Local News

Explainer: Council Countback Elections

Explainer: Council Countback Elections

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…
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Man Charged Over Attempted Glen Innes Robbery

Man Charged Over Attempted Glen Innes Robbery

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…
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Councillor Troy Arandale Resigns

Councillor Troy Arandale Resigns

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…
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In Conversation With Harvey Young

In Conversation With Harvey Young

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,…
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Chair Yoga Classes Move to Larger Venue

Chair Yoga Classes Move to Larger Venue

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…
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Community Invited to Honour Veterans

Community Invited to Honour Veterans

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…
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Youth Booth Named Awards Finalist

Youth Booth Named Awards Finalist

The Youth Booth has been named a finalist in the 2025 Local Government Week Awards for delivering one of New South Wales’ most outstanding Youth Week programs. The nomination places Glen Innes Severn Council in the spotlight for its efforts to support and engage young people across the region. The finalist recognition comes after the success of Youth Week 2025, which featured a diverse range of events tailored for young people living in Glen Innes Severn. Activities included a gaming night, movie night, inflatable fun day and a guided cultural walk at The Willows — all planned and delivered with…
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Trivia Night to Raise Funds for Year 12 Formal and Beyond Blue

Trivia Night to Raise Funds for Year 12 Formal and Beyond Blue

Glen Innes Services Club will play host to a fun-filled evening of trivia on Saturday 2 August, with a special event planned to raise funds for the Year 12 2025 Formal. The event, which kicks off at 6pm, will also support mental health organisation Beyond Blue. Community members are invited to form tables of eight for the trivia night, which will also feature an auction, raffle, and a whole lot of fun. Entry is $15 per person, and bookings can be made at the Services Club reception. Food platters are available to pre-order through the reception, with two options: a…
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Decades of Dedication Honoured at Glen Innes Hospital

Decades of Dedication Honoured at Glen Innes Hospital

Mahatma Gandhi once said: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others.” Earlier this month Glen Innes District Hospital highlighted the extent of service and depth of experience of its team members at a Years of Service celebratory lunch. The event acknowledged team members in nursing, allied health, maintenance and administration who had served with NSW Health for a decade or longer. 32 awardees were honoured, for delivering an amazing combined 640 + years of service. As Health Service Manager Emma Clifton-Smith commented about the celebration: “It offered the perfect opportunity to recommit our…
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Obituary – Roy Colin Wells

Obituary – Roy Colin Wells

Roy Colin Wells was born at ‘Eastlund’, a property on the junction of Arrawarra Creek and the Severn River, on March 24 1923. Following his birth Roy was transported to the Vegetable Creek Hospital, Emmaville. Roy passed away peacefully at that hospital on Thursday 3 July at the age of 102. A grand innings, and a fitting closure to a circle of life well-lived. To live to such an age is a wonderful achievement in itself, but to live your life as Roy did –that is truly exceptional. Roy lived his long life with a generosity of spirit, a gentle…
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