Calls for better communication and transparency around McLean Care
The shock and concern following the announcement that Inverell based McLean Care would be exiting the aged care business continue to ripple through the community, with calls for greater transparency and more information.
Glen Innes Health Hub ends face-to-face GP service
The Glen Innes Health Hub has transitioned from face-to-face GP appointments to a telehealth model following a review of its in-person pilot service.
Greyhounds to Steal Hearts at Tamworth Adoption Day
The gentle giants of the dog world are heading to Tamworth this February, with Greyhounds As Pets bringing their state-wide rehoming effort to the Tamworth Community Markets, and organisers say the benefits of adoption go well beyond finding a furry companion.
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.
Local News
Happy Lifesaver Day! New students settle in to UNE
UNE Tamworth’s unique, personalised, student support model will be front-and-centre at the University’s orientation day for local students and their families this month.
Walcha Coffee Claims Three Bronze at World Series
Walcha Coffee has claimed three bronze medals at the 2026 Golden Bean World Series, placing in every category it entered against a strong international field.
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.
A simple cup, a healthier habit: why tea is worth the ritual
Today in Fantastic Feb, Ross Patch of the Daily Ritual shares with us his thoughts on why tea is good for you – even if it’s just the ritual of having a cuppa and a moment for yourself.
What's On
Greyhounds to Steal Hearts at Tamworth Adoption Day
The gentle giants of the dog world are heading to Tamworth this February, with Greyhounds As Pets bringing their state-wide rehoming effort to the Tamworth Community Markets, and organisers say the benefits of adoption go well beyond finding a furry companion.
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
Guyra Show 2026Ends: February 20, 2026
Art Exhibition @ Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping PlaceEnds: February 20, 2026
Shearing: Guyra versus NSW State TeamEnds: February 20, 2026
Dinner @ Dumaresq – O’WeekEnds: February 20, 2026
The Complete PackageEnds: February 20, 2026
Politics
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.
Joyce party switch triggers resurgence of Voices
A renewed community movement is taking shape across the New England electorate, with Voices of New England officially regrouping and committing to strengthening active democracy in the lead up to the 2028 Federal Election.
Women leaders get up-close look at large scale renewables
A delegation of women in local government from across New South Wales has visited the Sapphire Wind Farm near Inverell, getting an up-close look at how large-scale renewable energy projects operate.
Angus Taylor new leader of the Liberal Party
Angus Taylor has been elected Liberal leader after defeating Sussan Ley in a spill, deposing the party’s first female leader after less than a year.
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.
Farm Table launches new digital hub for Australian Agriculture
Farm Table has officially launched FarmTable.TV, a dedicated national platform bringing together podcasts, video content and storytelling from across Australian agriculture and regional communities.
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.
Energy and Environment
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.
Nearly $1 million boost for Uralla water security as restrictions return
Level 2 water restrictions are back and a discoloured water alert is current, but things are looking up for Uralla Shire’s long-term water security, set to receive a major boost in NSW Government funding.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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.
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?
BUSINESS
Telstra upgrades to boost 4G and 5G capacity in Taminda
Residents and businesses in Taminda may experience temporary mobile disruptions this week as Telstra upgrades a local base station to boost 4G and 5G performance.
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
NSW Country Championships to return to Tamworth in 2026
Tamworth will host the NSW Country Senior Championships again in 2026, with the three-day tournament expected to draw about 1,500 players and supporters to the region.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: Ever-Growing Costs of Fast Rail and Inland Rail: Is There a Better Way?
Siri Gamage questions the $90 billion price tag of the Sydney–Newcastle fast rail, arguing that investment should instead focus on regional corridors like the Great Northern Railway to unlock inland economic potential. The post Opinion: Ever-Growing Costs of Fast Rail and Inland Rail: Is There a Better Way? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Barraba Show saddles up for its 115th ride into town
The Barraba Show turns 115 this year, and while many cherished traditions remain in 2026, new events are set to thrill crowds.
Narrabri woman nominated for midwife of the year
Susan Sargent says she’s just a country girl doing her job and was surprised to be nominated
