Local News

Glen Innes Severn Council Under Scrutiny Over $5 Million Overdraft

Glen Innes Severn Council Under Scrutiny Over $5 Million Overdraft

A $5 million overdraft facility taken out by Glen Innes Severn Council has drawn criticism from some councillors, who have raised concerns over transparency and compliance with local government procedures. At a council meeting on Thursday, 24 April, General Manager Bernard Smith defended the facility, which was extended by the National Australia Bank in 2024. Mr Smith said the overdraft had been established to manage cash flow while the Council awaited reimbursement for already completed and paid-for grant-funded projects. "Importantly, the facility hasn't been drawn down," Mr Smith told councillors during the meeting. Although Council already had an existing $200,000…
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Upgrade for CCTV Systems in Glen Innes

Upgrade for CCTV Systems in Glen Innes

Significant upgrades to Glen Innes’ local CCTV infrastructure are set to commence soon, with Glen Innes Severn Council announcing plans to expand and modernise surveillance systems across the town centre and, for the first time, at ANZAC Park. Scheduled to begin between late May and early June, the project will see 16 new high-definition cameras installed on four streetlight poles located between the Bourke Street and Meade Street intersections—four cameras per pole—substantially increasing coverage throughout the central business district. Further improvements include the addition of 13 cameras around the perimeter of the Town Hall. The existing system within the building…
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Celtic Music At The Library

Celtic Music At The Library

Begin your Celtic Festival Friday with an hour of glorious music hosted by the Glen Innes Severn Public and TAFE Library at 71 Grey St. The short and FREE concert will begin at 10 am with a 30 minute performance by soprano and harpist Siobhan Owen, described as having a ‘unique vocal style - blending her ethereal soprano voice with heart wrenching Celtic lilts.' A Welsh-born Australian, with Irish heritage, Siobhan is the invited ‘Honoured Guest for Wales.’ The music continues at 11am with the Abakus Celtic Trio presenting its 30 minute set. The Trio includes Kim Kirkman, voice, harp…
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Glen Innes Welcomes New Doctor

Glen Innes Welcomes New Doctor

AMH Medical Centre has welcomed a new addition to its team, with Dr Danyal Tarachi joining the practice in Glen Innes. Dr Tarachi, 28, hails from Bartella in Northern Iraq and brings with him a broad skill set, along with an accomplished background in community, arts and culture. Raised in a close-knit Orthodox Christian family, Dr Tarachi has been immersed in music, theatre and poetry from an early age. He became a professional pianist by the age of 12, performing entirely from memory. His medical journey began in 2014 when he entered medical school and quickly rose to the top…
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Sydney Youth Orchestras Hit the Right Notes at the Chapel Theatre

Sydney Youth Orchestras Hit the Right Notes at the Chapel Theatre

On Saturday April 26, the Sydney Youth Orchestras (SYO) brought their regional tour to Glen Innes as part of the 2025 Youth Orchestral Camp. These talented young musicians travelled to Armidale and the surrounding communities of Gloucester, Glen Innes and Inverell, teaming up with local players to rehearse, learn, and perform together. The concert at the Chapel Theatre was a collaborative effort, featuring the Western Sydney Youth Orchestra (WSYO), conducted by Dr. Sadaharu Muramatsu, and the Richard Gill Chamber Orchestra (RGCO), under the baton of Kate Morgan. The performance was a joyful showcase of dedication and talent. It was clear…
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Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale

Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale

Now a fixture on the Celtic Festival calendar, the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale is on again at Glen Innes Scout Hall. Funds raised from the Book Sale have supported the Glen Innes Severn Public and TAFE Library for many years, providing extras which have enhanced this treasured local institution. The Friends have contributed to the Library in different practical ways. For example, they have donated large print books, a shade sail for the outdoor area, outdoor seating and audio books. In addition, the Friends have been able to support a range of educational activities for children, such…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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