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We’re pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2025–2026 Regional Events Marketing Support Program. This initiative provides eligible event organisers in the Tamworth region with funding support to boost marketing efforts and attract visitors to our area. If you're pla ... read more

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🐑  Barraba Fuller Gallery and Clay Pan - Warm and Woolly Exhibition & Tree Bombing Display is on again over the Long Weekend 6th – 9th JUNE. 🐑🐑 A special feature this year will be a display by Guild Member, Gerda Gamper of her hand woven alpaca and lama rugs, wall hangings a ... read more

Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June don't miss a fresh out-of-the-oven scone for morning tea and a choice of home-made soup for lunch. Including Jude's famous Tomato Soup.  ☕☕ Morning Tea from 10am – “Bottomless” cup of tea or coffee with a plate of homemade Devonshire Tea - ... read more

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DEMOCRACY ON THE MOVE: NSW PARLIAMENT'S REGIONAL ROADSHOW COMES TO TAMWORTH The Parliament of NSW is hitting the road throughout 2025 to amplify the voices and showcase the leadership of young people in regional communities. Tamworth has been chosen as one of six regional centres across the state t ... read more

This Biggest Morning Tea is important to many of us at Richardson house, residents, staff, family, and friends have been touched by cancer in some form and we know cancer does not discriminate.  Richardson House would like to invite you to enjoy morning tea and great company on Monday the 26th ... read more

History Notes   What a wonderful job and happy birthday to the staff and community of the Barraba News who have reached their 5th birthday. This is likely to be a year of birthdays as we have at least a couple more to celebrate this year. Amongst a small pile of exercise books, I have found ... read more

Frank Sultana Live at The Playhouse Hotel – Saturday 31 May On Saturday 31 May The Playhouse Hotel will host a special performance by acclaimed blues artist Frank Sultana. Known for his authentic, gritty sound that channels the spirit of pre-WWII Mississippi blues, Sultana brings a uniqu ... read more

 TOMORROW sees the return again of the BIGGEST MORNING TEA Street Stall in the Queen Street Mall. Barraba Cancer Patients Fund Raising Group Inc. members will be there to greet you with friendly smiles and tables of delicious items for sale - home baked or grown delights to tantalise your taste ... read more

NSW Government delivers $10 million to target high-risk weeds control and eradication The Minns Labor Government is delivering $10 million to local councils to target high-risk weeds across the state to protect the state’s primary production and public land. The NSW Government Weeds Action P ... read more

Council Meeting Update. Here is an overview of outcomes from the Ordinary Meeting of Tamworth Regional Council held on Tuesday 13 May 2025.              The community will have to chance to give feedback about Council’s suite of ... read more

Well of course the Interschools Run is over and I am happy to say the SES didn't need to give first aid to any of the competitors. This meant that no injuries were sustained by anyone. The other good news was, we had a relaxed day and enjoyed the well-run event. Thank you to the organizers and parti ... read more

Barraba Medical Centre. Surgery Closure The Medical Centre will be closed from Thursday 22nd May until Wednesday 28th May inclusive and will reopen Thursday 29th May at 9.00am. Sorry for the inconvenience Barraba Medical Centre Staff ... read more

Join us for Devonshire Tea from 10am, $8/person and homemade soup and roll from 12md, $15/person on Saturday and Sunday. ... read more

Save the Time and Date everybody! THURSDAY MAY 22 from 9am. The annual STREET STALL hosted by Barraba Cancer Patients Fund Raising Group Inc. is being held to in the Queen Street Mall to raise funds for the NSW Cancer Council’s BIGGEST MORNING TEA and other Australian Cancer related organisati ... read more

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BUSINESS NSW CALLS FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION REFORM TO SUPPORT NEW ENGLAND NORTH WEST BUSINESSES AND WORKERS Business NSW is urging swift action to reform the state’s workers’ compensation scheme, highlighting its unsustainable trajectory and the urgent need to protect businesses ... read more

Burindi Rural Fire Service Notice of meeting AGM to be held on 30th May at 10am at Burindi. All welcome ... read more

Barraba Hospital Auxiliary Happenings The Auxiliary held their street stall on the 8th of May from 9am. The table was laden with books, plants, home cooked cakes and biscuits. Thank you to everyone who donated items for sale. Auxiliary member Julie Willams drew the Mother's Day raffle, with the wi ... read more

Marketing Support Program Returns Tamworth Regional Council’s popular Regional Events Marketing Support Program is back for another year, with applications now open for 2025-2026. The program is a platform for Council to provide both financial and/or in-kind marketing support to local events ... read more

Results of Westpac Mother's Day Raffle 1st prize Doug Hatch  2nd prize Cheryl Spence 3rd prize Pam King Thank you to everyone who supported us ... read more

History Notes Another successful market held on what turned out to be a lovely Saturday morning. There were a nice number of visitors as well as some former residents returning for the weekend. Cakes and biscuits were easily the most popular purchase followed by plants, honey and books. There are ... read more

Bendigo Bank Agribusiness: Australian farmland values hit record high Transactions rebound with moderate growth tipped to continue in 2025 Australian farmland values have now recorded eleven years of unbroken growth with the national median price rising to a record level in 2024 and growth observe ... read more

COMMUNITY DEMANDS CHANGE TO TACKLE CRIME Communities across the region, concerned about ongoing serious incidents of crime will soon have their voice heard as the Time for Change e-petition hits the NSW Parliament. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said 22,015 people across New South Wales had si ... read more

Keep Warm and Be Entertained at Hats Off!   Tamworth’s popular mid-year ‘Hats Off To Country’ music festival will return this winter from July 11-13 with a number of Australia’s best country artists set to perform. The festival offers music lovers, locals and visitors ... read more

