Inverell’s McLean Care quits aged care, CEO quits McLean
McLean Care is looking to transition its six aged care facilities, including those in Inverell, Guyra and Gunnedah, as well as homecare and other aged care services, to new owners.
New England Wedding Showcase returns to Armidale this February
Couples planning their big day will have the chance to connect with some of the region’s most trusted wedding professionals when the New England Wedding Showcase returns to Armidale at the end of this month.
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.
Healthier skin begins with simpler, more conscious choices
In a world of crowded bathroom shelves and complex skincare routines, healthier skin is often less about adding the latest product and more about understanding what the skin is exposed to every day.
Local News
Beaut utes shine at Bundarra show
Utes rolled into the New England on Saturday, January 31 from across the region and beyond for the seventh annual Bundarra Ute Show.
Local produce takes centre stage at Glen Innes Show and Gourmet Fiesta
One of New England’s most loved community traditions is almost here, with the Glen Innes Show returning next weekend. Organisers say this year’s program is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.
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
Huge funding boost for Glen Innes’ Youth Booth
More than $665,000 in NSW Government funding will strengthen youth services and Aboriginal early childhood support in Glen Innes
What's On
Healthier skin begins with simpler, more conscious choices
In a world of crowded bathroom shelves and complex skincare routines, healthier skin is often less about adding the latest product and more about understanding what the skin is exposed to every day.
Be part of Fantastic Feb
Are you someone we can talk to about health, fitness, beauty, and general wellbeing? Throughout February we’re going to be helping New Englanders look and feel fantastic. So if this is your area of business or you have some advice to share, we want to hear from you!
Please drop your details here so we can get in contact and potentially include you in Fantastic Feb.
Events
Armidale AmblersEnds: February 11, 2026
Skeptics In The Pub – Fearing the Death of Art?Ends: February 11, 2026
World Wetlands DayEnds: February 12, 2026
Old-time Music Jam @ Welder’s Dog BreweryEnds: February 12, 2026
No Lights No LycraEnds: February 12, 2026
Politics
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.
Rival leaders dig in as clock ticks on coalition deal
Neither Liberal leader Sussan Ley nor Nationals counterpart David Littleproud are willing to cede ground as prospects of an imminent coalition reunion diminish.
Conspiracy theory of Joyce for PM gains momentum
One of the more far-fetched conspiracy theories circulating in political circles to explain the defection of Barnaby Joyce to One Nation last month was that it was part of an elaborate plan to both neutralise the party as a political threat – and ultimately elevate Joyce to the prime ministership.
Anti-racism work collects dust as MPs “drive division”
A major plan to end racism has gone by the wayside as communities point the finger at politicians for exacerbating discrimination.
Barnaby wants people to drink more in pubs
As the Albanese government moved to freeze increases to the beer excise for the first time in 40 years, Barnaby Joyce argued that the excise should be scrapped completely to “save” regional pubs.
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
Fist nations org encourages to apply for climate solutions funding
First Nations-led organisations across regional Australia are being encouraged to apply for a new round of funding aimed at supporting locally driven climate solutions
Everyday action creating lasting change
At the core of Armidale’s sustainable heart is the collaborative community around the Sustainable Living Armidale organisation.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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?
Giving little learners a Star Start to school at Your Tutor Armidale
Families across Armidale are being invited to give their children a confident and positive start to school through the Star Starter School Readiness Program, launching at Your Tutor in Armidale in January…
BUSINESS
Narrabri Gas Project nears final green light
It’s been over a decade in the making, but after years of jumping legal, environmental and government hurdles, the Narrabri Gas Project is close to a final decision.
INDIGENOUS
Scholarship to empower young Indigenous storytellers
Applications are now open for the fourth annual Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, with emerging Indigenous creatives across New South Wales invited to apply for the 2026 program.
SPORT
Real support for local sporting stars of tomorrow
From Europe-bound hockey dreams to a rowing boat named Bubbles, New England’s next generation of sporting stars are chasing big goals with a little help from home.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: An ‘AI afterlife’ is now a real option – but what becomes of your legal status?
Generative AI now allows you to create a "digital twin" for your loved ones to interact with after you die. But this booming "grief tech" industry raises serious unanswered questions about copyright, privacy, and who actually owns your digital identity once you are gone. The post Opinion: An ‘AI afterlife’ is now a real option – but what becomes of your legal status? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Uralla Australia Day honours announced
The Uralla Shire community gathered to celebrate the heart of what makes this region extraordinary, its people.
Crowds flock to Deepwater Races for a cracking day of country racing
The tiny village of Deepwater came alive on Saturday as more than 3,000 visitors descended on the New England town for one of the most anticipated days on the regional racing calendar.
