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.
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.
Local News
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!
Liverpool Plains announces Australia Day awards
Liverpool Plains has announced their Australia Day award winners – see who won!
Tamworth announces Australia Day awards
Tamworth has announced their Australia Day award winners – see who won!
What's On
Coming Soon: Fantastic Feb
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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.
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Good News
Locals honoured in Australia Day awards
Ten residents from across the region have received the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division in today’s awards, most of them from Tamworth.
Country Journo’s Festival Finds – Day 7
Thursday always feels like the pointy end of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The awards are in full swing, industry conversations are happening, and you have to accept that you can’t be everywhere at once.