Inquiry into illegal tobacco trade The NSW Government has finally answered calls to launch a parliamentary inquiry into the fast-growing illegal tobacco trade. It is something I have been pushing the government for.  A parliamentary inquiry into illegal tobacco trade has been established and r ... read more

Historic partnership celebrated Representatives from Tamworth Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (TACCO) and Tamworth Regional Council have today come together, for an historic ceremony celebrating the Mara Ngali Partnership Agreement. Mara Ngali, which means our two hands in Gomeroi la ... read more

Informing the Barraba community of some changes at the Barraba SES Unit. Greg Forder has been appointed as Acting Unit Commander. The Unit has training every Wednesday evening at 6pm. The Unit is still looking for new recruits to build a stronger Unit and all people over 16 years old are welcome t ... read more

Friday 23rd May, 5:00 pm Barraba Inland Petroleum Sausage sizzle for clients and the Barraba   community ... read more

Fast Glass and Glazing – a new business in Barraba We're excited to announce the launch of Fast Glass and Glazing, your new go to source of high-quality glass solutions. We are committed to customer services, we’re here to help homeowners, builders, businesses with relia ... read more

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Barraba Fuller Gallery and Clay Pan Warm and Woolly Exhibition & Tree Bombing Display is on again over the JUNE Long Weekend. Guild Members are busy knitting and crocheting brightly coloured squares in preparation to ‘bomb the trees and footpath seat in front of the Gallery”. 2025 w ... read more

Save the date Barraba UHA Fashion Parade 11th October 2025 1.30pm at the Barraba Golf Club Fashions by Frocks N Locks ... read more

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Building new community connections Four new Precinct Advisory Committees will be created for Barraba, Dungowan/Nundle, Kootingal/Moonbi/Bendemeer and Manilla in a move which aims to strengthen the connection between the community and Tamworth Regional Council.  At tonight’s Ordinary Mee ... read more

History Notes Not so many visitors this week. Next week are the Mother's Day Markets which will keep everyone busy especially as we may be short of assistants. We are also looking for someone who knows about antique coloured glass and can replace a panel in an old house. This week I have decided t ... read more

Aged care call after election result Ageing Australia congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his election victory and calls on him to ensure aged care remains a priority of his government. “We congratulate Prime Minster Albanese on winning the Federal Election and we look forward t ... read more

Barraba High Country Music Musta Sunday 11th May 2025.  12 to 4pm.  FREE ENTRY. Walk-up artists welcome.              Barraba Bowling Club. ... read more

MUDDY MAY-Hem - WOW On Friday & Saturday we saw over two dozen cars enter and many many spectators enjoyed the inaugural Muddy MAY-Hem held by Aircooled Assembly Inc.  The atmosphere was abuzz with excitement and awe and everyone who came from far and wide were blown away with Barraba ... read more

Small Farms Network: Farm Planning Workshop Series 16 May @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Tamworth Agricultural Institute, 4 Marsden Park Rd Calala. Free Held as part of our Small Farms Network program, these free property planning workshops will guide you through developing a farm plan by creating realistic ... read more

Council Meeting Update Here is an overview of outcomes from the Ordinary Meeting of Tamworth Regional Council on Tuesday 29 April, 2025.              Councillors unanimously supported a Notice of Motion from Councillor Ryan Brooke and ... read more

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BEYOND BLUE WELCOMES ELECTION PROMISES ON MENTAL HEALTH Beyond Blue has welcomed promises of significant investment in mental health from both the Federal government and the Opposition, saying each plan represents genuine steps towards access to mental health support. Labor and the Coalition have ... read more

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STREET STALL Barraba Catholic Women’s Organisation will hold a street stall next Friday 2nd May, commencing at 9a.m. With home baked goods, plants, books, a raffle and bargains galore!  We hope to see you there. ... read more

TEXEL RAMS FOR SALE. Put more meat on your lambs. contact jenjbotha@gmail.com ... read more

BARRABA ANZAC DAY SERVICE 2025 –          Friday 25 April A large crowd assembled in perfect weather to remember those men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. A large group, led by Australian Navy Sub Lieutenant Mitch Austin ... read more

COMMUNITY WAR MEMORIALS FUND OPEN Local not-for-profit organisations and councils can now apply for funding to refresh and renew community war memorials, with the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund open. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said ANZAC Day is a special reminder of th ... read more

History Notes   This week has been busy with visitors looking for family history as well as visitors to the museum collection. The Corcoran, Natty, Connors family took up most of one morning with lots of photos and memories shared. While looking for a topic for this week's notes I have found ... read more

Get ready Barraba! Muddy MAYhem is HERE! Muddy MAYhem kicks off this Friday for two full days of action as pre 1980 cars & full custom creations take to the wet flat track. Lots of very unique cars to see in action and check out up close.  This event is loads of fun for both the drivers an ... read more

DNCO Visitor Experience Forum – Tamworth – 6-7 May 2025 Destination Country and Outback is pleased to be delivering the third annual Visitor Experience Forum, to be held in Tamworth on 6-7 May 2025. The 2025 DNCO Visitor Experiences Summit theme is shaping places – 24 hours in an ... read more

Update Tamworth Council Meeting on Thursday 24 April, 2025 Two reports were presented at tonight’s Extraordinary Meeting of Tamworth Regional Council, with one considered in the open part of the meeting. Here is an overview of the outcome: Councillors have voted in support of approving an ... read more

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History Notes Well, Easter is over for another year, Anzac Day is almost here and then winter will arrive with frosts.  I am told it will be a warm winter! The vintage car visit on Sunday morning saw lots of treasured cars in the street and plenty of people inspecting the cars and being treat ... read more

