Sea to See: National awareness ride launches at Walcha Coffee
A national fundraising ride to support Australians with diabetic eye disease will launch from Walcha Coffee today. Read more here.
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.
Local News
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.
Giving the gift of inclusion: Sporting Wheelies launches Christmas appeal to support disability education in schools
This Christmas, help Sporting Wheelies bring disability education to more schools across New England and the country.
Farm businesses start to recover confidence
Farm businesses are showing cautious signs of recovery while continuing to grapple with climate and cost pressures, according to the biannual NSW Farmers Business Sentiment Survey.
Brew Shed Inverell Finds New Home at Inverell H Hardware
A familiar and much-loved name in Inverell’s home brewing scene is entering a new chapter, with The Brew Shed Inverell now finding a new home inside Inverell H Hardware & Paint Place.
What's On
Events
Bingo at Manilla Services ClubEnds: December 19, 2025
Nundle Woollen Mill TourEnds: December 19, 2025
Absolute Care & Social Support’s Seniors GroupEnds: December 19, 2025
Westpac Housie at WestsEnds: December 19, 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
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.
Koala “misinformation” cry as population counts soar
Fresh data reveals Australia’s koala count could be much higher than previously thought, as a contentious park to protect the species is called into question.
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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- Stories from traditional knowledge combined with archaeological work trace 2,300km of Songlines
Rock art motifs identify spiritual links stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Simpson Desert. These findings confirm how Dreaming tracks connected First Nations people through shared rituals and meanings. The post Stories from traditional knowledge combined with archaeological work trace 2,300km of Songlines appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Walcha embroiderer wins prestigious state award
Yvette Stanton named the winner of the 2025 Roma Field Award for Traditional Embroidery in the Tutors and Past Winners Category.
Tamworth man wins $15 million Oz Lotto
A Tamworth man’s winning marked 18-game entry was purchased at Northgate News, delivering him the Division 1 prize.
