Don’t spend Christmas alone: community meals around New England
For many people in the New England Region, Christmas Day is a time for family, friends and celebration. But for some, whether they’re new to town, alone, facing hardship, or simply without other plans, the holiday can feel isolating. Thankfully, local community groups are once again stepping up to make sure everyone has a place…
Trial Peel Street closure aims to grow Tamworth’s night-time Festival economy
A trial closure of the northern end of Peel Street during January’s Tamworth Country Music Festival aims to increase foot traffic, boost evening trade and better connect festivalgoers with the city’s food retailers.
Industrial land hits the market in Glen Innes
Four industrial lots in Glen Innes have been listed for sale, following a resolution by Glen Innes Severn Council.
Record-breaking class of new recruits to bolster New England police numbers
Police commands across New England are set to benefit from a fresh wave of frontline officers, with a record-breaking class of 341 recruits graduating from the Goulburn Police Academy.
Local News
Large crowd turns out to support Jewish Community in Armidale
Hundreds of locals came to the Armidale Mall on Saturday morning to take part in a memorial event to show support for the Jewish Community after last weekend’s Chanukah Massacre.
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.
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.
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.
What's On
Events
Gingerbread House DecoratingEnds: December 23, 2025
Carols on MarkhamEnds: December 24, 2025
Armidale FREE Community Christmas Day LunchEnds: December 25, 2025
Christmas Day Community LunchEnds: December 25, 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
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.
Narrabri welcomes Government’s response to Select Committee on PFAS, confirms ongoing proactive approach
Narrabri Shire Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry into PFAS contamination in the state’s waterways and drinking water.
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
Celebrate the Summer Solstice at the Australian Standing Stones
Glen Innes locals and visitors are invited to gather this Sunday, 21 December, to mark the summer solstice at the Australian Standing Stones.
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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- QW: Frydenberg: Confused or Devious?
Jan Kleeman says: This is politically compromised, rubbish reporting. Ferguson’s question was about the Bondi massacre, not anti-Semitism. The question remains: Is Frydenberg lacking cognitive skills, or being deviously and politically motivated? The post QW: Frydenberg: Confused or Devious? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
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.
Moree’s Kamala Wheeler honoured as NSW Adult Volunteer of the Year
Moree’s own Kamala Wheeler has been recognised on the state stage, receiving the 2025 NSW Adult Volunteer of the Year Award for her decades of service with the NSW State Emergency Service.
