NSW Farmers launch legal fight against Narrabri Gas Project on fears of water contamination
NSW Farmers new acting CEO has escalated the campaign against the Narrabri Gas Project, engaging senior legal counsel and claiming the project involves fracking.
Finalists announced for 2025 Environmental Music Prize — including powerful bushfire tribute ‘Up Armidale Road’
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. Now in its third year, the prize aims to highlight music’s unique role in shaping environmental awareness, fostering emotional connection, and encouraging public engagement with…
Final Section of NSW Inland Rail Approved: Narrabri to North Star phase 2 clears last planning hurdle
The State Government has approved the final stage of Inland Rail in New South Wales, marking a significant milestone for the federally funded freight corridor that will eventually link Melbourne to Brisbane.
ABRI appoints new Managing Director
The Agricultural Business Research Institute in Armidale has announced Dr David Christie as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, commencing early 2026.
Local News
Canavan hopes to woo Joyce back to the Nationals
Nationals senator Matt Canavan hopes to meet with now-independent MP Barnaby Joyce in New England after the ex-deputy prime minister resigned from the party.
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.
Seeking community input on QantasLink Flight Schedule in Moree
Moree Plains Shire Council is seeking community feedback on a proposal to adjust the Moree-Sydney (MRZ-SYD) flight schedule.
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.
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.
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
Boost to paediatric allied health workforce set to reduce wait times across NSW
Children and families across New South Wales are set to benefit from significantly improved access to essential health services, following the recruitment of 32 new paediatric allied health professionals under the Minns Labor Government’s $17.9 million investment.
NFF secures breakthrough on Right to Repair for farmers
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has secured a Federal Government commitment to extend Right to Repair reforms to agricultural machinery, hailing it a historic win for farmers and a direct result of years of advocacy from the farm sector.
Licence to spray: EPA kicks off North West pesticide campaign
NSW pesticide users are being urged to make sure they have the relevant licences and training ahead of a new compliance campaign kicking off in the northwest.
New England farmers urged to prepare for another risky summer as storm claims surge
Farmers in New England are being urged to brace for another damaging summer, as new data from Elders Insurance reveals a sharp rise in storm-related claims and mounting repair costs across the region.
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
Narrabri CBD to come alive with return of Christmas Pop-Up Shop
Narrabri Shire Council is once again bringing festive cheer and local foot traffic to the heart of the CBD with the return of its annual Christmas Pop-Up Shop, now in its fifth year.
INDIGENOUS
Cultural Grants open to celebrate Aboriginal cultures and connection
Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW are invited to apply for grants to support events and activities that celebrate and strengthen Aboriginal cultures.
SPORT
Call for Parliamentary Inquiry into GRNSW
Barwon MP Roy Butler is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW after a report recommended shutting down 15 country tracks, including Tamworth and Moree.
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- ‘Make the platforms safer’: what young people really think about the social media ban
From next Wednesday, thousands of young Australians under 16 will lose access to their accounts across ten social media platforms, as the teen social media ban takes effect. The post ‘Make the platforms safer’: what young people really think about the social media ban appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Community urged to donate to Christmas Toy Drive Appeal
As the donation period draws to a close, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent, and Greater Bank are encouraging the community to support their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal and help share the spirit of the season.
Regional voices take centre stage at Armidale’s Disability Summit and Awards
Armidale will place inclusion, accessibility, and community leadership firmly in the spotlight this December as The Ascent Group prepares to host two major back-to-back events: the Armidale Disability Summit during the day, followed by the Inclusion in Action Disability Awards that evening.
