Featured Archives - New England Times Engage

Featured, Regional

Spending money to make money

4 days ago25 November 2025

Deni McKenzie writes that Armidale Regional Council’s ideas of investing in the future seem to be out of whack.

Featured, Political

The Breaking News that Wasn’t

20 November 202518 November 2025

Jan Kleeman writes that all the huffing and puffing in the Coalition over the last six months has changed nothing.

Featured, Opinion, Regular columns

Between Nation Building and Commercial Project

19 November 202518 November 2025

Siri Gamage says the debate over restoring the Armidale–Queensland rail line is trapped between nation-building ideals and commercial realities, urging governments to see it as vital regional infrastructure rather than a costly local project.

Featured, Political, Regular columns

Denise’s Desk: Barnaby Joyce’s Tamworth Fantasy: A Masterclass in Blame, Hypocrisy and Delusion”

18 November 202518 November 2025

Denise McHugh says Barnaby Joyce’s performance at the Tamworth Business Chamber’s State of the Nation forum was less a “vision” for regional Australia and more a foghorn blast of hypocrisy, denial, and political opportunism.

Environmental, Featured, Opinion

Rail cheaper than trucks

15 November 202518 November 2025

Mal Peters says freight once arrived in Armidale by train, but government cuts shifted it to trucks and crumbling roads. He argues reopening the Armidale north rail corridor is vital for Australia’s freight competitiveness and environmental future.

Featured, Political, Something to Think About

When did ‘net zero’ become just another term for renewables?

13 November 202513 November 2025

RK Crosby says the term ‘net zero’ does not mean ‘renewable energy’ and we’ll continue to be stuck on these issues until we’re talking about the same thing.

Featured, Ideas, Solutions

Scaling Without Losing the Spark

13 November 202513 November 2025

Mark Palmer says the most dynamic FMCG, food and lifestyle brands are founder-led – driven by vision, belief and authenticity. His founderproof® approach helps businesses scale without losing the spark that creates lasting brand value.