Tenterfield in our far north witnessed the Federation Speech, delivered by Sir Henry Parkes on 24 October 1889, marking the birth of our nation. On 29 April 1967, the people of New England came very close to seceding from New South Wales and forming their own state. In the end, the anti-secessionists won the referendum held on that day to decide the matter. Rural industries form an integral part of our region's economy and way of life. Cotton and grains, prime beef and wool are the mainstays of a diverse agricultural landscape, and coverage of rural news is an important part of our broadcasting agenda.
Many people look to New England as an educational centre.
Our region encompases an educational diversity that spans remote home tutoring and one-teacher schools through to a world class regional university that sets the pace in many areas of research and study. The New England North West region is also notable for an excess of natural beauty. The highlands along the range and surrounding areas are known as 'Granite Country', and feature deep gorges and wild river systems of stunning beauty. Gold and precious gem fossicking have brought many people to our region, and the district around Inverell is famous for its sapphires. Further west, the flat open lands are known as 'Big Sky Country', where the wide outdoors roll on forever.