Small and special businesses are scattered across the New England, plying their specialised skills with great attention and care, and these two are no exception.
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 inAwareness Events, Gunnedah, Social issues and services, Tamworth
New England communities celebrate the power of volunteering
As communities across the New England region prepare to celebrate National Volunteer Week, organisations are highlighting the evolving ways Australians are giving back amid rising cost-of-living pressures and increasingly busy lives.
Posted inArts, Inverell, What's on
Inverell stained glass workshop offers rare chance to learn centuries-old craft
A rare opportunity to learn the intricate art of stained glass is coming to Inverell this July, with only two places remaining in a highly sought-after weekend workshop led by local artist Peter Robertson.
Posted inMental Health, Tamworth, What's on
Tamworth men invited to “go beyond banter” at new Men’s Table launch
A new chapter of connection and conversation for local men is set to begin in Tamworth next month, with The Men’s Table hosting a special “Entree” event aimed at establishing a new local Table in the region.
Posted inArmidale, Fundraiser, Good News
Armidale local turns childhood challenge into fundraising mission
An Armidale woman who once spent eight months in hospital as a child is now giving back to the organisation that helped brighten some of her toughest days.
Posted inExpos, conferences and meetings, Tamworth, Tourism
Vans, chrome and nostalgia set to roll into Tamworth for VANFEST
Custom vans, roaring engines, shag pile interiors and old-school imagination are set to take over Tamworth this week as it prepares to celebrate Australia’s thriving vanning culture from May 14 to 17 at the 2026 VANFEST Expo.
Posted inSport, Sport and fitness events, Tamworth
Tamworth Cycle Club gears up for biggest Goodyear GRVL yet
The Tamworth Cycle Club is gearing up for its biggest gravel cycling event yet, with the return of Goodyear GRVL this May featuring an expanded two-day format designed to challenge riders while showcasing the region’s growing gravel riding scene.
Posted inCommunity action, Good News, Warialda
Warialda community comes together for Shop of Opportunity opening
The Warialda Shop of Opportunity officially opened on Saturday, May 2, drawing strong local support and marking the end of a three-year community-led project.
Posted inLocal politics, Uralla
Surprise final count puts newcomer on Uralla council
A surprise late swing in preferences has delivered a newcomer a narrow 12-vote win in the Uralla Shire Council by-election, overturning election night expectations.
Posted inLocal News, Parenting and kids, What's on
What’s on across the New England to celebrate Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is next Sunday – and there’s community events, live music, local food, garden experiences and fundraising walks to celebrate the occasion.