Presets announced as headline act for Big Chill 26
Australian electronic heavyweights The Presets have been announced as the headline act for the Big Chill Festival 2026
Lyn Bowtell Inducted Into Tamworth’s Galaxy of Stars
The newest inductee to the Galaxy of Stars will have her special Lyn Bowtell and her Famous Friends show today, Thursday, January 22, at 1pm at Tamworth Town Hall.
Country Journo’s Festival Finds – Day 7
Thursday always feels like the pointy end of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The awards are in full swing, industry conversations are happening, and you have to accept that you can’t be everywhere at once.
Songwriters Shine At TSA Salute Awards
Songwriters were front and centre at the 2026 Tamworth Songwriters Association Songwriter Salute Awards because, in country music, it all starts with the song.
Local News
Australians urged to light a candle for National Day of Mourning
Australia will pause on Thursday in a rare national day of mourning to honour the 15 people killed in the Chanukah Massacre terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on December 14
Applications for Keith Urban scholarship now open
A new international pathway has opened for emerging Australian country music artists, with applications now open for the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship.
Edwards St water main to be replaced
Some Moree residents will face 48 hours of level 5 water restrictions next week due to essential water main replacement works on Edward Street.
Snape, snags and sunshine in the Shire
Gunnedah Shire is gearing up for a packed Australia Day with local businesses and community groups having lined up plenty of family-friendly activities.
Calling New England orgs to register now for 2026 Australian Heritage Festival
The National Trust of Australia is calling on event organisers to register now for inclusion in the 2026 Australian Heritage Festival.
What's On
Click to read today’s tips on what to see at TCMF from The Country Journo Bec Gracie
Lyn Bowtell Inducted Into Tamworth’s Galaxy of Stars
The newest inductee to the Galaxy of Stars will have her special Lyn Bowtell and her Famous Friends show today, Thursday, January 22, at 1pm at Tamworth Town Hall.
Country Journo’s Festival Finds – Day 7
Thursday always feels like the pointy end of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The awards are in full swing, industry conversations are happening, and you have to accept that you can’t be everywhere at once.
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
Calls for alternate route to ‘Rockfall Way’
The closure of Waterfall Way for the fifth time in less than 12 months has reignited calls to invest in a viable and safe alternate route. Some locals are now calling the drive ‘Rockfall Way’.
Nationals quit front bench en masse after policy split
The coalition is on life support after eight Nationals frontbenchers – including leader David Littleproud – quit the shadow cabinet in protest after the resignation of three of their colleagues.
Nationals trio resign from shadow cabinet after split
Three National senators have resigned from Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s front bench after a split from the Liberal Party over hate speech laws.
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.
“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.
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
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.
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
- Roy’s Roundup: Firearms laws, early learning, seniors and civics
Roy discusses the fallout of new anti-terrorism laws, explains the new 3-day childcare subsidy, and provides a civics lesson on how laws are made in NSW. The post Roy’s Roundup: Firearms laws, early learning, seniors and civics appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good 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.
James Johnston’s “Where You’ll Find Me” claims top selling Australian Country Album for 2025
James Johnston takes out the 2026 Golden Guitar Award for Top Selling Australian Country Album of the Year for his sophomore album, Where You’ll Find Me.
