Help deliver the 2026 Census – Jobs now open
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is recruiting more than 2,700 Field Managers as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Census.
Gaba-Baa Gallery brings new art space to Nundle
The village of Nundle is known for attracting creatives and it now has a new art gallery, which is becoming a new home for Indigenous and local artists.
Uralla Australia Day honours announced
The Uralla Shire community gathered to celebrate the heart of what makes this region extraordinary, its people.
Helping you look good and feel great this Feb
Fantastic Feb starts today! All this month we’re talking health, style. and wellbeing through local expertise, featuring insights, tips, and stories from community professionals like Sharayah Hill.
Local News
CWA Armidale marks 100 years with community celebration
The Country Women’s Association Armidale Branch is turning 100 — and the whole community is invited to help celebrate!
RFBI staff member joins DCM Institute 1000 Club
Tracy Howarth, a coordinator at RFBI’s New England retirement villages, has joined an elite group of professionals recognised by the DCM Institute for completing 1,000 points in its national development program.
200-tonne dilemma for Waterfall Way
The State Government will undertake a detailed corridor assessment of Waterfall Way and surrounding Mid-North Coast routes following a major landslip.
The Wolfe Brothers call for more Australian Made support
The Wolfe Brothers have used their massive haul of accolades at the Tamworth Country Music Festival to call for more support of Australian music and artists.
What's On
Coming Soon: 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 out Fantastic Feb promotion.
Events
Uralla High Country MarketsEnds: February 1, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: February 1, 2026
The INXS Tribute Show @ Welder’s Dog BreweryEnds: February 1, 2026
Pool Comp @ the St KildaEnds: February 1, 2026
Line Dancing for BeginnersEnds: February 2, 2026
Politics
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.
NFF calls for long term investment in agriculture
NFF has opted for the long view in a pre-budget submission to the federal government, seeking practical policy settings for the future of the sector
Glen Innes gets support on biochar vision
Glen Innes Severn Council has secured full support from the Local Government NSW board for its motion backing the Australian Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap
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.
Narrabri moves to Level 4 water restrictions as heat drives demand
Narrabri Shire Council will implement Level 4 water restrictions for the Narrabri township from 7am Saturday, 24 January, due to sustained high demand and forecast extreme heat
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
Tamworth’s 54th festival celebrates ever-increasing crowds and plans ahead
The last notes have been played at the 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival and the city is celebrating an extra successful event.
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
Crowds flock to Deepwater Races for a cracking day of country racing
The tiny village of Deepwater came alive on Saturday as more than 3,000 visitors descended on the New England town for one of the most anticipated days on the regional racing calendar.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Denise’s Desk: A Little Backpack, A Big World
Denise McHugh reflects on her granddaughter starting kindergarten, highlighting the importance of early education and thanking the teachers and staff who shape the future. The post Denise’s Desk: A Little Backpack, A Big World appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Tenterfield Australia Day honours announced
Tenterfield Shire Council honoured local heroes and welcomed new citizens during its 2026 Australia Day celebrations at the Tenterfield Showground.
Warialda and Bingara Australia Day honours announced
Community spirit was front and centre this Australia Day, as the Gwydir Shire recognised outstanding individuals and groups for their contributions throughout 2025.
