92.9fm and 2TM

December 2019 - June 2020

A newsroom conjures the image of a bullpen full of journos working, but at 2TM and 92.9fm it was just me. As the sole journalist, I was responsible for finding stories, conducting interviews, writing and reading the bulletin, putting out breaking news alerts and writing online and social media content. I did that, while also co-hosting the 92.9fm breakfast show. It was a whirlwind, but a fun one at that! 

Gyms, dance studios allowed to open from June 13

There's good news for business owners and fitness fanatics. As of June 13, gyms, fitness centres and studios, such as dance studios, will be allowed to open. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said that would be capped at 10 people per class, maximum of 100 per venue. "We all know that physical fitness is important to, of course, your mental fitness," he said. "That’s why it’s timely that we’ve made this announcement and that will include even community centres, where we know a number of organ

Strategic plan maps out Tamworth's sporting needs

Known as a sporting hub, the Tamworth region is home to 117 facilities and recreation centres. As the city's population grows Tamworth Council is looking to the future, and what needs to be done to support an ever-changing region. TRC staff have consulted community members and sporting clubs to develop the draft Sport and Recreation Strategic Plan which is on public exhibition until June 30. Strategic projects coordinator, Sam Eriksson, said the plan includes a detailed analysis of current fa

Q&A: What you can and can't do from June 1 in NSW

As the number of new cases of coronavirus cases discovered NSW slows, the state government is moving to ease some restrictions on businesses and residents. All of the new rules will apply to the Tamworth region, so what can and can't you do? Police will still be penalising those who don't do the right thing, so make sure you know the rules. Here is what you can do from June 1 in NSW. Question: Can I travel around NSW for a holiday? Answer: Yes. Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier

Tamworth's new Rural Fire Service headquarters gets tick of approval

Tamworth is on track to house a brand new firefighting headquarters after an application was approved at Tuesday night's council meeting. The final step in the planning process was cleared for a state-of-the-art NSW Rural Fire Service Fire Control Centre and Helipad at Westdale with councillors approving an amended development application. The multimillion-dollar facility to accommodate training, specialist operators, equipment and volunteers will be built on a 58.5-hectare site owned by counc

Tamworth's new Rural Fire Service headquarters gets tick of approval

Tamworth is on track to house a brand new firefighting headquarters after an application was approved at Tuesday night's council meeting. The final step in the planning process was cleared for a state-of-the-art NSW Rural Fire Service Fire Control Centre and Helipad at Westdale with councillors approving an amended development application. The multimillion-dollar facility to accommodate training, specialist operators, equipment and volunteers will be built on a 58.5-hectare site owned by counc

Council adopts Blueprint 100 strategy as plan for Tamworth's future

THE ROAD to 100,000 stretches ahead as council adopts the Tamworth Regional Blueprint 100. The decision was made at Tuesday night's meeting after a report detailed feedback from the community during the recent public exhibition of the plan. The report to council described the Blueprint as a “roadmap’’ focused on “lifting the region to an improved quality of life and prosperity” rather than the attainment of a certain population by a particular date. A total of 42 written submissions were rece

Manhunt continues, two men charged following pursuit in separate incident

A manhunt is still underway for a man who escaped from a minimum-security correctional facility in the region. Selim Sensoy, age 44, was reported missing from the facility on Gwydir Highway, Glen Innes, about 12pm on Saturday. Police have been told he was last seen at 10am that day. Officers from New England Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him. It was initially believed Sensoy may have stolen a red Subaru WRX from a Glen Innes home after his escape; however, f

Tamworth region's parks and playgrounds to reopen as restrictions ease

Playground equipment at more than 100 parks across the region from May 15 will open again. This includes Tamworth Regional Playground in Bicentennial Park, the outdoor gym in Kable Avenue and Tamworth Regional Skate Park in Peel Street. Council’s Sports and Recreation Division has been kept busy this week removing ‘closed’ signs, taking away temporary barriers and undertaking cleaning of equipment. Manager Paul Kelly said BBQs will not reopen at this stage because they are a point of crowd gathe

Q&A: What you can and can't do from May 15 in NSW

As the number of new cases of coronavirus cases discovered NSW slows, the state government is moving to ease some restrictions on businesses and residents. All of the new rules will apply to the Tamworth region, so what can and can't you do? Police will still be penalising those who don't do the right thing, so make sure you know the rules. Question: How many people can visit my home? Answer: Five. Remember to maintain physical distancing. Question: Do the five visitors include children? Answer:

