Glen Innes Severn Council is calling on local businesses, community members and groups to be part of the next phase of its destination marketing efforts, with expressions of interest now open for a new content shoot supporting the Get in Here and New England High Country campaigns. The Spring 2025 photo and video shoot will take place on Thursday, 30 October 2025, and aims to build on the momentum created by the initial phase of the campaigns. That first phase resulted in a community-led YouTube video, a series of well-received social media reels, and a library of high-quality photos showcasing…
While drought conditions have worsened across parts of southern and western New South Wales, producers in the Northern Tablelands are continuing to benefit from strong seasonal conditions and a positive production outlook. The latest NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) report shows that while large areas of the state remain in, or have recently transitioned to, the 'Drought Affected' category, the Northern Tablelands has avoided these conditions, remaining firmly in the ‘Non-Drought’ category throughout July. Rainfall across the Northern Tablelands during July was well above average, which has helped establish winter crops and promote growth. This has…
Two Glen Innes locals have been recognised among the best in their field, named as finalists in the Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution (RFBI) 2025 Showcase Awards. The announcement of finalists forms part of RFBI’s Aged Care Employee Day celebrations. This year, 21 individuals from across the organisation have been shortlisted for their outstanding service. Irene Gallagher, Hospitality Manager at RFBI Glen Innes Masonic Village, has been nominated in the Cook/Chef of the Year category. Her finalist status acknowledges her commitment to resident well-being through the delivery of high-quality meals and food services. Volunteer Kevin Jones has been named a finalist…
Glen Innes Severn Council is inviting artists, schools, clubs and community groups to submit original banner artworks for display in the Glen Innes town centre during the Christmas in the Highlands – Illuminations event. Sixteen artworks will be selected for the 2025 Christmas Art Trail, which will decorate the main streets from Saturday 29 November 2025 through to 11 January 2026. This year’s theme is “What does Glen Innes at Christmas mean to you?” and participants are encouraged to explore ideas such as highland magic, cultural and festive traditions, Celtic roots, starry nights, or their own creative interpretations. “We’re looking…
New residents were treated to a warm and lively introduction to Glen Innes at the recent Welcome to Glen Innes Pizza Night, held on Saturday 19 July at the Great Central Hotel. Organised by Local Connect as part of The Welcome Experience — a NSW Government–funded program aimed at supporting the settlement and retention of essential workers in regional communities — the evening brought together around 30 guests in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Led locally by Glen Innes Community Connector Pagan Kelly, the event provided an opportunity for essential workers who are new to the area to meet one…
Red Range Public School wrapped up Term 2 on a high note with the celebration of its annual Wellbeing Week, a dedicated program aimed at nurturing students’ mental wellness, resilience, and personal development. Held during the final week of term 2, Wellbeing Week offered a vibrant and thoughtfully planned timetable of activities that encouraged students to embody the school’s learner qualities: being Mindful, Self-Motivated, Brave, and Gritty. Under the leadership of Relieving Principal Kelly Vimpany, the school community came together to prioritise student wellbeing through engaging and inclusive events, all of which were offered at no cost to families. This…
If you’re a frustrated reader, the Silent Book Club might be for you. SBC is a global phenomenon with nearly 2,000 chapters in 55 countries. Unlike conventional book clubs, where prescribed readings and discussion occurs, the silent book club encourages some socialising, followed by quiet time dedicated to reading whatever the reader chooses, finishing with talking about what has been read. The main aim is for all attendees to incorporate some more reading time in their lives. The Glen Innes chapter of SBC is starting this coming week. The plan is to meet on the first and third Thursday of…
Retailers in the Glen Innes region are being encouraged to take part in a free training initiative designed to attract more customers and revitalise the local shopping experience. The Town Boosters program, funded by Glen Innes Severn Council, offers local businesses access to an online course that uses placemaking principles to help boost trade and foot traffic. The program is open to up to 100 local businesses, with the training valued at $199 being offered at no cost. The flexible online course includes four short modules, taking a total of just 33 minutes to complete. It covers proven strategies for…
Glen Innes was blanketed in snow over the weekend with significant snowfall occurring in parts of the Northern Tablelands. According to the State Emergency Service, some areas in the region recorded up to 50 mm of snow. While Glen Innes is no stranger to winter chills and the occasional dusting of snow, accumulations of this scale are rare. The snow created picturesque scenes across town but also brought with it disruption to travel and local activities. The New England Highway was closed in both directions between Glen Innes and Armidale on Saturday afternoon due to dangerous driving conditions. Later in the…
Mother and daughter martial artists Karen and Isobel King represented their local dojo, Jin Ryu Kan, at the National World Koshiki Karatedo Federation (WKKF) Karate Championships in Brisbane on 6 April, returning home with a string of strong results and national rankings. Isobel King competed in two kata divisions and two kumite (fighting) divisions. Kata, a set sequence of karate movements performed with precision, was her first event. Despite facing more highly ranked competitors, including both boys and girls, she delivered flawless performances and placed 4th and 5th in her divisions. In kumite, Isobel fought a total of three matches.…
