The NSWRL will make history in 2025 when it holds the first Regional Magic Round in Tamworth, which will feature nine games, 18 teams and 306 players over three days in May. The announcement was made today by NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden, Wests Tamworth Chief Communications Officer Paddy Donnelly and Group 4 Chair Lad Jones at Scully Park in West Tamworth, which will host the event in 2025. The festival of Rugby League will be held on 9-11 May, with a full round of the Group 4 competition and five matches of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup on Saturday and Sunday. “The NSWRL is looking forward to hosting the 2025 NSWRL Regional Magic Round in Tamworth to acknowledge the wonderful contribution that Regional NSW has made to our great game for more than a century,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said. “There will be a lot of work involved to successfully execute the three-day event and I thank Wests Tamworth for their support in making it happen. The Group 4 competition will be showcased around five games of the state’s premier competition, The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup. “There will be other activations and events for families to enjoy and I encourage everyone from the region to come along next year and show their support.” The NSWRL has held Magic Rounds in previous seasons at iconic Rugby League grounds including Henson Park and North Sydney Oval, but 2025 will be the first time the event is held in regional NSW. Group 4 teams Werris Creek Magpies and Gunnedah Bulldogs will kick-off proceedings on Friday night, with the other games to be played including Narrabri Blues v Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters, Moree Boars v Dungowan Cowboys and Boggabri Kangaroos v North Tamworth Bears. The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup matches include Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters, Newcastle Knights v North Sydney Bears, Newtown Jets v St George Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Penrith Panthers v Western Suburbs Magpies. The three-day event will also include a Sportsman’s Lunch to be attended by True Blues and the local community, and other activations including Rugby League clinics, school visits and the Changing Rooms Mental Fitness community program. Wests Tamworth Chief Communications Officer Paddy Donnelly said the 2025 Regional Magic Round was a great result for the area. “The Wests Entertainment Group is proud to partner with NSWRL and Group 4 to bring their Regional Magic Round to Tamworth,” Donnelly said. “This event highlights the Group’s commitment to delivering the best live experiences for our community and marks an exciting opportunity to strengthen our relationship with NSWRL, while showcasing the region’s love for Rugby League.” Group 4 Chair Lad Jones said he expected the event to be well supported by local communities. “It is really great news for the region; it will attract a lot of people and bring great exposure for Rugby League within the area,” Jones said. “Having Group 4 first grade included as well is nothing but great news; it will bring great exposure to our competition and enable Group 4 to be front and centre to showcase the great player talent in our area. “Wests are a massive supporter of Group 4 Rugby League and Rugby League in the wider region and have been for a lot of years. “It is exciting for them and NSWRL to bring such a massive event to Tamworth and to allow our competition to share the weekend at a premier Rugby League venue in Scully Park.” Todd knows Tamworth will rally for Magic Round The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Highlights | Round Nine - Roosters v Bulldogs Team List Tuesday | Junior Reps Grand Finals, Jersey Flegg Round Nine this time a house which erupted in flames on Thursday afternoon All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueFire and Rescue NSW crews rushed to the blaze in the brick and tile home on Cole Road about 1.30pm on March 13 View +5 PhotosPictures by Gareth GardnerFire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry told the Leader the fire was "being treated as suspicious" "Crews were called at about 1.30pm to a brick and tile home on Cole Road," he said "It was a derelict house with flames erupting He said it took firefighters about one hour to extinguish the blaze and mop up hot spots "The fire is being treated as suspicious," he said adding information had been passed to police about some suspicious activity in the area prior to the blaze The scene has been cordoned off and a crime scene established by Oxley police It's the latest suspicious blaze in the past week after several grass fires erupted off Green Street The suspicious fire in West Tamworth on March 6 Picture supplied by Fire and Rescue NSW TamworthOn March 6 firefighters were deployed to Coledale to a grassfire a second suspicious fire was lit just a few blocks away a huge plume of smoke billowed from the same area - and could be seen from across town - after another fire was sparked The Leader has been told a number of juveniles were spoken to at the scene following the fires last week but investigations are continuing into the cause Anyone with information is urged to contact Oxley police or Crime Stoppers Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter Today's top stories curated by our news team Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert Your digital replica of Today's Paper Test your skills with interactive crosswords Following a public consultation and several assessments into the Tamworth Station Master’s Residence Transport for NSW (Transport) intends to restore and repurpose the asset to provide economic we worked hard to deliver outcomes for the community across 2024 Please see the latest project newsletter to find out how our work is progressing on the West