Local News

Spurtles at the Ready

Spurtles at the Ready

There are many ways to test a community’s mettle—drought, council meetings, the price of diesel—but on the opening day of the Festival, Glen Innes faced its sternest trial yet: the Australian Celtic Festival Porridge Making Competition. Seven groups entered the arena, though one withdrew at the eleventh hour—reportedly after “careful consideration” of the local field, which is widely understood to mean they saw who else had brought oats and made a tactical retreat. That left six determined teams, split into two heats, each armed with their own ingredients, family pride, and what can only be described as an alarming number…
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Framework to Guide Future Growth Across Glen Innes Severn

Framework to Guide Future Growth Across Glen Innes Severn

Glen Innes Severn Council has taken a significant step toward shaping the region’s long-term future, endorsing the draft Glen Innes Highlands Precincts and Activation Framework for public exhibition. At its Ordinary Meeting on 23 April 2026, Council resolved to place the draft Framework on exhibition by the end of May, following amendments made during the meeting. Community feedback will be sought before a final version is considered in July. The Framework represents the first coordinated, evidence-based approach to precinct planning and activation across the entire Local Government Area. It establishes a clear structure recognising the unique role and character of…
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Accidental Counsellor Course to Follow Just a Farmer Screening in  Guyra

Accidental Counsellor Course to Follow Just a Farmer Screening in Guyra

The New England Community College (NECC), in partnership with Empowered Minds Training and Consultancy, is bringing an Accidental Counsellor course to Guyra on 14 May 2026. The course is part of a broader community focus to strengthen practical skills for those supporting others through difficult times. It complements the upcoming screening of the award-winning Australian film Just a Farmer, hosted by the CWA Guyra Evening Branch on the 9th of May. NECC CEO Kelso Looker said many people are increasingly providing informal support to others. “Across our communities, particularly with ongoing drought, rising living costs and fuel prices, many people are finding themselves in…
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Pathfinders to Host Clothesline Project Across New England

Pathfinders to Host Clothesline Project Across New England

Pathfinders to Host Clothesline Project Across New England Pathfinders will host a series of Clothesline Project events across the New England region this May, providing a powerful platform for community members to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and stand in support of victim-survivors. Held during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, the Clothesline Project is a globally recognised initiative that creates a safe and supportive space for people to share their experiences through art and storytelling. Event Details: • Armidale: 6 May 2026 | 10:00am – 2:00pm | Pathfinders, Ground Floor, 1A/215 Beardy Street • Glen Innes: 7…
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COUNCIL FACILITATED STATE OF THE ART HEALTH FACILITY NOW OPEN

COUNCIL FACILITATED STATE OF THE ART HEALTH FACILITY NOW OPEN

Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Margot Davis, this week welcomed the opening of the first local Computed Tomography (CT) scanning facility, marking a significant step forward in healthcare access, liveability and economic development for Glen Innes and the surrounding area. The facility, delivered by New England CT Pty Ltd, a locally owned family business dedicated to improving regional healthcare, commenced operations last week following Council’s strategic decision at its Extraordinary Meeting in March 2025 to approve the sale of 146 Church Street and part of 148 Church Street, the former Essential Energy site. Councillor Davis said, “This facility is only…
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Clans First, Then All Who Follow — Welcome to Glen Innes

Clans First, Then All Who Follow — Welcome to Glen Innes

This week, Glen Innes opens its arms first and foremost to the Clans. From near and far, you have travelled to stand proudly beneath your banners — to share history, kinship, music, language and story. Your presence gives this gathering its soul. Groups including Clan Buchanan, Clan Macaulay, Clan MacEwen, Clan Grant, Clan MacNicol, Clan Gregor, Clan Sinclair, Clan MacLennan, the Sutherland Society, Clan Lamont and Clan Fraser of Lovat, alongside organisations such as the Gaelic Bothy, Qld Manx Society, SAHC, ASSMB and CCA, bring depth and authenticity that cannot be manufactured — only lived and shared. We thank you…
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Our Local History: The Australian Standing Stones and the Glen Innes Tartan

Our Local History: The Australian Standing Stones and the Glen Innes Tartan

Scotland is the Featured Country for the 2026 Celtic Festival, and we also celebrate Ireland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwell and the Isle of Man, with festivities all over town and especially, the main events at the Australian Standing Stones. Why are we are privileged to be the home of these Standing Stones? I quote from ‘The History of the Australian Standing Stones’ by John Mathew D. Ua. ... ‘The Council for the Standing Stones headed by Peter Alexander canvassed all the councils in NSW that had offered a home to the Bicentennial Scottish Australian Cairn, (awarded to Mosman in Sydney) to…
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Health Careers Excursion to Tamworth

Health Careers Excursion to Tamworth

Sixteen students travelled to Tamworth on Tuesday 10 March to explore careers in the health sector. The day began with a visit to the Tamworth Base Hospital Community Centre where several Allied Health professionals shared insights into their roles. Students heard from Marissa, a psychologist, who explained the eight areas of psychology including clinical, sports, counselling, organisational, educational, neurological, forensic and health psychology. Ell, a social worker working in the violence, abuse and neglect sector, spoke about the importance of supervision and collegial support. Antony discussed his work in child protection and highlighted the wide range of settings where social…
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ADF Air Force Work Experience

ADF Air Force Work Experience

Three Glen Innes High School students recently had the incredible opportunity to attend ADF Air Force Work Experience at Amberley Air Force Base: Monique Miller (Year 9), Declan Trethewey (Year 10) and Tristian Miller (Year 12). Over four action-packed days, students stayed on base, camping in swags alongside Air Force personnel at the Cultural Centre. They experienced life in the Air Force firsthand, with meals provided in the mess and a wide range of activities showcasing the many career pathways available. Monique described her experience as “the BEST time,” highlighting working with the K9 unit and exploring a helicopter. She…
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