Breaking: Nationals set for leadership challenge
David Littleproud will face a challenge for the leadership of the Nationals when parliament resumes from a close ally of Barnaby Joyce.
Tamworth’s 54th festival celebrates ever-increasing crowds and plans ahead
The last notes have been played at the 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival and the city is celebrating an extra successful event.
Narrabri Shire Australia Day honours announced
Narrabri Shire marked Australia Day with a morning of celebration, recognising the exceptional individuals who make a lasting impact on the local community.
Warialda and Bingara Australia Day honours announced
Community spirit was front and centre this Australia Day, as the Gwydir Shire recognised outstanding individuals and groups for their contributions throughout 2025.
Local News
Hands of Fame welcomes Jodi Vaughan and The Wolfe Brothers
Two very different careers, but the same lasting impact on Australian country music, were recognised on Saturday morning when the 2026 Hands of Fame inductees were honoured in Tamworth.
Fiery plane crash kills two men; headed towards Barraba
Two men are dead after their light plane crashed and burst into flames near a regional airfield on the Gold Coast seconds after take-off, sparking an intense blaze. The plane is understood to have been heading to a small town near Tamworth.
Country music’s quiet achiever steps into the spotlight
Tamworth Regional Council Festival and Events Manager Barry Harley has been recognised with two major accolades at the Golden Guitar Awards and a special town hall presentation, marking over 50 years of service.
Barraba and Nundle Australia Day honours announced
Barraba and Nundle have announced their Australia Day award winners – see who won!
Manilla announces Australia Day Awards
Manilla has announced their Australia Day award winners – see who won!
What's On
Coming Soon: Fantastic Feb
Are you someone we can talk to about health, fitness, beauty, and general wellbeing? Throughout February we’re going to be helping New Englanders look and feel fantastic. So if this is your area of business or you have some advice to share, we want to hear from you!
Please drop your details here so we can get in contact and potentially include you in out Fantastic Feb promotion.
Events
Jodie Crosby @ the BowloEnds: January 30, 2026
Issi Dye @ the ServiesEnds: January 31, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: February 1, 2026
The INXS Tribute Show @ Welder’s Dog BreweryEnds: February 1, 2026
In the Shadow of the Gallows – Pub CinemaEnds: February 5, 2026
Politics
NFF calls for long term investment in agriculture
NFF has opted for the long view in a pre-budget submission to the federal government, seeking practical policy settings for the future of the sector
Glen Innes gets support on biochar vision
Glen Innes Severn Council has secured full support from the Local Government NSW board for its motion backing the Australian Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap
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
“Untenable”: Nats leader says coalition over with Libs
The coalition has split for the second time in less than a year, with Nationals leader David Littleproud saying the partnership with the Liberals is untenable.
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’.
The century-long battle against weeds heads to space
It might have a romantic name but African lovegrass wreaks havoc on the landscape, as researchers trial satellite technology and AI to combat the invasive weed.
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.
Energy and Environment
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
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.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
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?
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…
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
- Opinion: Nationals can now really represent bush
Mal Peters argues the Nationals split is a welcome move, freeing them from the Liberal "handbrake" to truly represent the bush. He backs David Littleproud to lead a strong opposition while criticizing Barnaby Joyce’s superficial politics. The post Opinion: Nationals can now really represent bush appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Gunnedah Australia Day awards announced
Gunnedah has announced their Australia Day award winners – see who won!
Wolfes and divorce dominate Golden Guitars
Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson reunited at the 2026 Country Music Awards, winning song and single of the year for The Divorce Song, while the Wolfe Brothers cleaned up to take home five Golden Guitars.