Tamworth Railway Station and Tamworth Station Master’s Residence projects View or download the January 2025 newsletter (PDF, 1.38 MB) Transport for NSW (Transport) undertook a community and stakeholder consultation on the unused West Tamworth Railway Station and the Tamworth Station Master’s Residence (Tamworth Rail Assets) The consultation was conducted in two rounds to gather insights and feedback on the current and future use of Tamworth Rail Assets and analyse possible options This consultation included the wider community as well as Government agencies key community groups and Tamworth Regional Council The consultation has now been finalised and preferred strategies for both assets identified After considering a number of options in consultation with the community and key stakeholders the preferred option for West Tamworth Railway Station is ‘removal of the asset with heritage interpretation’ and for the Tamworth Station Master’s Residence to ‘restore and repurpose by leasing via an Expression of Interest’ Transport would like to thank all participants who took part in the consultation The input has been invaluable and outcomes from this consultation will be used to guide the current and future use of these assets View the full Consultation Outcomes Report (PDF, 2.64 MB) The Tamworth Station Master’s Residence was built in 1877 as the manse for the nearby Wesleyan Church It was separated from the church building when the railway was extended from Tamworth in 1881 It does not conform to typical railway structures from this period The asset is listed on the State Heritage Register The rail asset has been vacant for more than 10 years and has been subject to continual trespass and vandalism Given the asset’s proximity to the Tamworth town centre Elevated levels of contaminants including heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) have been identified in soils at the site as well as asbestos in the building’s exterior As such remediation of the site will need to occur prior to any restorations taking place The project is currently in the planning phase which includes further investigations into the contamination Transport for NSW has completed a community and stakeholder consultation to identify values desired outcomes and determine the most appropriate management strategy for the asset.  the preferred option for the Tamworth Station Master’s Residence is to restore and repurpose the asset The preferred option was chosen due to its proximity to Tamworth’s town centre and strong community desire to activate the site Some repurposing ideas identified during the consultation include tourism Transport will inform the community of its plans in the future please scroll down to the Project Documents section on this page to view the full Consultation Outcome Report Next steps for in this project are to finalise investigations remediate the asset to residential standards and validate in accordance with the RAP and prepare a scope of works for the refurbishment The consultation was conducted in two rounds to gather insights and feedback on the current and future use of Tamworth Rail Assets key community groups and Tamworth Regional Council.  An estimated 23,650 people were reached throughout the consultation with over 320 people providing feedback The feedback showed that 62 percent of community participants did not know about these rail assets or their condition Some documents on this page may not comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG) If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us First Name*  Last Name*  Email*   Personal Information Collection Notice: Transport for NSW is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your personal and health information is managed according to law. Find out why we collect your personal information and how we use and manage it by reading our privacy statement or phone 13 22 13 to request a copy. For further information about this project, please contact: Transport for NSW recognise and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and care of Country. We pay respect to traditional custodians and Elders past and present. All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinuePolice stopped an 18-year-old motorcyclist on a footbridge off Gipps Street about 4am on Friday The rider allegedly resisted arrest and police used pepper spray in the ensuing struggle An 18-year-old is in critical condition after crashing a motorcycle into the back of a parked SUV on Gipps Street Picture by Gareth GardnerThe 18-year-old evaded the officers and attempted to escape on the motorcycle before crashing into the back of an SUV parked nearby The rider was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Tamworth hospital in a critical condition He was then flown to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment and an internal investigation team from the Central North Police District is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident The investigation will be subject to an independent review View +9 PhotosPictures by Gareth Gardner and Jonathan HawesCrash investigation units were seen on Gipps Street near the intersection of Ebsworth Street at around 11am Police have roped off a 90-metre stretch of the road as investigations continue Two crash investigation units were on the scene examining evidence An overturned motorcycle could be seen lying on the nature strip in the middle of the roadway across from an SUV with a broken back windshield and a large indent in the boot Westbound traffic from Ebsworth Street onto Gipps Street is blocked as investigations continue Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 Any information provided will be treated in strict confidence The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages "I wasn't born in Tamworth but I got here as soon as I could!" Jonathan covers a little bit of everything but his