Local News – Page 24 – Glen Innes News

Jul

31

2025

Council GM Defends Staff, Urges Unity

Council, Local NewsBernard Smith, Glen Innes Severn Council

Glen Innes Severn Council’s General Manager, Bernard Smith, has issued a public message urging the community to uphold respectful and constructive engagement with Council and its staff. In a statement shared via the Council’s official Facebook page, Mr Smith addressed the challenges of misinformation, personal attacks and a decline in civility, while reaffirming Council’s commitment to the wellbeing of its workforce. The message, that was posted on Facebook on Thursday evening, said: "As General Manager of Glen Innes Severn Council, I’m proud to lead an organisation committed to delivering for our community. This year has started strongly, and following extensive…

Jul

30

2025

By Newsroom

Local Government Minister Visits Glen Innes

Council, Local NewsBernard Smith, Cameron Gaddes, Margot Davis, Paige McLoughlin, Ron Hoenig

The Hon. Ron Hoenig, NSW Minister for Local Government, visited Glen Innes on Tuesday 29 July to meet with Glen Innes Severn Council. The visit began at Glen Innes Town Hall, where Mayor Margot Davis and General Manager Bernard Smith welcomed the Minister for a wide-ranging discussion. Key issues raised included the financial pressures on rural councils, structural challenges, and concerns about the current Special Rate Variation (SRV) process. “Rural councils are expected to deliver core services and infrastructure with increasingly limited resources,” Cr Davis said. “It’s vital that state decision-makers understand the pressures we face and support reforms that…

Jul

27

2025

By Newsroom

Photo Gallery – Glen Innes Marks 75th Anniversary of the Korean War

Local NewsANZAC Park, Glen Innes RSL Sub-Branch

On Sunday morning, members of the Glen Innes community gathered at Anzac Park to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. Despite cold winds and grey skies, the rain held off as veterans, school representatives, and local residents came together to honour those who served in the conflict—particularly the Australians who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Flags in the memorial park were flown at half mast in tribute. Several wreaths were laid during the service, which was organised by the Glen Innes RSL Sub-Branch.

Jul

26

2025

By Carmen Elvins

History of the Glen Innes Ag Station (Part 1)

Local News, RuralGlen Innes Agricultural Research Station

The Glen Innes Experiment Farm was gazetted in 1901. In his 1901 report, the Chief Inspector of Agriculture emphasised the importance of establishing experimental farms stating "the sites were selected for the purpose of ascertaining (by experiment) the most suitable crops for the district, to collect facts for determination of best times to sow and plant, and various matters of that sort” The Farm set about primarily to study and improve the agricultural and pastoral issues of the New England Tablelands, and to conduct suitable research on such that was deemed too expensive for private landowners. The site was heavily…

Jul

25

2025

By Newsroom

Explainer: Council Countback Elections

Council, Local NewsAnne Vosper, Elena Weatherall, Glen Innes Severn Council, Troy Arandale

The resignation of Councillor Troy Arandale from Glen Innes Severn Council has prompted the start of a countback election process — a method used in New South Wales to fill council vacancies without holding a full by-election. How Does It Work? When a councillor resigns mid-term, and they were elected via proportional representation, the NSW Electoral Commission can conduct a countback election rather than a fresh vote. Here’s how the process unfolds: • The Commission contacts all unelected candidates from the previous council election to determine who is still eligible to fill the vacancy. • These candidates are invited to…

Jul

25

2025

By Newsroom

Man Charged Over Attempted Glen Innes Robbery

Local NewsNew England Police District

A 20-year-old man has been charged in relation to an alleged attempted armed robbery at a service station in Glen Innes. At approximately 7.50am on Thursday 24 July, a man armed with a knife entered a service station on Church Street and allegedly demanded cash from the attendant. Police were told the attendant refused the demand and locked the staff area, prompting the man to leave the premises on foot without obtaining any money. Officers from the New England Police District attended the scene and commenced an investigation. Later that morning, at around 11.30am, police were patrolling Church Street when…

Jul

24

2025

By Newsroom

Councillor Troy Arandale Resigns

Council, Local NewsAndrew Parsons, Anne Vosper, Elena Weatherall, Glen Innes Severn Council, Margot Davis, Troy Arandale

Glen Innes Severn Council has received the resignation of Councillor Troy Arandale, who stepped down from his position effective immediately on Thursday morning. Mayor Margot Davis acknowledged Cr Arandale’s contribution to Council during his almost five-year tenure, during which he also served as Deputy Mayor for a time. “On behalf of Council, I would like to thank Councillor Arandale for his service over almost five years,” Cr Davis said. “Councillor Arandale served as Deputy Mayor for part of his term and, like all councillors, contributed time and effort to the role in service to the community.” Cr Davis, who is…

Jul

24

2025

By Annette Bain

In Conversation With Harvey Young

Local NewsHarvey Young, In Conversation, Kwong Sing

Harvey Stanley Young is a Glen Innes ‘lifer’ having spent 93 years here since the moment he was born in West Avenue in 1932 to parents Stanley and Grace Young. His father was also born in Glen Innes; his mother was from Melbourne. Harvey attended Glen Innes Public School and Glen Innes High School, where he was School Captain in 1950. He then headed to Armidale to commence a Science Degree, but says he played a lot of football, had a very good time and quickly realised that academia was not for him. Harvey returned home to the family business,…

Jul

23

2025

By Newsroom

Chair Yoga Classes Move to Larger Venue

Council, Local NewsCarol Sparks, Glen Innes & District Services Club, Life Choices

Glen Innes Severn Council’s Life Choices Support Services (LC-SS) is relocating its popular “Gentle Stretches from a Chair” program to the Glen Innes Services Club following strong community interest and growing attendance numbers. The classes, delivered by Yoga with Bron, offer gentle, chair-based stretching and movement specifically designed to support the physical wellbeing and social connection of aged care participants. The new venue will allow up to 30 people per session and provides a more spacious and accessible environment for the growing group. Acting Mayor Carol Sparks said the Council is encouraged by the strong response to the program and…

Jul

22

2025

By Newsroom

Community Invited to Honour Veterans

Local NewsANZAC Park, Glen Innes & District Services Club, Glen Innes RSL Sub-Branch

Residents of Glen Innes and surrounding areas are invited to attend a commemorative service on Sunday 27 July 2025 to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War. The service will be held at the Anzac Park Cenotaph on West Avenue, commencing at 11.30am. Organisers say the event will be an opportunity for the community to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who served in what is often called the “Forgotten War.” “Let us come together to honour the sacrifices and bravery of our Korean War veterans. Your presence will make this day even more…