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.
Tamworth dance teacher named Local Woman of the Year
Tamworth City Dance Academy principal Kellie Singh has been named the Tamworth Electorate’s Local Woman of the Year.
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.
Fresh face for Inverell’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Inverell’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial has a new lease on life after the local RSL Sub-Branch secured grant funding to refurbish the monument, so that generations to come can pay their respects.
Local News
Hillgrove mine project on track to ramp up mid-year
Larvotto Resources says development at the antimony-gold operation east of Armidale is advancing rapidly, with local jobs, regional spending, and long-term economic benefits already flowing.
Set for a full weekend of family fun at the first ever Armidale Running Festival
The inaugural Armidale Running Festival is running for the weekend of March 14-15 with 863 runners registered to run a combined total of 8,552.9km.
Armidale’s Kay Endres named Northern Tablelands Woman of the Year
Armidale councillor and community advocate Kay Endres has been named the 2026 Northern Tablelands Electorate Woman of the Year ahead of International Women’s Day.
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.

What's On

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Events
SportUNE Golf DayEnds: March 6, 2026
Chamber Philharmonia Cologne ConcertEnds: March 6, 2026
150th Armidale ShowEnds: March 6, 2026
The Woman in Black @ the PlayhouseEnds: March 6, 2026
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: March 7, 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?
Farm production forecast to top $100 billion ahead of target
Australia’s farm gate production value is forecast to exceed $100 billion this financial year, four years ahead of the National Farmers Federation’s 2030 target.
Farm financial skills workshop to boost resilience
New England-based primary producers have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, free of charge, at a practical workshop designed to help provide financial skills key to managing a farming business.
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 >
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
High speed EV chargers to benefit residents and visitors
Two Superfast Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers have been installed in Armidale’s Cinders Lane Carpark and will benefit residents and visitors alike. They were officially opened on Monday 2 March.
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
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.
- Opinion: Sometimes the best thing a man can do is step aside
RK Crosby writes that every time International Women’s Day rolls around somewhere, somehow, a man decides that what the day really needs is… him. The post Opinion: Sometimes the best thing a man can do is step aside appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
New hub to boost women-owned businesses in NSW
The NSW Government has invested more than $190,000 to support the launch of what is being described as Australia’s first database dedicated to showcasing women-owned businesses.
Armidale Ute Show gets set to celebrate 10 years
Utes are being washed and polished to help celebrate The Armidale Ute Show’s 10th birthday on March 7, as part of the annual Armidale Show.






