North West News

The boots are polished, the hats are in place and music is filling the air in Tamworth.. It’s no secret the 2019 Country Music Festival has kicked off – and despite the heat, tens of thousands of visitors have hit town.

Tamworth police have taken to social media to express their frustration over the level of public scrutiny they’re receiving online, particularly via Facebook. In the post, the Officer in Charge of Tamworth writes he is “frustrated seeing good people suggesting information be passed on to Police, only to be shot down by some keyboard warrior who says it is a waste of time.” And that they simply “want to catch these offenders and keep our town safe.” “The message is that people, rather than get on Facebook and make comments on Facebook about crime, is please contact us and we’ll act swiftly,” Superintendent Fred Trench. Police have made more than 15 arrests of juveniles since just before Christmas and say Operation South Break, targeting property crime, is ongoing. NOTE: AUDIO IN PARTS ONLY

Aged care homes across the North West are in for a spruce up, with almost $2-million worth of federal funding grants available. Homes at Warialda, Narrabri, Gunnedah and Wee Waa, will share in part of the funding, as will Moree’s Fairview Care – receiving almost half a million dollars. It’s set to go towards the refurbishment of rooms and electrical and bathroom upgrades. NOTE: VISION ONLY

Fire crews have spent the day getting the upper hand on a fire at Gilgai, south of Inverell. It’s burnt through more than 80-hectares, but they’re hoping to have it contained by this evening. Aircraft have been tasked with tackling the blaze, while crews on the ground also undertook significant back burning today. Firefighters say it was sparked by a lightning strike, like a number of others burning across the region. Nine lightning strike-driven fires were extinguished last night in the Northern Tablelands region alone. NOTE: VISION ONLY

12 months on from a record high number of arson attacks around Moree, police say that number has more than halved. And while they’re pleased with the dramatic decrease, they say there’s more to be done.

They’re a saving grace in the summer months, but air conditioners have become a hot topic for all the wrong reasons across New South Wales. More than 10 towns in the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast regions will miss out on air conditioning rebates of up to $1000 for energy-efficient appliances. The state government rebate scheme was strongly advertised in the New England, but it appears Tamworth and Armidale will have to go without this summer….due to issues with the rollout. (VISION ONLY)

With the much-anticipated 20-19 Country Music Festival hitting Tamworth this weekend, local emergency crews are on alert. They’ll be keeping a watchful eye on festival-goers, to make sure they have a good time and make it home safely.

The chance to collaborate with a world-renowned artist is an opportunity that most only dream of. But for one Armidale musician, it’s her reality – joining forces with Rick Springfield

Staff at two Tamworth pools have been run off their feet today, after a series of overnight incidents. Scully Pool was broken into, and fire crews had to extinguish a blaze in the office. While the city pool suffered a pump malfunction, resulting in low chlorine levels. Both pools have since reopened to the public. (VISION ONLY)

Armidale Police have charged two more men as part of Strike Force Janian looking into drug supply in Northern New South Wales. Nine people have now been arrested, after a series of raids at Armidale and Coffs Harbour last month. A 35-year-old man from Hillgrove and a 21-year-old Guyra man are facing drug supply charges. Both will face Armidale Local Court next month. NOTE: FILE VISION ONLY