Sound Sensitivity Stations a first at Tamworth Country Music Festival
For the first time, Sound Sensitivity Stations will be available at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, offering free earplugs to support people with sensory needs.
New dates and theme confirmed for CREATE Festival 2026
Narrabri Shire Council has confirmed new dates and a fresh theme for the 2026 CREATE Festival, with the popular community arts event set to run from Friday 2 October to Sunday 18 October 2026.
Tenterfield to honour Peter Allen with new festival
Parks has Elvis, Trundle has ABBA – and now, Tenterfield may soon have Peter Allen. Plans are underway to bring the story of the iconic Australian performer to the New England.
Welfare check ends in Gunnedah man shot by police
A man has died after being shot by police during a concern for welfare check on a rural property near Gunnedah, with a critical incident investigation now underway.
Local News
Travelling to Tamworth? Get a live music hit on the way
As cars, caravans and campervans begin their annual migration for the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the road itself is once again coming alive with live music
Rodeo back in the saddle at the 2026 Bundarra Show
The Bundarra Show is set to return in 2026, running over three big days from Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1, promising a full program of competition, entertainment and country hospitality as locals and visitors come together to celebrate one of the region’s most cherished annual events.
Tamworth warned of Hep A risk
The source of a Hepatitis A outbreak in Tamworth remains unknown as the city welcome tens of thousands of visitors for the Tamworth Country Music Festival
Golden Guitar Awards to showcase range of Australian country talents
The countdown is on to the Australian country music night of nights, the Golden Guitar Awards, on Saturday, January 24.
Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment: new acute services building now operational
The $53 million redevelopment of Gunnedah Hospital has reached a significant milestone, with the new acute services building welcoming patients, visitors, and staff from Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
What's On
TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL >
Sound Sensitivity Stations a first at Tamworth Country Music Festival
For the first time, Sound Sensitivity Stations will be available at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, offering free earplugs to support people with sensory needs.
Travelling to Tamworth? Get a live music hit on the way
As cars, caravans and campervans begin their annual migration for the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the road itself is once again coming alive with live music
Events
Walcha Farmers’ MarketEnds: January 17, 2026
Calala Museum Sessions with The Rusty Ringers – SaturdayEnds: January 17, 2026
Allan Gumm @ Bendemeer HotelEnds: January 17, 2026
Calala Museum Sessions with The Rusty Ringers – SundayEnds: January 18, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: January 18, 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
On engage now
- Macca’s weeds: Getting inoculation right for bumper yields
Macca discusses the critical importance of Rhizobia bacteria and correct inoculation techniques for maximizing nitrogen uptake and yields in legume crops like Mungbeans. The post Macca’s weeds: Getting inoculation right for bumper yields appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
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.
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.