Driver allegedly under the influence in crash that killed pregnant woman

A woman will face further charges in court today following an investigation into a fatal crash in the region. Officers from the Crash Investigation Unit have been piecing together the moments leading up to the collision that killed a young woman and her unborn baby at Inverell earlier in the year. Following inquiries, investigators charged a 22-year-old Tingha woman with eight traffic offences on March 10. She was accused of dangerous driving occasioning death by driving in a manner dangerous; n

Chance to help the heroes: Westpac Rescue Helicopter hosts online appeal

With all face to face fundraising and major event activity on hold as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has an appeal with a goal to raise over $300,000. Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service CEO Richard Jones said the funds raised will assist the helicopter service to save local lives across the region. "Annually, the people of Northern NSW are so generous in supporting this appeal," he said. "Year in year out we see that a little from many goes a long way

Multi-million upgrade for Tamworth Public School 'on track'

As students start to make their way back into their classrooms those attending Tamworth Public School will see new developments taking shape. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the upgrade is progressing well with the new hall taking shape. Work is also about to begin on the second floor of a new classroom block and the refurbishment of the former teacher’s cottage. “The school will have seven brand new classrooms and by the end of the year, students should be holding their end-of-year asse

Our Heroes: Celebrate our frontline staff this International Day of the Nurse

Nurses and midwives are often the unsung heroes of the community, there during the best and worst times for Tamworth residents. But no matter how hard the job gets "their passion is always there" said one of Tamworth's leading nurses on International Day of the Nurse. Michelle Keir, the Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Tamworth Hospital, said the staff she works with go above and beyond every day to make sure all their patients are comfortable and looked after. Ms Keir said she "fell into nu

Fallout from coronavirus pandemic expected to hit budget

As Tamworth Regional Council’s budget and operational plan for the next financial year goes on public exhibition, Mayor Col Murray said the full financial impact of the Coronavirus is yet to be seen. Council’s Draft Annual Operational Plan 2020-21 is now available for the community to review and provide their feedback to council. Tamworth Regional Council proposes to spend a total of $195.3 million across its general, water and sewerage funds in 2020-21 while collecting $71.9 million in income f

Work on the Tamworth Intermodal Rail Line gets underway

Early work on the Tamworth Intermodal Rail Line started on Tuesday with the government promising a hub that connects producers and agricultural industries to their customers. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the road and rail freight task are both growing as the economy and the population grows. “Reactivation of the non-operational rail line between West Tamworth and Westdale will facilitate freight train services to the Tamworth Regional Freight Terminal, opening the

Man charged following investigation into alleged sexual abuse of young boy

A man will appear in court on Wednesday following an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a young boy in the region. Earlier this month, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad followed up reports a young boy had been sexually abused by a man who was known to him. Officers arrested a 44-year-old man at a home near Inverell just after 2pm on Tuesday. The man was taken to Inverell Police Station and charged with intentionally sexually touch child (between 10 and 16 years),

Migrant’s Story: A journey from Malta to Australia, through the eyes of her son

In creating a short documentary, one Tamworth artist has unlocked the stories of his mother's past. Danny Stanley, an artist and illustrator, has released a short film entitled ‘A Portrait of Stella Baldacchino’, which recounts the story of his mother and her family’s move from Malta to Australia in 1958. Stella narrates her story while Danny uses old family photos, animation, and a hand-drawn look to bring her story to life. Danny said he learnt a lot about his mother's history that he never kn

Drive-through coronavirus testing clinics extended for extra week

Drive-through COVID-19 testing clinics at Tamworth and Armidale have been extended for another week after high demand for the tests. More than 1400 people had been screened at the drive-through at the Tamworth Hospital site. Hunter New England Health said the clinics would now open until at least May 15. It's the second time the testing clinics have been extended by a week. Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has called for drive-through COVID-19 testing sites to be established at Glen Innes,

Serpent brings Dreamtime to Gunnedah’s Civic

The colourful Rainbow Serpent Water Feature has now been installed at the Gunnedah Civic, realising a long-term dream. The large-scale serpent adorned with glass mosaics, brass and coloured glass and oxidised concrete has now been permanently installed as a lasting tribute to the determination of Gunnedah’s female Kamilaroi artists. These artists include Shirley Long, Janet Wanless, Delma Jones (d.) , Ellen Draper (d.), Gloria Foley, June Cox, Alison Cox, Rita Long and Cindy Foley. Council's cu

GP-led COVID-19 respiratory clinic to finally open in Tamworth

New England’s first GP-led respiratory clinic will open in Tamworth on Thursday. The Federal Government is establishing 100 GP-led respiratory clinics around the country to assess patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. The clinics will reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments and other local general practices. Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the Tamworth clinic is best placed to support people with COVID respiratory symptoms while avoiding the risk of infection i
Load More Articles