News

When did you move to Guyra and what brought you here? My family and I moved to the Guyra area at the end of 2016. Originally, we are from Glen Innes but moved away about 13 and a half years ago and the kids and I were missing family, so we decided ...

A collaborative artwork by James Warren and Tony Amaral now graces the walls of the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame. The colourful work encompasses a corner position in the building and James said he hopes that it will provide inspiration for others.T...

Coffee lovers were able to enjoy a free cup "on HealthWISE" when they visited Guyra's Woolly Lamb Cafe last Thursday morning.The health organisation shouted the morning rush in coffee shops throughout the region in an effort to work with local countr...

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has presented veterans in Guyra with commemorative medallions to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.The medallion, available to all living Second World War veterans who apply, is presen...

A brand new brow salon is now open in Guyra, offering a full suite of brow and lashes enhancement services from a tidy to a full makeover. Beck Cochrane threw open the doors to her new home-based business ‘Brows by Beck’ a couple of weeks...

Cost-savings during the construction period of the Curtis Park Playground have allowed Armidale Regional Council to incorporate two trampolines in the playground layout, which is steadily taking shape.Trampolines were one of the items that ranked in ...

Wartime history has been restored at Ben Lomond War Memorial Hall with support of an Australian Government grant.The project involved extensive restoration of the building’s walls and floor, as well as installation of new lighting to highlight ...

Steve Mepham will take over from Hans Hietbrink as the President of the Guyra and District Chamber of Commerce following the annual general meeting which was held on September 3rd. Bronwyn Grills will take on the vice president’s role with Aile...

A second man has been charged after a vehicle was rammed and two people were detained last week. On September 5th, a man driving a Holden station wagon allegedly rammed a Holden Statesman whilst travelling on the New England Highway, about 8kms north...

There are 58 lagoons in the New England Tablelands and most occur on private property. Like all wetlands, they are very productive, capturing the nutrients that run off from the surrounding catchments in rain. Unlike other wetlands, they have small c...

How long have you been in business?I’ve been making things since 2011, selling the kids’ clothes since 2017, opened up shop May 2020 and rebranded shortly after as The Rainbow Room then. How many staff do you employ?So it’s myself...

Glenmorgan Angus achieved their best result ever at their 5th annual bull sale held on Tuesday August 25th. 62 yearling bulls were sold to an average of $7758 and the top-selling bull went for $16,000. Owners of Glenmorgan Angus, Nicholas & Karen...

Guyra Central School student Cordelia Lloyd is one of nine high school students from across the region who have been selected to participate in a new program aimed at boosting the aspirations and leadership capabilities of young people in rural and r...

The future of the Guyra’s iconic Lamb and Potato Festival remains uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent announcement that the Tamworth Country Music Festival may not proceed.President of the festival committee Steve Mepham remai...

Opening hours at Armidale Regional Libraries have changed, with a partial easing of COVID-19 restrictions.Both the Armidale and Guyra libraries are now open from 10.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays and will no longer close during the middle of the day. In ...

A self-confessed workaholic, Keshav Timalsena’s passion is growing plants, both at work and for pleasure. Keshav is one of the head growers at the Costa Tomato Glasshouses, looking after the Elm Street site.“I am from Nepal, but lived in ...

A man has been charged after allegedly crashing into a car and detaining two people on the weekend. About 5am on Saturday (September 5th), a man driving a white Holden station wagon rammed a silver Holden Statesman whilst travelling on the New Englan...

The Rotary Club of Guyra held a Covid safe change over on the 1st August. Last year’s President, Hans Hietbrink, presented the Club Charter to the incoming President, Wendy Mulligan.  Wendy has been President of the Rotary Club of Guyra se...

How long have you been in business? We bought the Plumbing business in 2011. Ray has 36 years’ experience in the plumbing industry. How many staff do you have? At the moment we employ five staff. What services do you offer? Hammond Plumb...

Hunter New England Health has appointed Peter Williams as General Manager of the Tablelands Sector. Mr Williams will be responsible for leading and managing the overall planning, development and implementation of services in the Tablelands Sector, wo...

Armidale Regional Council will remain in the hands of an administrator for a further three months with Minster for Local Government Shelley Hancock accepting a recommendation from Interim Administrator Viv May for additional time to address the issue...

An audit of Guyra residential kerbside bins has found that waste in the red-lid general waste bin contained, on average, around 40% organic waste that could be reused. While there were a number of positive findings from the audit, it did identify the...

The Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW will mark its annual Awareness Week from September 6 to 13 and is asking the local community to take a stand against domestic violence. President of the Guyra Evening branch of the CWA of NSW, Leonie...

New England Community College is offering a Community Support Skills Training Course at the College on Thursday 17th September for organisations, groups and community members. Andrew Daley, coordinator for Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, will ...

Essential Energy will soon begin vegetation management in Armidale, Guyra and the surrounding areas to ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of the local electricity network.The vegetation program will be undertaken by Essential Energy’s qu...

How long have you been in business? - Since 2012 – over 8 yearsHow many staff do you employ? - Two staff plus myselfWhat services do you offer? - Property management, residential, rural, and business salesWhat is the best/worst thing about owni...

Last Thursday we held an in-school assembly at Black Mountain Public School. The students were presented with Principals Awards, Merits Certificates and Music Awards for their great work in the classroom and resilience in the playground. Also we pres...

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) New England Zone celebrated the achievements of dedicated volunteers while also celebrating the official opening of the newly upgraded Ben Lomond Rural Fire Station on Saturday.NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Com...

The fifth snowfall of the year and the second for the month of August arrived just in time for the weekend. The promising forecast, which coincided with the weekend meant that an influx of visitors arrived in anticipation of a good fall.This time aro...

