Wolfes and divorce dominate Golden Guitars
Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson reunited at the 2026 Country Music Awards, winning song and single of the year for The Divorce Song, while the Wolfe Brothers cleaned up to take home five Golden Guitars.
Significant local opposition to Kingswood Battery
Calala, Loomberah and Kingswood area residents concerned about a proposed large scale battery storage project will have a direct opportunity to put their views to state planning decision makers
Country Journo’s Festival Finds – Day 10 (and 11)
It’s the last day of Tamworth Country Music Festival! Get the Country Journos’ final tips for the action today and Australia Day.
Fears for violence on Australia Day
The community is being urged to come together respectfully over the Australia Day long weekend following the circulation of propaganda encouraging violence against minorities.
Local News
US creep a blessing and curse for young country artists
Country music is experiencing an explosion in listeners thanks to US megastars, but an industry veteran hopes young artists don’t abandon homegrown sounds.
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
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?
Country Journo’s Festival Finds – Day 9
Today is going to be a LONG day, so maybe sleep in, then check out this column for all the best things to do as you squeeze the last bit of fun out of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Heatwave to keep New England sweltering all week
A massive heatwave is forecast for much of the country, with severe conditions forecast to persist through the Australia Day long weekend and into next week throughout the New England.
What's On
Click to read today’s tips on what to see at TCMF from The Country Journo Bec Gracie
Country Journo’s Festival Finds – Day 10 (and 11)
It’s the last day of Tamworth Country Music Festival! Get the Country Journos’ final tips for the action today and Australia Day.
Wolfes and divorce dominate Golden Guitars
Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson reunited at the 2026 Country Music Awards, winning song and single of the year for The Divorce Song, while the Wolfe Brothers cleaned up to take home five Golden Guitars.
Events
BBQ Buffet @ Walcha RoadEnds: January 25, 2026
Australia Day Awards and Citizenship CeremonyEnds: January 26, 2026
Australia Day Beach PartyEnds: January 26, 2026
Jodie Crosby @ the BowloEnds: January 30, 2026
Issi Dye @ the ServiesEnds: January 31, 2026
Politics
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’.
Nationals quit front bench en masse after policy split
The coalition is on life support after eight Nationals frontbenchers – including leader David Littleproud – quit the shadow cabinet in protest after the resignation of three of their colleagues.
Nationals trio resign from shadow cabinet after split
Three National senators have resigned from Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s front bench after a split from the Liberal Party over hate speech laws.
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.
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.
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 >
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
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: Is it too late for the National Party?
Annabel Doherty from Armidale argues the National Party should have split from the Liberals earlier to stop the drift to One Nation. She questions if it is now too late for their survival or if they will bank on a One Nation implosion. The post Opinion: Is it too late for the National Party? appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Lyn Bowtell inducted into Tamworth’s Galaxy of Stars
The newest inductee to the Galaxy of Stars will have her special Lyn Bowtell and her Famous Friends show today, Thursday, January 22, at 1pm at Tamworth Town Hall.
Major solar projects to boost efficiency in Gunnedah
Gunnedah Shire Council will invest in significant solar projects for key community infrastructure, thanks to $439,815 in Australian Government funding.
