$2m proposal to renovate Armidale Courthouse walkway open for comment
Plans to spend nearly two million to reactivate the Old Courthouse precinct in Armidale have entered the public exhibition stage.
Regional Australia Bank extends AFL North West NSW partnership with naming rights deal
Regional Australia Bank will take naming rights of the AFL North West NSW Senior Men’s competition in 2026.
Strong response to Narrabri Shire VR Art workshops
Narrabri Shire Libraries has celebrated the success of its Virtual Reality Art workshops held in Wee Waa and Narrabri during the January school holidays.
Council tests trigger train advocate alarm
Studies by Armidale Regional Council to progress the New England Rail Trail have triggered alarm in campaigners opposed to the project, while Glen Innes Severn have asked the NSW Government for certainty.
Local News
Bindaree backs future red meat leaders through three-year ICMJ partnership
Bindaree Food Group has entered a three-year partnership with the Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association to support emerging red meat industry talent.
New toolkit to help New England councils strengthen Closing the Gap partnerships
Tamworth’s landmark Aboriginal partnership is being highlighted as NSW launches a new Closing the Gap toolkit for local councils.
Women’s Week seeks to break barriers with deadly science
Girls in Gunnedah, Manilla and Quirindi will be at the centre of a statewide celebration next week, as culturally grounded STEM workshops roll into New England schools for NSW Women’s Week.
Face-to-face scam support rolled out for NSW seniors during festival
NSW seniors will receive free face-to-face help to combat rising scam losses during next month’s Seniors Festival.
What's On
COMING SOON: Our next promotion will be celebrating all things Made in New England. More info soon!
Events
Line Dancing for BeginnersEnds: March 2, 2026
No Lights No LycraEnds: March 2, 2026
Choir Night @ Big Welder’s DogEnds: March 4, 2026
Musica Viva Concert – “ARCO – First Light:…”Ends: March 5, 2026
Chilli Jam @ Welder’s Dog BarEnds: March 5, 2026
Politics
Council strategic cooperation raises the A word
A new Northern Tablelands regional organisation plus a strategic working group on regional water security has prompted one councillor to raise the A word: do we need to start talking about amalgamation?
Barwon leads the state in rooftop solar
Regional NSW is dominating rooftop solar adoption across the state, with nine of the top 10 electorates for installations located outside metropolitan Sydney
Calls for urgent action on community preschool pay after Fair Work recommendation
The NSW Government is facing renewed pressure to lift funding for community preschools after the Fair Work Commission backed a union push to increase wages
Cumberland tragedy raises questions about security at Banksia
The escape of two patients from a Sydney mental health facility has prompted NSW upper house member Mark Banasiak to demand urgent answers from the Government about staffing and security at Tamworth’s Banksia Mental Health Unit
Australian-first crime fighting drone trial takes flight in Moree
An Australian-first drone trial underway in Moree is helping frontline police prevent, disrupt and respond to crime in the community.
Quirindi’s Killara feedlot sold to AMG
Elders Limited has entered into an agreement to sell its Killara Feedlot operation near Quirindi to Australian Meat Group Pty Ltd (AMG) in a deal worth approximately $195.8 million.
Rural women set to connect at national agriculture conference
Rural and regional women from across the country will head to Orange from 27 to 29 July 2026 for the 2026 Australian Women in Agriculture National Conference.
Energy and Environment
New England set to rally for Clean Up Australia Day
Clean Up Australia Day returns on Sunday 1 March 2026, with Armidale Regional Council once again encouraging locals to roll up their sleeves and take part in the nation’s largest community environmental event.
Renewable manufacturing boost for Moree fertiliser project
Hiringa Energy has been awarded $9.4m to further green ammonia production near Moree.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
“People deserve health”: local gastroenterologist looks at the bigger picture
For local gastroenterologist Dr Pran Yoganathan, better health is at the intersection of clinical science, lived experience, and a deep curiosity about the systems shaping modern health.
Unleash epic adventures with the X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra from Tow World
Whether you’re chasing rugged trails, beachside sunsets, or mountainside campfires, the Tow World X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra is your ticket to a life lived outside the ordinary.
BUSINESS
Grants to back community-led digital initiatives in rural Australia
Rural and regional community groups can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to strengthen digital inclusion and resilience under Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program.
INDIGENOUS
New plan to address violence against Indigenous women and children
Australia’s first standalone national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children has been launched
SPORT
TAS through to regional Douglas Shield final
The Armidale School’s First XI advanced to the regional final of the Douglas Shield with a commanding win over St Philip’s Christian College.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: Childcare centres have staffing rules, but many find loopholes
UNE researchers Tammy Williams and Marg Rogers explore how "under-the-roof" loopholes in childcare staffing ratios are compromising child safety and driving educator burnout across Australia. The post Opinion: Childcare centres have staffing rules, but many find loopholes appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Glen Innes approves Mayoral community impact fund and school leadership awards
Glen Innes Severn Council has approved a Mayoral Community Impact Fund, creating a new program to support community-led initiatives, recognise volunteers, and respond to urgent local needs.
Tamworth to burst into colour for 2026 Holi Festival
Tamworth is set to explode in a kaleidoscope of colour, culture and community spirit later this month as the Tamworth Holi Festival invites locals of all backgrounds to step into one of the world’s most joyful celebrations.