Steady run-off into the Armidale region’s water supply and a 65 percent chance of above average rainfall during spring has prompted Armidale Regional Council to ease water restrictions to level 3 from September 1st. At the Ordinary Council Meet...

How long have you been in business?Bestech was established in 2005 by my father Charlie Heagney. Anna and I took over in 2011. We started Guyra Mowers & chainsaws in December 2019. Graham and myself are both qualified mechanics so when the opport...

Men’s BowlsAll games set down for the weekend were played. Saturday August 15th saw Dan Kennedy and Barry Walls play Robert Moore and Paul Johnson in a Club Pairs Quarter Final. In this game Dan and Barry took control of the game early and went...

Last Thursday August 13th saw the official launch of the new not for profit Guyra Film Society. Ten new members attended the launch and the election of office bearers was the first step. Taking the Chair for the Film Society will be James Warren with...

As new kids on the block, Bridgewater Angus were very happy with the result of their third on property bull sale on August 6th. They sold 38 bulls averaging $6,250 and were well supported by local buyers.Top price at the sale was $10,000 for Var Disc...

The Glenavon Angus Stud’s 36th Annual Sale on Monday August 3rd saw a full clearance of all 78 Bulls offered for an average of $7,673. Bulls sold to a wide area including buyers from Queensland, Victoria and across NSW.Stud owners Prue and Rich...

There were smiles all round when the Bald Blair Bull Sale wound up on August 4th with a new record-priced bull, a record average and a total clearance of the 63 bulls offered.After it was necessary to withdraw Lot 3, considered one of the stars of th...

Growing up in Guyra, Anthony Gaukroger attended the local school, played sport, and participated in many social activities. He also started his working life here, firstly at the abattoirs and later at the Bowling Club. Despite having left the town 17...

The NSW Police Force Rural Crime Prevention Team has launched Operation Stock Check, an ongoing, proactive operation to prevent livestock theft by disrupting the movement of stolen stock in western NSW.Operation Stock Check is a high-visibility strat...

An expansion of The Hub at Guyra took shape last week, with the arrival and installation of the modular additions. Armidale Regional Council is tripling the size of The Hub building and upgrading its facilities, after receiving a $400,000 grant throu...

Interested rural residents filled the room at the Ebor Showground on Monday August 10th to hear and discuss plans to progress a vision to create a new rural council separate from the area of Armidale Regional Council. Organisers say that the meeting,...

Community members are being invited to provide their input to the designs of a new Guyra Early Childhood Learning Centre, with a public survey launched today. The survey, open until Sunday 30 August, enables community members to give feedback on vari...

From next week, customers will need to get in early if they want to access face to face banking at the local branch of the National Australia Bank. The bank is adapting the way it does banking in small regional branches, and under the new model will ...

At 73-years-old Geoff Thrift isn’t thinking about retiring anytime soon. Geoff began his career as an electrician 56 years ago and thanks to the variety of work is still ‘learning very day’.Geoff and his wife Anne own and operate CT...

Hi Guyra, it’s Rattling OwlI endeavour to alleviate our regions water concerns over the coming weeks with information and diagrams that are easy to implement on any scale. I have training in the following areas:*Rehydrating the Australian lands...

This Sunday, the 9th of August will mark the end of an era with our local Norco Milk Vendors, Paul and Jo Dullaway, doing their run for the last time. They made the decision to call it a day due to recent changes and also the desire for more time to ...

The recreation area at the Mother of Ducks Lagoon Nature Reserve day use area is ready for an influx of visitors with the completion of a $459,182 upgrade.Armidale Regional Council responded to requests from the Guyra Chamber of Commerce to upgrade t...

A range of free online disaster preparedness workshops are rolling out to strengthen the community against future disaster events – whether it be drought, bushfire or infectious disease outbreaks. The webinars have been running across three dif...

Last week the 24 Catholic schools across the Armidale Diocese celebrated Catholic Schools Week. The theme for this year is “Nurture, Grow, Celebrate”. This is a great theme as I believe it exemplifies what we do at St Mary of the Angels.&...

How long have you been in business? We started as Norco Pauls distributors in December 2002, so we have spent almost 18 years in the business. Paul has delivered rain, hail, shine, snow and frost, six days a week. What services do you offer?We have...

Thursday’s aren’t particularly enthralling days of the week, but for one Guyra Keno player, Thursday got a lot more exciting last week after they discovered they won $45,000.The patron held a Keno Classic 8 Spot winning entry in game 564 ...

The Interim Administrator Viv May has made good his promise to provide an avenue for relief to farmers with multiple vacant farmland properties from paying the new Regional Landfill Levy and Operational Charge on each vacant farmland property. At th...

The Northern Tablelands starred on small screens across the country on the weekend with Glen Innes, Black Mountain, Matheson and Tenterfield included on Network 10’s Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn, showcasing the region’s top touris...

Keno officials are urging all players who purchased a Keno entry last Friday at the Guyra Bowling and Recreation Club to check their tickets. The mystery winner holds a Keno Classic 8 Spot winning entry in game 564 played on Friday, July 24, worth $4...

The Guyra Show Society held their annual general meeting on Saturday 25th July at the Bowling Club. Richard Post was re-elected President for a third term and the outgoing board was also re-elected. Senior Vice-President is Rita Williams, Vice-Presid...

How long have you been in business? The Kirk Family has been operating businesses at 94 Bradley Street for over 60 years, however the transition was made to become an IGA and supermarket only in the early 2000s. This was a great decision as it allowe...

The Armidale region will remain in Level 5 water restrictions until dam storage levels increase significantly or long-term weather forecasts indicate firm prospects for great water security. A report to last Wednesday’s Council meeting outlined...

