8.50am:

THE NSW government has been accused of short-changing families, as the region’s community-based preschools count the costs of another disappointing budget.

8.40am:

8.30am:

8.20am:

TEN new $50,000 state government fellowships have been announced for professional regional artists.

8.10am:

8am: Plans to make Gunnedah’s public pool a 52 metre facility and add new children’s wet and dry play areas have been endorsed by Gunnedah Shire Council.

7.50am:

7.40am:

7.30am: INVERELL-based Senator John Williams has allayed fears of regional postal services being affected by Australia Post’s major profit losses.

7.20am: MORE disturbing allegations about animal cruelty published in national media at the weekend are expected to be among evidence presented when a parliamentary inquiry into puppy farms sits in Armidale next month.

7.10am: And here's your latest audio news headlines folk.

7AM: YOUR WEATHER:

NORTH WEST SLOPES:  Partly cloudy. Areas of frost on the southern slopes early this morning. Morning fog patches. Light winds. Daytime maximum temperatures between 17 and 21.

NORTHERN TABLELANDS: Partly cloudy. Morning fog. Medium (40%) chance of showers in the north, slight (20%) chance elsewhere. Light winds. Daytime maximum temperatures between 14 and 19.