Hazlewood is battling to be fit for the T20 World Cup
Pakistan is looking forward to three T20 internationals the team will play in Lahore against Australia in the build-up to the World Cup.
Chris Cobb emerges as a must-see this festival
The Voice breakout builds momentum through original music, classic country influences, a culture of collaboration and a “Road to Tamworth” series drawing audiences in before the first note is played.
Seniors’ exhibition celebrates ‘spirit of community, power of creativity’
Connection and creative expression are at the heart of Gunnedah Shire’s first exhibition for 2026. Read more here.
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
Local News
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.
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
What's On
TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL >
Chris Cobb emerges as a must-see this festival
The Voice breakout builds momentum through original music, classic country influences, a culture of collaboration and a “Road to Tamworth” series drawing audiences in before the first note is played.
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.
Events
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: January 18, 2026
Calala Museum Sessions with The Rusty Ringers – SundayEnds: January 18, 2026
Bar-B-Q Lunch @ the SalvosEnds: January 18, 2026
Pool Comp @ the St KildaEnds: January 18, 2026
Sydney Hotshots Live at Moonshiners TamworthEnds: January 20, 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
Virtual Reality Art workshops coming to Narrabri Shire Libraries
Narrabri Shire Libraries will host a series of Virtual Reality Art workshops during this month, giving young people the opportunity to create immersive artworks using cutting-edge VR technology.
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
- Native pollinators need more support than honeybees in Australia – here’s why
Scientists argue thousands of Australian bee species and other native pollinators don’t enjoy nearly the same support as European honeybees. The post Native pollinators need more support than honeybees in Australia – here’s why appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
2AD Armidale celebrates 90 years
This year marks a significant milestone for Armidale’s radio station, 2AD, as it celebrates 90 years on air, and prepares to move to FM.
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.