105 mature Rainbow Trout were released into Malpas Dam last week as part of the State Government’s annual fish restocking program. Agriculture Minister and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said that the release would provide greater recreat...

Residents of New England are being warned not to fall for financial scams operating in the region.New England Police District have received complaints in recent weeks of scams which have the potential to defraud residents of vast sums of money.Reside...

The Rural Crime Prevention Team at Inverell are currently investigating the disappearance of 10 mixed breed cows from a Stock Route on the New England Highway at Ben Lomond.The cattle were counted and placed in the Nest Stock Route on the New England...

In a year when no rugby league is being played at Guyra due to COVID-19, the start of construction of the all-weather grandstand at the Guyra Sporting Complex has given supporters something to cheer about. 2020 was looking promising for the game in G...

Beautician Emma McLennan is now offering her services to the Guyra community, last week launching her new business ‘Beauty Basics by Em’. While the business is new, Emma is already well known having lived in the district since 2009. She p...

Faceless youth, lost souls and tech-wise canines were all featured in the winning entries for Armidale Regional Library’s a Live it. Create it. Share it competition, inviting local youth to share their experiences about COVID-19. Two Guyra entr...

Reverend Andrew Campbell was installed as the newly elected State Moderator during the 2020 N.S.W. State Assembly of the Presbyterian Church on July 13th. The assembly was held at the Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Croydon and was ‘zoomed&...

Growing up in Guyra, Peter Davis did not imagine he would one day be overseeing one of Australia’s largest and most advanced glasshouse operations, with a workforce of up to 600 people.Peter is the Operations Manager for Costa’s Tomato gl...

The former General Manager of Sutherland Council and Administrator for Georges River Council John Rayner has been appointed to the position of Acting General Manager for Armidale Regional Council following the resignation of CEO Susan Law.Administrat...

The New England will become the renewable energy powerhouse of NSW, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean last week announcing an $80 million State Government investment to establish the State’s...

How long have you been in business? We bought the hardware business from Les and Carmel Kirk in January 1998 after Darren had worked there for many years. They were great role models to us and always happy to help with advice in our early years. How...

Friday night the 17th of July the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame is hosting “Tropical Winter” a reggae, pop and island music night. There will be a song launch from the Nivan Crew Guys, a collection of musicians from Vanuatu.&nb...

Ever witnessed a civic body fail so pitifully as the first, post-amalgamation Armidale Regional Council? Granted, it was always going to be a tough gig simply because freshly amalgamated councils usually tend to be rife with opinion. Too many council...

This week at New England Community College we are introducing two new courses.The first one is ‘Making Learning Fun’ and the second is ‘Being Connected’ Making Learning FunPrepare for your computer based Drivers Knowledge Tes...

Changes to water fees and charges in the draft 2020/21 Budget are a response to welcome changes in community water consumption levels and a greater appreciation of the value of this resource, Council’s Director – Businesses, Scot MacDonal...

The refusal of a majority of councillors to take responsibility for their actions is the main reason that Simon Murray decided to step down from his role as Mayor of Armidale Regional Council. Mr Murray announced his resignation last week joining fel...

You may have noticed a blue tree that appeared on the southern side of Guyra in November 2019. The story behind the tree begins when Gary and Lynne Heagney took a ride on their motorcycle to Margaret River in Western Australia. While riding around ov...

Work has begun to construct a new spectator grandstand at the Guyra Lions Park Sporting Complex.Guyra Junior Rugby League was successful in obtaining a $120,000 State Government grant for the all-weather grandstand with seating for up to 300 peo...

How long have you been in business? 44 years – we first opened in Nincoola St in Partnership with Ralph Constable and then moved to current premises after twelve months.How many staff do you employ? We started out with just Geoff and Ralph. Cur...

The Australian Poetry Hall of Fame will host the launch of the new Guyra Film Society this Thursday July 9th starting at 6pm. Last week the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame in the Arcadian Theatre installed a screen and projector so that after 51 years...

The Dutton Trout Hatchery near Ebor is poised to play a major role in the State’s trout re-stocking program as drought conditions ease across NSW. The facility produces more than 1.6 million trout each year – around 1.3 million rainbow an...

After testing the waters with a shopfront selling a range of whimsical apparel for kids, Jypsi Hooper and partner Luke were encouraged by the response and are now planning on what they hope will be a long term retail venture in Guyra. Since throwing ...

Guyra Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) has been given a boost with Kirks IGA handing over a $500 donation to the group as thanks for their support over recent months.In the midst of the COVID 19 crisis, the VRA stepped in to support staff who were ...

A group of Guyra knitters and crocheters are justifiably proud of themselves. As well as crafting gifts for family and friends, they have raised over $700 so far in 2020 for Guyra’s Neighbourhood Centre, The Hub. The original idea behind the gr...

Senior Police are disgusted by the number of drivers charged with drink driving offences across the New England Police District. In the month of June twenty-one drivers have been charged with drink driving offences – 4 x Special Range, 4 x Low ...

The administrator appointed to oversee the running of Armidale Regional Council has outlined how he plans to proceed while the council is suspended. Viv May has already commenced meeting with suspended councillors and wants to hear from as many peopl...

Armidale Regional Council (ARC)l have released the Hydrogeologist report which they relied on to develop the Guyra groundwater resource. General Manager Businesses for ARC, Scot MacDonald said that he is pleased to release the report, ‘Hydrogeo...

Long time Principal of Bald Blair Public School, Mrs Julie Gittoes, formally retired on May 5th. Julie has enjoyed a long and successful career with the Department of Education and was the Principal at Bald Blair Public School for more than 20 years....

