New year brings cheaper medicines, higher energy bills
A cut to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment will slash the cost of medicines but Australians face higher power bills in 2026.
A milestone year: Black Mountain Nursery reflects on 40 years of growth
As 2025 draws to a close, Black Mountain Nursery is looking back on a year marked by reflection, celebration and community appreciation.
AI poster advertising Joyce at Tamworth rally fake
Anonymous posts in local Facebook groups promoting an appearance by Member for New England Barnaby Joyce at an unauthorised political rally, this time in Tamworth, have been quickly deleted.
Keep an eye out for fireworks spooked wildlife this New Years
As we welcome in 2026, WIRES is asking the public to please report any displaced native wildlife following NYE fireworks displays.
Local News
School leavers step into trades and break barriers
With HSC results out, Apprenticeship Support Australia is calling on school leavers to consider apprenticeships and traineeships in industries crying out for skilled workers.
Celebrating community champions across the Shire
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, offering an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals in the Moree Plains Shire.
Airport café farewell as The Alternate Root closes Armidale location
After successfully supplying travellers and locals alike with quality coffee, hearty meals and warm hospitality since 2023, The Alternate Root Café has announced the closure of its Armidale Airport location, turning off the machine for the last time on December 24.
Northern Tablelands communities dig deep to preserve wetlands
More than 2,640 native seedlings have now been planted at the Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve near Guyra as part of revegetation works being carried out by the NSW Government’s Local Land Services alongside local Aboriginal organisations and community members. The only site of its kind in the Northern Tablelands, the Reserve is Ramsar-listed and provides…
Tasman and Corinya Station acquisitions spark community concerns
Two newly acquired properties in western NSW have been added to the national park estate without local consultation, prompting criticism from Member for Barwon Roy Butler
What's On
Events
AJ Williams @ the BowloEnds: January 2, 2026
UNI 101 STUDENT INFO SESSIONEnds: January 8, 2026
Dion Bayman @ the BowloEnds: January 9, 2026
Backgammon @ BoobooksEnds: January 10, 2026
Politics
NSW Government issues urgent plea to motorists to drive safely throughout summer holidays: Double demerits in force
The State Government has issued an urgent plea for motorists to drive safely ahead of the busy holiday period, as traffic volumes increase across New South Wales and double demerits come into force.
NSW RFS ‘red fleet’ ownership delayed by bureacracy
NSW councils hoping for a swift resolution to long running ownership issues surrounding the Rural Fire Service Red Fleet have been left disappointed with the NSW Government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry.
Support Aussie farmers this festive season
The state’s peak farming body is asking shoppers to check the label and choose Australian-grown food where they can this Christmas.
Farm businesses start to recover confidence
Farm businesses are showing cautious signs of recovery while continuing to grapple with climate and cost pressures, according to the biannual NSW Farmers Business Sentiment Survey.
Energy and Environment
Sunny skies forecast for Christmas Day
Christmas Day is shaping up as a classic summer celebration across the New England region, with mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures and only a slight chance of showers forecast for Thursday.
Taronga protects environmental jewel in North-West
Taronga Conservation Society Australia has established a third, ‘wild’ restoration site in the New England. Find out where and why here.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
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…
Law Conveyancing Welcomes New Solicitor and Expands for the Future
There’s an exciting new chapter underway for Law Conveyancing and Legal Services, as the Inverell-based firm expands its team, grows its premises, and welcomes solicitor Gabrielle Robinson to the practice.
BUSINESS
Golden Guitar Awards hosts announced
Two Golden Guitar award-winning artists will take to the stage in January, playing host for the evening at the nation’s longest-running music awards concert.
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
Australia outrides New Zealand in epic two-night bucking battle
Australia has once again claimed trans-Tasman bragging rights, defeating New Zealand to take home the Tasman Cup Trophy.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
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- Lack of police steals Christmas Spirit in Tambar Springs
Jim Guider writes that the Clayton's police presence in Tambar Springs was not enough to prevent Christmas presents being stolen, and action is required to deal with the social parasites. The post Lack of police steals Christmas Spirit in Tambar Springs appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
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.
Tails to wag over new Autumn Festival event in Armidale
The Armidale Autumn Festival will showcase an exciting new attraction in 2026 – working stock dog demonstrations presented by the Armidale Working Stock Dog Club.
