Announcing the launch of North Coast Times
Today, as New England Times marks three years of independent regional journalism, we are proud to announce the launch of a new sister publication: North Coast Times.
Changed traffic conditions on Gwydir Highway between Grafton and Glen Innes
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions at multiple locations on the Gwydir Highway between Grafton and Glen Innes this week.
New manager lands at Armidale Regional Airport
Experienced aviation operator Peter Friel has landed in Armidale and commenced work as the new Airport Manager at Armidale Regional Airport.
Patchy mobile services an ongoing concern
Fed up farmers and families facing poor regional, rural and remote mobile services are being encouraged to keep complaining.
Local News
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.
Glen Innes Severn 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.
Events
New England Wedding ShowcaseEnds: February 22, 2026
New England Wedding ShowcaseEnds: February 22, 2026
The Complete PackageEnds: February 22, 2026
Pool Comp @ the St KildaEnds: February 22, 2026
2026 Marian Barford Award ConcertEnds: February 22, 2026
Politics
Australian-first crime fighting drone trial takes flight in Moree
An Australian-first drone trial underway in Moree is helping frontline police prevent, disrupt and respond to crime in the community.
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.
NSW Farmers takes “weird” move on Narrabri gas project
In what has been described as a ‘weird’ and ‘dumb’ move by some former NSW Farmers Board members, President Xavier Martin is backing a resolution seeking support from Members to invest $1m in a court case against the Narrabri Gas Project.
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.
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.
- QW: As I see Barnaby’s defection
Christine Stiles says: It’s fairly simple. If I’d been gagged at the last election from campaigning by my party leader and encouraged by the Coalition leader to resign, I’d get the message that I was no longer wanted! The post QW: As I see Barnaby’s defection appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Walcha Coffee claims three bronzes at World Series
Walcha Coffee has claimed three bronze medals at the 2026 Golden Bean World Series, placing in every category it entered against a strong international field.
Uralla Australia Day honours announced
The Uralla Shire community gathered to celebrate the heart of what makes this region extraordinary, its people.