Studebaker Nationals visit to Barraba On Easter Sunday morning the Aircooled Assembly Inc hosted morning tea in Barraba for the 2025 Studebaker Nationals. The Barraba Historical Museum and Phil Denyer Mechanical Repairs opened for people to check out the old treasures inside while the Studebaker C ... read more

$27.2M BOOST FOR NEW ENGLAND ROADS AND COMMUNITIES A Liberal Nationals Coalition Government will deliver $27.2 million in partnership funding to local councils across New England under a revitalised Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, empowering communities to prioritise bet ... read more

EARLY VOTING CENTRES CLOSEST TO BARRABA 2025 ELECTION 535 Peel St (between Hill St and Roderick St)  TAMWORTH Tue 22nd Apr – Thu 24th Apr · 8:30am – 5:30pm Sat 26th Apr · 9:00am – 4:00pm Mon 28th Apr – Thu 1st May · 8:30am – 5:30pm Fri 2nd ... read more

Edited from the New England Times Barnaby legacy vs Dutton ideology: Regional public servants under threat Edited from New England Times   by RK Crosby 15th April 2025    Peter Dutton is not having a good time on the campaign trail. From Trump tariffs to his dad having ... read more

TAMWORTH REGIONAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL Week 1: Saturday 26 April - Sunday 4 May 2025 Stories from Bridge Street Heritage Walk Sunday 27 April 9am-12pm  Join the Tamworth Historical Society and learn about the early days of Tamworth. The walk will cover areas from Bicentennial Park, No. 1 Oval ... read more

Australians urged to check vaccination status as flu and measles infections soar Australians should take action to protect their health this Autumn, advises Professor Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. Cases of preventable infections, such as influenza and measles ... read more

Bendigo Bank warns impersonation scams may rise ahead of Federal Election With the Federal Election approaching, Bendigo Bank is warning customers to be extra vigilant, as scammers ramp up their efforts not to steal votes, but to steal personal and financial information, and ultimately Australians& ... read more

ANZAC DAY 2025  The commemoration of ANZAC Day in Barraba will commence with our dawn service which will be held at the Memorial Clock in Queen Street. This service will assemble at 5:45 am with the service to commence at 6.00AM. At the conclusion of this service breakfast will be provided b ... read more

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Barraba Netball AGM Wednesday 16th April 2025, 6pm at the Barraba Bowling Club. Everyone Welcome. Remember - No Committee No Netball - Vacant Positions to be filled!  ... read more

TRUNK SHOW 18th May 2025 10am At the Tamworth Regional Craft Centre Marius Street Tamworth.   $15 cash entry For more information and for numbers please reply to Di - 0419 604 500 by 10th May 2025 ... read more

FEDERAL ELECTION – 3 May 2025 Below are the candidates for our electorate (New England). This is the order they will appear on the Ballot paper on election day. Barnaby JOYCE National Party of Australia - N.S.W. Wendy WALES The Greens NSW Natasha LEDGER Independent Laura ... read more

History Notes Market Day on Saturday was another successful day with the usual numbers of patrons together with most of the usual attendants. Congratulations to David York who secured the fruit box.  One of our visitors on Saturday came to see the Museum after almost ten years absence and was ... read more

Get ready Barraba! Muddy MAYhem is fast approaching. WHAT: Barraba's first mud run 'Muddy MAYhem" brought to you by Aircooled Assembly WHEN: Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd May WHERE: Barraba Showground WHAT: We have been blown away with PRE-1980 vehicle entries from all over New South W ... read more

The Great Moscow Circus 11 April - 27 April, Old Athletics Track, Jack Smith Drive, South Tamworth Australia’s favourite! An all new extreme show, featuring some of Australia’s top BMX & Scooter riders, exciting Trampoline, Russian Swing and the world’s best dare devil motorc ... read more

Here is an overview of outcomes from the Ordinary Meeting of Tamworth Regional Council on the 8th April 2025:              Councillors endorsed the writing of a letter to all candidates for New England in the Australian Federal Election ... read more

Primary Fundraising Our fundraising drive is steaming ahead. At last count, we have recycled a whopping 17011 cans and bottles! The outpouring of support from our community has been nothing short of amazing and we would like to thank everyone for their continued support. ... read more

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More local candidates announced for federal election Candidates are slowly but surely coming forward to fill out the ballot in New England. Family First, a minor conservative party that positions itself on ‘Christian’ values and ‘putting the family’ back in to policy, has a ... read more

BERYL HENSAW’S STORY – Part two In Part 1, Beryl told me how she came to Australia; but how did she get to Barraba? Beryl finished school, started work, married and started a family. She had four children, three boys and a girl. The family established themselves in Brisbane. Time moved ... read more

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Hon Barnaby Joyce MP Federal Member for New England Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Electorate Office: Suite 17, Ground Floor, 454-456 Peel Street. (PO Box 963) Tamworth NSW 2340   The election allows us all a choice whether we want Minister Bowen to continue on with what he is ... read more

Ray Walsh House activation ideas sought As part of the extensive research being undertaken to develop an options paper about the future of Ray Walsh House, Tamworth Regional Council has today issued an Expressions of Interest (EOI). The aim is to seek out parties “with appropriate financial ... read more

History Notes Last week we noted that Margaret Cameron married Thomas Hoskisson in 1852 at Maitland and came to live at Barraba Creek Station. Margaret was a member of a large family group who landed in Australia on the "Blonde" in 1849 from Scotland. It seems that Margaret's parents had married in ... read more

Ageing Australia calls on all parties to make aged care an election priority Ageing Australia is calling on all parties to ensure aged care remains a national priority ahead of the Federal Election, addressing the workforce crisis, supporting transition to the New Act, and improving access for olde ... read more

Edited from the New England Times 6th April 2025. Biosecurity trumps beef tariffs The Australian beef industry has joined Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Coalition in defending strict biosecurity protocols that prevent the import of fresh US beef into Australia. US President Donald Trump ... read more

