2025 Bad Santa Delivery Survey: New England residents not immune to dodgy Christmas gifting
Australia’s festive season is a minefield of unwanted gifts and last-minute panic buys, with the latest research revealing New England locals are just as likely to give – or receive – a dud Christmas present.
UNE Giving Tree returns to support local families across Armidale and Tamworth
The University of New England’s Giving Tree returns this December, expanding its reach to support local charities in Armidale and Tamworth.
Hunter Health Precinct reaches major milestone, promising boost for New England residents
Residents in New England are set to benefit from faster, closer access to world-class care, as the $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct reaches a major construction milestone.
Farmers celebrate victory on virtual fencing
Farmers have celebrated news virtual fencing has been legalised for cattle in NSW. Read more here.
Local News
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.
Connection, creativity and curiosity: New grants bring seniors events to the New England
Seniors in the Glen Innes Highlands and Guyra will be front and centre this March as two regional councils receive funding to host inclusive, creative events as part of the NSW Seniors Festival 2026.
MLA unveils top 10 market information industry trends for 2025
Australia’s red meat industry is demonstrating resilience, productivity gains and strong global demand in 2025, with record production, high prices and export performance forecast across beef, sheepmeat and goat sectors, according to Meat & Livestock Australia’s latest Top 10 trends of 2025 report.
Tamworth Festival sets the stage: Toyota Park and FanZone line-ups announced
Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park will, once again, transform into Toyota Park – a centrepiece of the country music festivities in January – with the outdoor venue’s line-up announced yesterday along with Toyota FanZone.
Tamworth Community invited to festive Pool Party at Scully Park
Families across Tamworth are invited to dive into the Christmas spirit at a free community pool party hosted by Centacare New England North West on Friday, 12 December 2025.
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
Armidale FREE Community Christmas Day LunchEnds: December 25, 2025
Sydney Hotshots Live at Moonshiners TamworthEnds: January 20, 2026
Hardanger Embroidery Beginners Workshop with Yvette StantonEnds: February 22, 2026
Politics
‘Some hurt in this’: Joyce won’t be Hanson’s deputy
Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has formalised his defection from the Nationals to One Nation, but he won’t serve as Pauline Hanson’s deputy.
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.
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.
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.
Energy and Environment
Powering up Armidale: The church helping locals cut their bills
At Armidale Uniting Church, the shift toward clean energy has become a practical, community-focused effort
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.
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
Inverell gears up for two big nights of late night shopping
Inverell shoppers are invited to “shop ‘til you drop” with the exciting return of Late Night Shopping on the two Thursdays leading up to Christmas.
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
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.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- Who you know can’t be the qualification
Dean Foley says when jobs, grants and contracts keep circling the same small group, people stop debating policy and start debating trust. The post Who you know can’t be the qualification appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
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.
Community urged to donate to Christmas Toy Drive Appeal
As the donation period draws to a close, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent, and Greater Bank are encouraging the community to support their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal and help share the spirit of the season.
