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.
Shout a mate some practical help
Sober in the Country is taking its message about alcohol harm national, with a new fundraising campaign aiming to raise $1 million to expand support for rural Australians.
Armidale Campdraft marks 50 years with milestone turnout
The Armidale Campdraft Club is going all out to celebrate its 50th anniversary, hosting a three-day event expected to draw more than 250 competitors to the region.
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.
Local News
Big Australia Day planned across the region
Australia Day plans are bigger and better this year right across the region, with a big splash and lots of creativity in Armidale, Gunnedah getting competitive with everything from a triathlon to trivia, and Tamworth giving an extra day of TCMF action as well as ensuring all the villages get involved.
More than a place to sleep: Riverside camping brings Tamworth together
Camping at the Tamworth Country Music Festival is not solely about finding a place to sleep. It is also about reuniting with friends you may only see once a year during the annual pilgrimage.
Big swim meet puts Inverell’s new Aquatic Centre in the fast lane
Inverell is set to make a splash on the New South Wales sporting calendar, with the New England region hosting one of the state’s most significant regional swimming events for the first time.
Tom Curtain to debut new song at Tamworth Country Music Festival, inspired by the love story that changed his life
Golden Guitar Winner Tom Curtain is returning to the Tamworth Country Music Festival to debut his new song, Red Hot Summer.
Swags down, caravans rolling as Tamworth festival countdown begins
The countdown is well and truly on for the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival with campers moving in snag their favourite swag spots and the city preparing for an influx of music-loving visitors.
What's On
Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival celebrates 40 years
The much-loved Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival is once again set to bring food, fun and community pride to the New England region this January.
Events
Oasis Community GardenEnds: January 15, 2026
Glen Price @ the BowloEnds: January 16, 2026
Starshine: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac @ Welder’s Dog BreweryEnds: January 16, 2026
Tenterfield Farmers & Producers MarketEnds: January 17, 2026
Calala Museum Sessions with The Rusty Ringers – SaturdayEnds: January 17, 2026
Politics
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.
Subsidy to help local students visit parliament
Primary and secondary schools in the New England are being encouraged to include a visit to the NSW Parliament as part of their 2026 excursion calendar.
New year brings cheaper medicines, higher energy bills
A cut to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment will slash the cost of medicines but Australians face higher power bills in 2026.
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.
The Summer Lamb ad takes on the World Happiness Index through the power of lamb
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has unveiled its annual Summer Lamb Campaign, celebrating lamb as the dish that brings Australians together.
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
Local beef producers to be impacted by China’s mega tariff
Local producers across the New England are likely to feel the impact of China’s sudden decision to impose tariffs of up to 55 per cent on beef imports
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
How Hazlewood family is still playing role in Pink Test
Josh Hazlewood’s injuries prevented him playing in the Ashes series, but his sister remains part of the Pink Test through the McGrath Foundation.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Denise’s Desk: Why Flying to and from Tamworth and Armidale Is a Rip-Off
If you live in Tamworth or Armidale, you don’t need an economics degree to understand how broken regional air travel is. Flying isn’t a convenience; it’s a penalty. Routes are dominated by single airlines, limited schedules and virtually no competition. The post Denise’s Desk: Why Flying to and from Tamworth and Armidale Is a Rip-Off appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
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.
Australia officially home for five new citizens
Gunnedah Shire has welcomed five new Australian citizens to the community. Read more here.
