Cumberland tragedy raises questions about security at Banksia
The escape of two patients from a Sydney mental health facility has prompted NSW upper house member Mark Banasiak to demand urgent answers from the Government about staffing and security at Tamworth’s Banksia Mental Health Unit
Armidale Ute Show gets set to celebrate 10 years
Utes are being washed and polished to help celebrate The Armidale Ute Show’s 10th birthday on March 7, as part of the annual Armidale Show.
Council moves to reinforce public trust in code breach decision
Council has reaffirmed that former Cr Troy Arandale breached the Code of Conduct, following a review to address a procedural fairness oversight and reinforce public confidence in its decision-making.
Renewable manufacturing boost for Moree fertiliser project
Hiringa Energy has been awarded $9.4m to further green ammonia production near Moree.
Local News
Ben Lee coming to Gunnedah
ARIA Award winning artist Ben Lee is coming to perform live at the Gunnedah Conservatorium next month.
Calls for better communication and transparency around McLean Care
The shock and concern following the announcement that Inverell based McLean Care would be exiting the aged care business continue to ripple through the community, with calls for greater transparency and more information.
Glen Innes Health Hub ends face-to-face GP service
The Glen Innes Health Hub has transitioned from face-to-face GP appointments to a telehealth model following a review of its in-person pilot service.
Greyhounds to Steal Hearts at Tamworth Adoption Day
The gentle giants of the dog world are heading to Tamworth this February, with Greyhounds As Pets bringing their state-wide rehoming effort to the Tamworth Community Markets, and organisers say the benefits of adoption go well beyond finding a furry companion.
What's On
It’s our 3rd Birthday!
It is our 3rd birthday, and to celebrate, we are giving you “Three for Three”. We have put together two exclusive advertising tiers designed to maximise your brand’s reach across our digital platforms – providing the consistency your business needs at our most competitive rates yet.
Events
Walcha Farmers’ MarketEnds: February 21, 2026
Art Exhibition @ Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping PlaceEnds: February 21, 2026
Centenary Celebration of CWA ArmidaleEnds: February 21, 2026
Bus to Dobson’s DistilleryEnds: February 21, 2026
118th Guyra ShowEnds: February 21, 2026
Politics
Taylor stacks new Liberal front bench with allies
Prominent conservatives will return to the front bench as Opposition Leader Angus Taylor unveils his first shadow cabinet.
Joyce party switch triggers resurgence of Voices
A renewed community movement is taking shape across the New England electorate, with Voices of New England officially regrouping and committing to strengthening active democracy in the lead up to the 2028 Federal Election.
Women leaders get up-close look at large scale renewables
A delegation of women in local government from across New South Wales has visited the Sapphire Wind Farm near Inverell, getting an up-close look at how large-scale renewable energy projects operate.
Angus Taylor new leader of the Liberal Party
Angus Taylor has been elected Liberal leader after defeating Sussan Ley in a spill, deposing the party’s first female leader after less than a year.
MOU to focus the fight for fairer regional air travel
Two organisations have combined their efforts to fight for better access to regional flights and sustainable regional airports.
Farm Table launches new digital hub for Australian Agriculture
Farm Table has officially launched FarmTable.TV, a dedicated national platform bringing together podcasts, video content and storytelling from across Australian agriculture and regional communities.
MerinoLink Conference brings together industry and innovation
Armidale will again become a hub for sheep and wool innovation next week as the 2026 MerinoLink Conference brings producers, researchers and advisors together for two days of practical learning and industry connection, as well as to honour the contribution of an industry giant.
Energy and Environment
Armidale activates Level 1 water restrictions
After weeks of hot weather and little rain, Armidale Regional Council has moved to impose Level 1 water restrictions across the region.
The platypuses are back: Uralla Creek shows signs of renewal
There’s a quiet sense of excitement building along Uralla Creek, with recent sightings suggesting one of Australia’s most iconic native animals may be making a long-awaited return.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Unleash epic adventures with the X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra from Tow World
Whether you’re chasing rugged trails, beachside sunsets, or mountainside campfires, the Tow World X Series RV Toy Hauler X Terra is your ticket to a life lived outside the ordinary.
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?
BUSINESS
Regional leaders to meet in Tamworth to fast-track workforce solutions
Regional business and industry leaders will meet in Tamworth next month as part of a coordinated push to strengthen workforce capability across the New England North West.
INDIGENOUS
New plan to address violence against Indigenous women and children
Australia’s first standalone national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children has been launched
SPORT
NSW Country Championships to return to Tamworth in 2026
Tamworth will host the NSW Country Senior Championships again in 2026, with the three-day tournament expected to draw about 1,500 players and supporters to the region.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: Or, we could just stop talking about them…
RK Crosby says the way to defeat the likes of Hanson and Joyce is to stop talking about them. The post Opinion: Or, we could just stop talking about them… appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Barraba Show saddles up for its 115th ride into town
The Barraba Show turns 115 this year, and while many cherished traditions remain in 2026, new events are set to thrill crowds.
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
