North West News

Selfless Aussies are continuing to support those affected by the drought in every way they can think of. The Gunnedah CWA is one of many groups knitting jumpers for poddy lambs – and those on the receiving end couldn’t be more grateful.   For more information: www.facebook.com/lambjumpershelpingourfarmers/ 

Test drilling for emergency bores has begun in Murrurundi as the town continues to run dry. From the first test hole, they’ve struck water – but not enough to supply the town. Two more holes will be drilled in the coming weeks – Upper Hunter Shire Council will then determine if any can be converted to supply bores. If not, Council is ready to start carting water from Scone to Murrurundi. The town’s dam is below 14 per cent of usable water, with forecasts suggesting the town supply will dry up by Christmas. NOTE: VISION ONLY

A suspicious blaze erupted in Armidale just after 9.30 this morning. It’s understood it began in the living room. The Brown Street home sustained significant damage, but fortunately no one was injured with the house currently unoccupied. Witnesses told police they saw a group of children in the area around the same time. Detectives are following up on those leads and urging anyone with information to come forward. NOTE: VISION ONLY

Police remained on the scene today after fire tore through a home at Calala, near Tamworth overnight. Crews arrived within just seven minutes to a house fully alight. No one was home at the time, and firefighters stopped it spreading to neighbouring properties. An investigation into the cause is now underway. NOTE: VISION ONLY

Tamworth Jockey Club says today should be the last time a race meet is forced to move. The club is in talks with Racing New South Wales to see the track’s drainage and safety improved.

They’re a group of selfless volunteers helping keep our farmers afloat during the drought. And now ‘Aussie Helpers’ has set up a new depot in Gunnedah.

More than 2-million people have now heard the story of those battling the drought in the small town of Mullaley. Alan Jones and 2GB set up shop in the town hall today, adding to mounting pressure on state and federal government’s to do more.

Gunnedah is one step closer to having an all-inclusive playground. Council is now calling for tenders for the facility’s design and construction. In November last year, the state government announced $850,000 for a new playground, with council pitching in half-a-million dollars. Developed in conjunction with the Touched By Olivia Foundation, the facility will include wheelchair-accessible equipment, as well as slides, specialised swings and climbing walls. NOTE: VISION ONLY

Just ten months after going online, Tamworth-based business ‘Birth Beat’ has gained its first significant investor – to the tune of $200,000. The business has just expanded across Australia, and the next step could be taking it across the ditch.

They destroy fences, eat crops and compete with livestock for feed and water… Kangaroos can be a pest for those on the land. Now, local farmers are welcoming the new changes to kangaroo management, hoping it will help their crops thrive.