Call for peace this Christmas
A call for peace and light echoed across continents this Christmas as religious leaders urged unity, compassion and an end to violence during a season marked by both celebration and grief.
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.
Local News
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.
Inverell venue Welder’s Dog rebrands as Rouseabout
Inverell hospitality venue The Welder’s Dog will farewell its current name at the end of the year, re-emerging in 2026 as Rouseabout, in a rebrand owners James and Phoebe Croft say reflects both their roots and the direction the business has taken over time.
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.
What's On
Events
Armidale FREE Community Christmas Day LunchEnds: December 25, 2025
Christmas Day Community LunchEnds: December 25, 2025
Rick Cuthel @ the BowloEnds: December 26, 2025
Drake Village MarketsEnds: December 27, 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
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
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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- Denise’s Desk: A Day Wrapped in Lace and Love
From the moment we gathered, it felt like a day suspended in time. Dress after dress, champagne and laughter, until the one appeared. It wasn’t just about lace; it was the extraordinary privilege of being a mother watching her child begin a new chapter. The post Denise’s Desk: A Day Wrapped in Lace and Love appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Australia officially home for five new citizens
Gunnedah Shire has welcomed five new Australian citizens to the community. Read more here.
Walcha embroiderer wins prestigious state award
Yvette Stanton named the winner of the 2025 Roma Field Award for Traditional Embroidery in the Tutors and Past Winners Category.