main priorities are Tamworth Regional Council Send story tips to Jonathan via jonathan.hawes@austcommunitymedia.com.au Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy Eighteen-year-old was stopped in West Tamworth early Friday and allegedly resisted arrest before riding off and crashing into parked car A critical incident investigation is under way after police pepper sprayed a teenage motorbike rider who later crashed and had to be taken to hospital in critical condition Police stopped a motorbike on a footbridge off Gipps Street in West Tamworth, New South Wales The 18-year-old rider allegedly resisted arrest and police deployed OC spray The rider then drove off and crashed into a parked car nearby He was treated by NSW ambulance paramedics and was taken in critical condition to Tamworth hospital He was later airlifted to John Hunter hospital for further treatment Free daily newsletterOur Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day telling you what’s happening and why it matters Police established a crime scene and a critical incident investigation team had commenced an investigation into the incident which would be subject to an independent review Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list. Sign up to get daily news updates so you don't miss a thing. Thanks! You have been added to our mailing list. An independent news site based in New England, NSW, Australia The Weekly SOURCE is published by DCM Media The Tamworth Kangaroos men hope a new coach will return them to the AFL North West men’s finals in 2025. But as they grow their roster for the new season, the club is calling on more women to sign up. All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueFirefighters arrived on the scene within minutes and put the fire out quickly No injuries were reported and the fire is not being treated as suspicious View +5 PhotosPictures by Peter HardinEmergency services received reports of the fire at around 10.30am on Wednesday morning Crews from South and East Tamworth arrived on the scene shortly after They were able to extinguish the blaze before 11am Mop-up operations began soon after and the scene was packed up and cleared out at around noon Firefighters were seen inspecting a laundry machine in the backyard of the house in West Tamworth after the fire was put out Crews on the scene did not confirm nor deny whether the fire was started by the appliance lint build-up in drying machines is one of the top 10 leading causes of household fires across Australia Originally from Austin, TX. "I wasn't born in Tamworth but I got here as soon as I could!" Jonathan covers a little bit of everything, but his main priorities are Tamworth Regional Council, Business, and Property. Send story tips to Jonathan via jonathan.hawes@austcommunitymedia.com.au We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy. A teenage motorcyclist has been critically injured crashing into a parked car, right after he was pepper sprayed by police in regional New South Wales in the early hours of this morning. The 18-year-old was stopped by police riding his motorbike on a footbridge in West Tamworth at 3.50am. Police allege that the rider resisted arrest, prompting officers to deploy pepper spray. The teen then tried to ride off but crashed into a parked car nearby. He was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Tamworth Hospital in a critical condition. He was later airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle for further treatment. A critical incident investigation team from Central North Police District has launched an investigation which will consider the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation will be subject to an independent review. Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueCurrent Situation Stay up to date with the latest information on fires burning across the region via the Hazards Near Me app, the RFS website or by calling the RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 A fire is burning in bushland north of Ogunbil Road between Dungowan and Echo Hills Road Picture by NSW Rural Fire Service Fire activity has increased this afternoon The fire is burning in an easterly direction towards Echo Hills Road under westerly winds Residents in the vicinity of Echo Hills Road are being told to prepare now The fire has now burnt out over 95 hectares NSW Rural Fire Service If you are threatened by fire Waterbombing aircraft fighting the Attunga fire from FacebookThere are currently 57 bush and grass fires burning across the state A fire is actively burning within Attunga State Forest Since igniting yesterday afternoon (Saturday) residents in the vicinity of Moore Creek and Upper Moore Creek Rd are advised to stay alert and monitor conditions closely This will likely push the fire in a north-to-north-easterly direction Stay informed and follow any instructions from firefighters on the ground Fire authorities are appealing for anyone with information about a series of grass fires across West Tamworth on Saturday The Rural Fire Service (RFS) was kept busy with several blazes There are no reports of any properties being damaged A Total Fire Ban was in place across Saturday The fire danger rating for Sunday is 'High' Anyone with information about the fires can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 Fire crews were kept busy on Saturday with a series of deliberately lit blazes Picture by Fire and Rescue NSW Station 448 South Tamworth the RFS also responded to a blaze in bushland north of Ogunbil Road between Dungowan and Echo Hills Road The fire has already burnt out more than 64 hectares and is in the process of being controlled used heavy machinery to put in control lines behind properties along Ogunbil and Echo Hill Road which crews worked to strengthen overnight The RFS says the forecast for Sunday is for light winds which will push the fire deeper into