Seasons of New England Expo returns with expanded two-day celebration
The much-loved Seasons of New England Expo is set to return this year bigger than ever, with organisers expanding the event to a full two-day program celebrating the region’s makers, producers and artisans.
Treasure hunters invited to three-day antique showcase
The Armidale Antique Fair is set to return this March with a new partnership that promises to make it one of the standout events on the region’s cultural calendar.
Bellingen gets Disaster Declaration for Waterfall Way
The Bellingen Shire has scored a Natural Disaster Declaration that will provide some relief to businesses in Dorrigo, Thora and Bellingen affected by the Waterfall Way closure.
Free outdoor cinema returns to Tamworth and Armidale
Newcastle Permanent’s free Cinema Under the Stars returns to Tamworth and Armidale this March with a screening of The Wild Robot.
Local News
Emu Creek Long Lunch to showcase Walcha wool in luxury fashion launch
A Walcha sheep property will become the runway for luxury fashion next week as Merino wool grower Vanessa Bell launches her Australian knitwear collection at the Emu Creek Long Lunch.
Regional Australia Bank named most recommended customer-owned bank
The Armidale headquartered Regional Australia Bank has won an award based on customer recommendations.
Another killing in New England campground
One man has died, and another is in custody following an alleged stabbing at a campsite at Woolbrook
What Next? Graeme Connors return to Tamworth
Australian singer-songwriter Graeme Connors will return to Tamworth this week, bringing his What Next? show to the Capitol Theatre on Wednesday.
What's On
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Events
Old-time Music Jam @ Welder’s Dog BreweryEnds: March 12, 2026
ArtsNational Lecture: “The Brilliance of Brunel:…”Ends: March 12, 2026
Maria River Cattle Co. Armidale CupEnds: March 13, 2026
The Maria River Cattle Co Armidale CupEnds: March 13, 2026
35th ANNUAL GEM AND CRAFT SHOWEnds: March 14, 2026
Politics
Hanson dismisses Senate rebuke
Pauline Hanson has dismissed a censure against her by the Senate as an attack on One Nation following her rise in the polls.
A third council vacancy with Brown departing Narrabri Shire
A third councillor in the region has stepped down, with Narrabri Shire Councillor Amanda Brown formally resigning from Council effective Friday, 27 February 2026, after being diagnosed with cancer.
Birds, mould, and fungus found throughout hospitals
After two patients died as a result of a fungal outbreak, a review of hospital maintenance has revealed disturbing infestations embedded in multiple facilities – including a major hospital in New England.
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.
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?
Nominations open for 2026 Australian Cotton Industry Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australian Cotton Industry Awards, recognising excellence across the sector
Farmers reject “dumpster fire” plans
NSW Farmers says a proposal to send Sydney’s waste to rural and regional communities should be rejected.
Energy and Environment
Narrabri drops to level 3 water restrictions tonight
Narrabri Shire Council says that they have reached Drought Management Plan trigger to drop from Level 4 water restrictions to Level 3.
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.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Restoring the past, reimagining the future at Jolly Good Emporium
Behind the doors of 168–170 Beardy Street, a 150-year-old building is being lovingly restored and reimagined, not simply as an antiques store, but as a heritage-inspired space where history, craftsmanship and community…
“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.
BUSINESS
New England towns share in $2m boost for regional night-time economy
Tamworth will share in a $2 million NSW Government pilot aimed at boosting regional night-time economies.
INDIGENOUS
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.
SPORT
Local athletes to benefit from new high-performance academy
UNE has teamed up with Armidale Regional Council to nurture the region’s top young athletes, as part of the inaugural Talent ID High Performance Academy.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Denise’s Desk: Why flirting with One Nation is bad for Farrer — and worse for New England
Denise says the Farrer by-election might seem a long way from New England, but the political warning signs it is sending should concern regional communities everywhere. The post Denise’s Desk: Why flirting with One Nation is bad for Farrer — and worse for New England appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Tamworth takes centre stage at inaugural MTA NSW Automotive Excellence Awards
Tamworth has emerged as one of the big winners at the inaugural Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) Automotive Excellence Awards 2026, with a local apprentice and business both taking home honours on the night.
New England students medal at NSW Rowing Championships
The Armidale School has won gold and bronze at the NSW State Rowing Championships despite storm disruptions.
