AI forecasting could drive down household electricity bills
New research finds that AI transformer models can cut electricity price forecasting errors nearly in half, suggesting a path to lower power costs and more efficient renewable energy use.
Schooners and Songlines: Tooheys pours it on for TCMF
There are a few certainties in life: country music will always find a stage in Tamworth, and there’ll always be a cold one not far from the action.
Cost of doing business out of control
Small business is bleeding—and the numbers don’t lie. In 2025 alone, over 6,200 NSW businesses went under. Construction, hospitality, retail—no sector was spared.
Joyce drags flag burning into hate laws as gun reform separated
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s leadership continues to look weak in the aftermath of the Chanukah Massacre at Bondi Beach, forced to split his omnibus bill to get any of it passed.
Local News
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
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.
What's On
Click to read today’s tips on what to see at TCMF from The Country Journo Bec Gracie
Schooners and Songlines: Tooheys pours it on for TCMF
There are a few certainties in life: country music will always find a stage in Tamworth, and there’ll always be a cold one not far from the action.
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.
Events
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: 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
Peter Raymond @ the BowloEnds: January 23, 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
- Denise’s Desk: When Certainty Fades, Possibility Begins
Denise writes that the recent New England Times Engage Poll shows a profound movement and a lot of possibility. The post Denise’s Desk: When Certainty Fades, Possibility Begins appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Anzac Park’s $1.2 million nature play park nears opening
An exciting new chapter for Anzac Park is just days away, with the $1.2 million Nature Play Park now effectively complete. Only a few minor finishing items remain, and once these are signed off, the site is expected to be handed over to Council within the next 10–14 days.
Moree woman finds $100k under the Chrissie tree
A Moree woman had a Christmas she’ll never forget, unwrapping a $100,000 Lucky Lotteries prize on a ticket given to her by her parents.