Armidale Regional Council’s Draft 2020/21 Budget and Operational Plan is now on public exhibition. The plan includes funding for a new Preschool in Guyra as well as the completion of the CBD upgrade. It will also see new charges for Guyra resid...

Chair of the Guyra Branch of NSW Farmers Callan Schaefer has raised concerns that Guyra ratepayers are being slammed with a 157% increase in their rates notice to pay for the Regional Landfill. It follows the release of the 2020/21 Draft Operational ...

One of the few remaining high-altitude freshwater lagoons on the Northern Tablelands is benefitting from an ongoing restoration project. Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve is a Ramsar wetland site of international importance. It is located 20kms north...

A concerned group of Guyra residents fear that the town is propping up the Costa Group expansion and that the long term future of the community, local agriculture, and international water birds is at risk.Ongoing drought conditions mean that both Guy...

Michael Engeman, General Manager, Costa Tomatoes has responded to concerns raised by residents over water security and said that the drought has reinforced the importance for Costa to become even more efficient in their water use.The $67 million expa...

Repairs to its grandstands, an upgraded main arena fence and fresh coat of paint will ensure Guyra Showground wins a blue ribbon for presentation come the 2021 Guyra Show. Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has announced a $66,270 State Government ...

Guyra beef producer Sam White has been declared the 46th President of Angus Australia, following a meeting of the Board of Directors held via teleconference on May 28th.Sam owns and runs family-based farming business, Bald Blair Angus, with his wife ...

The NSW Government today suspended Armidale Regional Council and appointed an administrator for three months. Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock made the decision to suspend the council after carefully considering its submission in ...

Things are moving along at the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame with a program of events, including weekly markets, now underway. The first market for local produce and crafts took place on the weekend, and was well supported bringing increased foot tr...

Armidale Regional Council will receive a $2.316 million funding boost from the Federal Government to help construct a new hydrotherapy pool and regional health complex, Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, announced today.This grant will su...

Cr Diane Gray last week tendered her resignation from Armidale Regional Council, and has taken aim at fellow councillors. Her resignation followed an extraordinary meeting of council which welcomed the appointment of an administrator, but fell short ...

In keeping with the National Reconciliation Week 2020 theme “In This Together”, GLENRAC and Northern Tablelands Local Land Services staff were privileged to work on country with Banbai rangers and elders at Little Llangothlin Na...

If you’re not the type to head out into the garden at this time of year, why not bring the outdoors in and create a plant paradise in your home. I have a room at home called ‘The Green House’ and it is filled to the brim with indoor...

Guyra’s Aileen MacDonald was among 933 Australians named on the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List, which was announced by the Governor-General last night. She receives the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), for service to the Guyra c...

Guyra Police are investigating a number of thefts that have recently occurred in town. Between the 28th of May, and the 4th June, the Guyra Tennis Club Clubhouse in Dutton Parade was broken into, but nothing stolen. On Sunday the 30th May, be...

Fire and Rescue NSW have issued a warning to make cold weather preparations after a house in Falconer St, South Guyra was damaged by fire on Wednesday. The Guyra Fire Brigade responded to a call that came in at 9.14 pm on the evening of Wednesday, Ju...

Winter officially kicked off in Australia on Monday, with snow falling over the alps in NSW and Victoria. As the cold air spread further north, temperatures got low enough for snow to start falling on high ground in the Central Tablelands of NSW from...

An administrator looks certain to be appointed for Armidale Regional Council after councillors voted not to fight a notice of motion to suspend from Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock.At an extraordinary meeting of the council on Monday, counc...

Business is booming at the Guyra Post Office despite the Coronavirus lockdown, and the doors have remained open while other businesses and services were closed. Their commitment to the community is nothing new and has been recognised with an Australi...

Armidale Regional Council is progressively easing COVID-19 restrictions on a range of services in-line with public health orders and guidance from the NSW Government.The Guyra and Armidale libraries were reopened on Monday June 1, along with the Armi...

With Winter now upon us, most of the Autumn leaves in our gardens are spent. They are ready to be raked up and popped onto garden beds or into the compost heap with the other bits amassed from pruning and preparing your garden for Winter hibernation....

During the coronavirus lockdown, local curtain maker Robin Godlonton went from employing two staff to none after orders dried up almost overnight. However, she has kept herself busy with new challenges that have included making personal protective eq...

The largest aerial wild dog baiting program anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere is underway over the skies of northern NSW. Wild dogs pose one of the biggest threats to the region’s farmers and to combat this, more than 200,000 baits would be d...

The Minister of St. Columba’s Presbyterian Church, Guyra, Rev. Andrew Campbell, is pleased to announce, with the Coronavirus restrictions easing, that services will resume, as normal at the church. ‘Sure, we’ll have to socially...

The transition back to a more normal way of life will take a further step next week with the reopening of pubs and clubs from Monday, June 1. For Guyra this means that the doors will reopen at three local establishments who were forced to close their...

A proposal to build a 5MW solar farm near Guyra is currently being assessed by the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) and a new wind farm in the Ben Lomond area is in the early stages of development.Providence Asset Group (Providence) is seeking de...

A survey launched this week is asking community members in the Armidale region to indicate their preferences for additional play equipment at the new Curtis Park Playground.Concept designs for the playground have gone on display in Council’s Yo...

Police have charged three people for an alleged break and enter in Guyra last week. About 9.40am on Sunday May 17th, two men and a woman allegedly forced entry into a business on Bradley Street, Guyra. The trio left empty-handed after the alarm was a...

Do you need help to get work ready?New England Community College(NECC) has been supporting our community with their learning needs for over 38 years. NECC is ready to help you stay connected during these challenging times. We are back up and running ...

