‘National crisis’: Leaders back Bondi royal commission
Australian business leaders and public figures have joined forces to call for a Commonwealth royal commission in the wake of the Chanukah Massacre.
Foster Carers needed across New England as NSW launches statewide recruitment campaign
The State Government has launched a statewide campaign to boost foster care recruitment across New South Wales, with an urgent call for carers in regional areas such as New England.
Teenagers charged in Tamworth and Inverell
Multiple teenagers have been charged with a range of alleged offences, including police pursuits, property crime and knife-related matters, as investigations continue. In Tamworth, two 16-year-old boys were charged following an alleged police pursuit in the city’s south early on Wednesday morning. Police say officers attached to the Western Region Operations Support Group were patrolling…
Early Years Support Program strengthens ACCO-Led Early Childhood sector in Tamworth
The Early Years Support program is strengthening ACCO-led early childhood services by improving workforce capability and outcomes for children, including in Tamworth.
Local 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.
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.
Keep an eye out for fireworks spooked wildlife this New Years
As we welcome in 2026, WIRES is asking the public to please report any displaced native wildlife following NYE fireworks displays.
Telstra denies issues in Bingara despite failure to deliver promised upgrade by Christmas
Telstra has denied there are problems with its mobile network in Bingara, despite another Christmas period marked by service outages and an upgrade promised before Christmas once again failing to materialise.
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.
What's On
Events
AJ Williams @ the BowloEnds: January 2, 2026
UNI 101 STUDENT INFO SESSIONEnds: January 8, 2026
Dion Bayman @ the BowloEnds: January 9, 2026
Backgammon @ BoobooksEnds: January 10, 2026
Politics
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 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.
Tasman and Corinya Station acquisitions spark community concerns
Two newly acquired properties in western NSW have been added to the national park estate without local consultation, prompting criticism from Member for Barwon Roy Butler
Early Blueberry Season Bursts to Life at Blueberries with Altitude
An early start to the blueberry season is delighting locals at Blueberries with Altitude, with ripe, juicy berries ready for picking weeks ahead of schedule following an unusual mix of weather conditions.
Energy and Environment
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 being carried out by the NSW Government’s Local Land Services alongside local Aboriginal organisations and community members. The only site of its kind in the Northern Tablelands, the Reserve is Ramsar-listed and provides…
Sunny skies forecast for Christmas Day
Christmas Day is shaping up as a classic summer celebration across the New England region, with mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures and only a slight chance of showers forecast for Thursday.
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
Golden Guitar Awards hosts announced
Two Golden Guitar award-winning artists will take to the stage in January, playing host for the evening at the nation’s longest-running music awards concert.
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
Australia outrides New Zealand in epic two-night bucking battle
Australia has once again claimed trans-Tasman bragging rights, defeating New Zealand to take home the Tasman Cup Trophy.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Opinion: One hard truth and one simple message
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Atchison writes that someone is dying on the roads in our state almost every day, and the message of how to fix it is clear. The post Opinion: One hard truth and one simple message appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Where to ring in the New Year tonight
From picnic rugs on local ovals to packed pub dance floors and long-awaited fireworks displays, communities across New England are preparing to ring in 2026
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.
