Regional leaders to meet in Tamworth to fast-track workforce solutions
Regional business and industry leaders will meet in Tamworth next month as part of a coordinated push to strengthen workforce capability across the New England North West.
Armidale activates level 1 water restrictions
After weeks of hot weather and little rain, Armidale Regional Council has moved to impose Level 1 water restrictions across the region.
New England arts sector to benefit from $5.2m regional culture plan
Communities across the New England region are set to benefit from a new state government strategy aimed at strengthening arts and culture and growing cultural tourism in regional NSW.
Telstra upgrades to boost 4G and 5G capacity in Taminda
Residents and businesses in Taminda may experience temporary mobile disruptions this week as Telstra upgrades a local base station to boost 4G and 5G performance.
Local News
BreastScreen NSW in Glen Innes and coming soon to a town near you
The BreastScreen NSW mobile screening van is currently in Glen Innes, before heading to Tingha, Bundarra, Guyra and then Armidale.
Ghostly chills set to haunt ADMS stage with The Woman in Black
Armidale Dramatic and Musical Society (ADMS) is preparing to send a shiver down local spines with its upcoming production of The Woman in Black, a masterclass in suspense that has captivated audiences around the world for decades.
Taylor stacks new Liberal front bench with allies
Prominent conservatives will return to the front bench as Opposition Leader Angus Taylor unveils his first shadow cabinet.
Two familiar faces join the CMAA board
Local music legend Lyn Bowtell and ‘The Country Journo’ and artist manager Rebecca Gracie have been elected to the board of the Country Music Association of Australia, ushering in a renewed sense of energy and optimism for the peak body.
What's On
Community, creativity and cutting waste: Thread Shed Armidale takes shape
An upcoming workshop in Armidale aims to prove that sustainability can be both creative and deeply satisfying.
Be part of Fantastic Feb
Are you someone we can talk to about health, fitness, beauty, and general wellbeing? Throughout February we’re going to be helping New Englanders look and feel fantastic. So if this is your area of business or you have some advice to share, we want to hear from you!
Please drop your details here so we can get in contact and potentially include you in Fantastic Feb.
Events
ArtsNational Lecture: “The Many Faces of Margaret Olley:…”Ends: February 19, 2026
No Lights No LycraEnds: February 19, 2026
All You Can Eat Pizza & Games @ Welder’s Dog BreweryEnds: February 19, 2026
Sports Night – O’WeekEnds: February 19, 2026
Pub Cinema: In the Shadow of the GallowsEnds: February 19, 2026
Politics
Joyce party switch triggers resurgence of Voices
A renewed community movement is taking shape across the New England electorate, with Voices of New England officially regrouping and committing to strengthening active democracy in the lead up to the 2028 Federal Election.
Women leaders get up-close look at large scale renewables
A delegation of women in local government from across New South Wales has visited the Sapphire Wind Farm near Inverell, getting an up-close look at how large-scale renewable energy projects operate.
Angus Taylor new leader of the Liberal Party
Angus Taylor has been elected Liberal leader after defeating Sussan Ley in a spill, deposing the party’s first female leader after less than a year.
MOU to focus the fight for fairer regional air travel
Two organisations have combined their efforts to fight for better access to regional flights and sustainable regional airports.
New England BESS projects get certainty with government contracts
Three large-scale battery projects proposed for the New England have been awarded state-backed contracts as part of the NSW Government’s long-duration energy storage rollout
Rethinking farming at Wilmot Field Day
Wilmot Field Day has become a fixture on the agricultural calendar for producers looking for practical insight, honest conversation and a deeper understanding of how farming systems are evolving.
Tax shock for farm trailblazers
Farmers with cellar doors and fruit stands should beware of huge new bills being slapped on them by the state government, NSW Farmers says.
Energy and Environment
Nearly $1 million boost for Uralla water security as restrictions return
Level 2 water restrictions are back and a discoloured water alert is current, but things are looking up for Uralla Shire’s long-term water security, set to receive a major boost in NSW Government funding.
Glen Innes supports call for urgent action on regional water security
Glen Innes Severn Council has joined Local Government NSW in urging the NSW Government to commit to long-term, fit-for-purpose funding for regional water infrastructure.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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.
Take a break from the heat and upgrade to an X Series Signature
It has been another uncomfortably hot Tamworth Country Music Festival, and with another heat wave on the way, it is worth asking yourself: is it time to get out of the heat?
BUSINESS
Coles accused of “utterly misleading” grocery prices
A major Australian supermarket misled consumers into believing its prices had been cut when in fact they had increased, a court has been told.
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
NSW Country Championships to return to Tamworth in 2026
Tamworth will host the NSW Country Senior Championships again in 2026, with the three-day tournament expected to draw about 1,500 players and supporters to the region.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: Do positive affirmations work? A psychologist unpacks the evidence
While popular on social media, repeating positive affirmations isn't a cure-all. A clinical psychologist unpacks the evidence behind self-affirmation, warning against the risks of "toxic positivity" and offering more effective alternatives like self-compassion. The post Opinion: Do positive affirmations work? A psychologist unpacks the evidence appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Former UNE SRI boss to take helm of Country Universities Centre
University of New England SMART Region Incubator founding director Dr Lou Conway has been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Country Universities Centre
Tenterfield Australia Day honours announced
Tenterfield Shire Council honoured local heroes and welcomed new citizens during its 2026 Australia Day celebrations at the Tenterfield Showground.
