Nationals trio resign from shadow cabinet after split
Three National senators have resigned from Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s front bench after a split from the Liberal Party over hate speech laws.
Edwards St water main to be replaced
Some Moree residents will face 48 hours of level 5 water restrictions next week due to essential water main replacement works on Edward Street.
Snape, snags and sunshine in the Shire
Gunnedah Shire is gearing up for a packed Australia Day with local businesses and community groups having lined up plenty of family-friendly activities.
Calling New England orgs to register now for 2026 Australian Heritage Festival
The National Trust of Australia is calling on event organisers to register now for inclusion in the 2026 Australian Heritage Festival.
Local News
Local artists take centre stage in Weswal’s Saddle & Song
The depth and maturity of the New England art scene is on show at Weswal Gallery this month, with a major exhibition drawn entirely from local artists opening in step with the Tamworth Country Music Festival and attracting strong interest from the festival crowd.
Country Journo Festival Finds – Day 6
Wednesday gets down to business early on Peel St. From the National Jamboree to Kasey Chambers’ songcraft session, the day showcases the true depth of talent. It is a perfect reminder of how broad the country crop really is.
New ABCRA CEO steps straight into National Finals spotlight
One week into the role, the new Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft & Rodeo Association Chief Executive Officer Chris Webb has his boots on the ground.
Contentious anti-hate laws to pass in last-minute deal that sidelined Joyce
Barnaby Joyce got a hard lesson of life on the cross bench, sidelined in a hard-fought cross-party agreement that will see hate crimes legislation stemming from Australia’s worst-ever terrorist attack pass the parliament.
National Finals Rodeo rides into the Tamworth Country Music Festival
Tamworth is embracing everything country this week with the ABCRA National Finals Rodeo galloping into the city and hundreds of competitors travelling from across the country to compete.
What's On
Click to read today’s tips on what to see at TCMF from The Country Journo Bec Gracie
Country Journo Festival Finds – Day 6
Wednesday gets down to business early on Peel St. From the National Jamboree to Kasey Chambers’ songcraft session, the day showcases the true depth of talent. It is a perfect reminder of how broad the country crop really is.
New ABCRA CEO steps straight into National Finals spotlight
One week into the role, the new Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft & Rodeo Association Chief Executive Officer Chris Webb has his boots on the ground.
Events
Peter Raymond @ the BowloEnds: January 23, 2026
Karaoke @ the BowloEnds: January 24, 2026
Armidale Dance GroupEnds: January 24, 2026
Cambooya Rockers @ Top PubEnds: January 24, 2026
BBQ Buffet @ Walcha RoadEnds: January 25, 2026
Politics
“Cruelly stolen” Bondi victims honoured in parliament
The prime minister has read out the names of 15 people whose lives were “cruelly stolen” in the nation’s worst terror attack.
Joyce drags flag burning into hate laws as gun reform separated
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s leadership continues to look weak in the aftermath of the Chanukah Massacre at Bondi Beach, forced to split his omnibus bill to get any of it passed.
Hate preachers to be targeted in tough new federal laws
Federal parliament will be recalled early to debate “the toughest hate laws Australia has ever seen” in the wake of the deadly Bondi terror attack.
Open seat: 1 in 3 New England voters undecided
More than a third of New England voters say they are undecided about who they would support at the next federal election, with the latest New England Times Engage Poll revealing an electorate unsettled by Barnaby Joyce’s move to One Nation.
Chaffey, Joyce want gun laws and Islamic extremism in the Bondi Royal Commission
They are now in different parties, but our two local MPs are singing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to reviews of gun restrictions and Islamic extremism being needed in the federal Royal Commission into antisemitism and the Chanukah Massacre at Bondi Beach.
Golden rules reminder for summer spraying
Farmers spraying weeds this summer are reminded of the golden rules to prevent drift and avoid damage to neighbouring properties.
NSW Farmers acting CEO appointed new NFF CEO
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is pleased to announce Michael Guerin as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 23 March 2026.
Energy and Environment
Level 1 Water Restrictions to begin in Gunnedah and Curlewis
Gunnedah Shire Council has announced that Level 1 Water Restrictions will come into effect for the townships of Gunnedah and Curlewis from 12am on Thursday, 8 January 2026, following a sustained increase in water consumption across the local supply system.
NSW recyclers return record 15 billion containers
NSW residents have returned a record 15 billion bottles, cans and cartons through the Return and Earn scheme, delivering $1.5 billion in refunds, but access in the New England remains limited.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Giving little learners a Star Start to school at Your Tutor Armidale
Families across Armidale are being invited to give their children a confident and positive start to school through the Star Starter School Readiness Program, launching at Your Tutor in Armidale in January…
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…
BUSINESS
AI forecasting could drive down household electricity bills
New research finds that AI transformer models can cut electricity price forecasting errors nearly in half, suggesting a path to lower power costs and more efficient renewable energy use.
INDIGENOUS
NSW Aboriginal Languages Educational Scholarships Open for 2025–26
Aboriginal people across New South Wales are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of funding under the NSW Aboriginal Languages Educational Scholarship Program, with applications opening in December.
SPORT
Hazlewood is battling to be fit for the T20 World Cup
Pakistan is looking forward to three T20 internationals the team will play in Lahore against Australia in the build-up to the World Cup.
On engage now
- Denise’s Desk: Is This Really What New England Voted For?
Denise questions whether One Nation and Barnaby Joyce truly represent New England, criticizing their voting records on worker rights and their divisive use of recent tragedies for political gain. The post Denise’s Desk: Is This Really What New England Voted For? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Jarrad Wrigley takes 46th Star Maker crown in Tamworth
Freshly crowned 2026 Toyota Star Maker winner Jarrad Wrigley is still coming to terms with what the title means, but he has big plans for the year ahead.
Kerry Mead Park to double its Rugby League capacity
Glen Innes Severn Council is set to deliver a major boost for local rugby league, securing a $50,000 NSW Rugby League Infrastructure grant, matched by a previously allocated $50,000 Council contribution.
