Inverell venue Welder’s Dog rebrands as Rouseabout
Inverell hospitality venue The Welder’s Dog will farewell its current name at the end of the year, re-emerging in 2026 as Rouseabout, in a rebrand owners James and Phoebe Croft say reflects both their roots and the direction the business has taken over time.
Support Aussie farmers this festive season
The state’s peak farming body is asking shoppers to check the label and choose Australian-grown food where they can this Christmas.
Large crowd turns out to support Jewish Community in Armidale
Hundreds of locals came to the Armidale Mall on Saturday morning to take part in a memorial event to show support for the Jewish Community after last weekend’s Chanukah Massacre.
Key Decisions Highlight Inverell Council’s December Meeting
Inverell Shire Council has wrapped up its final Ordinary Council Meeting for 2025, with a broad agenda covering governance, community initiatives, infrastructure investment and advocacy outcomes.
Local News
Taronga protects environmental jewel in North-West
Taronga Conservation Society Australia has established a third, ‘wild’ restoration site in the New England. Find out where and why here.
New England boarding schools celebrate standout 2025 HSC results
The New England region’s boarding schools are celebrating exceptional performances in the 2025 Higher School Certificate.
Shire invited to celebrate ‘significant moment’ in Sister City history
Two delegates from Gunnedah Shire Council’ joined our Sister City of Kolomotu’a, Tonga to celebrate 150 years of the nation’s constitution.
Australia officially home for five new citizens
Gunnedah Shire has welcomed five new Australian citizens to the community. Read more here.
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.
What's On
Events
Inverell Combined Churches – Carols in the ParkEnds: December 21, 2025
Sapphire City Markets – Extra MarketsEnds: December 21, 2025
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: December 21, 2025
Pool Comp @ the St KildaEnds: December 21, 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.
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.
Farmers celebrate victory on virtual fencing
Farmers have celebrated news virtual fencing has been legalised for cattle in NSW. Read more here.
Energy and Environment
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.
Advocacy front of mind at Local Government NSW Conference
Six motions Gunnedah Shire Council put forward to the Local Government NSW 2025 Annual Conference have been supported.
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
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.
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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- Australia’s social media age ban has started. Here is what it really means
Public debate on the ban has focused on parenting choices. But the real issue is corporate compliance, technical design, and safe spaces for young people. The post Australia’s social media age ban has started. Here is what it really means appeared first on New England Times Engage.
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Good News
Community groups share in Narrabri Council funding
Five community groups have received funding for local projects, community events and facility upgrades through Narrabri Shire Council’s Community Financial Assistance Program.
A Taste of Christmas for the Inverell community
Food for the Soul is once again hosting its annual A Taste of Christmas event, offering a free takeaway Christmas meal for anyone in the community who may need a little extra support or simply appreciates the gesture during what can be a difficult time of year.