Work is set to start on the expansion of Guyra’s Neighbourhood Centre, The Hub, with Armidale-based modular builder Uniplan commissioned to deliver Stage 1 of the project.It has been a long wait for the centre with a $400,000 State Government g...

On Tuesday, the Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock issued Armidale Regional Council with a notice of intention to suspend it for three months and appoint an interim administrator.It follows serious concerns about the council’s abilit...

Life is slowly returning to normal as COVID-19 restrictions are being wound back. On Friday, May 15th, Cafés and Restaurants were allowed to have up to 10 customers seated in store for the first time since restrictions were imposed in March.Du...

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said that he welcomes all constructive input to maintain the effective operations of the organisation and its good governance. Councillor Murray acknowledged actions last week by the NSW Member for Norther...

A rescission motion has failed to gain adequate support to overturn a motion in support of the establishment of the New England Rail Trail. In February. Armidale Regional Council voted in favour of allocating $25,000 towards a business plan for the r...

At this time of year schools are normally involved in the Waste to Art competition.  Of course, this is just one of the events that has been cancelled due to COVID-19 but Kindergarten at St Mary of the Angels have gone ahead and created artworks...

Two public webinars are being held to give community members the latest information about the Ground Water Supply Network being developed in the Guyra district.A midday session will be held on Thursday, May 21st, followed by an evening session on Mon...

Early childhood learning services in the Guyra district will be boosted by a new facility announced by Council and the Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, on TuesdayMr Joyce joined Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray and other Cou...

If you are looking for a little colour in your life, look no further than Little Loki & Me, which opened its doors in Guyra on Monday. Already operating the business online, Jypsi Hooper was delighted to find a suitable space in her home town to ...

Face to face learning at Guyra Central School has recommenced this week following what Principal Michelle Nicholson said has been easily the most challenging period of her career. The school made the move to online learning at the end of term 1, as r...

The 118-year-old Black Mountain Church will ‘rise again’ to its former glory, thanks to a $53,028 grant from the State Government to refurbish the building and strengthen its walls. The historic building has considerable religious signifi...

A planned meeting of Armidale Regional Council on Monday did not go ahead after a temporary injunction put a stop to the vote which would have seen the CEO’s contract terminated. The temporary injunction was issued by the Land and Environment C...

Four years on - was it worth it? Guyra residents have now had 4 years living with the blatantly unsuccessful forced merger with Armidale. Without change, the future is looking even worse for residents of both Armidale and Guyra. All of the merger &l...

Over the past few weeks Kitchen Gardening, or Vegie Patches as we often refer to them, have gone to a whole new level. The beginning of the pandemic saw a flurry of seeds and seedling purchases, panic set in and people decided to grow their own food ...

A $35,737 State Government grant for New England Community College (NECC) will provide a much-needed boost as they prepare for the return of face to face classes that have been on hold since COVID-19 restrictions were imposed.Face-to-face has long be...

Guyra District properties are continuing to sell, with strong enquiries and auction clearances despite restrictions that have been imposed due to COVID-19. The move to online auctions was forced upon agents due to social distancing, and while it may ...

Armidale Regional Council CEO Susan Law is facing a new showdown, with councillors once again calling for her resignation. ARC Mayor Simon Murray has confirmed that he has received a new request for an extraordinary meeting with the view to terminati...

There has been no sporting action at the Guyra Recreation Ground since March, due to restrictions imposed to control the spread of COVID-19. Usually at his time of year, Guyra United Soccer would be preparing to commence the winter sport season. The ...

A new ANZAC tradition may have been born, as individuals stepped up to ensure the ANZAC spirit was not forgotten despite the cancellation of organised services to mark the day. With formalised commemorations taken off the table due to the COVID-19, d...

While there was no large gathering of citizens this year to mark ANZAC Day, some services went ahead in a modified format. At the MPS residents marked the occasion early with a service and wreath-laying on Friday.Diversional Therapist Nichole Rosten ...

In the early hours of Sunday morning Guyra resident, Nicole Corry became a victim of crime when her house was broken into. Thieves entered her home and stole two handbags and a wallet belonging to her partner Phill.It was an unnerving experience for ...

On April 22, Armidale Regional Council deferred a decision to rescind a resolution of support for the New England Rail Trail which was passed at their February meeting. The deferral comes after a decision by Glen Innes Severn Council last month to su...

A new drive-through COVID-19 testing service is now operating at Armidale Hospital, as health authorities increase the level of local testing. Armidale had been identified for its low testing rates and a specialised COVID-19 clinic is now operating.M...

Even in these uncertain times, the learning continues at Black Mountain Public School. Our staff have been participating in Professional Development over the past two days and enjoying the trials and tribulations of online learning. Students will be ...

A drought relief appeal that brought aid and raised the hopes of residents during the drought has come to an end. Jaclyn Bold created the program to assist farmers impacted by drought in the area from Uralla to Glen Innes. She formed a partnership wi...

This year after the extreme conditions of Summer and the prolonged drought I wondered how Autumn would show up or indeed if it would show up at all?Would the leaves fall before they turned, would we have any trees left, after all things had been dire...

Opening a new business the week before restrictions were placed on social gatherings due to coronavirus, may not have been the best timing. While it has been a minor setback for Chris Gellie and her son Jack at the newly opened Woolly Lamb Café...

A significant rise in the population of feral cats and a spike of complaints in the Guyra district has prompted Armidale Regional Council to take action. It will implement a feral and stray cat trapping program over the coming months aimed at control...

Monitoring bores are being installed in Guyra’s Yarrawonda Street, as part of a ground water supply system being developed as a back-up to the region’s town water supply.The bores being constructed this week will monitor the water table a...

