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.
Everyday action creating lasting change
New England is often portrayed as an “anti–net zero” heartland – derided for being sceptical of climate action and resistant to change. While the electorate has historically leaned conservative, the extreme “anti-net zero” framing is recent and driven by national media. The reality is far more complex and a much…
Academy scholarship opens new musical world for Tamworth’s Travis Mitchel Evans
A scholarship to The CMAA Academy of Country Music has opened a whole new musical world to Tamworth’s Travis Mitchel Evans.
More than a chat: Inside the Base Five Men’s Circle
In a world that rarely slows down, Base Five is quietly building something powerful in Tamworth: a space where people can reconnect with their bodies, regulate stress, and have the kinds of conversations that don’t often happen in everyday life.
Local News
What’s On at the Tenterfield Show this weekend?
The much-loved Tenterfield Show is set to return to the Tenterfield Showground this February, bringing two big days of country tradition, competition and family fun to the region.
Nurturing your gut, supporting your mind
Naturopath Olivia Nivison says small changes in diet, lifestyle, and mindset can make a huge difference to your gut and your mental wellbeing
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.
Tahs on the hunt for next champion cricketer
Do you have a young Ellyse Perry or Josh Hazlewood in your midst? Applications are open now for the 2026 Waratahs Ian Campbell Scholarship
What's On
More than a chat: Inside the Base Five Men’s Circle
In a world that rarely slows down, Base Five is quietly building something powerful in Tamworth: a space where people can reconnect with their bodies, regulate stress, and have the kinds of conversations that don’t often happen in everyday life.
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
Pub Choir @ Big Welder’s DogEnds: February 4, 2026
No Lights No LycraEnds: February 5, 2026
In the Shadow of the Gallows – Pub CinemaEnds: February 5, 2026
Walcha CupEnds: February 6, 2026
Cocktails & Grazing Boards @ the Alternate RootEnds: February 6, 2026
Politics
Nationals leader secure after spill bid falls flat
David Littleproud will remain leader of the Nationals after Queensland MP Colin Boyce failed to garner the support of colleagues for a spill motion.
Victim relief as key sentencing test to be abolished
People convicted of a crime will no longer receive lesser sentences because they are of “good character” in a seismic change to deliver more justice to victims.
Hastie out of leadership battle; Nationals given deadline to save coalition
Sussan Ley’s leadership of the Liberals is more certain, as she gives the Nationals a week to rejoin the coalition.
Party elder pleads for Nationals to stop the infighting
The Nationals must put aside their grievances and target being an effective opposition, a former deputy prime minister says, while another local politician points to a possible new leader.
Nationals set for leadership challenge
David Littleproud will face a challenge for the leadership of the Nationals when parliament resumes from a close ally of Barnaby Joyce.
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.
The century-long battle against weeds heads to space
It might have a romantic name but African lovegrass wreaks havoc on the landscape, as researchers trial satellite technology and AI to combat the invasive weed.
Energy and Environment
Narrabri maintains level 4 water restrictions with limited sprinkler exemption
Level 4 water restrictions will remain in place for Narrabri township, however a temporary, town-wide sprinkler exemption will be introduced to help balance community needs with water supply sustainability.
Significant local opposition to Kingswood Battery
Calala, Loomberah and Kingswood area residents concerned about a proposed large scale battery storage project will have a direct opportunity to put their views to state planning decision makers
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
NSW Aboriginal Languages Educational Scholarships Open for 2025–26
Aboriginal people across New South Wales are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of funding under the NSW Aboriginal Languages Educational Scholarship Program, with applications opening in December.
SPORT
Revenge is brewing in the PBR Australia bucking arena
Australia’s biggest bull riding showdown is back, as the 2026 PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series reignites the fierce NSW–Queensland rivalry—with the Maroons out for revenge after a record-breaking Blues victory last year.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- A major overhaul of NZ’s local government is underway – will it really fix what’s broken?
New Zealand's "Simplifying Local Government" proposal aims to abolish regional councils for efficiency. However, the plan risks reducing democratic representation, eliminating Māori constituencies, and failing to fix underlying funding issues. The post A major overhaul of NZ’s local government is underway – will it really fix what’s broken? 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.
Inverell Australia Day honours announced
Three celebrations were held across Inverell Shire on Monday, as locals gathered to recognise outstanding contributions made by community members, who were awarded Australia Day honours.
