Friends of New England Rail Trail Inc.

02/08/2026

Good Evening Supporters,
I am pleased to share with you the latest update from the recent board meeting, plans are well underway for the upcoming AGM. Members should have received their notification via email from our Secretary, Mary Carrigan.
Plans are being finalised for the Guest speakers who will attend the general meeting immediately after the AGM, as soon as that is locked in we will let everyone know details. Please pencil in your diaries the 13th of August at 6:00pm for the AGM and General Meeting which will be held at the Armidale City Bowling Club in Dumaresq Street, the meeting will be held in the upstairs room, lift access is available if required.

FoNERT Board Meeting Highlights – 22 July 2026
The FoNERT Board met at the Royal Hotel, Guyra, with a strong attendance and a productive agenda focused on strengthening the organisation for the year ahead.
The Board received and endorsed the Chairperson's, Secretary's, Treasurer's, Membership and Marketing reports, reflecting the ongoing commitment and teamwork of our volunteers. The 2026–2027 budget was also adopted, providing a solid financial foundation for the coming year.
Several important membership initiatives were approved to improve administration and support the continued growth of FoNERT. These included appointing an additional Stripe administrator, introducing a standard membership renewal date of 1 October for non-Stripe memberships, and increasing annual membership to $12 to help sustain the organisation's activities into the future.
Planning is well underway for the upcoming Annual General Meeting, with preparations focused on showcasing the achievements of the past 12 months and outlining the exciting work ahead.
With no general business requiring discussion, the meeting concluded on a positive note, highlighting the Board's continued focus on good governance, financial sustainability, and building strong support for the New England Rail Trail.
Next Board Meeting: Monday, 31 August 2026.

31/07/2026

GOLD × GOLD

Northern Rivers Rail Trail just took out Tourist Attractions AND Excellence in Accessible Tourism at the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards! 🎉

Two wins. One trail and a whole community behind it. And yes, this puts us within reach of Hall of Fame status at the NSW Tourism Awards.

Last nights result celebrates what makes the Rail Trail special: unforgettable experiences, strong partnerships and a commitment to welcoming every visitor.

A huge thank you to our councils, operators, volunteers, supporters and trail users. This win belongs to all of you.

Explore the full list of winners NSW Tourism Association

22/07/2026

These numbers really tell a clear story, the number of respondents that were not in favour of the rail trail outside our LGA at 11 show that the train lobby commentators are loud but very thin on the ground.
The enormous amount of those in favour outside our LGA shows just how many people want to travel to use these facilities, tourism and increased visitation was a corner stone of the business case for the trail.
The 80% of supporters inside the LGA reinforces the feedback the Friends of NERT has received over this last year.
This should finally put this issue to bed.
Onward and upward.

16/07/2026

Build it, they will come 🚴🏾🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️

29/06/2026

Fantastic news coming from last nights council meeting, of the almost 1900 submissions received from the Public Works consultation process 85% of respondents were in favour of the rail trail.
So for every 5 people 4.25 want a rail trail.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19A5X1QGyr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

26/06/2026

Cycling is not the enemy, clear, safe, cycling facilities are not for the elite or the minority.
The cost of living and a clear understanding that cycling is not only good for your body, but your mental health as well.
Connecting with community and sharing a friendly environment is something most of us want to do, the human connections can’t be underestimated.

24/06/2026

Happy follow-versary to all our awesome followers. Thanks for all of your support!
Zyla Steele
Aileen MacDonald MLC
Burtons Saddlery
Louise Bulgin
Martyn Noakes
Bicycle Central on Marsh
Brendan Moylan MP
Lifestyle Outfitters
Keiran Ryan
Deepwater Brewing
Tony Williamson
Brad Gooda
Garren Beattie
Glen Innes Business Chamber
Angry Bull Trails
Cr. Margot Davis - Mayor, Glen Innes Severn Council
Sally White
Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Steve Hodges
James Hoffmann
Guyra TroutFest
Frank Smith
Andrew Forrest
Kyle Griffin

24/06/2026

Imagine when we can offer a service like this one in the Norther Rivers, rail trails, for Anyone who Wants to use it

There were plenty of people out enjoying the Northern Rivers Rail Trail today, making the most of the beautiful sunshine! ☀️🚴

It was lovely to welcome the group from Lifebridge for a ride. The smiles, laughter, and people connecting with the outdoors and their community is what Cycling Without Age is all about.

A perfect day on the trail, surrounded by great company and enjoying everything the rail trail has to offer. 💙