Local News

Discover Gems and Family Fun at Minerama 2025

Discover Gems and Family Fun at Minerama 2025

The highly anticipated Minerama, one of the largest gem, jewellery, and fossicking events in New South Wales, is returning to Glen Innes from 7 to 9 March 2025. This year’s event promises an exciting weekend packed with opportunities to explore, learn, and enjoy a range of hands-on activities for all ages. In 2025, organisers are particularly focused on making the event accessible for families, offering a variety of free children’s activities, made possible through the generous contributions of local businesses. In today’s challenging economic climate, the goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of financial circumstances, has the chance…
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Glen Innes Elks Players Shine at Crescent Head 7s

Glen Innes Elks Players Shine at Crescent Head 7s

Three talented players from local rugby team the Glen Innes Elks represented the Pacific Nomads at the Crescent Head 7s over the weekend. Sarah Byrne, Ash Richardson, and Tilly Mitchell all took the field for the Nomads and put in a strong performance, narrowly missing out on a place in the Women's Cup semi-final after a hard-fought 10-12 loss to four-time defending champions, Nelson Bay. Both Sarah and Ash have been key members of the Nomads squad, having previously toured to Tahiti in October 2024 and Fiji in January 2025. Tilly also joined them on the Fiji tour earlier this…
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NSW Health Minister Rejects Proposal to Split Hunter New England Health District

NSW Health Minister Rejects Proposal to Split Hunter New England Health District

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has dismissed a motion to divide the Hunter New England Health Local Health District into two separate entities, arguing that such a move would only duplicate services and place additional strain on resources without addressing key recruitment challenges. The proposal was introduced by Barwon MP Roy Butler, who advocated for the split following what he described as a disrespectful, dismissive, and often inaccurate response from the Health Service regarding concerns about Wee Waa Hospital. Mr Park reaffirmed his commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and delivery across rural and regional NSW. He stated that the special…
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Community Input Sought on Official Naming of Local Landmark

Community Input Sought on Official Naming of Local Landmark

The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is inviting community feedback on a proposal by Glen Innes Severn Council to officially name a local landmark in Glen Innes as The Australian Standing Stones. Located within the Centennial Parklands and accessed from Watsons Drive, the landmark serves as a tribute to Celtic heritage in Australia. It acknowledges the contributions of Celtic people to the nation’s development, particularly in the Glen Innes region. The Australian Standing Stones were established to commemorate this history, providing a venue for cultural celebration and education. The site hosts the annual Australian Celtic Festival, which attracts visitors from across…
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Poll: Grey Street Ball Sculptures

Poll: Grey Street Ball Sculptures

Newly installed ball-shaped sculptures have been dividing opinion on social media. Comments praising the new street decorations sit alongside others that question the choice. The "Grey Street balls" were installed over the weekend as part of the ongoing CBD Beautification Project by Glen Innes Severn Council. We asked our readers what they think. Here are the results from the poll: I think they look great!: 81 votes I'm not a fan: 295 votes
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GIHS Update

GIHS Update

The annual Glen Innes High School Dux ceremony on the 10th February 2025 was a momentous occasion—a celebration of the incredible achievements of the 2024 HSC cohort. Throughout their HSC these students demonstrated not only amazing academic ability but also an unwavering commitment to striving for excellence in all aspects of school. From the early mornings to late nights, they faced challenges head-on, always maintaining a focus on the goal ahead. This journey has not been an easy one, but it is that resilience, persistence, and passion that has enabled these students to achieve such amazing results. Maisie Eastwood, the…
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Betta Appliances Takes First Place In Shop Window Competition

Betta Appliances Takes First Place In Shop Window Competition

The elaborate and creative window display at Betta Appliances has taken out the honours in this year’s Glen Innes Show Society shop window competition. The electrical store defeated second place Timbs Pharmacy with Pacific Furniture a close third. The Betta window display featured miniature representations of many treasured attractions of the Glen Innes Show including the Tea Rooms, animal nursery, demolition derby and even the bar. The quality of entries this year was incredibly high, and the judges of the shop window competition no doubt faced a very difficult task in deciding the winner.
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First Service Provider Announced For Health Hub

First Service Provider Announced For Health Hub

The Glen Innes Health Hub, operated by Rural Fit has announced its first service provider, HealthBright. Set to open in March 2025, the Glen Innes Health Hub promises to change how regional and rural communities access essential health services. Rural Fit Managing Director Andrew Mahony said the partnership would help improve access to mental health care for the local community. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with HealthBright to deliver high-quality, accessible and affordable mental health programs which support the local community,” Mr Mahony said. “One in five Australians experience a mental illness in their lifetime. The Glen Innes Health Hub’s…
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Moylan To Introduce Bill to Tackle Youth Crime in Regional NSW

Moylan To Introduce Bill to Tackle Youth Crime in Regional NSW

Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, has given notice in Parliament of the introduction of the ‘Regional Youth Crime Reform Bill,’ aiming to address ongoing concerns about youth crime in regional New South Wales. Mr Moylan is expected to formally introduce the Bill either next week or during the March sittings of the NSW Parliament. The proposed legislation outlines three key changes designed to strengthen the legal response to youth crime in regional areas. The Bill proposes: The reversal of doli incapax, a legal principle that presumes children under 14 are incapable of criminal intent. The removal of a loophole…
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