North West News

It was an afternoon of bootscooting and country classics, as the ‘R U Aware, We Care’ concert got underway in Tamworth. The fundraiser saw the likes of Lee Kernaghan take the stage, and has raised over $55,000 so far for struggling farmers.

It was a career launch-pad for musicians like Lee Kernaghan and Keith Urban, and now, entries are open for the next Star Maker Competition. In its 40th year, the competition is becoming one of the key attractions of Tamworth’s Country Music Festival. This year’s winner, Brad Cox, is making a name for himself within the industry, releasing his debut album less than four months after taking out the Star Maker title. Entries close on October 1, with ten finalists to be selected. (NOTE: VISION ONLY)

The story of a Tamworth toddler’s battle with a rare form of cancer is quickly spreading around town. Today, a group of bikers hit the road to show their support.

With wool prices surging at the moment, some might think they’ve hit the jackpot with this sheep. The woolly behemoth was spotted running in a National Park near Coonabarabran. He was taken in by locals, who then took on the difficult task of shearing him. All up, 30-kilograms of wool came off the sheep, measuring 13-inches long.   PHOTOS COURTESY: GRAEME BOWDEN

Hospital food often gets a bad rap, but there’s a new menu on offer at Armidale Hospital, as part of a multi-million-dollar kitchen upgrade. The changes are designed to improve efficiency and patients’ overall experiences. “Once we out the food into the meal carts we don’t touch them again until the patients get them. So it has really good food safety improvements.” “There are less opportunities for mistakes to be made if patients are actually on a diet.” The local member even had a try, taste-testing the new options and giving them all the tick of approval. NOTE: AUDIO IN PARTS ONLY

Regional economies have been taking a hit recently due to the drought, but Tamworth will be getting a much-needed cash boost this weekend. Major sporting events in town are attracting big crowds.

A big decision on Tamworth’s water supply will be made at the next Council meeting. Should Tamworth Regional Council vote in favour of increasing its share of water from 70 to 100-percent, general water users, including irrigators, would be hit with a reduction. But Council argues the move would be a positive one for those on town water, causing the frequency of water restrictions to decrease. “My recommendation is that Council should pursue this. Council pays $680,000 a year to Water New South Wales whether we use any water out of Chaffey Dam or not,” Bruce Logan, Director of Water and Waste, Tamworth Regional Council. Discussions have been held with stakeholders, and many irrigators have raised concerns. “They have got a more reliable supply as a result of the augmentation of Chaffey Dam. This reduction that we’re looking at still …

A man in his 30s has been killed, and his passenger flown to hospital after a crash south of Glen Innes. Emergency services were called to the New England Highway at Glencoe, at around 5 o’clock this morning, following reports a vehicle had left the road and hit a tree. The driver of the hatchback died at the scene, while his passenger, also aged in his 30s was flown to Tamworth Hospital. He was reported to be in a stable condition, suffering multiple injuries.

The Inverell Highlanders have registered an early win this week, with the club securing a $20,000 New South Wales Government local sports grant. The announcement was made today by Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall. The club intends to use the funding to better secure the sporting facility, with the reconstruction of a new perimeter fence. PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO UNAVAILABLE  

The bids are flowing in fast, just hours after the ‘R U Aware, We Care’ drought campaign launched its online action. Up for sale is a black fender guitar, signed by Lee Kernaghan himself. As well as an original canvas painting of Slim Dusty. The auction is live until Sunday at 2pm, all funds raised will be donated to drought affected families across the region. NOTE: VISION ONLY