‘Some hurt in this’: Joyce won’t be Hanson’s deputy
Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has formalised his defection from the Nationals to One Nation, but he won’t serve as Pauline Hanson’s deputy.
Lyāmbay Dancers Shine Bright on Local and National Stages
Armidale’s Lyāmbay Aboriginal Dance Group has capped off an extraordinary year, dazzling audiences from Armidale to Sydney with their passion, commitment, and cultural pride.
Mini Gather & Trade brings local Aboriginal art to Carols in the Park
This year’s Baiada Carols in the Park in Tamworth is set to shine even brighter, with Arts North West confirming it will host a special Mini Gather & Trade pop-up stall celebrating Aboriginal creativity from across the New England North West.
Inverell Youth Advisory Council plans huge 2026
The Inverell Youth Advisory Council (IYAC) has wrapped up a whirlwind year, presenting its annual report to Council and signalling that 2026 is shaping up to be even more exciting.
Local News
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”
NSW Farmers launch legal fight against Narrabri Gas Project on fears of water contamination
NSW Farmers new acting CEO has escalated the campaign against the Narrabri Gas Project, engaging senior legal counsel and claiming the project involves fracking.
Final Section of NSW Inland Rail Approved: Narrabri to North Star phase 2 clears last planning hurdle
The State Government has approved the final stage of Inland Rail in New South Wales, marking a significant milestone for the federally funded freight corridor that will eventually link Melbourne to Brisbane.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
INDIGENOUS
Greg Inglis’ Goanna Academy brings mental health programs to Moree
Moree Plains Shire Council will welcome the Greg Inglis Goanna Academy to the region to deliver a series of engaging mental health initiatives.
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
- I take it all back, Barnaby’s a fool
RK Crosby says she thought Barnaby Joyce was one of the smartest strategists in conservative politics, but joining One Nation is just dumb. The post I take it all back, Barnaby’s a fool appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Christmas in the Mall draws thousands for a night of festive fun
Christmas in the Mall has been hailed a huge success, with thousands turning out last night to enjoy a warm Armidale evening filled with music, colour, and Christmas cheer – and the fun moves to Guyra tonight.
Last call for applications for art bursary
The New England Regional Art Museum is encouraging artists from around New England who want to improve their skills and more to apply for a $3500 bursary.
