Festival favourites Haystack Mountain Hermits to play at Tenterfield
Award-winning family band Haystack Mountain Hermits will perform at Tenterfield School of Arts on Saturday, 14 March.
Postal vote applications open for Uralla Shire Council Ward A by-election
Postal voting has opened for the Uralla Shire Council Ward A by-election, to be held on Saturday, 18 April.
Accused Little Styx axe murderer denied bail
The man accused of murder at the Little Styx River campsite has been refused bail, as police allege he killed a fellow camper with an axe during a violent altercation at the remote spot on Point Lookout Road.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra to perform in Armidale
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra will add Armidale to its 2026 Regional Tour, bringing a dance-inspired orchestral program and a series of young musician workshops to the New England.
Local News
Off to the movies: Roxy Theatre to celebrate 90th anniversary
This year marks the 90th anniversary of Bingara’s Roxy Theatre, an iconic and magnificently restored 1930’s art deco building that was the hub of life in Bingara for many years.
High speed EV chargers to benefit residents and visitors
Two Superfast Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers have been installed in Armidale’s Cinders Lane Carpark and will benefit residents and visitors alike. They were officially opened on Monday 2 March.
Farm financial skills workshop to boost resilience
New England-based primary producers have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, free of charge, at a practical workshop designed to help provide financial skills key to managing a farming business.
A third council vacancy with Brown departing Narrabri Shire
A third councillor in the region has stepped down, with Narrabri Shire Councillor Amanda Brown formally resigning from Council effective Friday, 27 February 2026, after being diagnosed with cancer.
What's On
COMING SOON: Our next promotion will be celebrating all things Made in New England. More info soon!
Events
Choir Night @ Big Welder’s DogEnds: March 4, 2026
Musica Viva Concert – “ARCO – First Light:…”Ends: March 5, 2026
Chilli Jam @ Welder’s Dog BarEnds: March 5, 2026
SportUNE Golf DayEnds: March 6, 2026
150th Armidale ShowEnds: March 6, 2026
Politics
Hanson dismisses Senate rebuke
Pauline Hanson has dismissed a censure against her by the Senate as an attack on One Nation following her rise in the polls.
Council tests trigger train advocate alarm
Studies by Armidale Regional Council to progress the New England Rail Trail have triggered alarm in campaigners opposed to the project, while Glen Innes Severn have asked the NSW Government for certainty.
Council strategic cooperation raises the A word
A new Northern Tablelands regional organisation plus a strategic working group on regional water security has prompted one councillor to raise the A word: do we need to start talking about amalgamation?
Barwon leads the state in rooftop solar
Regional NSW is dominating rooftop solar adoption across the state, with nine of the top 10 electorates for installations located outside metropolitan Sydney
Calls for urgent action on community preschool pay after Fair Work recommendation
The NSW Government is facing renewed pressure to lift funding for community preschools after the Fair Work Commission backed a union push to increase wages
Farm production forecast to top $100 billion ahead of target
Australia’s farm gate production value is forecast to exceed $100 billion this financial year, four years ahead of the National Farmers Federation’s 2030 target.
Practical sheep and cattle skills for women in agriculture
Northern Tablelands women in agriculture are set to benefit from a series of hands-on livestock handling workshops this March, delivered by Northern Tablelands Local Land Services in collaboration with Land to Table.
Energy and Environment
New England set to rally for Clean Up Australia Day
Clean Up Australia Day returns on Sunday 1 March 2026, with Armidale Regional Council once again encouraging locals to roll up their sleeves and take part in the nation’s largest community environmental event.
Renewable manufacturing boost for Moree fertiliser project
Hiringa Energy has been awarded $9.4m to further green ammonia production near Moree.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
“People deserve health”: local gastroenterologist looks at the bigger picture
For local gastroenterologist Dr Pran Yoganathan, better health is at the intersection of clinical science, lived experience, and a deep curiosity about the systems shaping modern health.
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.
BUSINESS
Regional Australia Bank extends AFL North West NSW partnership with naming rights deal
Regional Australia Bank will take naming rights of the AFL North West NSW Senior Men’s competition in 2026.
INDIGENOUS
New toolkit to help New England councils strengthen Closing the Gap partnerships
Tamworth’s landmark Aboriginal partnership is being highlighted as NSW launches a new Closing the Gap toolkit for local councils.
SPORT
Cycling Classic’s 65th year to shine international spotlight on Glen Innes and Inverell
In what promises to be a landmark weekend for Australian cycling, the 65th anniversary edition of the Squadron Energy Grafton to Inverell will deliver high-speed action through Glen Innes before culminating at the finish line in Inverell.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- QW: The next best thing is Rail Trails
Sally Hawxwell from Bithramere says: Much as I love trains and would support their reestablishment everywhere, It’s just NOT going to happen. SO The next best thing is “Rail Trails” Your beautiful towns will really benefit, They provide safe riding and walking in a world dominated by cars and trucks. The post QW: The next best thing is Rail Trails appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
New hub to boost women-owned businesses in NSW
The NSW Government has invested more than $190,000 to support the launch of what is being described as Australia’s first database dedicated to showcasing women-owned businesses.
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.
