Local News

New Sensory Garden Opens in Glen Innes

New Sensory Garden Opens in Glen Innes

Glen Innes’ new sensory garden has officially opened, thanks to a $100,000 grant from Round 5 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund. The garden, part of Glen Innes Severn Council’s Life Choices Support Services (LC-SS), has been specially designed to engage all five senses. With a mix of carefully chosen plants, textured surfaces, water features and other calming elements, the space aims to support people with sensory processing needs. The idea for the project was led by the late Anthony Williams, Glen Innes Severn Council’s former manager of community services, and it now stands as a tribute to his work…
Read More
Community Turns Out for ‘Meet the Candidates 2025’ Forum

Community Turns Out for ‘Meet the Candidates 2025’ Forum

Glen Innes locals gathered on Monday evening for the "Meet the Candidates 2025: Federal Edition" forum, held at the Glen Innes & District Services Club. The event provided a valuable opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates contesting the seat of New England in the upcoming federal election. Moderated by Glen Innes Business Chamber President Troy Arandale, the forum maintained a respectful tone throughout the evening. Five candidates were in attendance: Barnaby Joyce (Nationals), Laura Hughes (Labor), Wendy Wales (Greens), Brent Larkham (One Nation), and Natasha Ledger (Independent). Two candidates — Todd Juchau (Trumpet of Patriots) and Holly…
Read More
New Refuge for Women and Children to Be Built in Glen Innes

New Refuge for Women and Children to Be Built in Glen Innes

A new refuge supporting women and children escaping domestic and family violence is set to be established in Glen Innes, following the announcement of $7.6 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster Program. The facility will be developed by community organisation Pathfinders and will include up to eight self-contained dwellings, enabling women and children to live independently while accessing on-site support. The refuge will also feature communal spaces, private rooms for service delivery, play areas and communal gardens. Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan welcomed the development, saying it would provide critical support for those in need…
Read More
Closer to Home, Louder Than Ever: The Case for Independent News

Closer to Home, Louder Than Ever: The Case for Independent News

Across the globe we’re seeing an increasing level of polarisation in politics. But is that reflective of what’s going on in our communities? Much of our media landscape would have you think we’re fighting with our neighbours, where the reality for most of us is that we just want to know what’s going on from someone we can trust and we’re quite capable of making rational and logical decisions about the issues that impact our lives from there. That’s what public interest journalism does. It tells us something about where we live, the topics we care about and the people…
Read More
Council to Consult Community on Possible Rate Rise

Council to Consult Community on Possible Rate Rise

Glen Innes Severn Council will consult the community on a proposed special rate variation (SRV) that could see rates increase by up to 68.5 per cent over three years, as part of its effort to address long-term financial sustainability. At its Ordinary Meeting held in April, councillors endorsed a number of strategies and plans under the Shaping Tomorrow Community Engagement Program. The program will gauge ratepayer sentiment on future planning priorities and potential SRV options. The community consultation period will run until 6 June 2025, with a final decision to be made at the Council’s meeting on 19 June. The…
Read More
Fourth goodnessgravel a Hit

Fourth goodnessgravel a Hit

The fourth annual goodnessgravel riding event was another outstanding success. 135 riders experienced the local sights as part of a weekend cycling event at Glen Innes on Saturday 12th April 2025. An Australian bike event company, goodnessgravel, in partnership with the Glen Innes Severn Council, hosted this gravel riding mini-festival. On Saturday, the main event consisted of a 125 kilometre ride with over 1,700 metres of climbing, there was also a shorter 75 km ride with over 1,000m of climbing and then a ‘Piccolo’ course of 35 km course with 450m of climbing with all courses traveling through the glorious…
Read More
Federal Election Candidates to Speak at Glen Innes Forum

Federal Election Candidates to Speak at Glen Innes Forum

A "Meet the Candidates 2025: Federal Edition" forum will be held on Monday, 28 April at the Glen Innes Services Club, starting at 6:00 PM. The forum will give local residents an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates contesting the Seat of New England at the upcoming federal election. Each candidate will have the chance to present their platform and answer questions from the audience, providing valuable insight into their priorities and plans for the region. The evening will be moderated by Chamber President Troy Arandale and aims to offer a respectful and informative environment for discussion. All candidates,…
Read More
Your Lawn: A Secret Superhero

Your Lawn: A Secret Superhero

Did you know pastures and lawns are more than just green spaces or places for cows and sheep? They play an important role in the environment and our well-being – even in town areas! Pastures do wonders for soil health and water retention, preventing erosion and improving the quality of water that runs through our landscapes. But it’s not just rural paddocks where they have a positive impact – urban green spaces like parks and lawns also contribute to your well-being. Walking barefoot on grass is often referred to as “earthing”. Research shows that spending time in these green spaces…
Read More
Author Joanne Austen Brown to Speak at Glen Innes Library – April 26

Author Joanne Austen Brown to Speak at Glen Innes Library – April 26

Author Joanne Austen Brown moved to Glen Innes in September 2024. Joanne is an author of Historical Romance, Murder Mystery and Historical Time Travel fiction. The Glen Innes Severn Public & TAFE Library is fortunate to be hosting Joanne for an Author Talk on Saturday 26 April, 10am- 12pm. We asked her a few questions, so we could get to know her beforehand. Why Glen Innes? We wanted to come to a small town with a great community spirit, also the weather had to be cooler. Glen Innes fits the bill perfectly. Do you only write Historical Romance? Yes and…
Read More