January 2026 – Page 2 – Glen Innes News

Jan

15

2026

COUNTDOWN BEGINS: ANZAC PARK’S $1.2 MILLION NATURE PLAY PARK NEARS OPENING

Council, Local News, SportsANZAC Park, Glen Innes Severn Council

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. This new play space is one of the most significant recreation projects Council has delivered in recent years. Designed to encourage imaginative, inclusive and nature-based play, it is set to become a standout community asset for families across the Glen Innes Highlands. Mayor Margot Davis said the completion of the project…

Jan

13

2026

By Newsroom

KERRY MEAD PARK TO DOUBLE ITS RUGBY LEAGUE CAPACITY WITH NEW FIELD UPGRADES

Council, Local News, SportsGlen Innes Rugby League Club, Glen Innes Severn Council

Glen Innes Severn Council is set to deliver a major boost for local rugby league, securing a $50,000 NSW Rugby League Infrastructure grant, matched by a previously allocated $50,000 Council contribution. The investment will see two new full-size playing and training fields completed at Kerry Mead Park - a significant step forward for the home of the Glen Innes Magpies. Council’s contribution is being delivered in a smart, cost-effective way, with soil already approved for removal from the Glen Innes Indoor Sports Centre site to be repurposed for levelling, landscaping and drainage at the park. Mayor Margot Davis said the…

Jan

12

2026

By Newsroom

Glen Innes Athlete Shines at World Cross Country Championships

Local News, SportsKayden Elliott

The world’s best distance runners gathered in Florida on 10 January for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26, with more than 500 athletes from 65 countries competing on a demanding course of sand, mud, water and rolling hills. Flying the flag for Australia, local runner Kayden Elliott delivered an outstanding performance in the U20 men’s 8km race, finishing 25th in the world in a time of 25:28. Remarkably, Kayden crossed the line just 2 minutes and 10 seconds behind the race winner, who stopped the clock at 23:18. Competing on the global stage against the strongest young runners in the world, Kayden’s result is a tremendous achievement…

Jan

10

2026

By Newsroom

And they’re racing

Local News, SportsGlen Innes Jockey Club

The Glen Innes Jockey Club warmly welcomes all to attend the Glen Innes Cup Meeting, scheduled for 10th January 2026. This much-anticipated event carries forward a rich tradition, exemplifying the very best of country racing. Each January, the Glen Innes Racecourse springs to life, drawing enthusiastic crowds from the New England Tablelands and far beyond. The Glen Innes Races are a true summer highlight, combining the charm of the countryside with vibrant fashion, thrilling racing action, and family-friendly entertainment. Kids can look forward to activities such as a Jumping Castle and Face Painting, ensuring fun for all ages. The racecourse…

Jan

08

2026

By Newsroom

Our Local History: Excerpts from Archibald Windeyer’s Diary

Local NewsLand of the Beardies Museum, Our Local History

Are you keeping a diary this year? Archibald Windeyer’s Deepwater Diary is a stark reminder of our early history - when bullock wagons travelling about 12 miles a day were the transport. Archibald and his family had sailed from Plymouth, landing in Sydney on 11th December 1838. ‘On 20th December 1838. William Collins left Sydney to take up property in New England having taken the steam boat to Williams River (i.e. Morpeth the head of navigation.) 13th July 1839. Collins returned from New England Sheep Station for supplies, another dray and bullocks, plough, harrows, seed etc., and to take up…

Jan

07

2026

By Newsroom

Library News – Efa Mackenzie

Council, Local Newsglen innes severn public library

Thursday 8 January 2026 a local guest speaker Jennifer Mackenzie will be joining us at Glen Innes Severn Library. GROW & GLOW WITH EFA Join us for an inspirational evening with Youth Mentor Jennifer ‘Efa’ Mackenzie. Tap into your inner passion and gifts with Efa’s tips and tricks to boost confidence and get where you want to be in life. Light refreshments provided from 5:30pm for a 6:00pm start. Please call the library to RSVP, on 6730 2600, or book via the link below; https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1977580196603... You can check out her music clips below; https://www.youtube.com/@efamcknz_topic

Jan

07

2026

By Annette Bain

Joanne Austen Brown – Bronze at the Global Book Awards

Local NewsJoanne Austen Brown

Glen Innes author Joanne Austen Brown has ended the year on a high, receiving international recognition for her latest novel The War Rings. Joanne was awarded a Bronze Award in the War Stories category of the Global Book Awards, a United States–based program with a growing global profile. The Global Book Awards celebrate excellence in both traditionally published and self-published books, recognising outstanding storytelling, originality, and quality across a wide range of genres. Each year, authors from around the world are judged by industry professionals, making the awards a respected benchmark for emerging and established writers alike. The War Rings…

Jan

02

2026

By Newsroom

Greatest Show in Glen, coming soon!

Local News, Rural, SportsGlen Innes Show

“The Greatest Show in Town”: Glen Innes Prepares for Historic Annual Celebration Glen Innes is gearing up for one of the New England region’s most cherished events – the Glen Innes Show. Running for over 150 years, this iconic celebration, first held in 1869, is widely regarded as one of the finest agricultural shows in New South Wales, and often hailed as the Royal of the North. The 2026 show will take place from Friday, 13 February to Sunday, 15 February. A Jam-Packed Program Visitors can look forward to a full schedule across 39 sections, showcasing everything from livestock and…

Jan

01

2026

By David Scott

Happy New Year Glen Innes

Local Newsglen innes

As the clock struck twelve, a new year has begun. We pause to reflect on the one just passed and look ahead with hope, pride and quiet determination. Glen Innes is a community that understands resilience. Through changing seasons, challenges and celebrations alike, our town continues to show what it means to look out for one another, to lend a hand, and to keep moving forward together. It’s this spirit that makes Glen Innes more than a place on the map – it makes it home, our home. As we step into the year ahead, we do so with optimism…