North West News

Three people have been stabbed during a domestic dispute at Tamworth. Police have been told a 21-year-old man and his 21-year-old girlfriend got into an argument in the the front yard of a home on Coorong Street, just before 10:30 on Saturday night. During the argument, the man’s mother attempted to intervene, with both women allegedly stabbed by the man. A 34-year-old man, who attempted to intervene, was also stabbed in the torso. All three were taken to Tamworth Base Hospital, with the 40-year-old and 34-year-old expected to be flown to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital. Following inquiries, a 21-year-old was arrested just after midnight. He was charged with a number of offences including two counts of wound with intent to murder. Olivia Portell reports.

They were just doing their job – now, two police officers are in hospital one fighting for life. They’d been called to a dispute in Glen Innes when they were shot at by a 74-year-old man. He later turned the gun on himself. An appeal has been launched for both officers, you can donate by visiting gleninnesappeal.gofundraise.com.au

Music fans are out in force at Australia’s country music mecca, Tamworth, for another year. The Country Music Festival kicked off in fine style with a surprise appearance from Adam Harvey.

A 21-year-old is in a critical condition in hospital, following a single vehicle rollover in the state’s north west. The crash happened at Gwabegar, around 100 kilometres south west of Narrabri on Saturday morning. The man was flown by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital.

Walgett locals desperate for clean drinking water were crying with relief when they were told their rivers would be flowing this week. But their joy quickly turned to dismay, with just a trickle arriving from Lake Keepit.

Police have released a number of images to assist with tracking down a man involved in an armed robbery at Tamworth last year. It comes just over a week after a 21-year-old man was charged in relation to the October 1st robbery, in which two men armed with knives threatened staff at a Dampier Street hotel. The robbery happened at around 8:20pm, with the pair last seen running along Aberdeen Street. The 21-year-old was refused bail following his arrest in Inverell, with police now on the hunt for a second man. He’s described as being of a thin build with fair skin, around 170-175cm tall and between 20 and 25-years of age. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Two police officers have been shot while responding to a domestic incident at Glen Innes in the state’s northern tablelands. At about 10 o’clock on Friday night, police were called to a domestic assault at a home in Church Street where a female officer was shot in the neck, while a male officer received a gunshot wound to his face. Both were taken to nearby Glen Innes Hospital, before they were airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital. The female officer is reported to be in a serious but stable condition, while her male colleague is believed to be stable. A third officer wasn’t injured. Around an hour after the incident, police discovered the body of a 74-year-old man inside the house along with a 59-year-old woman who was suffering minor injuries. Police have said they are not looking for anyone …

It’s been a hard-fought battle but today the State Government announced an additional $10.5-million to seal Carrigan Road between Boomi and Mungindi. It takes the total investment along the primary route to around $14-million. Laying tar along the 58-kilometre stretch will ensure locals and emergency services can use the road safely – rain, hail or shine. It’s also expected to add to the region’s already high productivity. “There’s over $30-million worth of produce that comes off farms that link in with this road, each and every year,” Adam Marshall, Member for Northern Tablelands. And there are hopes once the bumps are gone, tourism will see a welcome increase. “Between the Boomi hot Artesian pools and the Mungindi Artesian pools, connecting with Moree’s so it will make that a more available route for tourists,” Councillor Sue Price. NOTE: AUDIO IN PARTS …

With more than 120 venues hosting live music, the Country Music Festival is nearly a 24-hour a day event. And the State Government has approved ‘special event’ extended Sunday trading hours for licensed premises during the 10 day festival. This will see partygoers gain an extra two hours out on the town, with trading pushed back from 10pm to 12am. Publicans say with the influx of boot-scooters, they’re at least three times busier than any other time of the year, but most are usually well-behaved. NOTE: VISION ONLY

Manilla’s main road is in line for an important safety upgrade, with the announcement of a new low-level bridge for the town. It’s set to see the growing number of trucks bypass town.