Dear Guyra Community,As a Vice-President and a Trustee of the Guyra sub-Branch of the RSL I want to let you know that while we are unable to hold the usual ANZAC Day commemorations this year, this does not mean that we are not able to help you if you...

An audit of Guyra residential bins will be conducted soon to determine levels of cross contamination between organic and landfill waste bins.The start of July will be the first anniversary of the extension of Council’s City to Soil Organics was...

“There will be art on the walls, decorated halls, galas and balls and many curtain calls.”That is the promise of James Arthur Warren (aka Thundercloud Repairian), who is moving forward with plans to create the Australian Poetry Hall of Fa...

Following discussions with the NSW Government, RSL NSW has made the decision to cancel all public ANZAC Day commemoration services across the state. This means that in Guyra and surrounding villages there will be no dawn services, MPS services, march...

Guyra’s Mother of Ducks Lagoon is a rare and highly significant ecological feature of our landscape which provides protection to threatened and critically endangered species and ecological communities. It is considered to be one the most import...

Staff and students at St Mary of the Angels have adapted extremely well as they have moved toward a new style of learning. Principal Sharon Wittig said that a school day at home looks very different to a normal day at school. “Our students have...

The Guyra Lamb and Potato Festival committee are celebrating news that they have received a $130,000 State Government grant to help construct a permanent undercover performance and dining area in Rotary Park.The new shed will provide a permanent and ...

As one of Australia’s leading suppliers of fresh vine-ripened tomatoes, Costa Tomatoes wants to reassure consumers that it remains open, producing and supplying fresh tomatoes to the local community and beyond.Costa’s Tomato Category is o...

Health professionals in the HNEH area, which includes the Guyra MPS, have plans in place if the current COVID-19 crisis escalates. HNEH Executive Director, Rural and Regional Health Services, Susan Heyman said that local health professionals have bee...

Armidale Regional Council is calling for State and Federal Government backing to maintain a passenger air service to the Armidale region, following news Qantas Airlines will suspend its flights to the area from April 10th until May 31st.The decision ...

Pre 1830s Tribal groups Anaiwan and Banbai travel through the region, camping beside the wetland and hunting.1830 Europeans first settle in the New England region.1850s – 1860s Mother of Ducks Lagoon and its perimeter was used for cattle grazin...

TAFE NSW will provide a suite of 21 fee-free online short courses to assist people across the region who wanted to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic. The courses will allow people to pursue a new area of study or expand their existing skill sets d...

Trains not lost I suspect residents of Guyra are, like me, heartily sick of the futile debate about the rail trail versus the train, but I feel obliged to answer the question posed by Mr. Evans regarding the name of the town we have visited on a num...

A man will appear at court today following a police pursuit in Guyra yesterday. About 5.25pm yesterday (2 April 2020), officers attached to New England Police District were patrolling the Guyra township, where it is alleged they saw a black Hol...

Next Wednesday the 8th of April is a significant day for David and Gwen Rainger. The day will mark their 70th wedding anniversary and, with a planned family celebration on hold due to the coronavirus, they will spend the day in isolation instead.The ...

During this time of uncertainty, when we are all feeling the strain, supermarket workers have been at the front line. Manager of Kirks IGA Harry Kirk has praised both his staff and the Guyra community for their efforts during this time. “Despit...

Members of the Guyra Historical Society are researching and recording the businesses that were in Guyra. With the view of producing a book that will be launched next year. They are asking if anyone has a story or a photo pertaining to a business in G...

The Guyra VRA have stepped up as restrictions tighten due to the COVID-19 virus. They are now working with the IGA and SPAR supermarkets in Guyra to deliver groceries and necessary household goods to members of the community whom are in mandatory or ...

Local government elections which were due to be held in September have been postponed for 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, Local Government MP Shelley Hancock said it was a “regrettable decision”, but one that would...

Dear Readers,These are challenging times for our local community, as they are for all local communities around the world. Many of us are anxious and unsure about many things, but one thing we know for certain is that we need to work together as a com...

Guyra Pharmacist Vu Nguyen and his staff are seeing an increase in demand for some medications in response to the spread of the Coronavirus and want to reassure the community that they have sufficient stocks to see them through.“In this environ...

St Mary of the Angels celebrated St Patrick’s Day last Tuesday with a whole range of fun activities.  The students wore some fabulous green outfits and made a gold coin donation to Project Compassion, a charity that assists people living i...

Armidale Regional Library has introduced a ‘book and collect’ service and expanded its home delivery service so members can access books and other resources during the COVID-19 shutdown. Members can now book resources by emailing or phon...

Guyra businesses, community and sporting groups are facing a growing challenge in the face of the spread of coronavirus. Already reeling from the shutdown of sporting fixtures last week, this week sees further restrictions that will have far-reaching...

 Council’s response to Coronavirus On advice from State and Federal Governments Armidale Regional Council is implementing a number of social distancing policies and temporary public facility closures to ensure the safety of our community ...

NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today moved to reassure the community that every measure is in place at the region's hospitals to deal with an outbreak of Coronavirus, should it occur. Mr Marshall said that so far there had been NO conf...

A budding entrepreneur with a penchant for poetry has unveiled grand plans to turn Guyra’s Arcadia Theatre into a home for Australian poets. James Arthur Warren was on his way back from the Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Competition in Or...

The region’s best cooks and crafters were put to the test on March 10th as part of the CWA Northern Tablelands Group ‘The Land’ Cookery and Handicraft contest.Cooking entries lined the tables at the Guyra Anglican Hall for judging, ...

Unfortunately, due to public health concerns relating to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Hope Family Fun Day and Auction, scheduled to take place this Saturday 21st March, has been postponed until further notice. Please note that the Guyra United Soccer ...

