Armidale Eisteddfod entries open
Entries have opened for the 2026 Armidale Eisteddfod, with organisers inviting musicians, performers and composers of all ages to take part in one of the region’s longest-running cultural events.
Multicultural Festival to bring colour and community spirit to Inverell this Sunday
Inverell will celebrate culture, food and elite cycling this Sunday when the Multicultural Festival and ProVelo Super League criterium take over the Lake Inverell Off-Road Circuit.
Government still in denial on fuel supply issues
One retailer in Armidale has increased its prices over a three dollars a litre, while others have run out, and the government insists there is no supply issue.
Rowers point bows to Head of the River
Armidale School rowers will compete against the state’s best at the NSW Head of the River in Sydney this weekend.
Local News
Families to benfit from Council partnership with Centacare
Glen Innes Severn Council has partnered with Centacare New England North West to continue delivering weekly playgroup services for local families, ensuring ongoing access to early childhood support through a strong, community-focused partnership.
Slow progress as concerns raised around safety at McLean Care
Concerns are being raised about safety and care standards at McLean Care’s Inverell facilities as the organisation faces scrutiny over its future ownership and operations.
Giving consumers confidence through regen verification
Farmers across the New England are increasingly embracing regenerative agriculture, but for some, the challenge is ensuring those efforts are properly recognised, measured and supported over the long term with a verification and certification program that works for them.
Goo Goo Muck: New group exhibition opens at The Loft Tamworth
A new group exhibition celebrating local artists will open at The Loft Tamworth on Saturday, bringing together ceramics, painting, textiles and installation.
What's On
Do you make something here in the New England? We want to tell your story! Click here to find out more and submit your business today.
Events
ArtsNational Lecture: “The Brilliance of Brunel:…”Ends: March 12, 2026
Old-time Music Jam @ Welder’s Dog BreweryEnds: 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
Canavan new leader of the Nationals
Matt Canavan has been elected Nationals leader after David Littleproud’s shock resignation.
Littleproud quits as Nationals leader
Nationals leader David Littleproud has announced he is stepping down in a surprise decision, saying he’s ‘buggered.’
Water tensions spike as Basin review seeks community views
Northern Basin irrigators will be banned from floodplain capturing under new Menindee Lakes rules, as the once-a-decade Murray–Darling Basin Plan review begins.
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.
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.
Farmers warn of conservation “land grab”
A controversial proposal from an anti-farming environmental group risks handing control of private land to government under the guise of conservation.
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
Telstra to upgrade 4G and 5G services in Glen Innes
Telstra will upgrade its mobile base station at Martins Lookout, which services Glen Innes, to improve 4G and 5G connectivity for customers in the area.
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
Regional Academy Games launched in Tamworth
Regional sporting talent took centre stage in Tamworth with the official launch of the 2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: Where art thou, Barnaby?
RK Crosby says if Barnaby Joyce is too busy campaigning for One Nation to fight for New England, we deserve better. The post Begin Rant: Where art thou, Barnaby? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
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.
