Party elder pleads for Nationals to stop the infighting The Nationals must put aside their grievances and target being an effective opposition, a former deputy prime minister says, while another local politician points to a possible new leader.

Narrabri maintains level 4 water restrictions with limited sprinkler exemption Level 4 water restrictions will remain in place for Narrabri township, however a temporary, town-wide sprinkler exemption will be introduced to help balance community needs with water supply sustainability.

Tax shock for farm trailblazers Farmers with cellar doors and fruit stands should beware of huge new bills being slapped on them by the state government, NSW Farmers says. 

New England warmly welcomes new citizens on Australia Day Across New England and the Northwest, Australia Day 2026 was a day of pride, celebration, and community spirit as councils welcomed new Australian citizens and recognised outstanding locals.

Crowds flock to Deepwater Races for a cracking day of country racing The tiny village of Deepwater came alive on Saturday as more than 3,000 visitors descended on the New England town for one of the most anticipated days on the regional racing calendar.

Inverell Australia Day honours announced Three celebrations were held across Inverell Shire on Monday, as locals gathered to recognise outstanding contributions made by community members, who were awarded Australia Day honours.

Slow down and stay alert as school returns in the New England School zones across the New England have resumed this week as students and teachers begin returning for the 2026 school year.

Where tomorrow’s Country stars begin: inside Tamworth’s Golden Gig If your kids came home from the Tamworth Country Music Festival buzzing with big country music dreams, they’re not alone. Each year, the Festival becomes a launchpad for young performers from across Australia, and one of the most…

Progress made on General Practice sustainability and viability, but challenges remain The latest analysis of the Sustainability and Viability Initiative shows financial stress among practices has reduced, strategic planning uptake has increased, and workforce morale is on the rise.

Breaking: Nationals set for leadership challenge David Littleproud will face a challenge for the leadership of the Nationals when parliament resumes fro a close ally of Barnaby Joyce.

Hands of Fame welcomes Jodi Vaughan and The Wolfe Brothers Two very different careers, but the same lasting impact on Australian country music, were recognised on Saturday morning when the 2026 Hands of Fame inductees were honoured in Tamworth.

Tamworth’s 54th festival celebrates ever-increasing crowds and plans ahead The last notes have been played at the 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival and the city is celebrating an extra successful event.

Fiery plane crash kills two men; headed towards Barraba

Narrabri Shire Australia Day honours announced Narrabri Shire marked Australia Day with a morning of celebration, recognising the exceptional individuals who make a lasting impact on the local community.

Warialda and Bingara Australia Day honours announced Community spirit was front and centre this Australia Day, as the Gwydir Shire recognised outstanding individuals and groups for their contributions throughout 2025.

Fiery plane crash kills two men; headed towards Tamworth Two men are dead after their light plane crashed and burst into flames near a regional airfield on the Gold Coast seconds after take-off, sparking an intense blaze. The plane is understood to have been heading to a small town near Tamworth.

Country music’s quiet achiever steps into the spotlight Tamworth Regional Council Festival and Events Manager Barry Harley has been recognised with two major accolades at the Golden Guitar Awards and a special town hall presentation, marking over 50 years of service.

Hostages all home on International Holocaust Remembrance Day The remains of the last Israeli hostage held in the Gaza Strip have been found and returned home, as Australia marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Adam Harvey recognised with Roll of Renown induction Adam Harvey has been part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival story for more than three decades, and on Saturday night that contribution was recognised with his induction into the Roll of Renown.

Barraba and Nundle Australia Day honours announced Barraba and Nundle have announced their Australia Day award winners – see who won!

Manilla announces Australia Day Awards Manilla has announced their Australia Day award winners – see who won!

Liverpool Plains announces Australia Day awards

Liverpool Plains announces Australia Day awards Liverpool Plains has announced their Australia Day award winners – see who won!

Tamworth announces Australia Day awards Tamworth has announced their Australia Day award winners - see who won!

Armidale Australia Day awards announced Quiet achievers from across the Armidale region were recognised at the 2026 Australia Day Awards, held at Dumaresq Dam. Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland said the awards reflected the generosity, dedication and compassion that underpin the local…

Gunnedah Australia Day awards announced Gunnedah has announced their Australia Day award winners - see who won!

