MLA unveils top 10 market information industry trends for 2025
Australia’s red meat industry is demonstrating resilience, productivity gains and strong global demand in 2025, with record production, high prices and export performance forecast across beef, sheepmeat and goat sectors, according to Meat & Livestock Australia’s latest Top 10 trends of 2025 report.
Tamworth Festival sets the stage: Toyota Park and FanZone line-ups announced
Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park will, once again, transform into Toyota Park – a centrepiece of the country music festivities in January – with the outdoor venue’s line-up announced yesterday along with Toyota FanZone.
Tamworth Community invited to festive Pool Party at Scully Park
Families across Tamworth are invited to dive into the Christmas spirit at a free community pool party hosted by Centacare New England North West on Friday, 12 December 2025.
Armidale Ultrasound opens new home with expanded services for the community
Armidale residents now have improved access to modern, affordable medical imaging, with Armidale Ultrasound officially opening their new premises in Armidale today – including welcoming a brand new CT machine.
Local News
Tamworth man wins $15 million Oz Lotto
A Tamworth man’s winning marked 18-game entry was purchased at Northgate News, delivering him the Division 1 prize.
Inverell gears up for two big nights of late night shopping
Inverell shoppers are invited to “shop ‘til you drop” with the exciting return of Late Night Shopping on the two Thursdays leading up to Christmas.
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.
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
Armidale FREE Community Christmas Day LunchEnds: December 25, 2025
Sydney Hotshots Live at Moonshiners TamworthEnds: January 20, 2026
Hardanger Embroidery Beginners Workshop with Yvette StantonEnds: February 22, 2026
Politics
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Denise’s Desk: Stop Ranking Our Schools! Why League Tables Harm Students and Communities
Denise McHugh writes that NAPLAN league tables have a real human cost - and we deserve better. The post Denise’s Desk: Stop Ranking Our Schools! Why League Tables Harm Students and Communities appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Inverell Youth Advisory Council plans huge 2026
The Inverell Youth Advisory Council (IYAC) has wrapped up a whirlwind year, presenting its annual report to Council and signalling that 2026 is shaping up to be even more exciting.
Armidale students win big at the Young Scientist Awards
Students from across New South Wales showing a passion and flair for science were awarded last night’s Young Scientist of the Year Awards.
