Record-breaking class of new recruits to bolster New England police numbers
Police commands across New England are set to benefit from a fresh wave of frontline officers, with a record-breaking class of 341 recruits graduating from the Goulburn Police Academy.
Inverell venue Welder’s Dog rebrands as Rouseabout
Inverell hospitality venue The Welder’s Dog will farewell its current name at the end of the year, re-emerging in 2026 as Rouseabout, in a rebrand owners James and Phoebe Croft say reflects both their roots and the direction the business has taken over time.
Support Aussie farmers this festive season
The state’s peak farming body is asking shoppers to check the label and choose Australian-grown food where they can this Christmas.
Large crowd turns out to support Jewish Community in Armidale
Hundreds of locals came to the Armidale Mall on Saturday morning to take part in a memorial event to show support for the Jewish Community after last weekend’s Chanukah Massacre.
Local News
Hinton Drive holds onto Santa Street title
Hinton Drive in Gunnedah has once again claimed the coveted title of Santa Street in the Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition.
Taronga protects environmental jewel in North-West
Taronga Conservation Society Australia has established a third, ‘wild’ restoration site in the New England. Find out where and why here.
New England boarding schools celebrate standout 2025 HSC results
The New England region’s boarding schools are celebrating exceptional performances in the 2025 Higher School Certificate.
Shire invited to celebrate ‘significant moment’ in Sister City history
Two delegates from Gunnedah Shire Council’ joined our Sister City of Kolomotu’a, Tonga to celebrate 150 years of the nation’s constitution.
Australia officially home for five new citizens
Gunnedah Shire has welcomed five new Australian citizens to the community. Read more here.
What's On
Events
Pool Comp @ the St KildaEnds: December 21, 2025
Euchre with Cheryl @ the BowloEnds: December 21, 2025
Weekly Women’s Tea & Talk hosted by Tenterfield Community HubEnds: December 22, 2025
Gingerbread House DecoratingEnds: December 23, 2025
Politics
NSW RFS ‘red fleet’ ownership delayed by bureacracy
NSW councils hoping for a swift resolution to long running ownership issues surrounding the Rural Fire Service Red Fleet have been left disappointed with the NSW Government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry.
Local councils ready for further phase out of single use plastics
Local councils across the New England are preparing for the next phase of single use plastic phase outs, as the NSW Government moves to further reduce plastic waste under the NSW Plastics Plan 2.0.
Farm businesses start to recover confidence
Farm businesses are showing cautious signs of recovery while continuing to grapple with climate and cost pressures, according to the biannual NSW Farmers Business Sentiment Survey.
Farmers celebrate victory on virtual fencing
Farmers have celebrated news virtual fencing has been legalised for cattle in NSW. Read more here.
Energy and Environment
Narrabri welcomes Government’s response to Select Committee on PFAS, confirms ongoing proactive approach
Narrabri Shire Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry into PFAS contamination in the state’s waterways and drinking water.
Advocacy front of mind at Local Government NSW Conference
Six motions Gunnedah Shire Council put forward to the Local Government NSW 2025 Annual Conference have been supported.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Tow World Tamworth puts people, service and adventure first
Tamworth’s much-loved Tow World is shifting up a gear under the leadership of new owners, Gayle and Troy Black, who have brought fresh energy, local passion, and a strong customer focus to…
Law Conveyancing Welcomes New Solicitor and Expands for the Future
There’s an exciting new chapter underway for Law Conveyancing and Legal Services, as the Inverell-based firm expands its team, grows its premises, and welcomes solicitor Gabrielle Robinson to the practice.
BUSINESS
Celebrate the Summer Solstice at the Australian Standing Stones
Glen Innes locals and visitors are invited to gather this Sunday, 21 December, to mark the summer solstice at the Australian Standing Stones.
INDIGENOUS
One mum’s baby bundles become life-changing charity
A pack of newborn clothes posted online and a conversation with a social worker were the beginnings of a charity focused on Indigenous mums and their babies.
SPORT
Powerhouse PBR teams announced for the Bledisloe of Bull Riding
It’s the Bledisloe of bull riding with Aussies from Walcha and Willow Tree to ride for the Cup. Read more here.
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- Australia’s social media age ban has started. Here is what it really means
Public debate on the ban has focused on parenting choices. But the real issue is corporate compliance, technical design, and safe spaces for young people. The post Australia’s social media age ban has started. Here is what it really means appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Tails to wag over new Autumn Festival event in Armidale
The Armidale Autumn Festival will showcase an exciting new attraction in 2026 – working stock dog demonstrations presented by the Armidale Working Stock Dog Club.
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.
