Take a break from the heat and upgrade to an X Series Signature
It has been another uncomfortably hot Tamworth Country Music Festival, and with another heat wave on the way, it is worth asking yourself: is it time to get out of the heat?
Country Journo’s Festival Finds – Day 9
Today is going to be a LONG day, so maybe sleep in, then check out this column for all the best things to do as you squeeze the last bit of fun out of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Heatwave to keep New England sweltering all week
A massive heatwave is forecast for much of the country, with severe conditions forecast to persist through the Australia Day long weekend and into next week throughout the New England.
Hats, pins, photos – collect it all at TCMF26
Long after the amps are packed away, it is the souvenirs, signatures and slightly sun-faded merch that keep the memories alive.
Local News
Melinda Schneider Gets Personal With Tender Art
It was standing room only for Melinda Schneider’s Tender art exhibition opening at Tamworth Regional Gallery on Friday.
Gunnedah scholarship winners announced
Thirty-one young people are getting a headstart in their tertiary pursuits thanks to the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund (GCSF).
Narrabri moves to Level 4 water restrictions as heat drives demand
Narrabri Shire Council will implement Level 4 water restrictions for the Narrabri township from 7am Saturday, 24 January, due to sustained high demand and forecast extreme heat
Country Journo’s Festival Finds – Day 8
It’s getting to the part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival where you need to commit to early mornings and late nights as you attempt to squeeze as much as you can into every second.
Rockwiz tips its hat to country music in Tamworth
Rockwiz rolled into town on Tuesday for an entertaining night of music, trivia, and fun in front of a 700-strong audience as part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
What's On
Click to read today’s tips on what to see at TCMF from The Country Journo Bec Gracie
Heatwave to keep New England sweltering all week
A massive heatwave is forecast for much of the country, with severe conditions forecast to persist through the Australia Day long weekend and into next week throughout the New England.
Hats, pins, photos – collect it all at TCMF26
Long after the amps are packed away, it is the souvenirs, signatures and slightly sun-faded merch that keep the memories alive.
Events
Karaoke @ the BowloEnds: January 24, 2026
Armidale Dance GroupEnds: January 24, 2026
Cambooya Rockers @ Top PubEnds: January 24, 2026
BBQ Buffet @ Walcha RoadEnds: January 25, 2026
Australia Day Awards and Citizenship CeremonyEnds: January 26, 2026
Politics
NSW Government plans to outlaw dogs in hot cars, but no certainty yet
The NSW Government has announced plans to introduce a new offence for leaving dogs unattended in hot vehicles, but uncertainty remains over when the laws will be finalised
Calls for alternate route to “Rockfall Way”
The closure of Waterfall Way for the fifth time in less than 12 months has reignited calls to invest in a viable and safe alternate route. Some locals are now calling the drive ‘Rockfall Way’.
Nationals quit front bench en masse after policy split
The coalition is on life support after eight Nationals frontbenchers – including leader David Littleproud – quit the shadow cabinet in protest after the resignation of three of their colleagues.
Nationals trio resign from shadow cabinet after split
Three National senators have resigned from Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s front bench after a split from the Liberal Party over hate speech laws.
Contentious anti-hate laws to pass in last-minute deal that sidelined Joyce
Barnaby Joyce got a hard lesson of life on the cross bench, sidelined in a hard-fought cross-party agreement that will see hate crimes legislation stemming from Australia’s worst-ever terrorist attack pass the parliament.
Golden rules reminder for summer spraying
Farmers spraying weeds this summer are reminded of the golden rules to prevent drift and avoid damage to neighbouring properties.
NSW Farmers acting CEO appointed new NFF CEO
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is pleased to announce Michael Guerin as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 23 March 2026.
Energy and Environment
Level 1 Water Restrictions to begin in Gunnedah and Curlewis
Gunnedah Shire Council has announced that Level 1 Water Restrictions will come into effect for the townships of Gunnedah and Curlewis from 12am on Thursday, 8 January 2026, following a sustained increase in water consumption across the local supply system.
NSW recyclers return record 15 billion containers
NSW residents have returned a record 15 billion bottles, cans and cartons through the Return and Earn scheme, delivering $1.5 billion in refunds, but access in the New England remains limited.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Giving little learners a Star Start to school at Your Tutor Armidale
Families across Armidale are being invited to give their children a confident and positive start to school through the Star Starter School Readiness Program, launching at Your Tutor in Armidale in January…
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…
BUSINESS
Calling New England orgs to register now for 2026 Australian Heritage Festival
The National Trust of Australia is calling on event organisers to register now for inclusion in the 2026 Australian Heritage Festival.
INDIGENOUS
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.
SPORT
Hazlewood is battling to be fit for the T20 World Cup
Pakistan is looking forward to three T20 internationals the team will play in Lahore against Australia in the build-up to the World Cup.
On engage now
- Letter: Joyce sideline
Rural people have always had conflict with the Nationals saying one thing in the bush and another when they went to Canberra. The perils of coalition. but they do get into power sometimes to make change. The one nation commentary never becomes more than that. Always talk the talk, never the walk. The post Letter: Joyce sideline appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Songwriters shine at TSA Salute Awards
Songwriters were front and centre at the 2026 Tamworth Songwriters Association Songwriter Salute Awards because, in country music, it all starts with the song.
Anzac Park’s $1.2 million nature play park nears opening
An exciting new chapter for Anzac Park is just days away, with the $1.2 million Nature Play Park now effectively complete. Only a few minor finishing items remain, and once these are signed off, the site is expected to be handed over to Council within the next 10–14 days.
