Local News

Our Local History – Celtic Connections

Our Local History – Celtic Connections

Glen Innes’ Celtic connections go right back to the arrival of the first white settlers in 1838 when the Boyd family from Selkirkshire in Scotland took up Boyds Plains – now Stonehenge Station. Although Wellingrove was our first official centre, it was soon realised it was too isolated. When Surveyor JJ Galloway laid out the town in its present location in 1852, he surveyed it beside the track, the Great North Road, which ran between Armidale and Drayton (forerunner of Toowoomba). At the suggestion of Archibald Mosman, the town was named in honour of Caithness-born Major Archibald Clunes Innes -…
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Glen Innes Sheep Saleyards Meet Modern Standards with eID Upgrade

Glen Innes Sheep Saleyards Meet Modern Standards with eID Upgrade

The Glen Innes sheep saleyards have been brought in line with the latest livestock traceability standards following the installation of electronic identification (eID) technology. The upgrade was made possible through a $193,101 grant secured from the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Under new legislative requirements, all sheep and goats must be electronically tagged before arriving at saleyards. Upon arrival, the eID tags are scanned and read, enabling full traceability of livestock from farm to processor. With the new equipment in place, the Glen Innes sheep saleyards now fully comply with these updated regulations. Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan welcomed…
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Upcoming Federal Election: Where and When to Vote in Glen Innes

Upcoming Federal Election: Where and When to Vote in Glen Innes

With the Australian federal election approaching, voters in the Glen Innes region are encouraged to plan ahead and understand their options for casting their vote. Polling day is set for Saturday, 3rd May, with polling places open from 8 am to 6 pm. Early Voting Options For those unable to vote on polling day, early voting is available either in person or by post. Early in-person voting in Glen Innes will take place at: Uniting Church Hall Glen Innes70 Macquarie Street Early voting hours are: Saturday, 26 April – 9 am to 4 pm Monday, 28 April to Thursday, 1…
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Council to Vote on Proposed Rate Rise to Tackle Budget Shortfall

Council to Vote on Proposed Rate Rise to Tackle Budget Shortfall

Glen Innes Severn Council will vote on whether to adopt a number of long term plans, which include a proposed increase in rates, at its next meeting to be held on 24th April. Council, in a recent media release, highlighted that Council's General Fund is not financially sustainable. As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and upgrade essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, kerbing and guttering, parks, drainage, buildings and other community assets or provide new community facilities. This has prompted Council to consider the option of applying to the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART)…
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Tennis Club Serves a Grand Slam Lineup of Activities

Tennis Club Serves a Grand Slam Lineup of Activities

HOT SHOTS FOR JUNIORS: There’s a buzz of excitement every Saturday morning during school terms as young tennis players aged 4 to 15 gather for the Community Play ‘Hot Shot’ Sessions (run by Glen Innes District Tennis Association volunteers). The Tennis ‘Hot Shots’ program is a game-based approach designed by Tennis Australia specially for children to introduce them to the fun of playing tennis and develop basic skills. Join the Tennis ‘Hot Shots’ Crew at the Glen Innes Tennis Club. The Term 2 sessions will re-commence on Saturday, 10th May at 9.30am. The first introductory session is free, each other…
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ANZAC Day Services Around Our Region

ANZAC Day Services Around Our Region

ANZAC Day services will be held across the Glen Innes Severn region, providing opportunities for community members to attend commemorations. Glen Innes Glen Innes Dawn Service Location: Glen Innes Cemetery, Grafton StreetTime: 5:30 am (commences promptly)The service will be followed by the unveiling of graves. Gunfire Breakfast Location: Glen Innes Services Club, 120 Grey StreetTime: 7:00 amAll are invited to the ANZAC Day Gunfire Breakfast, hosted by the Glen Innes Services Club for veterans, their families, and guests. Glen Innes ANZAC Day March and Commemorative Service Location: Grey Street (near Glen Innes Post Office)Form-up time: 10:30 amMarch commences: 11:00 amThe march will proceed from the Boer War…
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Expanded Access to Free Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Expanded Access to Free Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

As the mosquito season continues, the New South Wales Government is expanding and simplifying access to the free Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine to better protect residents in high-risk regional areas. Five additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) — Uralla, Glen Innes Severn, Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley — have now been added to the eligibility list for the free JE vaccine. In addition, the criteria for accessing the vaccine have been simplified, making it easier for people in affected communities to receive protection. In NSW, the vaccine is available free of charge to individuals aged two months and older who live…
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Deadline Extended for Community Feedback on Health District Split

Deadline Extended for Community Feedback on Health District Split

The community has been given additional time to share their views on the proposed changes to the Hunter New England Local Health District, with the deadline for public submissions now extended to 8 May. The Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025 seeks to restructure the existing district into two separate entities: the Hunter Local Health District and the New England Northwest Local Health District. Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, has encouraged residents and interested organisations to contribute to the consultation process. “It is so important that the community is heard on this…
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Countdown Begins for 2025 Australian Celtic Festival

Countdown Begins for 2025 Australian Celtic Festival

Glen Innes is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors from across the country as it hosts the Australian Celtic Festival from 1–4 May 2025. Now in its 33rd year, the festival remains Glen Innes Severn Council’s largest annual event and is recognised nationally as a key celebration of Celtic heritage and community spirit. Held at the Australian Standing Stones National Monument in Centennial Parklands, the 2025 event will pay tribute to the Celtic nations of Brittany, Cornwall and Wales. The program includes live music, traditional ceremonies, artisan markets and community festivities spread across the township. Mayor Margot Davis said the…
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