Experience our region on your plate this April Over 25 events are being held as part of Taste Tamworth Festival – the Tamworth Region’s annual 10-day festival from 4 – 13 April. With a key focus on highlighting local produce and stallholders, festival-goers can expect to enjoy a ... read more

Barraba High Country Music Musta Sunday 13th April 2025.  12 to 4pm.  FREE ENTRY. Walk-up artists welcome.  Barraba Bowling Club. ... read more

Ecological Burn Notice Please be advised that Whitehaven Coal will be undertaking burn preparation and cool season Ecological Burns on the following Biodiversity Properties “Neranghi North”, “Bimbooria”, “Long Gully”, “Greenwood” and “Nindethana ... read more

We want to hear your feedback on the Draft Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035 which aims to map out the path community members want our region to take over the next 10 years. The draft has come together based on what you have told us during consultation last year. Now here's another chance to have ... read more

Race & Chase – Barraba Library 17 April @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm  Free Race and Chase challenges kids to build a pulley driven car out of simple materials. They will need to understand gear ratios, payload and drag. They will then test it out using our simple powered testing equipment ... read more

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Fundraising for Richardson House residents Well, what a day, maybe the rain helped! Such amazing support from so many for the Richardson House fundraiser to enable the purchase of a new lifter for residents. There are many thankyous’ to so many people who helped in the effort to raise some f ... read more

History Notes   Last week we dealt with Barraba Creek Station's foundation and this week I will attempt to list those who actually lived at Barraba Creek. Unfortunately, there were a number of different names and then several deaths and finally a serious court case before the Lillis family b ... read more

I heard that Beryl was leaving Barraba soon, having lived here for over forty years. I knew she was English, having arrived in Australia with her parents as a child – one of the “ten pound pom” families, encouraged to migrate from England to Australia after WW2. What is her story? ... read more

Falling flu vaccinations and potential horror flu season a recipe for more deaths Falling influenza immunisation rates due to vaccine fatigue and misinformation, combined with the risk of a horror flu season like the one experienced in the Northern Hemisphere, could result in more lives lost from f ... read more

BreastScreen campaign targets under screened women BreastScreen NSW has relaunched a campaign encouraging women to have a lifesaving mammogram and join the more than 55,000 women who screened across Hunter New England Local Health District in 2024. Kairsten Marley, Hunter New England Local Health ... read more

2025 BUDGET – A BALMAIN BUDGET BRAIN BURP Like the tie you put on as you race out the door, is the 2025 Labor Budget. If only the Labor Government would care for those dealing with a cost-of-living crisis like they care for those wheeling and dealing in the intermittent power swindle. What ... read more

KEVIN ANDERSON’S VISIT TO BARRABA The Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has thanked the Barraba community for their hospitality, and their feedback on a recent visit. Mr Anderson said he had a jam-packed day with meetings and looks forward to continuing to work with the community to tackle ... read more

STATEMENT FROM MEMBER FOR TAMWORTH HON. KEVIN ANDERSON MP Not negotiable – QantasLink to cut flights QantasLink have announced that they will cut four flights a week between Tamworth and Sydney. I have met with QantasLink twice in Parliament over the past fortnight to push for more flights, ... read more

Here is an overview of outcomes from the   Ordinary Meeting of Tamworth Regional Council Tuesday 25 March, 2025:              Councillors have agreed to place the draft Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035 on public exhibition f ... read more

5 April @ 8:00am - 12:00pm 12 April @ 8:00am - 12:00pm Le Pruneau Organic Markets   Le Pruneau 83 Bridge Street, Tamworth, NSW, Australia 8am to 12pm with fresh, local and organic produce available for purchase to stock up the pantry for the week ahead! On the veranda and in the Market Ro ... read more

Tamworth Regional Council Welcomes New Manager Entertainment Venues Tamworth Regional Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Roz Pappalardo as the new Manager, Entertainment Venues. In April, Ms Pappalardo will relocate to Tamworth from Darwin, heading up the team that oversees Tamworth ... read more

NEW ACNC GUIDELINES ON CAMPAIGNING AND ADVOCACY Edited from a Birchgrove Legal presentation DISCLAIMER This is information and does not constitute legal advice on your specific circumstances. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information presented, it ... read more

Doctor’s Surgery Notice The Medical Centre will be closed for the following dates. Thursday 10th April to Wednesday 16th April, re-opening Thursday 17th April at 9am. Please ensure that you have enough medications for the closure period. If you require scripts please phone the surg ... read more

Mobility Scooters for Sale. Are you thinking of buying some form of mobility scooter? Why pay retail price come around to Dave’s at 17 Henry St Barraba and pay wholesale. I am importing Scooters direct from china prices start from as little $1700. Details of scooter: it’s lightweight, ... read more

History Notes I am often asked where was Barraba Creek Station and sometimes I find that Barraba Station is being confused with Barraba Creek station so here are a few lines which may clear the matter up. In the 1848 Government Gazette (and in the first volume of Early Settlers in the Nandewars) t ... read more

NEW POLICE OPERATION TO TACKLE YOUTH CRIME A new police operation will deliver greater resources to Tamworth to help get on top of serious and violent young offenders.  Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said he had been advocating for greater resources in the region and welcomed the announcem ... read more

Garage Sale 4/04/2025 7am onwards 17 Maude Street Many & varied items. ... read more

Protecting the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme From The Squiz Even the threat of US tariffs won’t affect Australia’s commitment to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) after both major parties said it’s not up for negotiation yesterday. The US pharmaceutical lobby has asked US ... read more

VALE SKEETER HEYWOOD St Lawrence’s Barraba was full to overflowing on Friday (26 March) for the funeral of Peter George “Skeeter” HEYWOOD. They, young and old, from all walks of life, had come to pay their respects to a man who had become a local legend in his lifetime. Local Graz ... read more

