Tamworth football refs get wired with funding boost
Tamworth Football Referees Association will receive a $2,000 boost after being named the latest winner of the Greater Bank’s New England Community Funding Program.
Rail Trail fight gets ugly again as Armidale votes to spend $500k on a ‘dead horse’
Some unprofessional moments in last Wednesday night’s debate about the Rail Trail proposal has now devolved into claims, counter claims, and petitions this week.
Artists open their doors for the inaugural New England Artisan Trail
This November, the Friends of NERAM will host the New England Artisan Trail, a weekend event inviting the public into the studios of six professional artists across the region. Taking place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November 2025, the trail offers a rare opportunity to see artists at work, explore a diverse range of…
SBM25: Specially good
Today for Small Business Month we three businesses who make special things for good reasons – specialty cakes, organic clothes, and social good.
Local News
Nominate your local heros for an Australia Day Award
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, with every council across the country calling for locals to help recognise the people and groups who make their communities better places to live.
SBM25: Built with Intention
Today for Small Business Month we have a visionary redefining what home can be through thoughtful design, a bridal boutique offering a personal and elegant experience, and a creative hub where local makers and collectors bring colour and connection to the community.
150 jobs and helping to lower electricity prices – Wongalea BESS seeks local feedback
Up to 150 jobs could be created during construction of a major new renewable energy project proposed for Armidale, with residents invited to have their say.
Sounds of the Season: a magical Christmas concert in Quirindi
The festive spirit will shine brightly in Quirindi this November, as the community gathers for an evening of music, joy, and candlelit magic at Sounds of the Season – a special Christmas concert presented by Quirindi Rotary and Pursehouse Rural.
SBM25: Keeping Things in Tune
Today for Small Business Month we have a precision engraver turning achievements into keepsakes, a music charity helping young regional talent find their voice, and a mobile mechanic keeping the New England community moving with skill and reliability.
What's On
SBM25: Specially good
Today for Small Business Month we three businesses who make special things for good reasons – specialty cakes, organic clothes, and social good.
Events
Regional Pathways to PossibilityEnds: October 28, 2025
Halloween Skate Fun NightEnds: November 1, 2025
New England Spring Garden TrailEnds: November 3, 2025
NEGS Twilight FairEnds: November 7, 2025
Black Gully Festival ’25Ends: November 8, 2025
Politics
‘No throwing plates around the kitchen’ – Barnaby Joyce plans peaceful political exit
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce says his decision to step away from politics in the New England at the next federal election was about finishing on his own terms.
Future leaders wanted for Australia’s cotton industry
Applications are now open for the 2026 intake of the Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program (AFCLP) — the cotton industry’s flagship leadership development initiative.
Cool climate permaculture workshops in Guyra invite hands-on learning
Gardeners, foragers and curious learners alike are being invited to roll up their sleeves this November for Cool Climate Permaculture 2025, a series of hands-on workshops at the Guyra Neighbourhood Centre Community Garden.
Energy and Environment
It’s the week to learn how water works (literally)
New Englanders are being urged to rethink how they use water and to uncover the hidden ways it flows through everyday life as part of National Water Week 2025
Tackling feral animals: workshop offers solutions for landholders
Local landholders and residents will have the chance to gain hands-on advice on managing feral animals at a special workshop in Loomerah on Saturday, 1 November.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Your Tutor Armidale: Restoring confidence and inspiring a love of learning
Determined to bridge the gap between city and regional education, Your Tutor Armidale is dedicated to helping students of all ages rediscover their confidence and love of learning.
North Hill Veterinary Clinic opens doors to state-of-the-art Bundarra Road facility
North Hill Veterinary Clinic have opened the doors to their brand-new, purpose-built facility on Bundarra Road, bring the best and latest in vet care to Armidale.
BUSINESS
SBM25: Made of Something Real
Today for Small Business Month we have three local makers who each bring precision and personality to their craft, from custom framing and steel fabrication to country fashion made with heart and style.
INDIGENOUS
Not a fad: billions spent with Indigenous businesses
Indigenous businesses are continuing to grow as their goods and services are in high demand from government, corporate, and non-profit organisations.
SPORT
Full throttle fun at Walcha Motorcycle Rally
The Walcha Motorcycle Rally is set to roar back into town this November, bringing together riders, spectators, and the local community for a revved up weekend.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Barnaby’s Net Zero Rants: Right for the Wrong Reasons
Jan Kleeman says the idea of net zero has been hijacked – twisted from a scientific goal into political spin. Real climate action, she argues, means cutting emissions to zero now, not relying on future promises or unproven technology. The post Barnaby’s Net Zero Rants: Right for the Wrong Reasons appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Fairy magic to return to Uralla in November
Mark your calendars and dust off your wings — the Uralla Fairy Festival is coming back on Saturday, 22 November 2025, from 9:30 am to 1 pm.
UK, NZ and Ireland trained doctors fast tracked for local appointments
GPs trained in the United Kingdom, Ireland, or New Zealand can now apply directly for specialist registration without the need for fellowship from an Australian college.
