More voices added to call for better rural health
Calls for urgent, practical reform of rural healthcare have intensified this past week, with the Country Mayor’s Association formally backing the Better Care, Closer to Home Alliance push for a new Rural Health Action Plan
Deepwater locals urged to register for 2026 Black Dog Ride One Dayer
Locals in the Deepwater area are being encouraged to throw their support behind next year’s Black Dog Ride One Dayer, with registrations now open
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.
Finalists announced for 2025 Environmental Music Prize
Thirty songs have been named finalists for the 2025 Environmental Music Prize, a $20,000 award that recognises Australian artists using music to connect audiences with nature and inspire climate action, including bushfire tribute “Up Armidale Road”
Local News
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.
Library wins gong for innovative, intergenerational program
Gunnedah Shire Library’s creativity and ingenuity has captured the spotlight at the NSW Public Libraries Association’s annual conference.
Quirindi Silo Art to light up for annual Christmas show
The Quirindi Silo Art precinct will come alive tonight with its fourth annual Christmas Light and Sound Show, promising a festive evening for locals and visitors alike.
Canavan hopes to woo Joyce back to the Nationals
Nationals senator Matt Canavan hopes to meet with now-independent MP Barnaby Joyce in New England after the ex-deputy prime minister resigned from the party.
Producers plan ahead for a stress-free festive season
With the countdown on to Christmas, Local Land Services is reminding landholders that a bit of pre-Christmas planning could take a number of stresses away this festive season.
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
Sydney Hotshots Live at Moonshiners TamworthEnds: January 20, 2026
Hardanger Embroidery Beginners Workshop with Yvette StantonEnds: February 22, 2026
Frisian Whitework Embroidery Workshop with Yvette StantonEnds: March 22, 2026
Politics
Boost to paediatric allied health workforce set to reduce wait times across NSW
Children and families across New South Wales are set to benefit from significantly improved access to essential health services, following the recruitment of 32 new paediatric allied health professionals under the Minns Labor Government’s $17.9 million investment.
NFF secures breakthrough on Right to Repair for farmers
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has secured a Federal Government commitment to extend Right to Repair reforms to agricultural machinery, hailing it a historic win for farmers and a direct result of years of advocacy from the farm sector.
Soil shocker: This book will make you love dirt
It’s not every day a book about dirt gets passed around like a family treasure, but this World Soils Day, New England locals are digging deep into a read that’s literally ground-breaking.
Low Methane Beef project delivers first genomic insights to help reduce emissions in beef cattle
The Low Methane Beef (LMB) project has reached a major milestone, releasing its first genomic Research Breeding Values (RBVs) for methane emissions in beef cattle.
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
Narrabri CBD to come alive with return of Christmas Pop-Up Shop
Narrabri Shire Council is once again bringing festive cheer and local foot traffic to the heart of the CBD with the return of its annual Christmas Pop-Up Shop, now in its fifth year.
INDIGENOUS
Cultural Grants open to celebrate Aboriginal cultures and connection
Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW are invited to apply for grants to support events and activities that celebrate and strengthen Aboriginal cultures.
SPORT
Call for Parliamentary Inquiry into GRNSW
Barwon MP Roy Butler is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW after a report recommended shutting down 15 country tracks, including Tamworth and Moree.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- ‘Make the platforms safer’: what young people really think about the social media ban
From next Wednesday, thousands of young Australians under 16 will lose access to their accounts across ten social media platforms, as the teen social media ban takes effect. The post ‘Make the platforms safer’: what young people really think about the social media ban appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Community urged to donate to Christmas Toy Drive Appeal
As the donation period draws to a close, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent, and Greater Bank are encouraging the community to support their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal and help share the spirit of the season.
Regional voices take centre stage at Armidale’s Disability Summit and Awards
Armidale will place inclusion, accessibility, and community leadership firmly in the spotlight this December as The Ascent Group prepares to host two major back-to-back events: the Armidale Disability Summit during the day, followed by the Inclusion in Action Disability Awards that evening.
