Nashville’s Kacie Grenon finds Academy family in Tamworth
Singer-songwriter Kacie Grenon said her time at the CMAA Academy of Country Music was intense and rewarding after travelling to Australia from Nashville.
Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment new acute services building now operational
The $53 million redevelopment of Gunnedah Hospital has reached a significant milestone, with the new acute services building welcoming patients, visitors, and staff from Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
Virtual Reality Art workshops coming to Narrabri Shire Libraries
Narrabri Shire Libraries will host a series of Virtual Reality Art workshops during this month, giving young people the opportunity to create immersive artworks using cutting-edge VR technology.
Anzac Park’s $1.2 million nature play park nears opening
An exciting new chapter for Anzac Park is just days away, with the $1.2 million Nature Play Park now effectively complete. Only a few minor finishing items remain, and once these are signed off, the site is expected to be handed over to Council within the next 10–14 days.
Local News
Angus Nivison to mentor emerging regional artists through NERAM’s New Horizons Program
Acclaimed Australian painter Angus Nivison has expressed his excitement about working with the next generation of artists as part of the New England Regional Art Museum’s (NERAM) newly launched mentorship and exhibition program, New Horizons: Emerging Voices in Landscape.
Xtreme Bulls and Broncs bring a bucking good time to Tamworth
It’s not solely about hot music in Tamworth at the moment, the city will again stake its claim as Australia’s Rodeo Capital when the Xtreme Bulls Tour Finals and Xtreme Broncs Invitational take over the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) on Saturday, January 17.
2AD Armidale celebrates 90 years
This year marks a significant milestone for Armidale’s radio station, 2AD, as it celebrates 90 years on air, and prepares to move to FM.
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.
NBN Fixed Wireless is coming to the Narrabri LGA
Over 700 homes and businesses across the Narrabri Local Government Area are set to benefit from faster and more reliable internet connectivity, with nbn fixed wireless services being rolled out under the NSW Government’s Regional Digital Connectivity Program.
What's On
TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL >
Nashville’s Kacie Grenon finds Academy family in Tamworth
Singer-songwriter Kacie Grenon said her time at the CMAA Academy of Country Music was intense and rewarding after travelling to Australia from Nashville.
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.
Events
Glen Price @ the BowloEnds: January 16, 2026
Starshine: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac @ Welder’s Dog BreweryEnds: January 16, 2026
Tenterfield Farmers & Producers MarketEnds: January 17, 2026
Walcha Farmers’ MarketEnds: January 17, 2026
Calala Museum Sessions with The Rusty Ringers – SaturdayEnds: January 17, 2026
Politics
Hate preachers to be targeted in tough new federal laws
Federal parliament will be recalled early to debate “the toughest hate laws Australia has ever seen” in the wake of the deadly Bondi terror attack.
Open seat: 1 in 3 New England voters undecided
More than a third of New England voters say they are undecided about who they would support at the next federal election, with the latest New England Times Engage Poll revealing an electorate unsettled by Barnaby Joyce’s move to One Nation.
Chaffey, Joyce want gun laws and Islamic extremism in the Bondi Royal Commission
They are now in different parties, but our two local MPs are singing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to reviews of gun restrictions and Islamic extremism being needed in the federal Royal Commission into antisemitism and the Chanukah Massacre at Bondi Beach.
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.
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.
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
Armidale Campdraft marks 50 years with milestone turnout
The Armidale Campdraft Club is going all out to celebrate its 50th anniversary, hosting a three-day event expected to draw more than 250 competitors to the region.
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.
On engage now
- QW: Barnaby’s not doing his job
Denise says Barnaby Joyce is touring Victoria’s bushfire-affected regions campaigning for One Nation candidates in a state election. Not his state. Not his electorate. Not his job. The post QW: Barnaby’s not doing his job appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Country Turns Pink to support cancer patients this Sunday
One of the Tamworth Country Music Festival’s most enduring charity events will again put music to work for a cause close to home, with Country Turns Pink returning to West Tamworth this Sunday.
Don’t spend Christmas alone: community meals around New England
For many people in the New England Region, Christmas Day is a time for family, friends and celebration. But for some, whether they’re new to town, alone, facing hardship, or simply without other plans, the holiday can feel isolating. Thankfully, local community groups are once again stepping up to make sure everyone has a place…
