TRC gets new Events Manager
Tamworth Regional Council Welcomes New Events Manager
Tamworth Regional Council is pleased to officially announce the appointment of Joel Ulbricht as the new Manager, Events. Mr Ulbricht will replace Barry Harley, who has worked for Tamworth Regional Council for 11 years, leaving an incredible legacy, especially in his role as the Tamworth Country Music Festival Manager.
Mr Ulbricht is an experienced festival and events professional with a career spanning across more than two decades. He’s held numerous leadership roles across Australia’s major event landscape including in Northern Territory, Queensland, ACT, and New South Wales.
Known for combining strategic vision with hands-on delivery, he has led the planning, commercial development, and execution of large-scale community festivals, agricultural shows, and cultural events that collectively attract tens of thousands of attendees and generate meaningful regional impact.
His portfolio spans major agricultural shows, community festivals, cultural celebrations, and tourism-driven events, including leadership roles with the Katherine Show & Rodeo (2025, 2026), Parkes Elvis Festival (2024, 2025), Garma Festival (2024), Trundle Abba Festival (2024), UCI BMX World Championships (2017) and involvement across numerous regional showcase events.
Mr Ulbricht says he is passionate about events as drivers of economic development, cultural identity, and community connection, particularly in regional Australia. “I am thrilled to be in Tamworth and honoured to take on such an important role. I hope to contribute forward-thinking perspectives grounded in innovation, financial discipline, and audience experience for already established and new events across the Tamworth Region, while honouring its legacy as Australia’s country music capital.” Says Mr Ulbricht.
He will also take on the role as Tamworth Country Music Festival Manager, working closely with the TCMF Advisory Committee and Country Music Cabinet. “I was fortunate enough to experience the Festival this January, and I was blown away. I am committed to enhancing visitor engagement, supporting artists and industry participants, and reinforcing the festival’s reputation as a world-class cultural event.” Says Mr Ulbricht.
In late 2025, Barry Harley announced his retirement. He will remain at Council part time for the next few months to ensure a smooth and successful handover, providing continuity, insight and support.