PAVILION RESULTS 2025 BARRABA SHOW  Farm and Garden Produce (Section 15) Most Successful: Denise Brodbeck Most Successful Junior: Hayley McIlrick Comments: Despite uncooperative weather entries were very pleasing. Start planning and planting for next year. Cut flowers (Section 16) Champio ... read more

The New England Garden Festival's inaugural Autumn Garden Trail starts in just over four weeks and will traverse the New England towns of Uralla, Armidale, Guyra, Glen Innes and Tenterfield starting in Uralla on 29th April and finishing on 3rd May in Tenterfield. It is based on the highly successfu ... read more

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Wendy Wales, the Greens Candidate for New England for the Federal Election, 2025 Muswellbrook former teacher, activist and conservationist Wendy Wales is the Greens’ candidate for New England at the 2025 Federal election.Ms Wales is known for her community contributions and passion for instil ... read more

Tree Bombing Activity FRIDAY MORNINGS AT THE CLAY PAN Commencing Friday 21st March at 10.30AM TO 12.30PM The Barraba Potters and Craft Guild members are excited to be conducting FREE community sessions to help achieve our Tree Bombing Project. Aimed to promote social interaction, town beautificat ... read more

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BARRABA SHOW SPORTS SHEAR 2025 The Cleanest Local Shearer - Brian Simpson Memorial was jointly awarded to Zac Mallise & Jack Hillier for 2025. Points are allocated throughout the competition heats by the judges and on calculations the boys ended with equal points.   Being a clean sh ... read more

As most of you know by now, we are fundraising for not 1 but 2 big excursions this year, with the                             Great Aussie Bush Camp taking place in just a matter of weeks. A huge thank-you to our school fami ... read more

Celebrate World Down syndrome day March 21st About 1 in 1,100 babies are born Down syndrome in Australia. Most children with DS go on to lead happy lives attending school and working in their community. Their lives are enriched by the support they receive just by being accepted and nurtured with ... read more

History Notes History notes this week is likely to test the memories of some of our older folk. We have a number of street names honoring people who have contributed to Barraba e.g. Spencer, McDouall, Cambridge to name a few. Weigall Street is probably named after Francis Weigall, his daughter marr ... read more

FREEMASONS NSW & ACT The Ball is Off! From Lodge St Andrews in conjunction with the Manilla CWA, Manilla ASL Sub Branch and Manilla Central School. Unfortunately, we have to announce that the ANZAC Debutante Ball that was planned for the 3rd of May this year has been cancelled due to a l ... read more

QANTAS GRANT TAKES OFF The region’s not-for-profit community groups could climb to new heights thanks to the 2025 Qantas Regional Grants Program. The program, first launched in 2019, has supported 80 organisations across Australia, including organisations that have directly benefitted the Tam ... read more

ANNUAL DONATIONS PROGRAM (from the Mayor, Russell Webb) Some of the major projects Council delivers for our community get considerable attention – and rightly so. However, we do have a range of smaller annual programs which get little notice but make a big positive grassroots impact. One of ... read more

Here is an overview of outcomes from Tamworth Regional Council Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 11th March 2025:              Councillors tonight approved Councillor Marc Sutherland to attend the Closing the Gap - Partnership Working Group - ... read more

BUSINESS NSW DEMANDS INSURANCE REFORM The state’s peak business body warns insurance premiums are spiralling out of control, with nearly 80% of businesses in NSW reporting double-digit increases over the past year. Business NSW’s latest quarterly Business Conditions Survey reveals a sta ... read more

About Ruby Ruby left an impression on everyone she met with her smile and bubbly personality.  Ruby loved everything outdoors, she wasn’t a kid to sit still. She had a lot of passions including playing her guitar singing, dancing, drawing, fishing, playing with her pets, painting, ridin ... read more

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Award-Winning Poets Bring Powerful Performance to Barraba The Playhouse Hotel will host an inspiring evening of storytelling and poetry on April 1st as acclaimed performers Will Small and Rob Waters bring This Is How We Survive to Barraba. Through the performance Will Small weaves together spoken ... read more

Calling artists for nation-wide touring exhibition The Tamworth Regional Gallery is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI’s) from artists for a nation-wide touring exhibition. The 6th Tamworth Textile Triennial (6TTT) will be on display in late 2026, but EOI’s are being called upon from ... read more

History Notes   Well Barraba has had a lucky weekend, missing the forecast rain and allowing the markets and the show to go ahead. Hopefully we will get some rain during the week. Most of the market stalls were present and did some trade -the most trade however seemed to be the plants - a co ... read more

NOMINATE A VOLUNTEER TODAY Nominations have now opened for the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year awards which recognise the outstanding efforts of the 4.3 million volunteers in NSW. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said volunteering is incredibly valuable to the region’s communities, with a r ... read more

Sustainable energy solutions to light up New Energy Expo this month Narrabri’s Crossing Theatre is set to welcome an influx of innovative thinkers from across the Northwest of NSW to the New Energy Expo on Wednesday 26 March, 2025 as the region counts down to the installation of its first com ... read more

Hunter New England Health Bill submissions open Submissions are now open for the inquiry into the Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025. The proposed Bill aims to dissolve the current Hunter New England Local Health District to establish two new ... read more

MAYORAL STATEMENT Gwydir Shire’s Mayor, Cr Tiffany Galvin, announced today that the Council has decided to appoint Mrs Leeah Daley as the Acting General Manager for 12 months from 5th July 2025. Gwydir Shire’s long-serving General Manager, Max Eastcott, is retiring on 4th July 2025 aft ... read more

