Warialda’s beloved black and yellow replica of Star Wars droid R2D2 is back on his feet at the entrance to town, eight months after a violent storm tore his head clean off.
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 inArts, Exhibitions and performances, Glen Innes
New England Teapot Show returns after COVID hiatus
The New England Teapot Show is making its long-awaited return to the Glen Innes Art Gallery this year, with the opening gala set for this Saturday, 4 July.
Posted inArmidale, Arts, Awards
Peter Allen honoured with Blue Plaque at Armidale Folk Museum
An Armidale boy who grew up to become one of Australia’s most celebrated entertainers has been honoured with a Blue Plaque at the newly renovated Armidale Folk Museum.
Posted inIndigenous, Tamworth Regional, What's on
Tamworth NAIDOC Week celebrates 50 years of deadly
From flag raisings in the Tamworth CBD to family fun days on the Liverpool Plains, this year’s NAIDOC Week program across the region is shaping up to be one of the most extensive in recent memory, with events running from Thursday, 3 July to Friday, 11 July.
Posted inEducation, Local News, Parenting and kids
Winter school holidays: what’s on across the New England
Families across the New England have no shortage of options these winter school holidays, with ranger-guided national park adventures, free library programs, outdoor festivals and everything in between on offer right across the region.
Posted inGood News, Gunnedah
Gunnedah woman’s debut poem earns place in national collection
A Gunnedah agronomist who spent decades helping farmers through the worst the land could throw at them has found an unexpected new outlet for those experiences, with her debut poem selected for a national anthology of writing by country women.
Posted inArmidale, Arts, Exhibitions and performances
A big July ahead for NERAM as gallery turns up the heat this winter
The New England Regional Art Museum is set for one of its busiest months of the year, with three distinct events lined up across July that promise to draw in seasoned gallery-goers and first-timers alike.
Posted inArmidale, Business
Armidale’s oldest pub reclaims its original name
More than two years after the Wicklow Hotel hit the market, the New England region’s oldest licensed pub is undergoing a significant transformation, with new owners Feros Group set to reopen it under its original name before the end of the year.
Posted inBest in the New England 2026, Business
It’s time to have your say: Best in the New England voting opens soon
The countdown is on – New England region’s most hotly contested community vote is back, and this year’s Best in the New England (BITNE) is shaping up to be the fiercest yet.
Posted inArmidale Regional, Lifestyle
From the paddock to the page: A local author’s journey
Tilbuster farmer Troy Gerdes is transforming the people, places and animals of Elderslie into uniquely Australian children’s books that are delighting readers both locally and around the world.