Anne Vosper has officially been declared elected to the Glen Innes Severn Council, following a countback process overseen by the NSW Electoral Commission. The Returning Officer declared her elected on Monday, 1 September 2025, after the countback was uncontested—only one application was received to participate. Under New South Wales electoral law, when a councillor resigns mid-term and was elected through proportional representation, a countback is used to fill the vacancy rather than holding a full by-election. The process re-examines ballot papers from the previous ordinary election to determine which candidate among those not elected previously is next in line, based…
Friends, family and Red Cross members packed into the cosy Crofters Cottage on Friday 15 August to celebrate Mrs Judy Vivers and her sixty years of service to the Australian Red Cross. Margaret Kiehne, President of the Glen Innes Red Cross branch, warmly welcomed everyone and read out a letter of appreciation and congratulations to Mrs Vivers from Charles Burkitt, President of Australian Red Cross which included these words: “On behalf of Australian Red Cross Society, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication over the past sixty years. It’s thanks to people like you that Australian Red Cross can…
Local shearing sheds are again echoing to the scuttling sound of hooves on boards, whirr of the electric gear and clank of presses – a far cry from the days of the sheds echoing to the click of the blades (hand shears) as the shearer took the full length of the blade for the cut and the ‘knockers’ met. The record for a day’s blade shearing is 321 merinos in seven hours 40 minutes by Jackie Howe at ‘Alice Downs’, Blackall in Queensland in 1892. However, in 1907 Deepwater local gun shearer John Edward Dean shore 274 sheep in a…
At the recent 2025 Glen Innes Business Awards, the prestigious Business of the Year Award was won by Sweetie Pie’s Bake Shop, which also won the Hospitality Award. Opened in 2021, this popular bakery is well-loved by locals and visitors for its renowned array of savoury and sweet treats. Sweetie Pie’s is owned and operated by Pastry Chef Nicole Hyde and her wife Zaylie Hyde who is the Business Manager. According to Nicole “Glen Innes weather is a pie maker’s dream. The weather is perfect. In summer it is very hot in the kitchen, but being from the Central Coast,…
From 1 November 2025, the Federal Government will launch a new employment assistance program called Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA), replacing the current Disability Employment Services (DES). In the New England region, including Glen Innes, the new program will be delivered by BEST Employment, VERTO Ltd, and APM Employment Services. APM already provides DES in Glen Innes and will continue under IEA. APM CEO Michael Anghie said, “Our deep understanding of the Glen Innes labour market — and our long-standing links with local businesses and community groups — means we’re well placed to match job seekers with the right opportunities.” AimBig,…
A new report into regional news audiences has confirmed what communities like Glen Innes already know: local journalism isn’t just about headlines — it’s about connection, trust and community wellbeing. The Engaged Journalism in the Heartland report, led by researchers from the University of Canberra and RMIT University, surveyed almost 8,000 people nationwide and interviewed hundreds more across regional Australia. The findings provide a detailed picture of how country people consume their news, what’s missing from coverage, and why local outlets remain essential despite the pressures facing the industry. "local journalism isn’t just about headlines — it’s about connection, trust…
Glen Innes Severn Council’s August meeting covered a wide range of issues, including renewable energy, community safety, financial pressures, and future use of public assets. While many decisions passed unanimously, several items sparked debate among councillors. Renewable Energy Submission Council resolved to lodge a submission to EnergyCo NSW calling for the inclusion of existing 132kV transmission infrastructure in the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The Mayor said this would give Glen Innes Severn greater certainty for renewable energy developers and could unlock local benefits such as jobs, supply chain opportunities and contributions to community schemes. Councillors spoke in support,…
The Glen Innes Arts Council is gearing up for opening night this Friday, August 29, with a high-energy production of We Will Rock You. A full dress-rehearsal yesterday delivered polished vocals, a lively mix of acting and music, and a showcase of local talent. Directed by Jenny Sloman, the musical transports audiences into the future to “iPlanet”, a world stripped of individuality and, most importantly, music. Ruling this dystopia is the menacing Killer Queen (Naomi Bain) and her ruthless commander Khashoggi (Kat Sharman). Their empire faces resistance from the “Bohemians”, led by Buddy (Sean O’Hara), who believe a Dreamer will…
Glen Innes Severn Council has partnered with Glen Industries to deliver the Glen Innes Landfill Revegetation Project during 2025–2026. The initiative is supported by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, which has provided $20,000 to Council to help restore the site. The project aims to enhance biodiversity, reconnect wildlife corridors, improve ecological and visual amenity, and strengthen slope stability at the landfill. Mayor Margot Davis said, “We are pleased to be partnering once again with Glen Industries on this important project. Their local expertise and commitment to biodiversity make them an ideal partner as we…
Essential Energy carried out essential maintenance yesterday, leaving some homes and businesses in the Glen Innes area, including Deepwater, without power. The electricity provider has advised that around 359 customers were affected by the outage. Power is expected to be restored by just before 5pm in the afternoon.