bushland behind homes on Ogunbil and Echo Hills Roads "Crews will continue work to establish control lines with assistance from heavy machinery and extinguish the fire as it comes out of bushland into grassy areas." A fire in West Tamworth also came close to property from FacebookA fire at River Rd Bowling Alley Point has now been contained and a fire in Attunga State Forest which has so far burnt out more than 24 hectares Conditions for the upcoming week are expected to ease with Moderate fire danger ratings forecast for the coming days Stay up to date with the latest information on fires burning across the region via Hazards Near Me or the RFS website Unattended fires should be reported to Triple Zero (000) there were 55 bush and grass fires burning across the state I work for the Northern Daily Leader across the Peel Valley. We cover local news, community stories and rural issues that impact the New England, North West and Northern Tablelands regions. Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. 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All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueOxley police have asked the community for help to find Mr Johnsen View +4 PhotosHe was the state member for Upper Hunter for six years from 2015 to 2021 "Mr Johnsen was last seen on Friday February 21 leaving his West Tamworth address," an Oxley Police District statement said "There are concerns for the safety and welfare of Mr Johnsen." After winning the closely fought Upper Hunter seat in 2019 Mr Johnsen described the victory as a "long "I am extremely humbled and am honoured to represent the wonderful people of our Upper Hunter communities in the NSW Parliament," he said He was a long-time proponent of coal and supported the concept of "high intensity low emission coal-fired generators" in the Hunter He had attacked renewables projects as "fanciful" ideas pushed by climate change "zealots" In 2021, the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) advised police there was "insufficient evidence" to charge Mr Johnsen over allegations he sexually assaulted a sex worker in the Blue Mountains He had also faced an allegation that he offered the woman $1000 for sex at NSW Parliament House in 2019 "I have been formally cleared of a sexual assault allegation by the NSW Police with no further action to occur against me," Mr Johnsen said at the time Mr Johnsen resigned from the government after outing himself as the subject of a rape allegation raised in Parliament four months before the DPP's decision "My partner and my family are my priority now and I also thank them for their incredible love and support without which I could not do without," he said at the time Former Nationals leader John Barilaro and former premier Gladys Berejiklian had welcomed the news of Mr Johnsen's resignation a day after they called for him to quit "But I've never seen one while in a committed relationship "It was titillating and exciting I was finding myself again after 30 years of marriage I married at the age of 21 and had never played the field Anyone with information on Mr Johnsen's disappearance can call Tamworth police on 02 6768 2999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 Health and medicine, science, research, nutrition. Email: dcronshaw@newcastleherald.com.au There are just three more days until a group of indoor cricketers from Tamworth head to Dubai for the U-Pro Club World Series They’ve been training hard together as a team for a while now and they’re ready to put the North West on the map The Tamworth Thunderbolts men have signed two new American players for their upcoming season The US imports speaking exclusively with NBN News sharing their plans on how they can help deliver the team’s first back-to-back championships There’s still six weeks until pre-season begins but the Tamworth Swans men are already planning for the 2025 AFL North West season With the return of the New England Nomads and a burgeoning rivalry with the Saints the squad knows it’ll need to up its game there is palpable excitement in Glen Street on Wednesdays Children finish school and go straight to Aunty Lucy Gibbs’ place where they wait for Frontyard Church to begin filling in the time by running around or jumping on the trampoline about a dozen people arrive from St Peter’s spending the next half hour in the vacant block next door unpacking a shipping container full of chairs plus a sound system and the all-important barbecues so they bring out three metal drums for fire pits a couple of others go around West Tamworth – known to most locals as Coledale – to invite people to come to Frontyard Church The ministry is aimed at primary school children with 60 to 120 joining each week for church followed by a simple dinner of home-cooked hamburgers an Indigenous assistant minister St Peter’s “This ministry is highly relational and we try to keep things fairly simple” Simple does not mean unsubstantial: Rev Jum took the children through a doctrine series based on J.I followed by studies in Judges and prayer.  Each week Frontyard Church follows the same format It begins with five or six songs – usually by Colin Buchanan – with guitar accompaniment Over time the meetings have looked at “important words” from the Bible such as sin as well as completing Emu Kids’ The King the work has grown to include a parish- and Anglicare-funded community chaplain and a breakfast club and weekly Scripture Union SupaClub at the local public school.    Rev Jum is appreciative of this support for the Coledale community.  “It’s really encouraging to see more and more people come and be part of the church service and to see more people join the team of volunteers who make things happen,” he says “And that applies to the Anglicare pantry van and Bible circle on Thursdays as well.”  in the towns and communities of the Armidale diocese the proportion of Indigenous people ranges from 11 per cent to 60 per cent adding: “If we’re not reaching out with the good news of Jesus and one solution – the Lord Jesus Christ.” “We’d sit around in chairs and chat Sometimes we’d have a fire and cook doughboys with honey I loved it and how relational it was.” “I had Coledale with 3000 residents in my parish one third of whom are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders We were growing as a church at St Peter’s and looking to potentially plant another congregation and I had a vision to begin a work in Coledale mainly to reach the Aboriginal people.  “We started as a small Bible study group [in someone’s home].. then we would go outside and sit around a fire and offer hot chocolate to those who wandered by and read Bible stories to kids if they wanted us to.”  Some of the women at Frontyard Church recall those humble beginnings and [they] would sing out to us every time we] started doorknocking and inviting people with flyers each Wednesday afternoon then we would have a Frontyard Church gathering at Aunty Lucy’s around 5pm in a similar format to now but much smaller: first eight people then 20 and so on over the years.”  “I’ll do anything for any kids but theirs is just beginning and that’s where I’ve got to step in I’m trying to guide them.”  Adds Aunty Maria Johnstone: “Since Frontyard Church has been going People come down here because they know where their kids are They’ve brought respect back into the kids they tend to stop coming to Frontyard Church because they think they’ve outgrown it Everyone wants to see teenagers stay involved and with a ministry centre now being constructed on the block the women hope to offer supports like an after-school homework group for older kids with about 20 per cent of the $330,000 cost still to be raised a concrete slab was poured and construction on the building finally began People and organisations have been supporting the ministry and building project for years – including Sydney’s Work Outside the Diocese Committee is also grateful for the support of Anglicare particularly over the past two years.  “The church has never really had a permanent place to secure the long-term ministry going forward so [the ministry centre] will make such big difference,” he says “To be able to meet regardless of what the weather’s like would be such as joy for us as a church “This has been a long-term dream for the Coledale ministry – it’s exciting because the attendance has grown so much it would never fit in Lucy’s front yard anymore!”  says a key aspect of Frontyard Church’s success is Rev Jum’s leadership and a core team of resilient “We’re praying that it will be a training platform for others interested in Indigenous ministry or ministry in marginalised areas,” he says “We’ve now got a block of land we’ve got a staff member and [soon we will] have a building It’s a really good platform to work from.  “Pray for wisdom that we culturally hit the right notes so that the building will be full in the years to come with people praising the Lord Jesus and for much fruit from those seeds sown into the children.” As the conversation around the fire draws to a close the women are asked what this building will mean to the community who attends both St Peter’s and Frontyard Church “The main message the building will bring is that it’s something being given to Coledale They know now that there are people trying to help the community that they love Coledale for what it is and are not putting it down.  “You get a lot of people who used to come in and do something which didn’t work Knowing that you’re bringing the building people say You’re gonna stay’.”  This is an edited version of a story that first appeared in Armidale’s diocesan magazine The Link Evangelical teacher suspended for not using trans pronouns to have $43K taken from account: court order ‘The King of Kings’ becomes top-grossing Korean film in US, surpasses ‘Parasite’ White House Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias launches Biblical box office: How productions like The Chosen are bringing Christianity to a screen near you More Trinity South Christchurch (Church of Confessing Anglicans) Opticare (Ambassadors for Christ South Pacific) St Faith's Anglican Church (RSL ANZAC Village) Book a job ad Every week you will receive our top stories in your inbox. You can unsubscribe in one click, and we will never share your email address. We asked the four members to tell us in their own words how they found their first Tamworth Country Music Festival Simply West went to Tamworth with some kind praise from Tones & I and Mr Ray Hadley. Being a new artist, they were unsure if people would know who they are and how they would be perceived, but decided to throw their heart and soul into their four days in Tamworth.  They sold out their debut headline show at West Diggers; supported Amber Lawrence at her sold out Blazes show; and performed on the Toyota FanZone Stage for the first time. They even had a crack at busking on the streets of Tamworth connecting with both the local and festival community, as well as making some surprise appearance at The Banks Brothers and Andrew Farriss’ shows. They were grateful, energised and exhausted all at once! Each member of Simply West shared their experiences with us here at Countrytown. Tamworth was unreal - our first time there, and it completely blew us away. The biggest highlight was selling out our very first show!  We went in blind, unsure if anyone would buy tickets, and to see it sell out was incredible. Stepping on stage, knowing people had come just to see Simply West, was unforgettable. Join our community with our FREE weekly newsletter Busking in the heart of town was another unforgettable experience. Connecting with the locals up close, feeling their energy, and sharing those moments through music was so special.  