‘Some hurt in this’: Joyce won’t be Hanson’s deputy
Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has formalised his defection from the Nationals to One Nation, but he won’t serve as Pauline Hanson’s deputy.
Powering up Armidale: The church helping locals cut their bills
At Armidale Uniting Church, the shift toward clean energy has become a practical, community-focused effort
West Tamworth man charged with child exploitation offences
Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a Tamworth man for allegedly paying for and streaming the live abuse of children overseas under Strike Force Trawler.
PLC Armidale leads region in outstanding NAPLAN results
PLC Armidale has cemented its position as the top-performing secondary school in the New England North West, while TAS has taken out the top spot at the primary school level, in the 2025 NAPLAN results.
Local News
Joyce confirms One Nation switch as staff depart and community patience wears thin
In the latest twist in a political saga that now bores much of the New England, Barnaby Joyce has confirmed he will join One Nation, triggering further staff departures and deepening disquiet among voters.
Gunnedah’s treasured cultural icon to be restored
Restoration work on Gunnedah Shire’s award-winning Rainbow Serpent Water Feature will begin in the new year.
Deepwater locals urged to register for 2026 Black Dog Ride One Dayer
Locals in the Deepwater area are being encouraged to throw their support behind next year’s Black Dog Ride One Dayer, with registrations now open
Fresh call for eID funding
NSW Farmers has warned it will review its support for mandated traceability reforms unless continued funding for the transition is delivered, alongside eID tag-free pathways.
Finalists announced for 2025 Environmental Music Prize
Thirty songs have been named finalists for the 2025 Environmental Music Prize, a $20,000 award that recognises Australian artists using music to connect audiences with nature and inspire climate action, including bushfire tribute “Up Armidale Road”
What's On
Have your say on our regional economy
This is part one of a two part poll. We are interested in your views on shopping, business, employment and housing, in your local area. (Part 2 will ask about other issues including roads and infrastructure, tourism, and transport.) Click here to complete the survey before midnight Thursday, 11 December 2025.
Events
Armidale Farmers MarketEnds: December 14, 2025
Armidale Dumaresq Creek RegenerationEnds: December 14, 2025
Sydney Hotshots Live at Moonshiners TamworthEnds: January 20, 2026
Hardanger Embroidery Beginners Workshop with Yvette StantonEnds: February 22, 2026
Frisian Whitework Embroidery Workshop with Yvette StantonEnds: March 22, 2026
Politics
NSW joins High Court battle to protect kids online
NSW has joined South Australia to defend Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s against a High Court challenge brought by several plaintiffs.
More voices added to call for better rural health
Calls for urgent, practical reform of rural healthcare have intensified this past week, with the Country Mayor’s Association formally backing the Better Care, Closer to Home Alliance push for a new Rural Health Action Plan
Producers plan ahead for a stress-free festive season
With the countdown on to Christmas, Local Land Services is reminding landholders that a bit of pre-Christmas planning could take a number of stresses away this festive season.
Soil shocker: This book will make you love dirt
It’s not every day a book about dirt gets passed around like a family treasure, but this World Soils Day, New England locals are digging deep into a read that’s literally ground-breaking.
Energy and Environment
Armidale leaders celebrate Creekland Restoration achievements
Armidale Urban Rivercare Group hosted a Creeklands Bus Tour this week to showcase more than two decades of ecological restoration along Dumaresq Creek.
Walhallow secures $4.4 million upgrade to overhaul water services
Walhallow is transforming its water services thanks to a $4.4 million joint investment from the Federal and State Governments that will boost water reliability and create a more sustainable future for the northwest village.
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
Quirindi Silo Art to light up for annual Christmas show
The Quirindi Silo Art precinct will come alive tonight with its fourth annual Christmas Light and Sound Show, promising a festive evening for locals and visitors alike.
INDIGENOUS
Greg Inglis’ Goanna Academy brings mental health programs to Moree
Moree Plains Shire Council will welcome the Greg Inglis Goanna Academy to the region to deliver a series of engaging mental health initiatives.
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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On engage now
- Nationals still working for New England
NSW National chairman Rick Colless says Barnaby Joyce will achieve nothing as a team of one, but The Nationals will still work to represent New England. The post Nationals still working for New England appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Christmas in the Mall draws thousands for a night of festive fun
Christmas in the Mall has been hailed a huge success, with thousands turning out last night to enjoy a warm Armidale evening filled with music, colour, and Christmas cheer – and the fun moves to Guyra tonight.
Last call for applications for art bursary
The New England Regional Art Museum is encouraging artists from around New England who want to improve their skills and more to apply for a $3500 bursary.
