Mechanical wonders still on show in Armidale Mall windows after Creative Streets
A witch on a flying bicycle, twin bearded makers among the clocks, and a cardboard robot built by goblins are still moving in Armidale Mall shop windows, giving locals a last chance to see displays made possible by some of Armidale’s most creative minds for the Creative Streets Festival.
Hinton Drive’s Santa Street crown up for grabs as Gunnedah Christmas lights hunt begins
Can anyone knock Hinton Drive off its Santa Street throne? Gunnedah’s Christmas lights battle is on, with Gunny Money up for grabs across six categories. Entries close Monday, 7 December.
Skateboarding rolls into Tamworth’s Regional Academy Games under new three-year deal
Skateboarding is coming to Tamworth’s Regional Academy Games. A new three-year deal could open the door from the local skatepark to the national stage for regional NSW’s most talented young skaters.
World-first rescue ambulances roll out, with Tamworth one of six accredited rescue sites
A world-first fleet of rescue ambulances is hitting NSW roads, built to handle crashes, collapses, and disasters. Tamworth is one of just six places where NSW Ambulance runs accredited rescue operations.
Local News
Too young, too early: Tamworth’s Josh Turner tells his story in first book
Josh Turner was photographing weddings at 16. Now the Tamworth photographer, Gomeroi man, and owner of four businesses is putting his own story on the page, and he says he isn’t leaving out the hard parts.
Armidale Drama and Musical Society asks community to help shape its new look
Armidale Drama and Musical Society (ADMS) members will vote in December on the society’s future visual identity, but first the society wants to hear from the audiences who fill its seats.
Tamworth council moves to close its last after-school care service, but is the decision final?
In April, Tamworth parents were told the South Tamworth centre was still there for them. Now council has begun moves to close it, and the union says the decision is already made.
Man charged after shots allegedly fired at riders rounding up cattle at Newton Boyd
Three riders, including a 13-year-old boy, were rounding up escaped cattle when a man allegedly opened fire with a rifle. Now a Newton Boyd man is behind bars.
What's On
LONG READ >
The pipeline that wasn’t: inside the fight over Keepit water
WEEKEND LONG READ: The Keepit pipeline is dead. Downstream towns are relieved, Tamworth’s mayor calls it political, and the city’s backup is a pipeline that has sat full of stale water for years. What happens in the next drought?
Events
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Tenterfield Job ExpoEnds: November 20, 2026
Sounds of the SessonEnds: November 28, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: November 29, 2026
PUBLIC MEETING ON BENDEMEER SOLAR FARMEnds: December 5, 2026- Sapphire City MarketsEnds: December 6, 2026
Politics
Farms flooded without consent: Canavan
Water released onto private farms with no permission and no compensation, and the department admits it never sought legal advice. Senator Matthew Canavan says Estimates has exposed a property rights fight.
NSW grain growers gain a national voice
A harvest-time win on phosphine rules was just the start. NSW Farmers and GrainGrowers have made their alliance official, and their leaders say governments will have to listen.
Laptops off the list for primary kids
No more forking out over a thousand dollars for a school laptop. NSW public primary schools are dropping BYOD from 2027, and screen time in class is about to shrink.
Basin review names urgent reforms
One in 10 Australians live and work in the Murray Darling Basin. A major review has named the reforms it needs, and conservationists say the ball is now in politicians’ court.
The pipeline that wasn’t: inside the fight over Keepit water
WEEKEND LONG READ: The Keepit pipeline is dead. Downstream towns are relieved, Tamworth’s mayor calls it political, and the city’s backup is a pipeline that has sat full of stale water for years. What happens in the next drought?
Coalition taskforce to hunt for new dams
One in six apples, four in 10 blocks of butter, and nearly half our pork could be imported by 2040, the Coalition warns. Its answer is more dams.
North West cotton growers to get new help fighting soilborne disease
Verticillium wilt is a serious threat in long-term irrigated cotton. A new partnership aims to put better soil science in the hands of local growers.
Farmers call for simpler environment laws
Follow every NSW rule and you could still fall foul of federal law. Farmers say the system is broken, and they have built their own tool to help.
Energy and Environment
Going electric saves $4,300 a year
The average household going electric is now $4,300 a year better off. But millions of renters are locked out of the savings. Here’s what the new numbers show.
Tamworth hits 50 million containers as New England joins the cycle for National Recycling Week
Tamworth residents have returned 50 million drink containers through the town’s Return and Earn depot, and the milestone will be marked with a community celebration during National Recycling Week.
Bundarra to Wee Waa: local groups share in $250,000 grants boost
Six New England North West towns are on the list, from Bundarra to Wee Waa. Find out who’s sharing in more than $250,000 for grassroots community projects.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Primary Health Network continues to support and invest in the Glen Innes community
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to Glen Innes through continued investment in local healthcare services, community programs and innovative models of…
Have your say on the future name of Killean
New owners of McLean Care want your help in naming the main home, and have put up $5000 to make it worth your while to have your say. Vote now!
BUSINESS
Armidale’s only 4.5-star hotel hits the market as mining and REZ demand builds
Armidale’s only 4.5-star hotel is up for sale, with agents pitching Rydges Armidale as a ready-made base for the miners, renewable energy workers, and corporate visitors expected to fill the city’s beds in coming years.
INDIGENOUS
Gunnedah’s Rainbow Serpent restoration wins state award
Crafted by Kamilaroi women, eroded by the western sun, and pieced back together tile by tile. Gunnedah’s Rainbow Serpent has just won a state award, and the judges couldn’t stop praising it.
SPORT
Dunker claims maiden Pro 450 crown at Gunnedah’s Balcary Park
A maiden national title, a championship ring, and a crash in the final race. Cameron Dunker held his nerve at Gunnedah’s Balcary Park to become Pro 450 champion.
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RK writes pays you to buy an EV, install a battery, and take out private health cover. What it never tells you is what it costs to run, police, and fix those programs. The post Begin Rant: the big bill of paying people to behave appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Mick’s frontline farewell after 45 years serving patients in Armidale
After 45 years caring for the people of Armidale, Intensive Care Paramedic Michael Partridge is looking forward to years of uninterrupted sleep, having worked his final shift with his paramedic daughter riding alongside him.
Moree Plains Shire Council names new general manager
Moree Plains Shire Council has found its new general manager. Meet the man who says the shire has “enormous potential”.
