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, although the three projects are at very different stages of development and all remain subject to planning approval. The NSW Government has confirmed contracts have been awarded for the Armidale East…
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.
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
Armidale warned of falling dam levels
Armidale Regional Council is warning residents to prepare for the possible introduction of Level 1 water restrictions as ongoing hot and dry conditions begin to impact local water storages.
Local News
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.
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.
Give your unused devices to help kids learn
New England businesses are being asked to donate unused devices to help kids learn as new data reveals a growing number of young Australians are returning to the classroom without access to a computer at home.
Central Park gathering planned to support Iranian democracy movement
A peaceful community gathering will take place in Armidale’s Central Park on Sunday, February 8, to show solidarity with people in Iran who are calling for democratic reform and an end to the current Islamic regime.
What's On
Motherhood, neurodivergence, and the breaking point we don’t talk about
Jen Laurie from Her Herd joins us for Fantastic Feb, writing from her viewpoint on late diagnosis of neurodivergence and why we need to talk about what is overwhelming us.
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
Line Dancing for BeginnersEnds: February 9, 2026
Armidale AmblersEnds: February 11, 2026
Skeptics In The Pub – Fearing the Death of Art?Ends: February 11, 2026
Old-time Music Jam @ Welder’s Dog BreweryEnds: February 12, 2026
Drag Trivia @ the BowloEnds: 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
The Black Gully Festival: sustainability you can feel
Each year, the Black Gully Creek Reserve behind the New England Regional Art Museum fills with music, colour and conversation in a festival that brings sustainability to life. Read part 2 of our special investigation.
Armidale: The story that doesn’t fit the stereotype
New England is often seen as sceptical of climate change, but Armidale has a rich history of caring for the environment dating back over half a century. Read part 1 of our special investigation.
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
Major NBN fibre upgrade milestone reached in Wee Waa
More than 900 homes and businesses in Wee Waa are now eligible to upgrade to full fibre through the National Broadband Network’s Fibre to the Premises service.
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.
- Denise’s Desk: Why backing One Nation is an experiment Australia can’t afford
Watching the rise of Pauline Hanson and the renewed chatter about One Nation as a plausible alternative government, it is worth applying a simple test of reality. The post Denise’s Desk: Why backing One Nation is an experiment Australia can’t afford appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
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.
