New equipment for Inverell Junior Rugby Club

Funding was secured for Inverell Junior Rugby Club to purchase new line-marking equipment through the Local Sport Grant Program.

The club has nearly 200 registered boys and girls playing rugby this season.

The new equipment will take pressure off the hardworking volunteers who put their hand up to coach and manage teams.

Well done to Inverell Junior Rugby Club and good luck for the coming season.

New grandstand seating for Glen Innes Elks

Funding for the Glen Innes Elks rugby club was secured to purchase and install grandstand seating at their home ground.

Currently there’s nowhere for their supporters to sit during games which limits families and older people coming to watch.

Hopefully the new seating increases attendance for the coming season which starts on 18 April.

Ashford Central School achievements

It was great to visit Ashford Central School last week to celebrate seven students who successfully completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Well done to those students who have shown commitment and dedication to complete the program. Inverell mayor Kate Dight and I then had the privilege of judging the Easter hat parade which was great to be part of.

Clarence Valley Orchestra visits Glen Innes

The Clarence Valley Orchestra stopped in at Glen Innes on Tuesday as part of their Outback Pops tour.

It is a 50-piece orchestra who perform classical, big band, Broadway hits and popular music in their show which raises funds for important regional NSW charities.

It was excellent to see the show so well supported by the Glen Innes community.

Northern Housing Industry Association meeting

It was good to catch up with Housing Industry Association representatives, planners and builders from across the Northern Tablelands in Armidale on Friday.

Housing availability continues to be a barrier to attracting more people to the regions and the takeaway from this meeting is that there is a lot of work that needs to be done to the NSW planning system.

Fertiliser shortage

The cost of fertiliser has doubled over the last month and is now retailing around $1500 per tonne. On top of the cost issue, fertiliser is proving very difficult to source.

When farmers are forced to cut fertiliser rates, yields inevitably fall.

That means less grain, less feed for livestock and ultimately higher costs flowing through the entire food chain.

While fuel shortages and costs have been getting plenty of media attention, the problems with fertiliser just as important yet the government is without a clear plan to ensure adequate supplies for our farmers.

Active Regional Communities Package – Community Participation grants

Applications for grants from $100,000 to $1 million are now open through the Community Participation stream of the Active Regional Communities Package.

Funding is geared towards not-for-profits who aim to increase social cohesion and liveability of communities through greater participation in community activities.

Projects can included new and improved infrastructure, new or expanded programs and activities, and addressing barriers to participation, increased safety, supervision and transport. For more information and how to apply, visit Community Participation Grants.

Applications close May 1.

EnergyCo social impact assessment survey

Landholders and community members can complete a social impact survey as part of the environmental impact statement on the New England renewable Energy Zone.

It is open until May 1and can be found at New England REZ Network.

What’s On

Saturday, April 11: Warialda Cup at Warialda Jockey Club, Saturday 11 April.

Tuesday, April 21: Inaugural Armidale Seasoned-Retired Farmers Group for semi-retired or retired agricultural works at Armidale City Bowling Club.

Now until May 20: BreastScreen mobile van at Armidale Visitor Information Centre carpark.

School holiday activities

Armidale: Library Program and Events.

Glen Innes: Holiday Break Program.

Inverell: Pathfinders School Holiday Program.

PCYC Armidale and Moree school holiday programs: PCYC School Holiday Programs.

Service NSW mobile centres

Service NSW is bringing their mobile service centre to Toomelah, Mungindi and Boggabilla.

The mobile service centre can help with driver knowledge tests, drivers licence applications and renewals, working with children check, birth, death, and marriage certificates, and more.

The mobile service centre will be at Outreach Health Clinic, Toomelah on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 9am to 11am.

The mobile service centre will be at Community Health Centre, 74 Merriwa Street, Boggabilla on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from midday until 3pm.

The mobile service centre will be at Barwon River Park, 155 George St Mungindi on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 10am until 3pm.

Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands