On May 15, 1937, The Glen Innes Examiner ran this report from the Inspector and Organiser of the Bush Nursing Association: "...Nine miles from Deepwater lies the township of Stannum, tin mining being the main industry. "This part does well when water is plentiful, and the price of tin is high, otherwise the men are out of work with all its serious consequences.

Glen Innes Severn Council is inviting the community to a special Harmony Day event on 21 March 2025, celebrating the region’s rich cultural diversity and fostering inclusivity. With almost 20 per cent of local residents born overseas, the event will provide an opportunity for the community to come together, share traditions and appreciate the many cultures that contribute to the identity of the Glen Innes Severn area.

St Joseph’s Convent, that magnificent Edwardian Gothic edifice built 108 years ago and relinquished by the Church in 1995, is on the market again. I will quote just a scrap of its history from the Glen Innes Examiner of October 15, 1917, under the heading ‘A Triumph of Architectural Genius’: “…The first Sisters of the Order of St Joseph came from Adelaide and accompanied by Bishop Torreggiani arrived by coach in Glen Innes on 15th January 1884 … They intended to establish a first-class school straightaway, but owing to insufficient accommodation they were compelled to restrict their operations - however it was not long before a suitable convent was erected for them which tended to serve the purpose for the time being.”

Ashton's Circus dazzled crowds last night beneath the big top at the Glen Innes Showground. Photos by Glen Innes News correspondent Annette — who, despite our best efforts, remains only mostly certain she won’t run off and join the circus herself.

Glen Innes Severn Council’s General Manager, Bernard Smith, has issued a public message urging the community to uphold respectful and constructive engagement with Council and its staff. In a statement shared via the Council’s official Facebook page, Mr Smith addressed the challenges of misinformation, personal attacks and a decline in civility, while reaffirming Council’s commitment to the wellbeing of its workforce.

Students from Glen Innes High School’s Year 12 cohort added a splash of creativity and community spirit to this year’s Athletics Carnival by taking part in a light-hearted “Box Car Race” to raise funds for Beyond Blue and for the school formal. Each Year 12 group traditionally selects a theme for the carnival, and the Class of 2025 opted for homemade cardboard vehicles.

Glen Innes Severn Council is inviting artists, schools, clubs and community groups to submit original banner artworks for display in the Glen Innes town centre during the Christmas in the Highlands – Illuminations event. Sixteen artworks will be selected for the 2025 Christmas Art Trail, which will decorate the main streets from Saturday 29 November 2025 through to 11 January 2026.

Three community projects in the Glen Innes Severn area have been awarded funding in the latest round of the New South Wales Government’s Community Building Partnership program. Administered by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, the program supports community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational benefits, while encouraging participation, inclusion and cohesion. The Glen Innes and District Community Centre will receive $51,571 to refurbish its community kitchen.

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.

Cricketers in Glen Innes now have access to improved training facilities following the completion of upgrades to the cricket nets at the Glen Innes Indoor Sports Centre. The project, funded through the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery (BSBR) Glen Innes Indoor Sports Centre Stage Three initiative, included a range of enhancements to the indoor cricket area, with a total project value of $124,178.

Congratulations to Jim and Elaine Wilson on achieving their milestone 65th wedding anniversary earlier this month. They became the recipients of letters and cards from a number of public figures, including the King and Queen, celebrating this significant moment in their lives. Francis James Wilson and Elaine Gwendoline Wilson (nee Sweeney) met at rock n roll practice at the Presbyterian Church and later got engaged.

Glen Innes is set to come alive from 1–4 May 2025 with the return of the Australian Celtic Festival (ACF), celebrating the cultures of Brittany, Cornwall, and Wales. As one of Australia’s largest Celtic festivals, the event is expected to draw thousands of visitors eager to experience traditional music, dance, and heritage. A Taste of Celtic Culture: The Australian Celtic Festival Celtic Food Trail…

The NSW State Budget, handed down on Tuesday 24 June, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the redevelopment of Glen Innes Hospital. Of the $50 million total project budget, approximately $11.1 million has already been spent — likely on planning, design, and early works, including the demolition of the old nurses' quarters. A further $6.2 million has been allocated for the 2025–26 financial year to continue the project’s rollout.

