Contentious anti-hate laws to pass in last-minute deal that sidelined Joyce
Barnaby Joyce got a hard lesson of life on the cross bench, sidelined in a hard-fought cross-party agreement that will see hate crimes legislation stemming from Australia’s worst-ever terrorist attack pass the parliament. A deal has been struck on major reforms cracking down on groups that spew hatred, despite criticism the laws will stifle legitimate…
National Finals Rodeo rides into the Tamworth Country Music Festival
Tamworth is embracing everything country this week with the ABCRA National Finals Rodeo galloping into the city and hundreds of competitors travelling from across the country to compete.
Bells to ring at new Christian school in Armidale this time next year
Enrolments are now open for a new Christian school catering for both primary and secondary students set to open in Armidale this time next year.
NEGS adds open morning to sporting excellence weekend
The New England Girls’ School has added campus tours to a weekend focused on sporting excellence, announcing an Open Morning and Sports Trials day to be held on Friday, February 13. The Open Morning and Sports Trials will run from 10am to 3pm, offering prospective families the chance to tour…
Local News
Major solar projects to boost efficiency in Gunnedah
Gunnedah Shire Council will invest in significant solar projects for key community infrastructure, thanks to $439,815 in Australian Government funding.
Would you like fries with that tune? Even fast food gets into TCMF
As festival crowds descend on the Boulevard of Dreams, the local Hungry Jack’s restaurant has become an unofficial side stage, offering live country music alongside burgers, chips and a reliable place to find a clean ladies room.
Get ready for the Uralla Show – bigger and brighter than ever!
The Uralla Show is set to return, bringing fun, excitement, and community spirit to the town on Saturday, February 7. A highlight of the local calendar, the Show promises something for everyone, from traditional agricultural displays to a range of new attractions that are sure to thrill visitors of all ages.
Have your say on Great Koala National Park recreation
Community consultation has opened on the proposed Great Koala National Park, with the NSW Government inviting locals, visitors and user groups to help shape how the park will be used and managed into the future.
Jarrad Wrigley takes 46th Star Maker crown in Tamworth
Freshly crowned 2026 Toyota Star Maker winner Jarrad Wrigley is still coming to terms with what the title means, but he has big plans for the year ahead.
What's On
Click to read today’s tips on what to see at TCMF from The Country Journo Bec Gracie
National Finals Rodeo rides into the Tamworth Country Music Festival
Tamworth is embracing everything country this week with the ABCRA National Finals Rodeo galloping into the city and hundreds of competitors travelling from across the country to compete.
Would you like fries with that tune? Even fast food gets into TCMF
As festival crowds descend on the Boulevard of Dreams, the local Hungry Jack’s restaurant has become an unofficial side stage, offering live country music alongside burgers, chips and a reliable place to find a clean ladies room.
Events
Peter Raymond @ the BowloEnds: January 23, 2026
Karaoke @ the BowloEnds: January 24, 2026
Armidale Dance GroupEnds: January 24, 2026
Cambooya Rockers @ Top PubEnds: January 24, 2026
BBQ Buffet @ Walcha RoadEnds: January 25, 2026
Politics
‘Cruelly stolen’ Bondi victims honoured in parliament
The prime minister has read out the names of 15 people whose lives were “cruelly stolen” in the nation’s worst terror attack.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
On engage now
- Armidale Airport: Ratepayers urged to have a say
Armidale Regional Ratepayers Association (ARRA) has long been concerned with the operation of our Regional Airport, and is asking ratepayers to have their say. The post Armidale Airport: Ratepayers urged to have a say appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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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.
Country Turns Pink to support cancer patients this Sunday
One of the Tamworth Country Music Festival’s most enduring charity events will again put music to work for a cause close to home, with Country Turns Pink returning to West Tamworth this Sunday.
