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.
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.
Inverell Aquatic Centre redevelopment delivered under budget
Inverell’s $30 million Aquatic Centre redevelopment has come in under budget, with a $2.3 million surplus now set to support future infrastructure and community projects across the Shire.
Soil shocker: This book will make you love dirt
It’s not every day a book about dirt gets passed around like a family treasure, but this World Soils Day, New England locals are digging deep into a read that’s literally ground-breaking.
Local News
Inverell Shire Council Releases 2024–2025 Annual Report
Inverell Shire Council has released its 2024–2025 Annual Report, outlining a year marked by steady financial performance, substantial capital works and a continued focus on maintaining essential services across the region.
Licence to spray: EPA kicks off North West pesticide campaign
NSW pesticide users are being urged to make sure they have the relevant licences and training ahead of a new compliance campaign kicking off in the northwest.
NSW to tighten E-bike regulations amid safety concerns
The NSW Government is cutting the legal power limit for e-bikes and tightening regulations ahead of Christmas, as concerns grow over young riders using high-powered, unsafe devices.
Armidale community stands together for The Clothesline Project
As part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, Women’s Shelter Armidale is inviting the community to come together for The Clothesline Project, a free and powerful awareness event taking place in the Armidale Mall on Wednesday 10 December from 11am to 2pm.
Spotlight on regional music at Tamworth Symposium
The Symposium, Resonance: Exploring the Sound and Significance of Regional Music, will bring together experts from diverse musical backgrounds to examine how music shapes social, cultural, educational and economic life in regional Australia.
What's On
Community urged to donate to Christmas Toy Drive Appeal
As the donation period draws to a close, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent, and Greater Bank are encouraging the community to support their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal and help share the spirit of the season.
Keep readingEvents
Armidale Farmers MarketEnds: December 14, 2025
Armidale Dumaresq Creek RegenerationEnds: December 14, 2025
Sydney Hotshots Live at Moonshiners TamworthEnds: January 20, 2026
Hardanger Embroidery Beginners Workshop with Yvette StantonEnds: February 22, 2026
Frisian Whitework Embroidery Workshop with Yvette StantonEnds: March 22, 2026
Politics
NFF secures breakthrough on Right to Repair for farmers
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has secured a Federal Government commitment to extend Right to Repair reforms to agricultural machinery, hailing it a historic win for farmers and a direct result of years of advocacy from the farm sector.
No animosity: Littleproud leaves the door open for Joyce to return to Nationals
National Party Leader David Littleproud Nationals leader David Littleproud says he holds “no animosity” towards Barnaby Joyce and is leaving the door open for the New England MP to return to the party.
New England farmers urged to prepare for another risky summer as storm claims surge
Farmers in New England are being urged to brace for another damaging summer, as new data from Elders Insurance reveals a sharp rise in storm-related claims and mounting repair costs across the region.
World’s best climate-smart farmers under threat from science cuts
Australian farmers have been confirmed as the world’s leading climate-smart producers in the same week the Government moves to cut the CSIRO scientists that help them do it.
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
New organisation to set Armidale business on fire
The Armidale Regional Chamber of Commerce is making a comeback to set the Armidale and Guyra business communities on fire.
INDIGENOUS
Cultural Grants open to celebrate Aboriginal cultures and connection
Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW are invited to apply for grants to support events and activities that celebrate and strengthen Aboriginal cultures.
SPORT
Call for Parliamentary Inquiry into GRNSW
Barwon MP Roy Butler is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW after a report recommended shutting down 15 country tracks, including Tamworth and Moree.
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On engage now
- Denise’s Desk: New England Times Poll says one thing loudly — Voters want more than the same old story
New Englanders want results and relevance. With Labor dominant federally, the only candidate who can truly deliver for the region is an MP with access to power, influence, and a direct seat at the decision-making table. The answer may be changing. The post Denise’s Desk: New England Times Poll says one thing loudly — Voters want more than the same old story appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Regional voices take centre stage at Armidale’s Disability Summit and Awards
Armidale will place inclusion, accessibility, and community leadership firmly in the spotlight this December as The Ascent Group prepares to host two major back-to-back events: the Armidale Disability Summit during the day, followed by the Inclusion in Action Disability Awards that evening.
Inverell opens Reflection Garden in Victoria Park
Inverell Shire Council has officially opened a new Reflection Garden in Victoria Park, intended as a place of remembrance for babies and children loss.
