Hinton Drive holds onto Santa Street title
Hinton Drive in Gunnedah has once again claimed the coveted title of Santa Street in the Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition.
New England boarding schools celebrate standout 2025 HSC results
The New England region’s boarding schools are celebrating exceptional performances in the 2025 Higher School Certificate.
Shire invited to celebrate ‘significant moment’ in Sister City history
Two delegates from Gunnedah Shire Council’ joined our Sister City of Kolomotu’a, Tonga to celebrate 150 years of the nation’s constitution.
Australia officially home for five new citizens
Gunnedah Shire has welcomed five new Australian citizens to the community. Read more here.
Local News
Ben Lomond school will go into recess to start 2026
Ben Lomond Public School will temporarily close at the end of term 4 after a recent consultation with parents, carers and the local community.
Tamworth community comes together for Murray Cod release
Government officials, locals and fishing enthusiasts will gather at Split Rock Dam this Saturday, 20 December, for a meaningful boost to the region’s recreational fishery as Tamworth Fishing Tackle & the Great Outdoors release approximately 15,000 Murray Cod fingerlings into the water between 3 and 4 pm.
Tails to wag over new Autumn Festival event in Armidale
The Armidale Autumn Festival will showcase an exciting new attraction in 2026 – working stock dog demonstrations presented by the Armidale Working Stock Dog Club.
Celebrate the Summer Solstice at the Australian Standing Stones
Glen Innes locals and visitors are invited to gather this Sunday, 21 December, to mark the summer solstice at the Australian Standing Stones.
Narrabri welcomes Government’s response to Select Committee on PFAS, confirms ongoing proactive approach
Narrabri Shire Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry into PFAS contamination in the state’s waterways and drinking water.
What's On
Events
Parkrun – Chaffey Park ManillaEnds: December 20, 2025
Tamworth ParkrunEnds: December 20, 2025
Gallery Guided ToursEnds: December 20, 2025
Tenterfield Farmers & Producers MarketEnds: December 20, 2025
Politics
NSW RFS ‘red fleet’ ownership delayed by bureacracy
NSW councils hoping for a swift resolution to long running ownership issues surrounding the Rural Fire Service Red Fleet have been left disappointed with the NSW Government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry.
Local councils ready for further phase out of single use plastics
Local councils across the New England are preparing for the next phase of single use plastic phase outs, as the NSW Government moves to further reduce plastic waste under the NSW Plastics Plan 2.0.
Farmers celebrate victory on virtual fencing
Farmers have celebrated news virtual fencing has been legalised for cattle in NSW. Read more here.
Christmas reminders for pig owners
With Christmas just over two weeks away, many are planning the centrepiece of their festive feast. For pig owners eyeing a meat-heavy menu, it’s crucial to remember: disposing of meat-based scraps properly isn’t just important—it’s a matter of animal health and biosecurity.
Energy and Environment
Advocacy front of mind at Local Government NSW Conference
Six motions Gunnedah Shire Council put forward to the Local Government NSW 2025 Annual Conference have been supported.
AEMO releases draft roadmap for national energy transition for consultation
AEMO’s Draft 2026 ISP is open for consultation until 13 February 2026 and will be finalised by June 2026.
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
Santa can’t save small business, but consumers can
Consumers in New England North West are being urged to support local small businesses this festive season, with fresh data revealing that many enterprises are facing mounting financial pressure.
INDIGENOUS
One mum’s baby bundles become life-changing charity
A pack of newborn clothes posted online and a conversation with a social worker were the beginnings of a charity focused on Indigenous mums and their babies.
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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- Macca’s weeds: How resistance travels on the wind
Recent research shows pollen from herbicide-resistant plants can travel kilometres on the wind or via bees to pollinate susceptible plants. Macca explains how resistance spreads and why Area Wide Management is vital. The post Macca’s weeds: How resistance travels on the wind appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Community groups share in Narrabri Council funding
Five community groups have received funding for local projects, community events and facility upgrades through Narrabri Shire Council’s Community Financial Assistance Program.
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.
