North West News

Short term grazing permits for Travelling Stock Reserves will be phased out in the coming months as the drought continues. North West Local Land Services is introducing ‘destination only’ practices to take the pressure off the reserves.

Tamworth police are hunting three men who robbed a convenience store in South Tamworth late yesterday. A woman – the sole worker at the time – was assaulted during the incident.

Budding astronomers will look skyward tomorrow night, with Tamworth taking part in a nation-wide world record attempt. The aim is to have more than 30, 000 people across the country simultaneously stargazing.

The Country Minded Party is no more, after being officially deregistered by the Australian Electoral Commission. The local political group was established in 20-14, with a focus on rural and agricultural issues. David Mailler was the party’s candidate in the 20-16 election – his brother Peter running as the by-election nominee. The party was deregistered earlier this month after its membership fell below the required benchmark of 500 people. (VISION ONLY)

A colourful convoy of cars has travelled through the New England and North West in the name of charity. The Variety Bashers are now making their way to western New South Wales – the group on track to surpass $1-million in donations this year.

A woman has been grabbed around the head during a convenience store robbery at South Tamworth. Three men entered the Hillvue Road store at about 5:30 last night, with one of the men grabbing the female staff member around the head. She was taken to Tamworth Base Hospital with minor injuries, while the three men fled with a cash drawer. They were last seen heading west on Hillvue Road.

Police are investigating after two firearms were stolen from a home at Narrabri over the weekend. The weapons, a Sportco Martini rifle and a Gamo Hunter air rifle, are believed to have been taken from the Hinds Street home sometime between Saturday morning and Monday evening. It’s believed the weapons were stolen from an approved firearm safe. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Fire-related crime has peaked in West Tamworth this year, and police are fed up. Local detectives are implementing a number of strategies – and are even looking at calling in a targeted arson squad, following the success of a similar strategy in Moree.

Taps will run dry for residents along a section of Robert Street in Tamworth tomorrow – but there’s no cause for alarm. Tamworth Regional Council will be switching off supply between Garden Street and Anthony Road as it continues work on the water mains. It’s part of a $1.5 million investment to upgrade ageing water infrastructure around the region. Water services will be restored by 4:30pm. (NOTE: Vision only)

New mothers will no longer have to share bathrooms when they give birth at Gunnedah Hospital. $750,000 will be spent sprucing up the birthing suites – and the general wards.