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.
Early Blueberry Season Bursts to Life at Blueberries with Altitude
An early start to the blueberry season is delighting locals at Blueberries with Altitude, with ripe, juicy berries ready for picking weeks ahead of schedule following an unusual mix of weather conditions.
NSW TrainLink’s refreshed menu in time for peak summer travel season
New items have been added to the on-board menu of NSW TrainLink’s long distance train services in time for summer’s peak travel season.
Woolbrook moves to Walcha
Some residents of Woolbrook will spend Christmas and beyond as part of a new local government area following a boundary change proclamation by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley on November 14.
Local News
Council endorses heavy patching program
Inverell Shire Council has endorsed the 2025/2026 Heavy Patching Program, approving the allocation of $1,233,812 from the Roads to Recovery Program to deliver priority road works across the Shire.
Fewer houses make it hard for local selling agents to meet demand
A rush on houses by investors has created a shortage in Armidale and Tamworth, making it hard for local agents to keep up with demand.
Work continues on No. 1 Oval Pavillion
Construction on the No. 1 Oval Pavilion continues to advance steadily as the project heads into the new year.
Council supports efforts to attract senior doctor to Inverell Hospital
Inverell Shire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to improving local health services by supporting ongoing advocacy efforts to attract a permanent Senior Doctor to the Inverell District Hospital.
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.
What's On
Events
Drake Village MarketsEnds: December 27, 2025
Boot Scootin’ @ Alternate RootEnds: December 27, 2025
Weekly Women’s Tea & Talk hosted by Tenterfield Community HubEnds: December 29, 2025
Full Moon Labyrinth WalkEnds: December 31, 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.
Support Aussie farmers this festive season
The state’s peak farming body is asking shoppers to check the label and choose Australian-grown food where they can this Christmas.
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.
Energy and Environment
Sunny skies forecast for Christmas Day
Christmas Day is shaping up as a classic summer celebration across the New England region, with mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures and only a slight chance of showers forecast for Thursday.
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.
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
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.
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
Australia outrides New Zealand in epic two-night bucking battle
Australia has once again claimed trans-Tasman bragging rights, defeating New Zealand to take home the Tasman Cup Trophy.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
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- Macca’s weeds: Paul Macca’s Twelve Days of Farming Creed
Whilst the festive season is upon us and my rainfall predicting is not going so well, I thought it may be a better idea to recite Paul Macca's "Twelve Days of Farming" creed. The post Macca’s weeds: Paul Macca’s Twelve Days of Farming Creed appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
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…
Community groups share in Narrabri Council funding
Five community groups have received funding for local projects, community events and facility upgrades through Narrabri Shire Council’s Community Financial Assistance Program.
