Plans for a new community space in Wee Waa are beginning to take shape.

Locals, collaborating with council to design a memorial precinct paying tribute to ANZAC soldiers – in the heart of town.

The Narrabri Courier, Gunnedah Times and Wee Waa News will return on June 11, a month after publishing what many believed would be their final editions.

The three newspapers, which ceased publication on May 7, have been acquired by Times News Group and are expected to resume serving their communities in the coming weeks.

The announcement brings an abrupt end to fears that Narrabri, Gunnedah and Wee Waa could lose their local newspapers permanently.

For generations, the three mastheads have reported on everything from droughts and floods to council decisions, sporting triumphs, agricultural developments and community milestones.

A passion for preserving local history and supporting community broadcasting has earned Julie Dowlean the honour of being named Narrabri Shire Volunteer of the Year.

Julie is widely respected across the region for her longstanding commitment to both the Wee Waa Historical Society and Narrabri's community radio station, 2 Max FM. Through her volunteer efforts, she has helped preserve the stories of the past while keeping local communities connected in the present.

As a dedicated member of the Wee Waa Historical Society, Julie has played an important role in recording and preserving the history of Wee Waa and the surrounding district. Her work has helped protect valuable photographs, documents and stories that form an important part of the region's heritage.

Community members gathered in Burren Junction on Tuesday, 19 May, to meet with the Council’s Strategic Plan representatives.

Residents were asked to place dots on the issues they considered most important to the future of Burren Junction. The overwhelming majority of responses focused on water supply, drainage, the bore baths, roads, and sportsgrounds.

One of the strongest concerns raised was the ongoing water crisis affecting the town’s sports ground precinct.

Businesses across the New England North West are being encouraged to nominate for the 2026 New England North West Business Awards, with the official launch of the program taking place in Tamworth on Tuesday.

Hosted by Business NSW in partnership with Joblink Plus, the awards celebrate outstanding business achievement, innovation and leadership across the region.

The awards are open to businesses located throughout the New England North West, including Armidale, Boggabri, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Guyra, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree, Narrabri, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Walcha, Warialda and Wee Waa.

The official launch will be held at Connections Café in Tamworth, where media and invited guests will hear details of the 2026 awards program, including award categories, nomination processes and opportunities for regional businesses to showcase their success.

Stephanie Cameron, Regional Director – New England North West for Business NSW, will formally launch the awards and outline the importance of recognising excellence within regional business communities.