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BARRABA SHOW 2025 Friday 7 March -Sunday 9 March. IT’S SHOW WEEK The show office will be open this week for all your entries and membership questions and deliveries. OPENING HOURS: MONDAY - THURSDAY 10am-4pm Reminder: each entrant MUST sign a waiver for any entries and competitions SPECIA ... read more

Hospital Auxiliary Happenings On Saturday, 1st March United Hospital Auxiliary held its annual regional forum at Walcha, hosted by the Walcha UHA branch at the Walcha Bowling Club. Members enjoyed morning tea and lunch. Many of the regions’ branches were represented. Guest speakers were Eric ... read more

History    Notes Last week we left Henry Williams and the bullock driver just on the south side of the Peel River with a dray load of wool, bogged down to the axles. They unloaded the dray, pulled the dray out of the bog, reloaded the wool and set out for Murrurundi. They reached Mu ... read more

Barraba High Country Music Musta Sunday 9th March 2025.  12 to 4pm.  FREE ENTRY. Walk-up artists welcome.  Barraba Bowling Club. ... read more

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Tamworth Regional Councillors Cr Brendon North, Cr Charles Impey, Cr Matt Sharpham, Cr Steve Mears and Cr Ryan Brooke will be at the Barraba Markets. On SATURDAY 9 MARCH – 10 am to 11 am ... read more

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Here is an overview of outcomes of the Ordinary Meeting of Tamworth Regional Council on Tuesday 25th February:              In an effort to improve community safety, Councillors endorsed an amended Notice of Motion to prioritise the ins ... read more

Youth Council Meeting Update Thursday, 27 February Here is an overview of the outcomes from Thursday afternoon’s Youth Council meeting:              The Youth Council welcomed and formally inducted twenty-two new Youth Councillor ... read more

Signature Grey Fergie Tractor Muster rolling into Bendemeer One of most anticipated events on the Bendemeer calendar is back, with the Grey Fergie Tractor Muster and Land Rover Gathering starting on Saturday 22 March. Located at the Bendemeer Sports Ground, the event will feature an impressive coll ... read more

Gwydir Shire Council has recently upgraded the infrastructure at the Upper Horton Landfill. The gates at the facility are now locked and require an access code to enter the site. Residents and ratepayers of the Upper Horton area were notified via mail of the change in access conditions to the facili ... read more

Ruby Mae Day – March 18th On March 18th 2025, Ruby would have been celebrating her 7th Birthday with her parents (Nick and Kim), sister (Holly) and brother (Barney). We will forever wonder what presents she would have asked for, which friends she would have invited to her party ... read more

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Fun, Fashion and Fundraising Richardson House is having a fundraising function on Saturday 29th March commencing at 1.30pm to 4pm at the Barraba Bowling Club. The ‘Wedding Dress Collection’ owned by Rhonda Sutherland, from Manilla, including many very old and fragile dresses will be mo ... read more

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History Notes Before beginning this week's notes I had a call from a Bundarra reader who remembers a family member remarking that when the Bundarra bridge was finished there was just a little gap of one inch at one end - not bad for a bridge that was made in England, pulled to pieces and shipped to ... read more

2025 BARRABA SHOW Friday 7 March to Sunday 9 March BARRABA SHOW – Important entry information Please note the following closing times: STUD CATTLE Entries close Friday 21st February All entries to cattle secretary: mctswalker@bigpond.com Tammy Walker PH: 0429 310 479 or 02 6782 7378 Entry ... read more

SPORTS SHEAR AND WOOLHANDLING COMPETITION Saturday 8 March and Sunday 9 March – start 7.30 am both days The Barraba district has a long history as a premier wool growing area -the local Show has always supported the Wool industry. The 2023 Barraba Show marked a significant milestone with the ... read more

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NACC belatedly to investigate whether six Robodebt referrals engaged in ‘corrupt conduct’ Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The National Anti-Corruption Commission will finally investigate whether six people referred to it by the royal commission into Robode ... read more

NATIONALS PLAN TO TACKLE CRIME – ITS TIME FOR CHANGE The NSW Nationals are continuing the push for strong and immediate reform to help tackle the youth crime crisis affecting our regions. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said he has been calling on the Minns Labor Government to do more fol ... read more

Barraba Showground Awarded $280,000 Grant for Equine Facility Upgrades Exciting developments are on the horizon for the Barraba Showground, with the announcement that the facility has secured a $280,000 grant through the Federal Crown Infrastructure Grant program. The funding will go towards signif ... read more

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BARRABA CANCER PATIENTS FUND RAISING GROUP INC. AGM Thursday 6.3.25 at 11am Followed by a General Meeting at Andy's Guest House New members welcome ... read more

The 2025 Barraba Show is proud to run our Shop Window Display Competition once again in Barraba with this years Pavilion theme being “Harvest Time”. Displays are not limited to this theme and can be of any context promoting the Show that you wish. We would like to encourage all shop owne ... read more

2025 BARRABA SHOW – Some new events and attractions Junior Judging – Friday 7 March For the first time this year Barraba Show is hosting the Group 13 Young Judges and Paraders Competition. Competition is open to anyone (15 – 25 years old); the winners will qualify to compete ... read more

2025 BARRABA SHOW – The Pet Show SUNDAY 9 MARCH 2025  Big changes in 2025! Our very popular pet show is on again at the 2025 Barraba Show – but we have made some great improvements. The basics are the same: bring along your small pet, and entries are open to all young people up to ... read more

History Notes Some weeks ago, there was some discussion around the local iron bridges built in this area in the 1880's. There are number of iron bridges which were manufactured in Britain and then shipped to Australia for construction over some of the larger rivers. In 2003 we received a letter fr ... read more

COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM NOW OPEN Community Groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profits can now apply for the popular Community Building Partnerships program. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the hugely popular program guarantees $450,000 will be spent in the Tamworth electorate. “Comm ... read more

