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.
New Year, new notes: Armidale City Band welcomes aspiring musicians
In 2026, the Armidale City Band is opening the door to new members, inviting people of all ages to try their hand at brass and discover what it’s like to make music as part of a community group.
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.
Local News
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Nic Palmer @ the Alternate RootEnds: January 30, 2026
An Evening of Play & ClayEnds: January 30, 2026
Jodie Crosby @ the BowloEnds: January 30, 2026- An Evening of Play & ClayEnds: January 31, 2026
Bitz of Buzz @ TattersallsEnds: January 31, 2026
Politics
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
“Untenable”: Nats leader says coalition over with Libs
The coalition has split for the second time in less than a year, with Nationals leader David Littleproud saying the partnership with the Liberals is untenable.
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
Hazlewood is battling to be fit for the T20 World Cup
Pakistan is looking forward to three T20 internationals the team will play in Lahore against Australia in the build-up to the World Cup.
On engage now
- Opinion: Nationals can now really represent bush
Mal Peters argues the Nationals split is a welcome move, freeing them from the Liberal "handbrake" to truly represent the bush. He backs David Littleproud to lead a strong opposition while criticizing Barnaby Joyce’s superficial politics. The post Opinion: Nationals can now really represent bush appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Narrabri Shire Australia Day honours announced
Narrabri Shire marked Australia Day with a morning of celebration, recognising the exceptional individuals who make a lasting impact on the local community.
Barraba and Nundle Australia Day honours announced
Barraba and Nundle have announced their Australia Day award winners – see who won!