Walking the red carpet for the first time was a surreal moment for all of us. Seeing iconic country artists up close and meeting incredible people in the industry made us feel like we were exactly where we needed to be. Tamworth, you were amazing, and we can’t wait to come back next year.  A huge shoutout to Amber Lawrence for giving us the chance to perform with her in front of her amazing audience. It was such an honour. And, of course, we can’t forget the one who got us here in the first place, Mr Ray Hadley.  My time at the Tamworth Country Music Festival was absolutely incredible. From the moment we arrived, the energy in the town was electric. Walking around, meeting artists like Amber Lawrence and the Banks Brothers, and connecting with the locals was such a highlight. One of the most exciting moments was playing a sold-out show at the Ray Hadley MC’d event—it felt amazing to perform in front of such an enthusiastic crowd. We also had the chance to busk and meet media personalities, which was a lot of fun. And to top it all off, we ended up walking the red carpet at the Golden Guitar Awards! Tamworth is a special place. Whether you're a country music fan or just love live music, it’s an experience you can’t miss. We’ll definitely be back next year, and I can’t wait for what’s to come! We had some reservations on how we would be received…  but they were quickly shut down. With 2 Samoans, an African and a Portuguese, you can imagine our surprise when we had a crowd loving us from the first song. We were welcomed almost immediately by the country music lovers and the musicians, which made the experience all the more memorable. To be honest a week later I am still in shock.  We were on a tight schedule with radio interviews every day and some even at 7am. However, they ended up paying dividends when we arrived on the red carpet as an unknown band. Every radio station we were interviewed by were there and they showed us so much love and really made us feel part of the community in front of all the Golden Guitar goers.  The Tamworth experience would have to be a highlight in my career thus far. Tamworth is now in my calendar every year like a birthday and you bet your bottom dollar I will be there sharing and experiencing the love, appreciation and celebration of country music. From the moment we touched down on Wednesday afternoon it was a non-stop roller coaster ride filled with back-to-back rehearsals, performances & media appearances ending with a sold out show on Saturday followed by a visit to the red carpet appearance at the Golden Guitar Awards on Saturday. I’m convinced that TCMF 2025 couldn’t have gone any better for Simply West. Grateful to meet lots of new fans and make many new friends. A great excursion all round! Picture by Peter HardinMiss Juju's famous Banh Mi's and Bao Buns are finally back on the menu Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueMany Tamworthian's have placed their orders and booked a table a week in advance for the long-awaited reopening of Miss Juju's Bridge Street location on Tuesday the business has operated from its Marius Street location while renovations were completed at the West Tamworth shopfront Miss Juju co-owner Garron Pannan said they wanted to expand the Bridge Street space to cater to their growing customer base "It was a small shop that we took to do some catering; which is how we started it developed into more retail space and we didn't even have a dishwasher." The Bridge Street expansion will allow the business to seat up to 30 customers Mr Pannan said he had been "so moved" by the strong backing from the community "We have such local customers who have supported us through the new location and the different food we have been providing," he said "The community support we get is great - we know 99 per cent of our customers by name and if I don't know their name I know their coffee order." Miss Juju's co-owner Garron Pannan and his team have prepped their famous Bao Bun's in advance of the grand reopening Picture by Peter HardinMiss Juju coffee lovers should not fret as the team will continue to run their second East Tamworth location "This little place has kept us relevant," Mr Pannan said "We are going to stay here and keep it simple with the bagels Rachel is a former Northern Daily Leader reporter who covered education, Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah council, renewable energy, and country music. Recently, she transitioned into digital journalism as a national audience engagement producer. Be sure to say g'day: rachel.clark@austcommunitymedia.com.au A Tamworth water polo star is back on the national stage – but in a different way Libby Magann has been selected as a referee for the sport’s premier domestic competition highlighting another pathway for athletes to reach its upper echelons This is probably not the page you’re looking for Picture by Peter HardinA 20-year-old man will remain in custody after he was arrested early on Monday morning and charged with an armed robbery Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueRoydell Murray did not appear in person when his case was called in Tamworth Local Court on Monday Murray was arrested by police in the early hours of Monday morning after he allegedly used a baseball bat to threaten workers at the West Tamworth McDonalds Five employees in the restaurant at the time were shaken but not injured during the incident Murray was not required to enter a plea to the charge of robbery with offensive weapon He did not apply for bail and bail was refused Solicitor Guy Newby noted Murray suffered from drug and mental health issues Magistrate Julie Soars requested acute drug withdrawal treatment for Murray The accused is due to next appear in Tamworth Local Court on August 14 Murray is also charged with three domestic violence related offences Those matters have been referred to Armidale court on June 24 A man will face Tamworth court today following an armed