Regional communities footing the bill as local airports run at a loss
Regional councils are propping up loss-making airports to keep essential services running.
NarraBRIGHT shines bigger in 2026
Narrabri will light up for the sixth annual NarraBRIGHT on April 10 with the biggest light show it’s hosted yet. The community celebration aims to attract visitors from across the New England North West and beyond.
Fuel, rates and living costs drive new migration to the regions – if they have a good postcode
We may be looking at a second wave of migration to the regions, but a postcode lending lottery could make things hard for some looking to make the move.
Roll up, roll up! Ashton’s Great Australian Circus heads to the New England
The big top is set to rise once again across the New England and North West as the Great Australian Circus rolls into town this autumn, bringing acrobatics, laughter and high-energy entertainment for audiences of all ages.
Local News
PLC Armidale tennis team headed to Sydney
PLC Armidale has named its 2026 Tildesley tennis team, with the squad set to travel to Sydney to compete against leading independent girls’ schools.
Armidale to host Bach festival fundraiser as new co-directors step in
An afternoon of Baroque music and community connection will mark a new chapter for the New England Bach Festival.
Walcha Motorcycle Rally paused as Council steps back following 2025 crash
The much-loved Walcha Motorcycle Rally will not go ahead in 2026, with Walcha Council confirming it will step back from its role as organiser and financial backer following last year’s serious demolition derby accident.
Aquatic centre project moves closer to construction in Tamworth
Tamworth’s long-awaited aquatic centre is edging closer to construction, with council moving into the final stages of planning and design as the swimming season comes to a close.
What's On
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Events
VERGE Garden WorkshopEnds: March 21, 2026
Frisian Whitework Embroidery Workshop with Yvette StantonEnds: March 22, 2026
The Armidale Antiques & Collectables FairEnds: March 22, 2026
Pioneer Village Vintage Tractor Show & Tractor PullEnds: March 22, 2026
Fundraising Concert: New England Bach FestivalEnds: March 28, 2026
Politics
ACCC launches probe into fuel giants as shortages deepen across regions
Action is finally being taken to deal with the fuel crisis, with the competition watchdog launching an enforcement investigation into major suppliers role in supply disruptions and alleged anti-competitive conduct impacting regional communities.
Digital birth certificates rolled out for young people in NSW
Young people across NSW can now carry their birth certificate on their phone, with the state government launching a new Digital Birth Certificate in an Australian first.
Chaffey adds to responsibilities in “posse of patriots”
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey has taken on additional responsibilities in the Nationals’ newly announced shadow ministry
Wild dog baiting programs underway across NSW
The NSW Government has launched its autumn wild dog control campaign, with aerial and ground baiting programs underway across the state to help protect livestock, native wildlife and pets.
Tamworth distributor Transwest secures late invite to NSW fuel roundtable
The New England will be wishing local Transwest Fuels luck as they take their seat as one of only two independent regional suppliers at a fuel security roundtable convened by the NSW Government today.
Barnaby Joyce calls for fuel rations, says Hanson uneducated
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has called for fuel rationing to ensure that trucks can get the fuel they need to keep the nation moving on the ABC’s Insider’s program this morning.
Satellite breakthrough promises whole-of-herd monitoring for livestock producers
A new satellite technology capable of monitoring entire livestock herds in real time could soon transform farming across the region
Walcha grazing property earns 28,859 carbon credits through soil project
A Walcha grazier has generated 28,859 carbon credits through a soil carbon project improving land health and farm income.
Energy and Environment
No answers, more talk fests for fuel crisis
Regional communities are facing more pain and few answers as governments continue to insist fuel supply remains secure, despite clear evidence of shortages, rising prices and growing pressure
Aussie firm to roll out AI-in-a-box in regional areas
A network of portable data centres could be installed throughout Australia’s regions as part of a plan to power artificial intelligence with renewable energy.
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
Autumn a critical window for farm management
Landholders across NSW are being encouraged to make the most of their land this autumn as they manage varying conditions across NSW.
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
Gold and bronze for TAS rowers at Head of the River
Rowers from The Armidale School have delivered strong performances at the NSW Schoolgirl and Schoolboy Head of the River in Sydney, with podium finishes and season-best efforts across the board.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Begin Rant: We never dealt with COVID and it shows
RK Crosby writes that according to a One Nation fan, she is responsible for fuel prices, his unemployment, whatever was wrong with his car, a court decision denying him custody of his children, the lack of staff at the front desk, the war with Iran, the general state of the world, and some sprawling conspiracy… The post Begin Rant: We never dealt with COVID and it shows appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Glen Innes student wins Lions Youth of the Year zone final
A Glen Innes student has taken the next step towards national recognition after winning the Zone Final of the Lions Youth of the Year competition
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.
