James Johnston’s “Where You’ll Find Me” claims top selling Australian Country Album for 2025
James Johnston takes out the 2026 Golden Guitar Award for Top Selling Australian Country Album of the Year for his sophomore album, Where You’ll Find Me.
NBN Fixed Wireless is coming to the Narrabri LGA
Over 700 homes and businesses across the Narrabri Local Government Area are set to benefit from faster and more reliable internet connectivity, with nbn fixed wireless services being rolled out under the NSW Government’s Regional Digital Connectivity Program.
Kerry Mead Park to double its Rugby League capacity
Glen Innes Severn Council is set to deliver a major boost for local rugby league, securing a $50,000 NSW Rugby League Infrastructure grant, matched by a previously allocated $50,000 Council contribution.
Multi-sport high performance camp at NEGS next month
NEGS Armidale will host a one day High Performance Camp next month, bringing elite coaches and specialist presenters to Armidale to mentor young athletes from across the region.
Local News
Works to start on Violet Street Bridge replacement
The Violet Street Bridge replacement is set to take a significant step forward with works to get underway on the project next week.
Country Turns Pink to support cancer patients this Sunday
One of the Tamworth Country Music Festival’s most enduring charity events will again put music to work for a cause close to home, with Country Turns Pink returning to West Tamworth this Sunday.
Skeptics back to debate the death of art
Armidale’s Skeptics In The Pub resumes for 2026 on Wednesday February 11 with a presentation guaranteed to challenge the thinking of all local artists.
Open seat: 1 in 3 New England voters undecided
More than a third of New England voters say they are undecided about who they would support at the next federal election, with the latest New England Times Engage Poll revealing an electorate unsettled by Barnaby Joyce’s move to One Nation.
Shout a mate some practical help
Sober in the Country is taking its message about alcohol harm national, with a new fundraising campaign aiming to raise $1 million to expand support for rural Australians.
What's On
More than a place to sleep: Riverside camping brings Tamworth together
Camping at the Tamworth Country Music Festival is not solely about finding a place to sleep. It is also about reuniting with friends you may only see once a year during the annual pilgrimage.
Events
Oasis Community GardenEnds: January 15, 2026
Glen Price @ the BowloEnds: January 16, 2026
Starshine: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac @ Welder’s Dog BreweryEnds: January 16, 2026
Tenterfield Farmers & Producers MarketEnds: January 17, 2026
Calala Museum Sessions with The Rusty Ringers – SaturdayEnds: January 17, 2026
Politics
Hate preachers to be targeted in tough new federal laws
Federal parliament will be recalled early to debate “the toughest hate laws Australia has ever seen” in the wake of the deadly Bondi terror attack.
Chaffey, Joyce want gun laws and Islamic extremism in the Bondi Royal Commission
They are now in different parties, but our two local MPs are singing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to reviews of gun restrictions and Islamic extremism being needed in the federal Royal Commission into antisemitism and the Chanukah Massacre at Bondi Beach.
Moylan promoted, McDonald dropped in NSW shadow cabinet reshuffle
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have unveiled a refreshed shadow ministry they say is ready to govern, with Northern Tablelands MP Brendan Moylan picking up his first portfolio.
Sustainability the key to ag workforce puzzle
The National Farmers’ Federation urges policymakers to prioritize workforce sustainability, stressing the need for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled labour for regional producers.
Subsidy to help local students visit parliament
Primary and secondary schools in the New England are being encouraged to include a visit to the NSW Parliament as part of their 2026 excursion calendar.
NSW Farmers acting CEO appointed new NFF CEO
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is pleased to announce Michael Guerin as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 23 March 2026.
Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival celebrates 40 years
The much-loved Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival is once again set to bring food, fun and community pride to the New England region this January.
Energy and Environment
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.
NSW recyclers return record 15 billion containers
NSW residents have returned a record 15 billion bottles, cans and cartons through the Return and Earn scheme, delivering $1.5 billion in refunds, but access in the New England remains limited.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
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…
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…
BUSINESS
Visitors invited to explore the Liverpool Plains Sunflower Trail
The Liverpool Plains Sunflower Trail kicks off just in time for the weekend, with sunflowers at “Sandstone”, Big Jack’s Creek and “Wilgabah” at Wallabadah now flowering and ready to brighten visitors’ days.
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
How Hazlewood family is still playing role in Pink Test
Josh Hazlewood’s injuries prevented him playing in the Ashes series, but his sister remains part of the Pink Test through the McGrath Foundation.
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Good News
Moree woman finds $100k under the Chrissie tree
A Moree woman had a Christmas she’ll never forget, unwrapping a $100,000 Lucky Lotteries prize on a ticket given to her by her parents.
New England boarding schools celebrate standout 2025 HSC results
The New England region’s boarding schools are celebrating exceptional performances in the 2025 Higher School Certificate.
