Moree selected for NSW Police Drone Trial in crime reduction effort
NSW Police’s Aviation Command has launched a new drone surveillance trial in Moree, marking an Australian first in regional policing technology.
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.
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.
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.
Local News
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 2026.
Why homelessness is rising so fast in New England
New national data has confirmed what frontline services in the New England region have been warning for months. Homelessness is rising rapidly, people are seeking help later, and the system no longer has the capacity to respond.
New Englanders leaving $5m unclaimed
Almost $5.05 million in unclaimed money is sitting in accounts linked to New England and North West addresses, with thousands of locals potentially unaware they are owed anything at all.
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.
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.
What's On
Brekkie on the Bridge marks farewell to Narrabri landmark
Narrabri residents will have the chance to farewell one of the town’s most recognisable pieces of infrastructure before it disappears from the landscape
Events
Dion Bayman @ the BowloEnds: January 9, 2026
Backgammon @ BoobooksEnds: January 10, 2026
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
Politics
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.
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.
AI poster advertising Joyce at Tamworth rally fake
Anonymous posts in local Facebook groups promoting an appearance by Member for New England Barnaby Joyce at an unauthorised political rally, this time in Tamworth, have been quickly deleted.
Coulda, shoulda, woulda stories of 2025
$400,000 for something that doesn’t exist, the secret NSW Health doesn’t want to tell you, and why new roads are falling apart faster than old ones… here’s three of the biggest stories we couldn’t tell you in 2025.
NSW Government issues urgent plea to motorists to drive safely throughout summer holidays: Double demerits in force
The State Government has issued an urgent plea for motorists to drive safely ahead of the busy holiday period, as traffic volumes increase across New South Wales and double demerits come into force.
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
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.
Northern Tablelands communities dig deep to preserve wetlands
More than 2,640 native seedlings have now been planted at the Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve near Guyra as part of revegetation works
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
Still time to bid for prime cafe position in Curtis Park
There is still time for food and beverage operators to put their hand up for a new cafe opportunity in one of Armidale’s busiest family destinations, with Expressions of Interest still open for the ‘Cafe on Curtis’ site.
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
- Chaffey’s Corner – Confronting antisemitism
Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey calls for a Royal Commission into antisemitism following the Bondi tragedy, arguing new gun laws are a diversion. Despite the sombre start to 2026, he looks forward to the Parkes Elvis Festival. The post Chaffey’s Corner – Confronting antisemitism appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
A milestone year: Black Mountain Nursery reflects on 40 years of growth
As 2025 draws to a close, Black Mountain Nursery is looking back on a year marked by reflection, celebration and community appreciation.
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.
