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.
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 come together.
Inverell SES rings up 50 years of service
The Inverell branch of NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is preparing to mark 50 years of operation this May.
Man dead after assault at Ebor campground
New England Police have commenced an investigation after a man died following an assault at a campground at Ebor this morning.
Local News
$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.
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
Cutting red tape to lift small business productivity
Business NSW New England has welcomed a NSW Government push to cut red tape for small businesses, promising to simplify approvals, reduce duplication and make compliance clearer for cafés, restaurants and local retailers across the state.
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
Cycling Classic’s 65th year to shine international spotlight on Glen Innes and Inverell
In what promises to be a landmark weekend for Australian cycling, the 65th anniversary edition of the Squadron Energy Grafton to Inverell will deliver high-speed action through Glen Innes before culminating at the finish line in Inverell.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Denise’s Desk: Low ATARs aren’t the teaching crisis. Why high achievers are walking away
Denise says if we are serious about teacher quality, the conversation needs to move beyond cheap ATAR panic and towards making teaching a profession that high-achieving students actively choose. The post Denise’s Desk: Low ATARs aren’t the teaching crisis. Why high achievers are walking away appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
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.