robbery in the early hours of this morning officers attached to Oxley Police District were called to a fast food restaurant on Bridge Street where they arrested a 20-year-old man inside the business Police were told the man had used a baseball bat to threatened staff The Armidale man was taken to Tamworth Police Station where checks revealed he was wanted on an outstanding warrant The five employees in the restaurant at the time were shaken but not injured during the incident The man has been charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon Police also executed an outstanding warrant for domestic violence-related offences The man was refused bail to appear at Tamworth Local Court today A man is lucky to be alive, after his car became stuck in floodwaters in Tamworth. The overnight deluge, cutting off roads and causing lengthy delays for motorists. A man is tonight in hospital, after an alleged shooting at Coledale – in Tamworth’s west – this morning. Police spent the day scouring a home for evidence – but, they’re yet to make an arrest. Picture fileA man accused of shooting a gun at another with the intent to kill him was on bail at the time of the alleged incident Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueGlen Darren Walbank made no application to be released from custody when he appeared from the police cells via video link in Tamworth Local Court on Monday The 52-year-old is accused of shooting at another man, with intent to murder him, at a home on Warral Road, at about 3am on May 19, 2024. Walbank was charged by Oxley officers after a 43-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound to his back The 43-year-old was taken to Tamworth hospital in a stable condition "No bail will be applied for today," Walbank's Legal Aid defence solicitor Katherine Walker told the court Walbank was charged by police about seven hours after the alleged shooting when he was leaving a house on Warral Road If convicted of the intent to murder charge Walbank could face up to 25 years behind bars The 52-year-old is also accused of possessing a shortened firearm without authority Emergency services were called to Warral Road on May 19 following reports a man had been shot in the back it was revealed Walbank was on bail for unrelated matters at the time of the alleged shooting which included a condition to be of good behaviour Magistrate Julie Soars revoked his bail and ordered Walbank to stay behind bars until his next court date The 52-year-old was not required to enter pleas to the fresh charges and the matter was adjourned for eight weeks for police to compile evidence It's expected the matter will be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions Walbank will appear in court via video link when the matter is next mentioned in July Tess Kelly is a journalist at The Advocate. Story tips and goss can be sent to tess.kelly@austcommunitymedia.com.au Picture by Gareth GardnerA RESIDENT has escaped a burning home after a house fire broke out in the early hours of the morning in West Tamworth Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSouth Tamworth Fire and Rescue NSW crews responded to multiple triple zero calls at about 7am on Thursday following reports of a house fire on Tingira Street After arriving at the scene crews reported smoke and flames going through the roof of the home View +3 PhotosPictures by Gareth GardnerA spokesperson from the South Tamworth station told the Leader an occupant who had been inside the home before the fire broke out had evacuated after a smoke alarm alerted them to the blaze Three fire engines from the South Tamworth station and 12 firefighters worked for about 30 minutes to extinguish the flames The cause of the fire has not been determined NSW Ambulance paramedics and officers attached to the Oxley Police District also attended the fire Police and specialist fire investigators remain at the West Tamworth home and have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blaze A man will appear in court tomorrow charged after another man was allegedly shot at Tamworth this morning emergency services were called to Warral Road Officers attached to Oxley Police District arrived to find a 43-year-old man suffering a gunshot wound to his back He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Tamworth Hospital in a stable condition Police established a crime scene and detectives commenced an investigation into the incident a 52-year-old man was arrested leaving a home on Warral Road He was taken Tamworth Police Station and charged with shoot at with intent to murder and possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority The man was refused bail to appear at the Tamworth Local Court tomorrow (Monday 20 May 2024) Tamworth Council has started to remove rubbish from an illegal dumping hotspot The state of the site has drawn criticism from the community – but mayor Russell Webb says it’s the perpetrators who should be blamed For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link] We responded to over 150,000 incidents in 2023-24 The incidents displayed below are note-worthy incidents that have been published as media releases or tweets Details about incidents may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice North Parramatta | The fire at Dunlop Street, North Parramatta has been contained but is expected to smoulder through the morning. Because there may be smoke in the area, residents and businesses in the vicinity are advised to keep doors, windows, and vents closed. View on X [external link] Fire and Rescue NSW acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. on the corner of Bridge and Phillip streets Picture from plansFOODIES can now have their say about whether or not they want to see a new fast food outlet on the menu in Tamworth All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinuePlans for a new shopfront on one of the city's