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.
Would you like fries with that tune? Even fast food gets into TCMF
As festival crowds descend on the Boulevard of Dreams, the local Hungry Jack’s restaurant has become an unofficial side stage, offering live country music alongside burgers, chips and a reliable place to find a clean ladies room.
Get ready for the Uralla Show – bigger and brighter than ever!
The Uralla Show is set to return, bringing fun, excitement, and community spirit to the town on Saturday, February 7. A highlight of the local calendar, the Show promises something for everyone, from traditional agricultural displays to a range of new attractions that are sure to thrill visitors of all…
Have your say on Great Koala National Park recreation
Community consultation has opened on the proposed Great Koala National Park, with the NSW Government inviting locals, visitors and user groups to help shape how the park will be used and managed into the future.
Local News
Jarrad Wrigley takes 46th Star Maker crown in Tamworth
Freshly crowned 2026 Toyota Star Maker winner Jarrad Wrigley is still coming to terms with what the title means, but he has big plans for the year ahead.
Let the fun begin: 6000 fans at TCMF opening concert
More than 6000 music fans packed into Toyota Park to launch 10 days of live music, celebration and community.
AI forecasting could drive down household electricity bills
New research finds that AI transformer models can cut electricity price forecasting errors nearly in half, suggesting a path to lower power costs and more efficient renewable energy use.
Schooners and Songlines: Tooheys pours it on for TCMF
There are a few certainties in life: country music will always find a stage in Tamworth, and there’ll always be a cold one not far from the action.
Cost of doing business out of control
Small business is bleeding—and the numbers don’t lie. In 2025 alone, over 6,200 NSW businesses went under. Construction, hospitality, retail—no sector was spared.
What's On
Click to read today’s tips on what to see at TCMF from The Country Journo Bec Gracie
Would you like fries with that tune? Even fast food gets into TCMF
As festival crowds descend on the Boulevard of Dreams, the local Hungry Jack’s restaurant has become an unofficial side stage, offering live country music alongside burgers, chips and a reliable place to find a clean ladies room.
Jarrad Wrigley takes 46th Star Maker crown in Tamworth
Freshly crowned 2026 Toyota Star Maker winner Jarrad Wrigley is still coming to terms with what the title means, but he has big plans for the year ahead.
Events
Sydney Hotshots Live at Moonshiners TamworthEnds: January 20, 2026
Peter Raymond @ the BowloEnds: January 23, 2026
Karaoke @ the BowloEnds: January 24, 2026
Armidale Dance GroupEnds: January 24, 2026
Cambooya Rockers @ Top PubEnds: January 24, 2026
Politics
‘Cruelly stolen’ Bondi victims honoured in parliament
The prime minister has read out the names of 15 people whose lives were “cruelly stolen” in the nation’s worst terror attack.
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.
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
Tamworth’s Challenge in need of new CEO
Community services provider Challenge Community Services has confirmed chief executive officer Stephen Doley will conclude his role with the organisation this week
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
- Opinion: Cost doing business
Mal Peters says he has seen some pretty tough times, but for some reason it seems harder today than he can recall. The post Opinion: Cost doing business appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Anzac Park’s $1.2 million nature play park nears opening
An exciting new chapter for Anzac Park is just days away, with the $1.2 million Nature Play Park now effectively complete. Only a few minor finishing items remain, and once these are signed off, the site is expected to be handed over to Council within the next 10–14 days.
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.
