Moree Plains: Inland Rail budget cuts could cost shire millions
MOREE Plains today awoke to the news Inland Rail is facing major budget cuts to sections north of Parkes. Moree Plains mayor Susannah Pearse said this is concerning for residents and businesses that know the real benefit of moving produce from road to rail. “These people have been huge supporters of the project,” Cr Pearse
Federal Budget: Labor to slash Inland Rail Project
FEDERAL Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has slammed the Labor Government’s reported plans to slash investment in the Inland Rail. It comes as media reports reveal the Federal Government plans to end the line at Parkes, instead of the plan to build the Inland Rail to Brisbane. Mr McCormack said the upcoming Federal Budget was
Moree on a Plate boosted by MPSC Events Partnership $5000 grant
A $5000 grant from Moree Plains Shire Council will ensure the popular and flavoursome Moree on a Plate food and wine festival goes from strength to strength. Moree on a Plate, now in its 23rd year, will be held from 10am this Saturday, May 9, at Moree racecourse. Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse said
Armidale set for major economic boost as UNE scales up graduation
THOUSANDS of visitors are arriving in Armidale this week as the University of New England rolls out its largest graduation, bringing a significant surge in economic activity to the region. More than 2500 students will graduate across six ceremonies, held between May 4 and 9, with around 1200 attending in person. Each graduate typically brings
Volunteering Connection Hub and Expo planned for Moree May 21
MOREE residents and wider communities are invited to attend an important volunteering expo at Moree Community College on Thursday, May 21. The Moree Volunteering Connection Hub and Expo, supported by The Centre for Volunteering and Department of Social Services, will showcase a number of not-for-profit community organisations and vital services that rely heavily on volunteerism.
NSW Police Class 368 attest as the largest in 13 years
THE NSW Police Force on Friday welcomed 349 new probationary constables, as Class 368 became the largest class to graduate in 13 years. NSW Police Force Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley, and Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley welcomed the new students on Friday. The graduating students will begin their first
Meet Australia’s biosecurity top dogs
WHEN it comes to stopping biosecurity threats at the border, some of Australia’s most effective frontline defenders walk on four legs. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has named detector dog Ghost as its Top Dog for 2025, recognising an exceptional year of service protecting Australia from exotic pests and diseases. The Top Dog
Public consultation to commence on New England rail trail framework
ARMIDALE Regional Council has started public consultation as part of the preliminary works being undertaken on the New England Rail Trail Framework following the project’s endorsement at the October 2025 council meeting. The New England Rail Trail proposal aims to revitalise the disused Great Northern Rail corridor between Armidale and Glen Innes, transforming it into
Armidale’s BackTrack’s night crew program here to stay with funding boost
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan welcomed further funding to extend the operation of BackTrack’s successful Night Crew program in Armidale. The Night Crew program sees youth workers active on Armidale streets between 8pm and 7am three nights per week to engage young people at risk. It was initially trialled in early 2025 after BackTrack
Narrabri’s boost to emergency services on track
THE new Namoi Gwydir Fire Control Centre in Narrabri is nearing completion, marking a major step forward in strengthening emergency response capability in the state’s north-west. The $13.1 million facility will provide the Rural Fire Service with a modern, purpose-built base to support operations into the future. The project delivers on recommendations from the 2019-2020











































































