Gunnedah Shire Council has announced that Level 1 Water Restrictions will come into effect for the townships of Gunnedah and Curlewis from 12am on Thursday, 8 January 2026, following a sustained increase in water consumption across the local supply system.
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 inAgriculture, Feature, Guyra, Local festivals and shows, What's on
Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival celebrates 40 years
The much-loved Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival is once again set to bring food, fun and community pride to the New England region this January.
Posted inAdvertorial, Armidale, Education, Parenting and kids
Giving little learners a Star Start to school at Your Tutor Armidale
Families across Armidale are being invited to give their children a confident and positive start to school through the Star Starter School Readiness Program, launching at Your Tutor in Armidale in January 2026.
Posted inArmidale, Business, Uralla
Airport café farewell as The Alternate Root closes Armidale location
After successfully supplying travellers and locals alike with quality coffee, hearty meals and warm hospitality since 2023, The Alternate Root Café has announced the closure of its Armidale Airport location, turning off the machine for the last time on December 24.
Posted inEducation, Indigenous
NSW Aboriginal Languages Educational Scholarships Open for 2025–26
Aboriginal people across New South Wales are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of funding under the NSW Aboriginal Languages Educational Scholarship Program, with applications opening in December.
Posted inAgriculture, Armidale Regional, What's on
Early Blueberry Season Bursts to Life at Blueberries with Altitude
An early start to the blueberry season is delighting locals at Blueberries with Altitude, with ripe, juicy berries ready for picking weeks ahead of schedule following an unusual mix of weather conditions.
Posted inGood News, What's on
Don’t spend Christmas alone: community meals around New England
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.
Posted inEnvironment, 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
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.