Macca’s Weeds: The resilience of Lucerne and the aphid threat
Paul McIntosh reflects on the evolution of Lucerne in Australia, from the devastating aphid outbreaks of the 1970s to the importance of choosing the right crown height for modern paddocks.
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Begin Rant: Sometimes the best thing a man can do is step aside
RK Crosby writes that every time International Women’s Day rolls around somewhere, somehow, a man decides that what the day really needs is… him.
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Opinion: Will the social media ban impact NAPLAN results?
Sally Larsen from the University of New England questions the use of NAPLAN results to evaluate Australia’s social media ban, arguing that the standardized test is a poor metric for a policy that does not involve school curriculum or teaching.
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QW: We don’t need another cafe
Michelle from Armidale says: “In response to the $2m proposal to renovate the Armidale Courthouse walkway: Why another cafe? We don’t need another one. There’s already one near the post office. This town is fast becoming the cafe town of Australia. We need business to come to town, not just another cafe.”
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Opinion: A landmark moment for Australian agriculture
NFF President Hamish McIntyre says Australian farmers have not reached the target of a $100b industry by accident.
Keep readingQW: The next best thing is Rail Trails
Sally Hawxwell from Bithramere says: Much as I love trains and would support their reestablishment everywhere, It’s just NOT going to happen. SO The next best thing is “Rail Trails” Your beautiful towns will really benefit, They provide safe riding and walking in a world dominated by cars and trucks.
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Opinion: The Great Debate of the Great Northern Line
Tanya Langdon writes that until the NSW Government makes a decision, the future of the rail corridor north of Armidale remains open.
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Letter: Potential amalgamation of councils should not be initiated by Armidale
Rob Richardson writes that any amalgamation of councils around Armidale should not be initiated by Armidale.
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Roy’s Roundup: drought, flood, and more
Read the latest newsletter from Member for Barwon Roy Butler
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Denise’s Desk: Low ATARs aren’t the teaching crisis. Why high achievers are walking away
Denise says if we are serious about teacher quality, the conversation needs to move beyond cheap ATAR panic and towards making teaching a profession that high-achieving students actively choose.
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Opinion: Childcare centres have staffing rules, but many find loopholes
UNE researchers Tammy Williams and Marg Rogers explore how “under-the-roof” loopholes in childcare staffing ratios are compromising child safety and driving educator burnout across Australia.
Keep readingQW: Lack of transport to Coffs/Brisbane
Seems to me that Transport NSW need to get out from behind their desks and computers and do some “ground-truthing” by personally trying to navigate their theoretical routes out of Armidale. I also think our Council should start working on practical benefits to the Community and stop wasting our very expensive rates on pie in sky rail trails – focus on rail restoration and other transport solutions.
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Opinion: Four years on, where are the homes and the flood mitigation?
Federal Member Kevin Hogan reflects on the four-year anniversary of the 2022 floods, questioning the lack of housing delivery and engineering work to reduce future flood levels.
Keep readingQW: No Doctors, no policy, no numbers
Tenterfield resident Mark Boyd questions how Hunter New England Health facilities maintain accreditation despite failing safety standards, while proposing mandatory rural rotations for Junior Medical Officers.
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Opinion: Can you afford a dog’s love?
Eric James writes that the high fees charged by Councils are making it hard for people to adopt and rehome dogs, which may be contributing to our mental health crisis.
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Opinion: Why ‘Micro Stays’ might just be the biggest travel trend of 2026
Nick Baker from Reflections Holidays says the ‘micro’ trend has made it to holidays.
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Opinion: X’s algorithm can shift political views in weeks – and the effects last
A new real-world study reveals that X’s “For You” algorithm nudges users toward conservative content and following right-leaning accounts, with effects that linger even after the algorithm is turned off.
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Chaffey’s Corner: Fighting for a fair go
Jamie Chaffey has spent the past week in the stunning Far West including Broken Hill, Menindee, Wilcannia and White Cliffs meeting with organisations about a range of important matters.
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Denise’s Desk: Discomfort, debate and why engagement matters in New England
Denise says in a region like New England, where politics is often shaped by personality and protest rather than policy, engagement matters.
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