Council meeting update Here is an overview of outcomes from the Ordinary Meeting of Tamworth Regional Council on Tuesday 11 February, 2025.              Improved turnover of on-street parking spaces along with the addition of about 200 ... read more

Taste Tamworth returns with fresh flavours  A brand-new line up of degustation experiences featuring the best food in the region will be on offer during this year’s Taste Tamworth Festival. More than 20 local businesses have already signed up to be part of the 2025 program which will ru ... read more

Seasonal Sparks – Barraba 12 March @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. FREE Do you want to know more about the services Local Land Services offers in your area? North West Local Land Services in conjunction with Hart Rural Barraba will be holding an information night covering a range of topics from farm em ... read more

Bendigo Bank Agribusiness Insights: 2025 off to a strong start for Australian agricultural markets  The latest Monthly Commodity Insights report from Bendigo Bank Agribusiness flags a strong start for Australian agricultural markets in 2025. Winter crop harvest has exceeded expectations with th ... read more

Senior Citizens Meeting Notice Note the date change to 28th Feb All members and intending members are reminded that the monthly meeting for February 2025 will be held at the Lodge on Friday 28th February at 1pm. Carole Lewis Hon Secretary ... read more

Barraba Medical Centre The Medical Centre will be closed Friday 14th, Monday 17th & Tuesday 18th February and will reopen Wednesday 19th February at 9am. We apologise for the inconvenience. If you require medical assistance, please present to the Barraba Hospital or call 00 ... read more

Senior Citizens Meeting Notice All members and intending members are reminded that the monthly meeting for February 2025 will be held at the Lodge on Friday 21st February at 1pm. Carole Lewis Hon Secretary ... read more

Have you heard? Lodge Saint Andrews in conjunction with Manilla RSL Sub-Branch, Manilla CWA and Manilla Central School is hosting a Debutante Ball, to held on the 3rd of May at the High School Hall. Young ladies of sixteen or older, from Barraba and Manilla, who would like to participate are encour ... read more

The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Zone 4 Final was held in Barraba on the 8th February 2025. The winners were sashed by Domonique Wyse the Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman 2024. There were 15 entrants in the competition with judging interviews and lunch taking place at the Playhouse ... read more

Barraba Hospital Auxiliary Happenings: The Hospital Auxiliary Committee held their first general meeting for 2025 on the 7th of February at the Day Centre. At the meeting discussions were held to organise attendance at the Regional Conference in Walcha on the 1st March, State Conference in Orange i ... read more

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SHINING A LIGHT ON OUR SENIORS   A community hero, a passionate advocate, a committed volunteer – the hunt is now on to nominate an exceptional local senior as part of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards. Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, said seniors make a major ... read more

PETITION CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO ACT A new e-petition calling on the government to do more in response to the escalating crime crisis gripping regional NSW is now online. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said this was an opportunity for victims of crime and concerned locals to make their voices he ... read more

Councillor Catch Ups are starting again for 2025, with the first opportunity for the new year being held in Tamworth at the Saturday Community Markets on Saturday 8 February, from 10am to 11am. Late last year, many community members engaged with Councillors at Nundle, Manilla, and Kootingal to disc ... read more

AMA welcomes government’s significant investment in women’s health The federal government has shown a strong commitment to women’s health by announcing several measures that will improve access to reproductive healthcare. AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the federal govern ... read more

Threat levels increasing ahead of Safer Internet Day With the rapid acceleration of digital weaponisation, the use of fake images being distributed online, and cyber-bullying, Kids Helpline is calling for the community to use Safer Internet Day on February 11 to focus on the importance of ongoing e ... read more

Barraba Medical Centre Surgery will be closed Friday 7th February and will re-open Monday 10th February. We apologise for the inconvenience. If you require medical assistance please present to the Barraba Hospital or in an emergency call 000 ... read more

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Mobility Scooters for Sale. Are you thinking of buying some form of mobility scooter? Why pay retail price? Come around to Dave’s at 17 Henry St Barraba and pay wholesale. I am importing Scooters direct from China prices start from as little $1700. Details of scooter: it’s lightweight, ... read more

2025 Barraba Young Woman As the Barraba Show Society gears up to host the Zone 4 Young Woman Finals on the 8th Feb at the Barraba Golf Club, we thought we might introduce the 2025 Barraba Young Woman - Kaitlyn Smith. Kaitlyn was our 2024 runner up and decided to give it another go this year after ... read more

From: Barnaby Joyce MP  to David KellySent: Friday, 31 January 2025 4:15 PMDear David,Thank you for your telephone call today regarding the landline outage in Barraba and surrounds.I have received the following communication from Telstra:“I can confirm that the network in Barraba is curre ... read more

BARRABA SHOW 2025 - WOOL SECTION ATTENTION WOOL PRODUCERS!! Do you have fleeces to enter in the 2025 Barraba Show?  Be in the running for some of the fantastic prizes on offer.  You can find the full wool schedule at www.barrabashow.com.au Fleeces can be left at the Show office during t ... read more

IT IS TIME TO ORGANISE YOUR PHOTOS FOR THE SHOW A timely reminder that photography entries close at 3:30pm on Tuesday, 4th March 2025. All exhibits, entry forms and fees must be with the Show Secretary by this time. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DEADLINE. The full schedule for Section 1 ... read more

Squadron Energy sponsorship helps more than 1,000 helicopter rescues in Northern NSW Squadron Energy is renewing its support for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in Northern NSW after helping their Tamworth and Lismore based aircraft complete over 1,280 missions since July 2023. Squadron Energ ... read more