The Glen Innes Bowling Club has received a valuable safety upgrade, with the installation of a defibrillator now available to all members and visitors. This addition was made possible through funding from the New South Wales Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Program. The program provides financial assistance to clubs and sporting organisations across the state to acquire Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), enhancing emergency response capabilities in local communities.

Early mail deliveries to Glen Innes were spasmodic. James Martin was appointed first Postmaster in 1854. At the time roads were primitive and delivery of mail depended on the vagaries of the weather. When the mail did get to Glen Innes and was sorted Martin blew a bugle to let people know to collect their letters. Prior to this a post office had been established at Wellingrove in 1849 - mail was delivered by a man riding and leading a packhorse.

Glen Innes Severn Council is proposing an expansion of its Access Bus service in a bid to improve transport options for older residents living in the villages of Deepwater, Emmaville, Glencoe and Red Range. Currently operated through Council’s Life Choices – Support Services (LC-SS) program under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), the Access Bus provides eligible residents in Glen Innes with regular transport to essential services and community activities.

The Glen Innes community is set to benefit from an influx of new nurses, as part of a wider initiative to strengthen healthcare services across the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). A total of 237 graduate nurses and midwives have joined the District’s workforce under NSW Health’s GradStart program. The program provides new graduates with valuable hands-on experience across various clinical settings, including emergency departments, acute services, maternity services, and hospital clinics.

A well-known Glen Innes landmark, known locally as “The Convent”, has been sold with an unconditional exchange of contracts. Principal of the selling agency Raine & Horne Rural Glen Innes, Nellie Hayes, said the sale met expectations under good conditions. The property attracted strong interest during the campaign, with more than 220 enquiries and 17 offers received. Although the final price has not been disclosed, the property was marketed with a price guide of $1.5 million.

Looking for a great day for you and the kids this school holidays? Centacare New England North West  will be hosting a family friendly event at Centennial Parklands this Wednesday 10am to 1pm.  Bring the gang to enjoy a great day out for the family. Lots of FREE activities including; Sausage sizzle, icy poles, cupcakes, fairy floss & drinks Tie dying with Glen Innes Youth…

The Glen Innes Masonic Lodge No. 44 is preparing to celebrate a significant milestone on 25 January 2025, marking 150 years since its establishment in 1875. This sesquicentennial anniversary highlights the long-standing presence and contributions of the lodge within the local community. To commemorate the occasion, a book titled A Sesquicentennial History of the Glen Innes Masonic Lodge No. 44…

Glencoe resident and musician, Matt Scullion, has been nominated for four awards at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January 2025, two of them in the People’s Choice and two in the Tamworth Songwriter’s Association Awards. The nominations are for a song he wrote and recorded about Northern Territory icon, Ted Egan. Matt’s song, Beer Box Man, documents Ted’s musical journey. 

Glen Innes will be a key location as the Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic passes through the town on Saturday, 15 March 2025. Residents and visitors are encouraged to gather along Grey Street to watch the event, support local businesses, and experience the community atmosphere. Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Margot Davis highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “It’s exciting to see the Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic coming through the heart of Glen Innes this year, giving our community a front-row seat to one of Australia’s most challenging cycling races.

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.

Glen Innes Severn Council will consider a revised Special Rate Variation (SRV) proposal at its meeting on 19 June. The revised recommendation follows a six-week community engagement process, “Shaping Tomorrow”, which closed on 6 June 2025. Financial Pressures Prompt Action The Council has reported significant financial pressure in its General Fund, forecasting an average annual operating deficit of $4.7 million from 2025/26 without a rate increase.

On Saturday, April 26th, 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.