Council calls on Australian Government to fund ‘missing link’ of Inland Rail
Moree Plains Shire Council is urging the Federal Government to provide the required funding to complete works that will link Northwest NSW to the Inland Rail project and the Port of Newcastle.
Tamworth man wins $15 million Oz Lotto
A Tamworth man’s winning marked 18-game entry was purchased at Northgate News, delivering him the Division 1 prize.
Inverell Gears Up for Two Big Nights of Late Night Shopping
Inverell shoppers are invited to “shop ‘til you drop” with the exciting return of Late Night Shopping on the two Thursdays leading up to Christmas.
Powering up Armidale: The church helping locals cut their bills
At Armidale Uniting Church, the shift toward clean energy has become a practical, community-focused effort
Local News
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.
Joyce confirms One Nation switch as staff depart and community patience wears thin
In the latest twist in a political saga that now bores much of the New England, Barnaby Joyce has confirmed he will join One Nation, triggering further staff departures and deepening disquiet among voters.
Gunnedah’s treasured cultural icon to be restored
Restoration work on Gunnedah Shire’s award-winning Rainbow Serpent Water Feature will begin in the new year.
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
NSW joins High Court battle to protect kids online
NSW has joined South Australia to defend Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s against a High Court challenge brought by several plaintiffs.
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
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.
ABRI appoints new Managing Director
The Agricultural Business Research Institute in Armidale has announced Dr David Christie as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, commencing early 2026.
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
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.
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
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.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- QW: Re: I take it all back, Barnaby’s a fool
Phil from Tamworth says: If Barnaby can position a vote for ON as a protest vote against both the Nationals AND Labor, there could be a huge loss of National Party MPs in Northern NSW and in Southern QLD. There is plenty of discontent against the Nationals but no real alternative until ON came along in the 1998 Qld state election. The post QW: Re: I take it all back, Barnaby’s a fool appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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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.
Skywhales to soar over Armidale at 2026 Autumn Festival
Armidale is set to witness an unforgettable sight in 2026, with the iconic skywhales to grace the skies during the city’s beloved Autumn Festival.
