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.
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.
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.
Local News
Australia officially home for five new citizens
Gunnedah Shire has welcomed five new Australian citizens to the community. Read more here.
Sea to See: National awareness ride launches at Walcha Coffee
A national fundraising ride to support Australians with diabetic eye disease will launch from Walcha Coffee today. Read more here.
Ben Lomond school will go into recess to start 2026
Ben Lomond Public School will temporarily close at the end of term 4 after a recent consultation with parents, carers and the local community.
Tamworth community comes together for Murray Cod release
Government officials, locals and fishing enthusiasts will gather at Split Rock Dam this Saturday, 20 December, for a meaningful boost to the region’s recreational fishery as Tamworth Fishing Tackle & the Great Outdoors release approximately 15,000 Murray Cod fingerlings into the water between 3 and 4 pm.
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.
What's On
Events
Gallery Guided ToursEnds: December 20, 2025
Woolomin Monthly MarketsEnds: December 20, 2025
Disney Frozen Jr.Ends: December 20, 2025
Bingo at Barraba RSL ClubEnds: December 20, 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
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.
AEMO releases draft roadmap for national energy transition for consultation
AEMO’s Draft 2026 ISP is open for consultation until 13 February 2026 and will be finalised by June 2026.
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
Brew Shed Inverell Finds New Home at Inverell H Hardware
A familiar and much-loved name in Inverell’s home brewing scene is entering a new chapter, with The Brew Shed Inverell now finding a new home inside Inverell H Hardware & Paint Place.
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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- Macca’s weeds: How resistance travels on the wind
Recent research shows pollen from herbicide-resistant plants can travel kilometres on the wind or via bees to pollinate susceptible plants. Macca explains how resistance spreads and why Area Wide Management is vital. The post Macca’s weeds: How resistance travels on the wind appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Community groups share in Narrabri Council funding
Five community groups have received funding for local projects, community events and facility upgrades through Narrabri Shire Council’s Community Financial Assistance Program.
A Taste of Christmas for the Inverell community
Food for the Soul is once again hosting its annual A Taste of Christmas event, offering a free takeaway Christmas meal for anyone in the community who may need a little extra support or simply appreciates the gesture during what can be a difficult time of year.
