Grant-backed programs deliver practical support for Ashford families
A community donation is helping Ashford families access free school holiday activities and practical health support, easing pressure on households across Inverell Shire.
Cattle truck in fatal crash closing New England Highway
The New England Highway has been closed in both directions at Moonbi following a serious crash involving a truck and a car, with reports of people trapped and cattle loose at the scene.
Call for entries: 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards
Heritage groups, councils and community organisations across the New England region are being urged to showcase their work, with entries now open for the 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards.
Groovin back after two year break
Groovin The Moo is set to return in 2026 with a one-off show in Lismore, marking a carefully staged comeback
Local 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.
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
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.
Changed traffic conditions on Gwydir Highway between Grafton and Glen Innes
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions at multiple locations on the Gwydir Highway between Grafton and Glen Innes this week.
Events
New England Wedding ShowcaseEnds: February 22, 2026
Pool Comp @ the St KildaEnds: February 22, 2026
2026 Marian Barford Award ConcertEnds: February 22, 2026
Classical Music @ NERAMEnds: February 22, 2026
DJ “Bad Shepherd” @ Welder’s Dog BarEnds: February 22, 2026
Politics
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.
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.
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.
Energy and Environment
Armidale activates Level 1 water restrictions
After weeks of hot weather and little rain, Armidale Regional Council has moved to impose Level 1 water restrictions across the region.
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.
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
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.
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.
- QW: As I see Barnaby’s defection
Christine Stiles says: It’s fairly simple. If I’d been gagged at the last election from campaigning by my party leader and encouraged by the Coalition leader to resign, I’d get the message that I was no longer wanted! The post QW: As I see Barnaby’s defection appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Walcha Coffee claims three bronzes 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.
Tamworth talent search win for Boggabri’s Sam Snape
Boggabri farmer and singer-songwriter Sam Snape hit all the right notes in the TMFM Discovered competition during the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival.
