Local News

Rebuild the Guild

Rebuild the Guild

Glen Innes showed its strong community spirit last weekend as the Glen Innes Musicians’ Society (GIMS) launched Rebuild the Guild to a fantastic reception at the historic Chapel Theatre. Over 270 people came through the doors across the two performances – packing the venue for a vibrant celebration of local talent. Hosted by Jeff Manning, who also performed a couple of his own original songs, the all-local line-up included Naomi Bain, Suzy Meyer, James Flinn, Laurie Newsome, Katie Randall, Christine Davis, Lauren Sigvartsen, Catie Turner, Bree Geach, Tahleia Gerlofsma, Kat Sharman, and the tight house band of Williams, Duddy, Flinn…
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Alyssa Montgomery to visit Library

Alyssa Montgomery to visit Library

USA Today Bestselling author and winner of the 2025 Romance Book of the Year (RUBY) award for long contemporary romance “Return to Hope Creek”, Alyssa J. Montgomery is currently travelling to promote her latest release –“ Whispers at Wattle Crossing.” She is looking forward to meeting romance readers and hopes also to meet aspiring authors at her free library talk at 11.30am on July 8th Alyssa currently lives South of Sydney and has recently retired from her speech pathology private practice to devote more time to her writing. As well as being a speech pathologist, she’s worked as a professional…
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STUDENTS FROM THE BIG LIFT VOLUNTEER  IN DEEPWATER

STUDENTS FROM THE BIG LIFT VOLUNTEER IN DEEPWATER

On its 16th Winter Trip, The Big Lift from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is setting itself across regional New South Wales and Queensland on a mission to share its volunteering movement across the country. Founded on the philosophy of ‘Paying it Forward’, The Big Lift is a student-run volunteer organisation that takes eighty students on a nine-day bus trip through regional Australia to complete various volunteering projects. These include painting, gardening, cleaning and simple construction and maintenance tasks. With a focus on community engagement, The Big Lift works closely with towns to provide help where it is needed…
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One Australian Ambassador’s story – from Ben Lomond to Riyadh

One Australian Ambassador’s story – from Ben Lomond to Riyadh

When Ben Lomond farmer and Australian Ambassador Mark Donovan represented Australia in the Middle East, he made a point of wearing his Akubra hat. "It helped me represent rural and regional Australia," he said. Mark served as Australia's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2021 to 2025, with non-resident accreditation to Bahrain, Oman and Yemen. More recently, during the 2026 Iran War, he was recalled to diplomatic service as Chargé d'Affaires at the Australian Embassy in Kuwait, temporarily relieving the Ambassador. Despite spending years working in one of the world's most strategically important regions, Mark remains firmly connected…
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Army Band to Perform on Wednesday in Glen

Army Band to Perform on Wednesday in Glen

The Australian Army Band Newcastle will be delivering a special one-off performance on Wednesday 1 July from 12 noon till 1pm  at the Glen Innes Town Hall. This is a rare opportunity for our community to experience a live military band performance by one of Australia's  longest serving Army bands. The band is made up of highly skilled musicians who also serve as part time soldiers. With a diverse repertoire of ceremonial music, popular favourites, rock, jazz and contemporary pieces this free event will be one not to be missed.
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Turning a Roadside Problem into Community Support

Turning a Roadside Problem into Community Support

A local producer has wryly observed while droving cattle along public roads, “it’s raining cans, bongs and thongs.” While roadside litter is an ongoing concern, it also provides an opportunity for positive community action. Collecting eligible bottles and cans not only helps clean up our environment but also allows residents to support GLENRAC through the Return & Earn program. Donations contribute directly to local initiatives such as Smoko with Friends and Bush Kids First Aid. This comes at a time when Northern Tablelands producers are managing a “green drought.” Although paddocks appear green, the new growth lacks nutritional value, making roadside grazing an important option…
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Our Local History – Valentine Sachs

Our Local History – Valentine Sachs

Sachs Lane between the Church Street GISC building and Jamesies is named after South German born tinsmith Valentine Sachs who had fought in the Franco German war in the 1870s before migrating to Australia and settling in Glen Innes in the 1880s. Valentine Sachs obituary Glen Innes Examiner, 27 November 1913: …’He took a very active part in the progress of the town and was an alderman for over 20 years and occupied the Mayoral chair during the year the gasworks were built [1893]. He also took a keen interest in mining and was for some time interested in several…
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Lions ChangeOver

Lions ChangeOver

I attended the Changeover dinner of the local Lions club and was amazed at how much money they have raised in the past year. Also, how many of our local organisations benefitted from the fund-raising effort of the club. Glen Innes Can Assist, Glen Innes Industries, Glen Innes High School, Karinya Homes, Anglican Food Hub, and Local Connect, just to name a few.   First Vice District Governor of Lions, Joe Pope, and the Zone Chairperson David Doek were special guests. Other local Lions, the Glen Innes Leo’s and the Glen Innes Highland Lioness- Lions were also in attendance. The…
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