Joyce confirms One Nation switch as staff depart and community patience wears thin
In the latest twist in a political saga that now bores much of the New England, Barnaby Joyce has confirmed he will join One Nation, triggering further staff departures and deepening disquiet among voters.
Gunnedah’s treasured cultural icon to be restored
Restoration work on Gunnedah Shire’s award-winning Rainbow Serpent Water Feature will begin in the new year.
Deepwater locals urged to register for 2026 Black Dog Ride One Dayer
Locals in the Deepwater area are being encouraged to throw their support behind next year’s Black Dog Ride One Dayer, with registrations now open
Fresh call for eID funding
NSW Farmers has warned it will review its support for mandated traceability reforms unless continued funding for the transition is delivered, alongside eID tag-free pathways.
Local News
NSW Farmers launch legal fight against Narrabri Gas Project on fears of water contamination
NSW Farmers new acting CEO has escalated the campaign against the Narrabri Gas Project, engaging senior legal counsel and claiming the project involves fracking.
Final Section of NSW Inland Rail Approved: Narrabri to North Star phase 2 clears last planning hurdle
The State Government has approved the final stage of Inland Rail in New South Wales, marking a significant milestone for the federally funded freight corridor that will eventually link Melbourne to Brisbane.
ABRI appoints new Managing Director
The Agricultural Business Research Institute in Armidale has announced Dr David Christie as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, commencing early 2026.
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.
Library wins gong for innovative, intergenerational program
Gunnedah Shire Library’s creativity and ingenuity has captured the spotlight at the NSW Public Libraries Association’s annual conference.
What's On
Have your say on our regional economy
This is part one of a two part poll. We are interested in your views on shopping, business, employment and housing, in your local area. (Part 2 will ask about other issues including roads and infrastructure, tourism, and transport.) Click here to complete the survey before midnight Thursday, 11 December 2025.
Events
Armidale Farmers MarketEnds: December 14, 2025
Armidale Dumaresq Creek RegenerationEnds: December 14, 2025
Sydney Hotshots Live at Moonshiners TamworthEnds: January 20, 2026
Hardanger Embroidery Beginners Workshop with Yvette StantonEnds: February 22, 2026
Frisian Whitework Embroidery Workshop with Yvette StantonEnds: March 22, 2026
Politics
Boost to paediatric allied health workforce set to reduce wait times across NSW
Children and families across New South Wales are set to benefit from significantly improved access to essential health services, following the recruitment of 32 new paediatric allied health professionals under the Minns Labor Government’s $17.9 million investment.
NFF secures breakthrough on Right to Repair for farmers
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has secured a Federal Government commitment to extend Right to Repair reforms to agricultural machinery, hailing it a historic win for farmers and a direct result of years of advocacy from the farm sector.
Soil shocker: This book will make you love dirt
It’s not every day a book about dirt gets passed around like a family treasure, but this World Soils Day, New England locals are digging deep into a read that’s literally ground-breaking.
Low Methane Beef project delivers first genomic insights to help reduce emissions in beef cattle
The Low Methane Beef (LMB) project has reached a major milestone, releasing its first genomic Research Breeding Values (RBVs) for methane emissions in beef cattle.
Energy and Environment
Armidale leaders celebrate Creekland Restoration achievements
Armidale Urban Rivercare Group hosted a Creeklands Bus Tour this week to showcase more than two decades of ecological restoration along Dumaresq Creek.
Walhallow secures $4.4 million upgrade to overhaul water services
Walhallow is transforming its water services thanks to a $4.4 million joint investment from the Federal and State Governments that will boost water reliability and create a more sustainable future for the northwest village.
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
Narrabri CBD to come alive with return of Christmas Pop-Up Shop
Narrabri Shire Council is once again bringing festive cheer and local foot traffic to the heart of the CBD with the return of its annual Christmas Pop-Up Shop, now in its fifth year.
INDIGENOUS
Greg Inglis’ Goanna Academy brings mental health programs to Moree
Moree Plains Shire Council will welcome the Greg Inglis Goanna Academy to the region to deliver a series of engaging mental health initiatives.
SPORT
Call for Parliamentary Inquiry into GRNSW
Barwon MP Roy Butler is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW after a report recommended shutting down 15 country tracks, including Tamworth and Moree.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- ‘Make the platforms safer’: what young people really think about the social media ban
From next Wednesday, thousands of young Australians under 16 will lose access to their accounts across ten social media platforms, as the teen social media ban takes effect. The post ‘Make the platforms safer’: what young people really think about the social media ban appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Christmas in the Mall draws thousands for a night of festive fun
Christmas in the Mall has been hailed a huge success, with thousands turning out last night to enjoy a warm Armidale evening filled with music, colour, and Christmas cheer – and the fun moves to Guyra tonight.
Last call for applications for art bursary
The New England Regional Art Museum is encouraging artists from around New England who want to improve their skills and more to apply for a $3500 bursary.