Moree Plains Australia Day awards announced Moree Plains Shire has announced their Australia Day awards - see who won!

Jessica Holbrok claims top busking honour at Tamworth festival Brisbane’s Jessica Holbrok has been crowned the 2026 Toyota Best of the Buskers champion.

Happy Australia Day! Remember to stay cool and hydrated as the heatwave peaks for most parts of the region today.  Armidale –36 Tamworth –42 Inverell –39 Gunnedah –44 Moree –44 Narrabri –45 Glen Innes –33 Tenterfield –35 Walcha –35 Quirindi –43 Warialda –43

Gunnedah and Boggabri star in new song released for Australia Day Australian country artists and cousins Anthony Snape and Sam Snape have released their new single Big Love In A Small Town ahead of Anthony’s role as the Australia Day Ambassador for his hometown of Gunnedah.

Locals honoured in Australia Day awards Ten residents from across the region have received the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division in today's awards, most of them from Tamworth. Amongst a host of other female politicians featured on today's honours, including former Queensland…

First Australian trained astronaut Australian of the Year The first astronaut to train under the Australian flag has been honoured with the 2026 Australian of the Year award, with other top achievers also recognised.

NFF calls for long term investment in agriculture NFF has opted for the long view in a pre-budget submission to the federal government, seeking practical policy settings for the future of the sector

The century-long battle against weeds heads to space It might have a romantic name but African lovegrass wreaks havoc on the landscape, as researchers trial satellite technology and AI to combat the invasive weed.

Significant local opposition to Kingswood Battery

Significant local opposition to Kingswood Battery Calala, Loomberah and Kingswood area residents concerned about a proposed large scale battery storage project will have a direct opportunity to put their views to state planning decision makers

Country Journo’s Festival Finds – Day 10 (and 11) It's the last day of Tamworth Country Music Festival! Get the Country Journos' final tips for the action today and Australia Day.

Wolfes and divorce dominate Golden Guitars Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson reunited at the 2026 Country Music Awards, winning song and single of the year for The Divorce Song, while the Wolfe Brothers cleaned up to take home five Golden Guitars.

Fears for violence on Australia Day

Fears for violence on Australia Day The community is being urged to come together respectfully over the Australia Day long weekend following the circulation of propaganda encouraging violence against minorities.

US creep a blessing and curse for young country artists Country music is experiencing an explosion in listeners thanks to US megastars, but an industry veteran hopes young artists don't abandon homegrown sounds.

Glen Innes gets support on biochar vision Glen Innes Severn Council has secured full support from the Local Government NSW board for its motion backing the Australian Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap

Take a break from the heat and upgrade to an X Series Signature It has been another uncomfortably hot Tamworth Country Music Festival, and with another heat wave on the way, it is worth asking yourself: is it time to get out of the heat?

Country Journo’s Festival Finds – Day 9 Today is going to be a LONG day, so maybe sleep in, then check out this column for all the best things to do as you squeeze the last bit of fun out of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Heatwave to keep New England sweltering all week

Heatwave to keep New England sweltering all week A massive heatwave is forecast for much of the country, with severe conditions forecast to persist through the Australia Day long weekend and into next week throughout the New England.

Hats, pins, photos – collect it all at TCMF26 Long after the amps are packed away, it is the souvenirs, signatures and slightly sun-faded merch that keep the memories alive.

Melinda Schneider Gets Personal With Tender Art It was standing room only for Melinda Schneider’s Tender art exhibition opening at Tamworth Regional Gallery on Friday.

Gunnedah scholarship winners announced Thirty-one young people are getting a headstart in their tertiary pursuits thanks to the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund (GCSF). The successful recipients were announced at a presentation in The Civic on Wednesday. GCSF Chair, Councillor Linda Newell,…

Narrabri moves to level 4 water restrictions as heat drives demand Narrabri Shire Council will implement Level 4 water restrictions for the Narrabri township from 7am Saturday, 24 January, due to sustained high demand and forecast extreme heat