Early Years Support Program strengthens ACCO-Led Early Childhood sector in Tamworth
The Early Years Support program is strengthening ACCO-led early childhood services by improving workforce capability and outcomes for children, including in Tamworth.
Bigger bucks and a bigger Year ahead: PBR Australia sets ambitious 2026 schedule
Professional Bull Riders Australia has unveiled a blockbuster calendar for 2026, promising a record-setting season with more events and new tour stops.
Dozens turned away daily from homelessness services in NSW, with New England among hardest-hit regions
More than 3,400 people sought help from homelessness services in New England and North West last year, with many turned away as providers struggled to keep up with soaring demand.
A milestone year: Black Mountain Nursery reflects on 40 years of growth
As 2025 draws to a close, Black Mountain Nursery is looking back on a year marked by reflection, celebration and community appreciation.
Local News
Keep an eye out for fireworks spooked wildlife this New Years
As we welcome in 2026, WIRES is asking the public to please report any displaced native wildlife following NYE fireworks displays.
Telstra denies issues in Bingara despite failure to deliver promised upgrade by Christmas
Telstra has denied there are problems with its mobile network in Bingara, despite another Christmas period marked by service outages and an upgrade promised before Christmas once again failing to materialise.
Coulda, shoulda, woulda stories of 2025
$400,000 for something that doesn’t exist, the secret NSW Health doesn’t want to tell you, and why new roads are falling apart faster than old ones… here’s three of the biggest stories we couldn’t tell you in 2025.
School leavers step into trades and break barriers
With HSC results out, Apprenticeship Support Australia is calling on school leavers to consider apprenticeships and traineeships in industries crying out for skilled workers.
Celebrating community champions across the Shire
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, offering an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals in the Moree Plains Shire.
What's On
Events
AJ Williams @ the BowloEnds: January 2, 2026
UNI 101 STUDENT INFO SESSIONEnds: January 8, 2026
Dion Bayman @ the BowloEnds: January 9, 2026
Backgammon @ BoobooksEnds: January 10, 2026
Politics
NSW Government issues urgent plea to motorists to drive safely throughout summer holidays: Double demerits in force
The State Government has issued an urgent plea for motorists to drive safely ahead of the busy holiday period, as traffic volumes increase across New South Wales and double demerits come into force.
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.
Early Blueberry Season Bursts to Life at Blueberries with Altitude
An early start to the blueberry season is delighting locals at Blueberries with Altitude, with ripe, juicy berries ready for picking weeks ahead of schedule following an unusual mix of weather conditions.
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.
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
Golden Guitar Awards hosts announced
Two Golden Guitar award-winning artists will take to the stage in January, playing host for the evening at the nation’s longest-running music awards concert.
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
Australia outrides New Zealand in epic two-night bucking battle
Australia has once again claimed trans-Tasman bragging rights, defeating New Zealand to take home the Tasman Cup Trophy.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Lack of police steals Christmas Spirit in Tambar Springs
Jim Guider writes that the Clayton's police presence in Tambar Springs was not enough to prevent Christmas presents being stolen, and action is required to deal with the social parasites. The post Lack of police steals Christmas Spirit in Tambar Springs appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
The Wiggles set to return to Tamworth with biggest show yet
The Wiggles are heading back to Tamworth, bringing one of the most recognisable names in children’s entertainment to the city once again as part of the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival celebrations.
Tails to wag over new Autumn Festival event in Armidale
The Armidale Autumn Festival will showcase an exciting new attraction in 2026 – working stock dog demonstrations presented by the Armidale Working Stock Dog Club.
