Grafton hospital redevelopment hits early works milestone
The $263.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital has progressed to early works, with changed traffic conditions now in place on Arthur Street to allow for the construction of a new pedestrian crossing.
Interim school bus services announced for Dorrigo students
Transport for NSW has announced alternative travel arrangements for students impacted by the Waterfall Way closure, with a phased introduction of minibus services beginning Monday, 9 February.
Show ‘N’ Shine car show revs up in Ballina
For the third year running, Ballina will host the North Coast Show and Shine, a community motor show that celebrates some of the country’s finest classic cars, utes and motorbikes.
Rethinking farming at Wilmot Field Day
Wilmot Field Day has become a fixture on the agricultural calendar for producers looking for practical insight, honest conversation and a deeper understanding of how farming systems are evolving.
Local News
Barnaby wants people to drink more in pubs
As the Albanese government moved to freeze increases to the beer excise for the first time in 40 years, Barnaby Joyce argued that the excise should be scrapped completely to “save” regional pubs.
North Coast rents continue to climb
The Byron and Tweed Shires have maintained their top spots as home to the most expensive rentals in regional NSW, with Byron Shire experiencing another 10.5 per cent increase to $1050 a week.
Nurturing your gut, supporting your mind
Naturopath Olivia Nivison says small changes in diet, lifestyle, and mindset can make a huge difference to your gut and your mental wellbeing
Categorisation spat as Armidale Road continues to decline
Responsibility for maintaining Armidale Road has become the centre of a growing bureaucratic dispute, as closures on other key routes continue to push more traffic onto a road described as both dangerous and chronically underfunded.
Help deliver the 2026 Census – Jobs now open
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is recruiting more than 2,700 Field Managers as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Census.
What's On
Show ‘N’ Shine car show revs up in Ballina
For the third year running, Ballina will host the North Coast Show and Shine, a community motor show that celebrates some of the country’s finest classic cars, utes and motorbikes.
Australia Day Festival Celebrations on the North Coast
From lakeside concerts and historic sailing regattas to grassroots community breakfasts and citizenship ceremonies, the North Coast of New South Wales will come alive this Australia Day long weekend with a diverse program of celebrations stretching across the region.
AEMO releases draft roadmap for national energy transition for consultation
AEMO’s Draft 2026 ISP is open for consultation until 13 February 2026 and will be finalised by June 2026.
Events
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Lifestyle
Support for kids with autism delayed after pushback
Parents of Australian children living with autism have been left in limbo after state and federal leaders agreed to delay an early intervention program.
Autism Swim’s Dippers Program returns with inclusive beach and ocean safety
Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie will once again host Autism Swim’s inclusive beach and ocean safety program. Read more here.
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.
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.
Environment
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.
Blue-green algae Red Alert for Toonumbar Dam
WaterNSW has issued a Red Alert warning for high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae for Toonumbar Dam, about 30 km west of Kyogle.
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?
The Grove Yamba: Coastal Living Elevated to a New Standard
Discover The Grove Yamba, a boutique collection of 14 luxury villas that blend timeless design with coastal serenity. Just a short stroll from town, it’s a rare chance to own in this…
HEALTH
Have your say on the next stage of the Manning Hospital Redevelopment
The next stage of the Manning Hospital Redevelopment is moving ahead, with the community invited to have their say on plans now on public exhibition.
EDUCATION
New student accommodation eases housing pressure in Northern Rivers
Southern Cross University’s 27-unit Sirius Student Accommodation in Lismore is in the final stages of refurbishment after suffering extensive damage during the 2022 floods.
POLITICS
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.
INDIGENOUS
First Nations voices take centre stage in Tamworth
A powerful celebration of First Nations music, art, and community, Yaama Guduu, Greetings Murray Cod will land in the heart of Tamworth from 28 to 30 November.
CRIME
Teenager charged over alleged break ins, pursuit in Kempsey
A teenage boy will face court following an investigation into armed break and enters in Kempsey, South West Rocks, Bonville, and Port Macquarie, as well as an alleged pursuit involving the ramming of a police vehicle.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- 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.
Good News
Mount Warning/Wollumbin finally set to reopen
The long-awaited reopening of Mount Warning/Wollumbin is finally a step closer, with the iconic track set to reopen in July 2027 after years of closure.
Track upgrade powers ahead for Clarence Valley BMX riders
Clarence Valley’s BMX community is gearing up for a faster, safer future thanks to $19,250 to resurface the track at the Clarence Valley BMX Club.
Creating new koala habitat in Coffs Harbour
Koala sightings could soon become much more common in the Coffs Harbour area thanks to an initiative that will provide a new home for the furry Aussie icon.
Richmond Valley teenager honoured with NSW Premier’s Award
Tatham’s Millie Trustum has been recognized for her extraordinary courage, leadership, and tireless advocacy and fundraising for childhood cancer research.