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. The shock announcement last month that McLean Care services would be ‘transitioned’ to new operators caught the community by surprise, particularly in Inverell where there was a belief that the…
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.
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. More producers are investing time and resources into rebuilding soil health,…
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.
Local News
New $45 million program launched to fast-track feedlot innovation and adoption
Meat & Livestock Australia has launched a $45 million, five-year research program aimed at accelerating innovation and commercial adoption across Australia’s feedlot sector.
New preschool service fills regional gap at Wallabadah
A new mobile preschool has opened at Wallabadah Hall, giving local families greater access to early childhood education through Ooranga Family Mobile Resource Unit.
NarraBRIGHT to feature national lighting artists in expanded program
NarraBRIGHT will return in 2026 with its most ambitious program yet, featuring large-scale light installations and projections by nationally recognised artists Mandylights and Illuminart.
No fuel, no clue: Government blames panic buying as local suppliers run empty
If you see a Transwest truck on the road in the next couple of days, it’s likely to be empty. But the federal government says you’re the problem.
What's On
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Events
Old-time Music Jam @ Welder’s Dog BreweryEnds: March 12, 2026
ArtsNational Lecture: “The Brilliance of Brunel:…”Ends: 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.’
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.
Birds, mould, and fungus found throughout hospitals
After two patients died as a result of a fungal outbreak, a review of hospital maintenance has revealed disturbing infestations embedded in multiple facilities – including a major hospital in New England.
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
Regional Australia Bank named most recommended customer-owned bank
The Armidale headquartered Regional Australia Bank has won an award based on customer recommendations.
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.
- Opinion: Is democracy the worst form of government – apart from all the others?
James Ley asks five experts about the strengths and weaknesses of democracy, the face evidence that trust in democratic institutions is declining. The post Opinion: Is democracy the worst form of government – apart from all the others? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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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.
