demand NSW has established a permanent command centre to coordinate hospital demand this winter as influenza cases and emergency department presentations continue rising.

Huge reform in building laws, but more action required New building laws passed in NSW Parliament promise faster, cheaper approvals. Uniplan Managing Director Ben Scott says it is welcome progress, but there's more to do.

TAS students tackle City2Surf for rugby charity A team of 165 The Armidale School students will tackle Sunday's City2Surf, raising funds for the Hearts in Rugby Foundation.

Classical music comes to Guyra with community concert at Australian Poetry Hall of Fame Guyra residents can enjoy an afternoon of world-class chamber music as acclaimed musicians Robert Harris and Robert Manley perform at the Hall.

Green light for Sundown Solar Farm A 360-megawatt solar farm between Inverell and Glen Innes has been given the green light, right on schedule, with sheep set to keep grazing beneath the panels and 144,000 homes to be powered.

Here's the latest news headlines on New England Times. Read the full stories, paywall free, on our website www.netimes.com.au

Opinion: Neurodivergent Children Are Asking to Be Seen, Not Fixed Laetitia Andrac from Understanding Zoe says too often, we talk about neurodiversity as though awareness alone is enough - in reality, it isn’t. The real problem is the disconnect in how support is organised.

Opinion: Neurodivergent Children Are Asking to Be Seen, Not Fixed

Laetitia Andrac from Understanding Zoe says too often, we talk about neurodiversity as though awareness alone is enough - in reality, it isn’t. The real problem is the disconnect in how support is organised.

engage.netimes.com.au

Armidale gears up for Polar Plunge at Dumaresq Dam Armidale's Polar Plunge returns to Dumaresq Dam on Sunday, 23 August, as organisers look to build on last year's icy dip in support of local Special Olympics athletes.

Narrabri to host 2026 NSW Rural Women's Gathering Narrabri has been named host of this year's Rural Women's Gathering, bringing about 300 women from across regional, rural and remote New South Wales to the North Western NSW town.

Joblink Plus Artist Bursary returns to support emerging artists Applications are now open for the 2027 Joblink Plus Artist Bursary Program, which will support artists performing at the Toyota 55th Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Two nights, two vibes: Bellingen's Beyond Jazz Weekender is back Bellingen Memorial Hall will transform into a jazz club for two nights this month, with the Beyond Jazz Weekender returning for its second year on Friday, 14 August and Saturday, 15 August.

Stamp prices to rise 8.8 per cent from September It will soon cost $1.85 to send the humble letter with the latest round of postage increases approved by the regulator.

Opinion: Have your Say on the Armidale City Centre Plan If only 36 people were using the Beardy St Mall - either inside or outside the buildings - we hardly call it bustling with activity. So what will 36 parking spaces (the number proposed for the East Mall), an access road, lots of cars and SUV…

Opinion: Have your Say on the Armidale City Centre Plan

If only 36 people were using the Beardy St Mall - either inside or outside the buildings - we hardly call it bustling with activity. So what will 36 parking spaces (the number proposed for the East Mall), an access road, lots of cars and SUV hoping to find a parking space, perhaps even the odd motor-home looking for the relocated visitor centre bring to our Mall?

engage.netimes.com.au

Woman charged in Moree after police drone assists in arrest A police drone circling over Moree tracked a woman from a backyard shed straight into a domestic violence arrest.

Nominations open for women in local government awards Rising stars, mayors and general managers alike, nominations are open for the state's top awards recognising women in local government.

Opinion: Local news is part of a community’s essential infrastructure Margot Davis writes strong local journalism is not a luxury. It is part of the civic infrastructure of a healthy community.

Opinion: Local news is part of a community’s essential infrastructure

Margot Davis writes strong local journalism is not a luxury. It is part of the civic infrastructure of a healthy community.

engage.netimes.com.au

Armidale's annual sleepout asks locals to feel the cold for Vinnies More than 1,100 Armidale locals sought help from Vinnies last year. Now the charity wants the wider community to spend a night feeling what that means.

Cult horror thriller Pontypool set for Australian debut in Tamworth A cramped radio station, a town driven violent by a mystery virus and a cast of Tamworth locals: Pontypool is about to make its Australian debut at the Capitol Theatre.

Daley makes right call after rewriting Origin legacy Laurie Daley faced enormous criticism during his time as NSW coach but he ensured he finishes a winner after stepping down from the role.

46 years on, new hope for missing Sydney woman An age-progressed image of missing Sydney woman Elaine Johnson has been released this Missing Persons Week, in the hope it jogs a memory her family has been waiting years for.

NSW funds vet scholarships as Canberra leaves students out NSW is offering scholarships to 94 vet students to do their prac in regional areas. The AVA says the Federal Government just left the same students off a new list of ten professions getting paid prac.

Former New England radio announcer releases debut novel A two-week ultimatum to move to Armidale for a radio job in 2012 became the start of a career, and now a debut novel, for former FM100.3/2AD announcer Stephanie MacFie.

Denise’s Desk: The War on Expertise – When Facts Become Optional Denise writes that protecting our democracy means defending not only free speech, but also the place of evidence in our public life.

Denise’s Desk: The War on Expertise – When Facts Become Optional

Denise writes that protecting our democracy means defending not only free speech, but also the place of evidence in our public life.

engage.netimes.com.au

Rural Road Safety Month launches after 123 regional deaths 123 lives lost on regional NSW roads in just six months. Now the state government wants every driver, rider and passenger to "join the journey" toward safer roads.

Banks told to move eligible customers to cheaper accounts Banks will have to start chasing down customers stuck on higher-fee accounts, after the ACCC found 150,000 low-income Australians were missing out on cheaper options.

UNE research finds depression affects all five senses Armidale researchers have found depression dulls all five senses, not just mood, a discovery they hope will reshape how the condition is diagnosed and treated.

Moree Plains council awards $14,000 to community groups Five Moree Plains groups are sharing in $14,000 from council's latest donations round, and applications for the next round are open now.

Electric vehicle sales soar during fuel price crunch Australian motorists are voting with their feet and wallets as electric cars drive a path through the market.

Cedar Nursery & Design blossoms to Best Nursery title Whether customers are searching for the perfect fruit tree, a statement pot or simply some expert advice, Cedar Nursery & Design has become the go-to destination for gardeners across the […]