Narrabri Gas Project nears final green light
It’s been over a decade in the making, but after years of jumping legal, environmental and government hurdles, the Narrabri Gas Project is close to a final decision.
Central Park gathering planned to support Iranian democracy movement
A peaceful community gathering will take place in Armidale’s Central Park on Sunday, February 8, to show solidarity with people in Iran who are calling for democratic reform and an end to the current Islamic regime.
Hands on healing to calm the body and soul
Reiki, lymphatic massage and other gentle ‘hands on’ body based practices are attracting a growing number of people quietly turning to them when stress, illness or burnout refuses to shift
Delays and closures on Kamilaroi Highway
Motorists travelling on the Kamilaroi Highway are being warned to expect a difficult few weeks, with a full overnight closure at Curlewis next week, as well as delays near Quirindi for most of February.
Local News
It’s show time for Ashford, Guyra, and Inverell!
Rounding out February are three iconic events – the Ashford Show, Guyra Show, and Inverell Show – and they are set to bring together families, farmers, artisans and visitors for a celebration of rural life, competition, entertainment and community connection.
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
What's On
Hands on healing to calm the body and soul
Reiki, lymphatic massage and other gentle ‘hands on’ body based practices are attracting a growing number of people quietly turning to them when stress, illness or burnout refuses to shift
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
Tingha Community MarketsEnds: February 7, 2026
Show & Shine @ UrallaEnds: February 7, 2026
Hannah Nielson @ TattersallsEnds: February 7, 2026
Hillgrove Social NightEnds: February 7, 2026
Uralla ShowEnds: February 7, 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
The Black Gully Festival: sustainability you can feel
Each year, the Black Gully Creek Reserve behind the New England Regional Art Museum fills with music, colour and conversation in a festival that brings sustainability to life. Read part 2 of our special investigation.
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.
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
Real support for local sporting stars of tomorrow
From Europe-bound hockey dreams to a rowing boat named Bubbles, New England’s next generation of sporting stars are chasing big goals with a little help from home.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: We either believe in Human Rights for all or we don’t
Annabel Doherty from Armidale writes: An act of terrorism occurred on Noongar Country in Boorloo on 26 January 2026. The people targeted were supporting a First Nations Invasion Day event. The post Opinion: We either believe in Human Rights for all or we don’t appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
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.
