Conspiracy theory of Joyce for PM gains momentum
One of the more far-fetched conspiracy theories circulating in political circles to explain the defection of Barnaby Joyce to One Nation last month was that it was part of an elaborate plan to both neutralise the party as a political threat – and ultimately elevate Joyce to the prime ministership.
From resolutions to results: getting serious about fitness in 2026
February can be your chance to hit reset, get intentional, and make your health and fitness goals feel not just achievable, but genuinely exciting.
Former UNE SRI boss to take helm of Country Universities Centre
University of New England SMART Region Incubator founding director Dr Lou Conway has been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Country Universities Centre
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.
Local News
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
At the core of Armidale’s sustainable heart is the collaborative community around the Sustainable Living Armidale organisation.
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.
What's On
From resolutions to results: getting serious about fitness in 2026
February can be your chance to hit reset, get intentional, and make your health and fitness goals feel not just achievable, but genuinely exciting.
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
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
Gwyn Ashton @ GuyraEnds: February 6, 2026
Politics
Anti-racism work collects dust as MPs ‘drive division’
A major plan to end racism has gone by the wayside as communities point the finger at politicians for exacerbating discrimination.
Glen Innes rates increase application lodged
Glen Innes Severn Council has formally lodged an application with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal seeking approval for a Special Rate Variation that would see general rates increase by 48.3 per cent over three years.
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.
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
Armidale: The story that doesn’t fit the stereotype
New England is often seen as sceptical of climate change, but Armidale has a rich history of caring for the environment dating back over half a century. Read part 1 of our special investigation.
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.
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.
- Roy’s Roundup: Lake Cargelligo tragedy, firearms laws & saving greyhound tracks
Roy Butler discusses the tragedy in Lake Cargelligo, efforts to wind back firearms legislation, and support for Warren flood victims. He also highlights "The Big Shout" charity, the inquiry into regional service delivery, and the fight to save greyhound tracks in Broken Hill. The post Roy’s Roundup: Lake Cargelligo tragedy, firearms laws & saving greyhound tracks 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.
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.