History Notes Henry Williams returned to Australia from New Zealand on a small sailing ship- he did not enjoy the trip and was glad to reach Sydney but before we continue with the final section of his life there is more of his English life to be told. As Henry began his first diary in 1844, it see ... read more

Essential Communities At Essential Energy we look after the poles and wires that deliver electricity to 95 per cent of New South Wales and parts of southern Queensland. The electricity we deliver powers the homes, hospitals, schools, businesses and services that form our communities.  But we ... read more

New grant to give NSW footy facilities a facelift Up to $50,000 will become available to projects working to upgrade facilities across the state. AFL NSW/ACT is thrilled to announce the new NSW Facilities Fund to contribute funding towards facility upgrade projects across the state. The NSW Facili ... read more

AMA launches new survey to improve rural healthcare in Australia Wednesday, 29 January 2025 Doctors working in regional, rural and remote Australia have an opportunity to help shape rural healthcare policies by taking part in the Australian Medical Association’s latest Rural Health Issues Su ... read more

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Bendigo Bank Bendigo Bank opens online safety lessons to secondary schools. As students across Australia prepare to start the new school year, Bendigo Bank has expanded its Banking Safely Online program to secondary schools to help empower young digital citizens. Specifically tailored to high scho ... read more

Beyond Blue Free online tool helping thousands of Australians support their financial wellbeing and mental health  A new online tool designed to help people recognise their level of financial and mental stress has been taken up by thousands. The Money and Mental Health Quiz, has been used by nea ... read more

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Richardson House would like to congratulate Tammy Walker and Bella Dipple who recently obtained their Certificate III in Individual Support. Tammy started with Richardson House as part of the domestic team before deciding to study for her Certificate III to become a carer. Bella joined us earlier ... read more

BARRABA CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Australia Day 2025 Awards There was very warm applause at the Golf Club on Sunday evening when the Barraba Citizen of the Year for 2024 was announced – Jenny Simpson. For many years Jenny has been a tireless community worker in Barraba, particularly as the volunt ... read more

Christmas lunch with the   Senior Citz Barraba Combined Pensioners & Senior Citizens Association, would like to thank: IGA Barraba, Barraba RSL Club, Lions Club, Bowling Club, Op Shop, Fruit Shop, Butchers and also to the winner of The Helicopter Raffle, who so kindly donated $200 of ... read more

Barraba High Country Music Musta Sunday 9th February 2025.  12 to 4pm.  FREE ENTRY. Walk-up artists welcome.  Barraba Bowling Club. ... read more

United Hospital Auxiliary: General meeting on the 7th of February at the Day Centre at 11am. Following the meeting New Year lunch for those attending. Please bring something to share. New members welcome ... read more

To whom it may concern My wife Mary and I had the pleasure of visiting Barraba on our long touring holiday. We stayed at the Barraba caravan park and was impressed with the easy-going nature of the park and the friendliness of the entire community. Our initial intention was to stay about 2 days but ... read more

Merry Christmas to all involved with the Barraba Community News, I always look forward to receiving my copy, and a belated thank you for your support when I was on TRC. I still miss the interaction with your Community, but having said that I have made life-long friends in Barraba.  Cheers Jim ... read more

A few months ago, I wrote an article about Barraba's two "opportunity shops". I think I questioned who was getting the opportunities. I compared St. Vinnies (I refuse to use the new rebrand) to Opportunity Knocks - the relatively recent addition, and recently expanded relocation, to the Barraba str ... read more

114th BARRABA SHOW – coming soon! The 2025 Barraba Show will be held this year from Friday 7 March to Sunday 9 March. Secretary Carmen Bennett writes: “Barraba Show is back in 2025 bringing you more family entertainment and fun with three massive days of Junior Judging, Rodeo, Sports Sh ... read more

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History Notes The markets are taking a holiday in February, due mainly to the heat. Please save up your goodies for March which happens to be Show Day this year. We still have a few calendars left for sale and there is always someone at the museum on Friday mornings if anyone wants to visit.   ... read more

More free family fun this summer – free entry to Council pools Fancy a cool-off this summer? Council has added additional free family fun days to the calendar for Barraba, Manilla, Kootingal and Nundle. Next free entry at Barraba Pool: SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY ... read more

Community Building Partnership 2025 This program awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes while also promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion. Key information Status: Opening soon Grant amoun ... read more

SLASH THE COST OF LIVING THIS SUMMER Residents across the region are encouraged to take advantage of more than 70 rebates and vouchers designed to help reduce the cost of living this summer. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said vouchers and rebates from Service NSW could go a long way to helping ... read more

Tamworth Regional Astronomy Centre 1 February @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Join us for an evening of stargazing and scientific discovery at the Tamworth Regional Astronomy Centre! Our Public Event Nights are held on the first Saturday of each month. Schedule: 6:00 pm: Social hour with tea, coffee, ... read more

Australia Government grants $9M for aquatics Tamworth Regional Mayor Russell Webb is thrilled with news the Australian Government has awarded $9M funding towards the proposed Tamworth Aquatic, Education and Health Centre of Excellence. Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Devel ... read more

Tamworth Regional Council with the support of the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Lands Council has unveiled an Aboriginal artwork element which will feature in its corporate branding. Gomeroi artist Tess Reading’s submission to Council will be rolled out in 2025 across a range of assets to better ... read more

Dobell Drawing Prize #23 Exhibition 1 February - 6 April at the Tamworth Regional Gallery At its core, the Dobell Drawing Prize has always posed the fundamental question: what is drawing? Over the past 30 years since the biennial Prize began in 1993, the answers have been compelling, challenging a ... read more

Industry networking and advice on offer at Feeder Steer School Beef producers will soon have the chance to build industry networks and improve their skills in the breeding, feeding and management of cattle bound for feedlots this February at the Feeder Steer School in Armidale. Tailored for feeder ... read more

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