World War II fighter plane to thunder over Armidale this Autumn
Armidale’s Autumn Festival is set to soar to new heights with the announcement that Paul Bennet Airshows will headline this year’s event, bringing world-class aviation excitement to the skies above the city.
Barraba Show saddles up for its 115th ride into town
The Barraba Show turns 115 this year, and while many cherished traditions remain in 2026, new events are set to thrill crowds.
Tamworth Regional Gallery hosts award-winning exhibition
Tamworth Regional Gallery is one of four NSW regional galleries chosen to exhibit the award-winning exhibition sensorial until 26 April.
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.
Local News
Further school transport changes during Waterfall Way closure
Transport for NSW will add interim bus services from Monday to support students affected by the Waterfall Way closure.
UNE will pioneer flexible medical pathway for rural health workers
Eight allied health professionals get a chance to study medicine while continuing to work in their communities.
“Standing on the shoulders of giants”: Joel Ulbricht to lead Tamworth festival
Taking on the role of festival manager at the Tamworth Country Music Festival is a “bucket list opportunity” for Joel Ulbricht, who is focused on building on the event’s 54-year legacy.
Tabletop gamers prepare to roll into Armidale for 40K tournament
Armidale’s tabletop gaming community is preparing to roll the dice for their upcoming 2K Warhammer 40K Tournament, 40K On Ice.
What's On
From India’s biggest gathering to a daily festival in northern NSW
While the world watched millions gather in India for a rare event, a quiet farm in the Tweed Valley celebrates every single day. New Govardhana offers a spiritual sanctuary where visitors can experience a different pace of life.
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Events
Line Dancing for BeginnersEnds: February 16, 2026
Trivia Night – O’WeekEnds: February 16, 2026
Dessert & Games – O’WeekEnds: February 17, 2026
Armidale AmblersEnds: February 18, 2026
Bush Dance – O’WeekEnds: February 18, 2026
Politics
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
Moree Plains Council cautious in progressing the SAP
Moree Plains Shire Council is taking a cautious, staged approach as it moves toward the next phase of the Moree Special Activation Precinct, seeking to balance the long-term economic promise with the financial realities.
Coalition to reunite as feuding leaders strike deal
The leaders of the federal Liberal and National parties have struck a deal to get the coalition back together and return senior MPs to the front bench.
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
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.
Blue-green algae Red Alert for Malpas Dam
A Red Alert has been issued for Malpas Dam near Guyra after high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae were detected in untreated water, prompting health warnings for residents and visitors.
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
Ascent changes services to strengthen delivery model
Ascent has announced it is expanding supported living and respite services while reshaping its Armidale operations to better meet participant needs in a changing NDIS landscape.
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
NRL HOGS coming to Gunnedah, Moree, Tamworth
The NRL HOGS National Tour is getting underway today, with the annual grassroots initiative once again rolling into regional communities to promote rugby league, connect with young players and celebrate the people who keep the game strong in rural areas.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: Barnaby Joyce
I disagree wholeheartedly with Denise’s comments on Barnaby Joyce today. He got out of the national party because he was no longer aligned to their ideology, infighting with liberals, marriage on then off again. He saw what was happening in his own party. I saw him in the streets here in Bendemeer where I live The post QW: Barnaby Joyce appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Tamworth talent search win for Boggabri’s Sam Snape
Boggabri farmer and singer-songwriter Sam Snape hit all the right notes in the TMFM Discovered competition during the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival.
New England warmly welcomes new citizens on Australia Day
Across New England, Australia Day 2026 was a day of pride, celebration, and community spirit as councils welcomed new Australian citizens and recognised outstanding locals.
