In late June it was announced that up to 100 jobs would be coming to Armidale, with the creation of the Department of Regional NSW.

But that bright future has been overshadowed by bad news about local jobs.

The University of New England, is cutting $20 million in annual wages, and last week Woolworths announced it would close the local Big W store, which will see 47 local jobs go.

While UNE has explained their reasoning behind their cuts, it is devastating for any community when their biggest employer reduces jobs.

Meanwhile, the 47 employees at Big W, and their families, will be greatly affected by that closure.

Business chamber president Anthony Fox told the Express of his displeasure, saying Woolworths had a social responsibility that it was ignoring.

Suspended councillor Debra O'Brien said communities like ours could not rely on big business for employment.

Concerning UNE, some have said the writing was on the wall, and there have been pleas for our elected representatives to do something.

It is certainly a worrying time and our thoughts are with everyone affected by these decisions.

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great week.

Laurie Bullock

Editor