For many people in the New England Region, Christmas Day is a time for family, friends and celebration. But for some, whether they’re new to town, alone, facing hardship, or simply without other plans, the holiday can feel isolating. Thankfully, local community groups are once again stepping up to make sure everyone has a place to share a warm meal and good company on 25 December.
Penelope Shaw
Penelope Shaw is a freelance writer for the New England Times. With a background in English Literature, she will always have a special place in her heart for anything to do with books or live performance. In her free time she loves the outdoors, spending time with her family, reading and exercising.
Posted inEnvironment, Feature, General News
Sunny skies forecast for Christmas Day
Christmas Day is shaping up as a classic summer celebration across the New England region, with mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures and only a slight chance of showers forecast for Thursday.
Posted inBusiness, Inverell Shire, Roads and Infrastructure
Key Decisions Highlight Inverell Council’s December Meeting
Inverell Shire Council has wrapped up its final Ordinary Council Meeting for 2025, with a broad agenda covering governance, community initiatives, infrastructure investment and advocacy outcomes.
Posted inArmidale, Arts, Feature
15 years of leadership: Neil Horton honoured for service to local theatre
The Armidale Drama and Music Society (ADMS) recently took a moment to honour a stalwart of the local arts community: longtime President Neil Horton, who has just celebrated an incredible 15 years of leadership at the helm of the organisation.
Posted inEnvironment, Good News, Recreation, Tamworth
Tamworth community comes together for Murray Cod release
Government officials, locals and fishing enthusiasts will gather at Split Rock Dam this Saturday, 20 December, for a meaningful boost to the region’s recreational fishery as Tamworth Fishing Tackle & the Great Outdoors release approximately 15,000 Murray Cod fingerlings into the water between 3 and 4 pm.
Posted inGeneral News
Tamworth Council Wraps Up 2025 with Key Decisions at Final Meeting
Tamworth Regional Council has wrapped up its final Ordinary Meeting for 2025, making a series of decisions that set the groundwork for future planning, infrastructure, and community engagement across the region.
Posted inBusiness, Good News, Inverell
Brew Shed Inverell Finds New Home at Inverell H Hardware
A familiar and much-loved name in Inverell’s home brewing scene is entering a new chapter, with The Brew Shed Inverell now finding a new home inside Inverell H Hardware & Paint Place.
Posted inAwards, Good News, Moree
Moree’s Kamala Wheeler honoured as NSW Adult Volunteer of the Year
Moree’s own Kamala Wheeler has been recognised on the state stage, receiving the 2025 NSW Adult Volunteer of the Year Award for her decades of service with the NSW State Emergency Service.
Posted inLifestyle, Tamworth, What's on
Tamworth Community invited to festive Pool Party at Scully Park
Families across Tamworth are invited to dive into the Christmas spirit at a free community pool party hosted by Centacare New England North West on Friday, 12 December 2025.
Posted inArmidale, Business, Health
Armidale Ultrasound opens new home with expanded services for the community
Armidale residents now have improved access to modern, affordable medical imaging, with Armidale Ultrasound officially opening their new premises in Armidale today – including welcoming a brand new CT machine.