There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Guyra, and staff at the Guyra Medical Centre are hoping to keep it that way. They have plans in place to protect patients and staff during the current crisis, while also supporting the h...

Guyra Central School students excelled with three students being placed on the NSW HSC Distinguished Achievers List in 2019. Madison Morgan made the list for Agriculture, while Savannah Roberts and Gemma Williams excelled in the Primary Industries Ex...

Seniors from across the region descended on Guyra on Monday for a day of dining, dance and enjoyment. It was an opportunity to dress up with a bit of glitz and glamour, greet old friends and make new ones. 170 people attended this year’s event ...

The Lions Club of Guyra had their annual Senior Citizens mystery outing on Sunday, March 8th. Forty seniors, Lions members, their wives, and partners travelled to Tingha stopping first at the Wing Hing Long Museum. They enjoyed morning tea with scone...

Members of the Armidale Probus Club visited Guyra last week, enjoying a visit to the Guyra Museum, and seeing some of the other sights in the area. Many of the members have close connections through family and friends and enjoyed seeing familiar item...

The ADRA Op Shop in Guyra is preparing to launch a bigger better service for the community. The recent completion of a large shed will see the service branch out offering more room and a larger range of goods.ADRA Manager Helen Turnham said that the ...

The New England Rail Trail was last week buoyed by support from Armidale Regional Council who resolved to support the declassification of the rail corridor allowing for the construction of a rail trail and allocated a maximum of $25,000 to further de...

Leading up to the Guyra Show, the students at St Mary of the Angels were busily creating some amazing artworks and interesting exhibits. The school entered a number of drawings and paintings that the students produced for the Show and received some v...

On Friday 14th February 2020, senior Agriculture students from Guyra Central School attended the Glen Innes Show with Mr Miller and Mrs Sandy Morgan. It was a busy couple of days with students not only competing in a range of junior judging activitie...

Deep divisions within Armidale Regional Council have once again been highlighted, with seven councillors last week calling for an extraordinary meeting asking for the termination of CEO Susan Law’s contract of employment. The motive behind the ...

The 112th Guyra Show will long be remembered as a celebration that marked the end of one of the district’s worst on record. In his address at the official opening President Richard Post described 2019 as horrendous and urged the community to ma...

If rain is considered a good omen, then Reverend Tim Stevens is off to a good start as the new minister in charge of St James Anglican Church in Guyra. Tim and his family have relocated to Guyra from Mungindi where they spent three years ministering ...

The Armidale region supplied three and half million litres of water for aerial fire fighting efforts through north eastern NSW during the recent bushfire emergency. Over 1150 fixed-wing firefighting sorties and hundreds of helicopter flights were sup...

Just like watching a cricketer reaching a half century, community spirits are high as residents watch Malpas Dam reach 50 percent. Storage levels in Guyra, Malpas and Puddledock dams have steadily increased with recent rainfall, however, Level 5 rest...

The 2020 Guyra Showgirl April Heagney is upholding a family tradition. Her mother Naree was Showgirl in 1991 and her father’s cousin was the very first Guyra Showgirl. However, for April it was more than upholding a tradition, it was a journey ...

A man has been charged following several pursuits from the Queensland Border to Guyra. About 5pm Sunday February 16th, officers from New England Highway Patrol noticed a suspected stolen Holden Vectra on the New England Highway, north of Deepwater.Po...

Projects in Ben Lomond and Guyra are among the latest to be funded under Round 5 of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme (SCP). Ben Lomond War Memorial Hall Land Management will receive $7,500 to paint and restore the floo...

Last Friday St Mary of the Angels held their annual School Swimming Carnival. Our students had a great day, swimming competitively, cheering on their fellow students and enjoying the company of our wider school community. Thanks to all of our helpers...

A solo exhibition of vintage photographic prints by photographer John Fields is now open at the New England Regional Art Museum. John was a master photographer and printer who explored the New England, capturing in classic black and white, its people...

Preparations for the 2020 Guyra Show are well in hand and organisers believe that recent rain has not only lifted spirits in the community, but has also lifted the prospects for a great event.The Show is on Friday and Saturday February 21st and 22nd ...

In July 2018 Samuel Hope was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. At the age of two and a half Sam and his family travelled from Guyra to Newcastle where he began treatment at John Hunter Hospital. Sam spent months in Newcastle undergoing ch...

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after two ATMs in Guyra’s main street were vandalised in an attempted theft on Thursday morning.The incident occurred at 4.20 am on Thursday, February 6, when a male smashed the front screen of...

Times are tough in the bush, but opportunities are still available for people who are prepared to innovate. A common problem for graziers is the fallout from sheep under shearing sheds, which builds up and is often difficult to clear away.Having visi...

There will be added glitz and glamour in Guyra when the biennial Seniors Extravaganza is held on Monday, March 9th. Council secured a $2,000 State Government grant for the event which promises to be a fun-filled day of entertainment and activities, e...

Measures to increase Malpas Dam’s storage capacity and boost water security for the Armidale region have moved another step closer, with Council launching a long-term assessment of the Armidale region’s water infrastructure, supply needs ...

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray has stated his commitment to remain in the role, saying the need for cohesion and consistency to maintain Council’s positive work outweighed a vote of no confidence at an extraordinary meeting last w...

Seven Councillors who called on ARC Mayor Simon Murray to resign said that they asked for a vote of no confidence after exhausting every other avenue. Speaking on behalf of the group at an extraordinary meeting held on Friday morning, Cr Margaret O&r...

Former local Jean Vickery was last week named as the Coffs Harbour Citizen of the Year. At 83 years of age, Jean shows no sign of slowing down. Before leaving Guyra she volunteered with Meals on Wheels, HACC, Can Assist, and the Westpac Rescue Helico...

