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.
Practical Sheep and Cattle Skills for Women in Agriculture
Northern Tablelands women in agriculture are set to benefit from a series of hands-on livestock handling workshops this March, delivered by Northern Tablelands Local Land Services in collaboration with Land to Table.
Quirindi’s Killara feedlot sold to AMG
Elders Limited has entered into an agreement to sell its Killara Feedlot operation near Quirindi to Australian Meat Group Pty Ltd (AMG) in a deal worth approximately $195.8 million.
Narrabri Shire to host 2026 DNCO Visitor Experiences Summit
Narrabri Shire will host the 2026 Visitor Experiences Summit, bringing tourism operators from across Country and Outback NSW to the region.
Local News
TAS through to regional Douglas Shield final
The Armidale School’s First XI advanced to the regional final of the Douglas Shield with a commanding win over St Philip’s Christian College.
Last chance to sign petition for 24 hour policing in Gunnedah
A last push is underway to bolster support for a petition calling for 24-hour policing in Gunnedah, with just weeks remaining before it closes.
Barraba to join New England Rugby competition in 2026
Barraba Rugby Union will join the New England Rugby competition in 2026, expanding both the First Grade and women’s competitions.
Don’t wait to access support and protect your mental health
Local mental health practitioners say many people are still waiting too long before accessing counselling or psychological support.

Events
No Lights No LycraEnds: February 26, 2026
All You Can Eat Pizza & Games @ Welder’s Dog BreweryEnds: February 26, 2026
“Fovndlings” @ Welder’s Dog BarEnds: February 26, 2026
Saintly Devil DancersEnds: February 27, 2026
Chris White @ the BowloEnds: February 27, 2026
Politics
Barwon leads the state in rooftop solar
Regional NSW is dominating rooftop solar adoption across the state, with nine of the top 10 electorates for installations located outside metropolitan Sydney
Calls for urgent action on community preschool pay after Fair Work recommendation
The NSW Government is facing renewed pressure to lift funding for community preschools after the Fair Work Commission backed a union push to increase wages
Cumberland tragedy raises questions about security at Banksia
The escape of two patients from a Sydney mental health facility has prompted NSW upper house member Mark Banasiak to demand urgent answers from the Government about staffing and security at Tamworth’s Banksia Mental Health Unit
Australian-first crime fighting drone trial takes flight in Moree
An Australian-first drone trial underway in Moree is helping frontline police prevent, disrupt and respond to crime in the community.
Taylor stacks new Liberal front bench with allies
Prominent conservatives will return to the front bench as Opposition Leader Angus Taylor unveils his first shadow cabinet.
Rural women set to connect at national agriculture conference
Rural and regional women from across the country will head to Orange from 27 to 29 July 2026 for the 2026 Australian Women in Agriculture National Conference.
Beef spared from latest Trump tariff tantie
Australian beef exports appear set to dodge the latest twist in United States President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff saga, with industry leaders confirming reports that local producers will retain zero tariff access.
Energy and Environment
Renewable manufacturing boost for Moree fertiliser project
Hiringa Energy has been awarded $9.4m to further green ammonia production near Moree.
NSW Farmers takes “weird” move on Narrabri gas project
In what has been described as a ‘weird’ and ‘dumb’ move by some former NSW Farmers Board members, President Xavier Martin is backing a resolution seeking support from Members to invest $1m in a court case against the Narrabri Gas Project.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
“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.
Unleash epic adventures with the X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra from Tow World
Whether you’re chasing rugged trails, beachside sunsets, or mountainside campfires, the Tow World X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra is your ticket to a life lived outside the ordinary.
BUSINESS
Announcing the launch of North Coast Times
Today, as New England Times marks three years of independent regional journalism, we are proud to announce the launch of a new sister publication: North Coast Times.
INDIGENOUS
New plan to address violence against Indigenous women and children
Australia’s first standalone national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children has been launched
SPORT
Tamworth hosts transferred Quirindi Cup meeting
Tamworth Jockey Club hosted the relocated Elders Killara Feedlot Quirindi Cup meeting yesterday, delivering a strong day of local success after Racing NSW transferred the fixture from Quirindi due to track concerns.
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Good News
Glen Innes approves Mayoral community impact fund and school leadership awards
Glen Innes Severn Council has approved a Mayoral Community Impact Fund, creating a new program to support community-led initiatives, recognise volunteers, and respond to urgent local needs.
The platypuses are back: Uralla Creek shows signs of renewal
There’s a quiet sense of excitement building along Uralla Creek, with recent sightings suggesting one of Australia’s most iconic native animals may be making a long-awaited return.








