Support for kids with autism delayed after pushback
Parents of Australian children living with autism have been left in limbo after state and federal leaders agreed to delay an early intervention 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.
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
Local News
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.
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.
Regional Australia Bank announces another merger
Regional Australia Bank and SWSbank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a potential merger that would focus on supporting regional communities.
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.
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!
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Events
An Evening of Play & ClayEnds: January 31, 2026
Bitz of Buzz @ TattersallsEnds: January 31, 2026
Issi Dye @ the ServiesEnds: January 31, 2026
Dudd @ the NewieEnds: January 31, 2026
Uralla High Country MarketsEnds: February 1, 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.
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
NSW Government plans to outlaw dogs in hot cars, but no certainty yet
The NSW Government has announced plans to introduce a new offence for leaving dogs unattended in hot vehicles, but uncertainty remains over when the laws will be finalised
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.
Golden rules reminder for summer spraying
Farmers spraying weeds this summer are reminded of the golden rules to prevent drift and avoid damage to neighbouring properties.
Energy and Environment
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
Level 1 Water Restrictions to begin in Gunnedah and Curlewis
Gunnedah Shire Council has announced that Level 1 Water Restrictions will come into effect for the townships of Gunnedah and Curlewis from 12am on Thursday, 8 January 2026, following a sustained increase in water consumption across the local supply system.
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
- QW: Politicians need to stop talking and start doing
Thelma Yoong writes: If it took us all 3 years to pass a suggestion at our workplace, nothing would get done. That is this Parliament now. We know Net Zero is destroying our lives... please politicians get off your soap boxes and change the rules. The post QW: Politicians need to stop talking and start doing appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
New England warmly welcomes new citizens on Australia Day
Across New England, Australia Day 2026 was a day of pride, celebration, and community spirit as councils welcomed new Australian citizens and recognised outstanding locals.
Hands of Fame welcomes Jodi Vaughan and The Wolfe Brothers
Two very different careers, but the same lasting impact on Australian country music, were recognised on Saturday morning when the 2026 Hands of Fame inductees were honoured in Tamworth.
