Armidale Ultrasound opens new home with expanded services for the community
Armidale residents now have improved access to modern, affordable medical imaging, with Armidale Ultrasound officially opening their new premises in Armidale today – including welcoming a brand new CT machine.
A Taste of Christmas for the Inverell community
Food for the Soul is once again hosting its annual A Taste of Christmas event, offering a free takeaway Christmas meal for anyone in the community who may need a little extra support or simply appreciates the gesture during what can be a difficult time of year.
Nationals membership surges after Barnaby’s departure
Both the Nationals and One Nation are using the defection of Barnaby Joyce to boost membership, as the former Nationals MP defends his party leader’s history of inflammatory racial rhetoric.
Council calls on Australian Government to fund ‘missing link’ of Inland Rail
Moree Plains Shire Council is urging the Federal Government to provide the required funding to complete works that will link Northwest NSW to the Inland Rail project and the Port of Newcastle.
Local News
West Tamworth man charged with child exploitation offences
Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a Tamworth man for allegedly paying for and streaming the live abuse of children overseas under Strike Force Trawler.
PLC Armidale leads region in outstanding NAPLAN results
PLC Armidale has cemented its position as the top-performing secondary school in the New England North West, while TAS has taken out the top spot at the primary school level, in the 2025 NAPLAN results.
‘Some hurt in this’: Joyce won’t be Hanson’s deputy
Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has formalised his defection from the Nationals to One Nation, but he won’t serve as Pauline Hanson’s deputy.
Lyāmbay Dancers Shine Bright on Local and National Stages
Armidale’s Lyāmbay Aboriginal Dance Group has capped off an extraordinary year, dazzling audiences from Armidale to Sydney with their passion, commitment, and cultural pride.
Mini Gather & Trade brings local Aboriginal art to Carols in the Park
This year’s Baiada Carols in the Park in Tamworth is set to shine even brighter, with Arts North West confirming it will host a special Mini Gather & Trade pop-up stall celebrating Aboriginal creativity from across the New England North West.
What's On
Have your say on our regional economy
This is part one of a two part poll. We are interested in your views on shopping, business, employment and housing, in your local area. (Part 2 will ask about other issues including roads and infrastructure, tourism, and transport.) Click here to complete the survey before midnight Thursday, 11 December 2025.
Events
Armidale Dumaresq Creek RegenerationEnds: December 14, 2025
Armidale Farmers MarketEnds: December 14, 2025
Armidale FREE Community Christmas Day LunchEnds: December 25, 2025
Sydney Hotshots Live at Moonshiners TamworthEnds: January 20, 2026
Hardanger Embroidery Beginners Workshop with Yvette StantonEnds: February 22, 2026
Politics
NSW joins High Court battle to protect kids online
NSW has joined South Australia to defend Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s against a High Court challenge brought by several plaintiffs.
More voices added to call for better rural health
Calls for urgent, practical reform of rural healthcare have intensified this past week, with the Country Mayor’s Association formally backing the Better Care, Closer to Home Alliance push for a new Rural Health Action Plan
Fresh call for eID funding
NSW Farmers has warned it will review its support for mandated traceability reforms unless continued funding for the transition is delivered, alongside eID tag-free pathways.
NSW Farmers launch legal fight against Narrabri Gas Project on fears of water contamination
NSW Farmers new acting CEO has escalated the campaign against the Narrabri Gas Project, engaging senior legal counsel and claiming the project involves fracking.
Energy and Environment
Armidale leaders celebrate Creekland Restoration achievements
Armidale Urban Rivercare Group hosted a Creeklands Bus Tour this week to showcase more than two decades of ecological restoration along Dumaresq Creek.
Walhallow secures $4.4 million upgrade to overhaul water services
Walhallow is transforming its water services thanks to a $4.4 million joint investment from the Federal and State Governments that will boost water reliability and create a more sustainable future for the northwest village.
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
Final Section of NSW Inland Rail Approved: Narrabri to North Star phase 2 clears last planning hurdle
The State Government has approved the final stage of Inland Rail in New South Wales, marking a significant milestone for the federally funded freight corridor that will eventually link Melbourne to Brisbane.
INDIGENOUS
Greg Inglis’ Goanna Academy brings mental health programs to Moree
Moree Plains Shire Council will welcome the Greg Inglis Goanna Academy to the region to deliver a series of engaging mental health initiatives.
SPORT
Powerhouse PBR teams announced for the Bledisloe of Bull Riding
It’s the Bledisloe of bull riding with Aussies from Walcha and Willow Tree to ride for the Cup. Read more here.
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- QW: Hooray for a healthy business community
It has been so wonderful to see such a flurry of news about new businesses, new later night shopping in Inverell, new chamber of commerce in Armidale, and so many other signs that our local business community is booming! I know so many small businesses have struggled with the changes to tax and super payments The post QW: Hooray for a healthy business community appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Christmas in the Mall draws thousands for a night of festive fun
Christmas in the Mall has been hailed a huge success, with thousands turning out last night to enjoy a warm Armidale evening filled with music, colour, and Christmas cheer – and the fun moves to Guyra tonight.
Skywhales to soar over Armidale at 2026 Autumn Festival
Armidale is set to witness an unforgettable sight in 2026, with the iconic skywhales to grace the skies during the city’s beloved Autumn Festival.