James Mepham was named as Citizen of the Year in Warrnambool for his volunteer involvement in RSL Active, a program that helps young defence force veterans after they have returned to civilian life. James was involved in the inaugural Great South Coa...

During the last twelve months, rural women in the district have shouldered the burden of the drought alongside their partners, leaving little time for the finer things in life. A pamper night organised in conjunction with the CWA Evening Branch was a...

The 2020 school is underway and schools around the district have welcomed a new kindergarten class. These students who begin their education this year will graduate Year 12 in 2032....

Whatever the outcome of tomorrow’s extraordinary meeting of Armidale Regional Council, one thing is for certain – our Councillors need to put their differences aside, pull together and work as a united team for the betterment of our regio...

Recent storm rains have finally found their way into Guyra’s water supply dams, which are now at 100%. Water has also started flowing into the much larger Malpas Dam, boosting the level to 35.5%.Despite the good inflows Armidale Regional Counci...

Former Guyra Shire Councillor Dorothy (Dot) Vickery, has been named in the Australia Day Honours. Dot was nominated for service to local government, and to the community of Guyra. She receives the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) which is awarde...

Long overdue rain and a generous fodder delivery has brought a smile to the faces of landholders at Guyra and Wollomombi last week. The delivery was made possible through Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) Ltd which provides project ser...

When school returns the eighteen students at Ebor Public School will be rocking up to class with a new backpack, new shoes and hopefully a big smile thanks to the generosity of the public and State Government partner organisation GIVIT.Member for Nor...

For 33 years Frank Presnell was front and centre when it came to organising the Lamb and Potato Festival. Frank passed away last year, but his influence will live long in the history of the festival, and as a final gesture recognising his role, a new...

The Lamb and Potato Festival has finished and secretary Julie Gittoes has paid tribute to the volunteers who ensured the success of the event.“Thank you on behalf of the committee to each and every organisation for their help at the festival,&r...

Sue Adams is the Guyra 2020 Australia Day Citizen of the Year, recognising her ongoing commitment to a number of community groups and for her efforts to encourage Guyra district residents to be active. The award was announced at the Guyra Australia D...

Nominations for Australia Day Awards in Guyra have unearthed four quality candidates for this year’s top honour. Chris Sole, Dianne Burey, Sue Adams and Julie Stride have been nominated for their service to the community over many years. The wi...

So far at this Lamb and Potato Festival, more than 800 passengers have enjoyed the ride on the Guyra Heritage Train. The train rides, which have been a popular attraction for many years, almost didn’t happen.The licence to run the train, which ...

If you are a fan of ABC Radio’s Sunday-morning Australia All Over program or if you simply love a good yarn, this Sunday you will get the chance to catch up with Ian ‘Macca’ McNamara in person. Each year the popular presenter does a...

Aboriginal totem poles now welcome visitors at the entrance to McLean Care Kolora. The totem poles, which were unveiled last week, are a thank you gesture from local artist Brian Irving.Brian has lived in Guyra since he was four and the ‘Welcom...

A fresh new approach has reinvigorated the Art Exhibition running in conjunction with the Lamb and Potato Festival. Previously the exhibition had run during the festival with collaborative works by local artists Kay Smith and Brian Irving. With Kay a...

Recent rainfall across the Armidale region is welcome news for farmers and rural land owners but has had minimal impact on Malpas Dam. Storage levels in the much smaller Guyra Dam has seen its capacity increase to 31 percent or six weeks of supply an...

Last-minute preparations for the 34th annual Lamb and Potato Festival were well underway on Tuesday for the event which will run from January 15th to 27th. While conditions have not been ideal, the small committee has plenty of experience in pulling ...

The Guyra Lamb and Potato Festival will be running for its 34th year from Wednesday January 15th until Monday, January 27th. While the main focus of events will continue to be on the New England Highway, a special event is being planned to draw some ...

The ongoing restoration of the roof on Guyra’s Anglican Church has been given an $11,300 boost, thanks to a grant from an unusual source. Church Warden John Davidson said that they were invited to apply for a grant amounting to 50% of the cost ...

Residents in the town areas of Guyra are now able to access the National Broadband Network (nbn) for the first time. The final phase of the rollout in the area is now live, and residents are being encouraged to make the move by contacting their prefe...

Women in Guyra are invited to apply for THE Seed Scheme - an innovative program to support rural women start an enterprise, launch a big idea or get a business up and running. Applications are now open and close on February 14th, 2020.THE Seed Scheme...

Volunteer firefighters are reminded to register their interest in the Volunteer Firefighters’ Financial Support Program, which is helping to cover lost income during this prolonged bushfire season. The Federal Coalition Government is provi...

The devastating bushfires across south-east NSW have caused extensive damage to the Essential Energy electricity network, with the destruction of hundreds of power poles and associated electrical infrastructure. Parts of the network have been comple...

DESPITE terrible drought conditions continuing to grip the Guyra area this year’s annual Show will still go off with a bang with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $7,700 State Government grant to provide entertainment at t...

High-profile journalist, author and football fan Liz Deep-Jones is the Armidale region’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2020. A former presenter of SBS Television’s nightly sports news program, Ms Deep-Jones will be guest speaker at the Gu...

Community information sessions on the current water restrictions will be held at the Guyra Council Chambers on Tuesday, January 14th and Armidale’s Jacaranda Room on Tuesday, January 21st, both at 6.30pm. Each session will provide background an...

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked to Guyra on New Year's Day and transported a 37-year-old male with head injuries to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition. The man was involved in a motorcycle accident and suffered head ...