North West News

Tamworth midwives say new mums simply aren’t getting the quality of care they deserve. They’ve taken their frustrations public, joining a statewide call for better nurse-to-patient ratios.

Emotions were running high as hundreds of drought-stricken farmers were gifted truckloads of hay in Tamworth this morning. Every single bale, and thousands of gift vouchers, donated with funds raised during the Hay Mate Buy a Bale concert.

Gunnedah police are now working out of one of the state’s top stations, with the site officially unveiled on Tuesday. It’s a vast improvement on their old facilities, which stood for more than four decades.

Christmas is a time of giving, and there’s a free gift most of us can provide this year. The Red Cross Blood service is calling for donors as it prepares for a shortfall in supply over the festive season.

Country music great Keith Urban announced he’ll take the stage in Tamworth next month, raising money for the region’s farmers. But with tickets selling out in less than ten minutes, many fans have been left wanting.

Investigations are underway after a man was assaulted by two people on Cossa Street in West Tamworth. At around 8.30 Monday night, a man was punched in the face and knocked off his bike. He was hit again, and fell into the door of a white Hilux ute. His bike was then stolen by his attackers. Police have been told a woman driving the ute tried to help, and they’re looking to speak with her or anyone who may have seen the incident.

Producing grain-fed beef will be less expensive for the region’s farmers, thanks to new regulations. Cattle will only need to be fed on grain for 35 days out of 100, to be classified as ‘grain-fed finished’. Previously, producers were required to feed their stock for at least 80 days. It’s expected the new changes will make it easier for farmers to charge premium prices for their produce. (NO AUDIO)

It’s music to Keith Urban fan’s ears – the country music legend is returning to the Tamworth Country Music Festival! Announced this morning, Keith will take to Tamworth Town Hall for a once-off drought relief concert on January 22nd. All ticket sales will go directly to RuralAid. Fresh off the back of winning an Academy of Country Music Award for ‘Entertainer of the Year’, it adds to the already star-studded line up for the 2019 Country Music Festival. Tickets go on sale this morning at 10am online, or in person at the Capital Theatre Tamworth or The Big Golden Guitar.

It might not be the biggest club around, but Tamworth Pony Club is hoping some new state funding will see it compete with AELEC. Upgrades to the clubhouse will mean there will be more options for equestrian events.

There will be some fresh faces walking the streets, with the latest round of probationary constables joining the force. Oxley Police District has received two new officers in Tamworth and Gunnedah. MP Kevin Anderson says the additions are welcome, but more numbers are always needed. It was recently announced 1500 police will be allocated to regional New South Wales, and Mr Anderson says he hopes they’re heading in this direction. “The Police Commissioner is currently working on where they go, so I’ve been talking to the Police Minister to make sure we get our fair share. I want to make sure we have enough police on our streets to keep our community safe.” Six were also allocated to the New England Police District. (AUDIO IN SOME PARTS ONLY)