busiest thoroughfares have hit the public exhibition period The development application was lodged with Tamworth Regional Council last month to build a new fast food restaurant on the corner of Bridge Street and Phillip Street a "shell" for a fast food outlet will be built at the proposed location The application says the site is an "underutilised" location with potential to "enhance" the busy street The proposed site.It states Bridge Street has a reputation as a retail and food "hub" McDonalds and KFC already operate on the strip and national Mexican franchise Guzman y Gomez is expected to open this month The new food outlet will be located next to Dominos in West Tamworth Picture from plansWhich fast food outlet the building will house is yet to be decided and will be subject to a separate development application It's anticipated the new store will operate at similar hours to Domino's Pizza The plans are open for public comment on the NSW Planning Portal until June 16 Our journalists work hard to provide local This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Rugby league has been Matthew Nean’s life for as long as he can remember He started playing for West Tamworth Lions when he was five played representative football in under-18s and trained with the Cronulla Sharks one pre-season he won five consecutive grand finals with his hometown club Former West Tamworth Lions player Matthew Nean with children Kobhan (13) and wants to coach and one day play with his sons Kobhan and Nixhan who are already showing glimpses of their father’s on-field talents But Nean is banned from playing rugby league for another 14 years and as a spectator has been barred from watching his sons play at local grounds “I go to watch a game and just get settled in and next minute we have to leave – someone’s tapped me on the shoulder and said I’m not allowed to be there,” Nean says Nean was sent off for making contact with referee James Brown in a fiery grand final against crosstown rivals North Tamworth which was called off 10 minutes early after six of his West Lions teammates were also sent off He was charged with contrary conduct and initially offered an 18-week suspension with an early guilty plea He decided to fight the charge at a hearing and when he was found guilty “At first I thought it was a joke,” Nean says I was just trying to get my head around it I reckon [that night] I cried a sleepless night.” Nean has made multiple attempts to appeal his ban since but with the deadline for legal action fast approaching he is mounting one final push to clear his name contacted the NSWRL in March 2022 asking them to review the decision and his lawyers are now weighing up whether to seek an extension on the statute of limitations to pursue Supreme Court action Nean does not deny making contact with the referee but said it was accidental Two video angles show Nean with his head down brushing against Brown as the referee signalled for a penalty “It’s like taking the oxygen away from him .. According to Nean and former club secretary Julie Woods who acted as Nean’s spokesperson during the hearing the panel did not allow him to use video footage of the incident as evidence in his defence The NSWRL declined to respond to detailed questions with chief executive David Trodden saying it was “not a matter that [NSWRL] would ever engage in public commentary on” Matthew Nean is fighting a 20-year ban from rugby league handed down in 2016.Credit: Andrew Pearson Country Rugby League chief executive Terry Quinn (who died in September aged 68) said Nean’s conduct was indefensible and deserved the “harshest of penalties” you are talking about a repeat offender who had only just returned from serving a long suspension for a similar offence,” he told The Daily Telegraph Nean does not deny having prior history with referees but said he has worked hard to rebuild his reputation in the community following his ban He currently works for the Aboriginal Land Council where he is a community mentor to Indigenous youth “I’ve done a lot of stuff behind closed doors,” he said said the impact on his mental health and their family life had been devastating “We used to have a game-day ritual the night before we would get excited to go to the football,” Hewson said “Matthew would do something amazing on the field and the whole crowd would cheer and we can’t even go and just watch a game of football .. and I just can’t sleep at night worrying about him and his mental health Nean said joining the gym and focusing on family life has helped him get through his depression He also plays and occasionally referees games of touch football which drew many of its players from West Tamworth’s Indigenous community Nean’s former partner in the halves at West Lions said the ban had stripped his former teammate of an integral part of his identity and community and it’s given us that bit of stability and structure,” he said Nean said he hasn’t lost his touch despite six years on the sidelines Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter Rugby league has been Matthew Nean\\u2019s life for as long as he can remember he is in the \\u201Cbest shape of his life\\u201D who are already showing glimpses of their father\\u2019s on-field talents \\u201CI go to watch a game and just get settled in and next minute we have to leave \\u2013 someone\\u2019s tapped me on the shoulder and said I\\u2019m not allowed to be there,\\u201D Nean says \\u201CI\\u2019m not trying to cause a scene \\u201CAt first I thought it was a joke,\\u201D Nean says \\u201CI couldn\\u2019t believe what had happened I reckon [that night] I cried a sleepless night.\\u201D who acted as Nean\\u2019s spokesperson during the hearing with chief executive David Trodden saying it was \\u201Cnot a matter that [NSWRL] would ever engage in public commentary on\\u201D aged 68) said Nean\\u2019s conduct was indefensible and deserved the \\u201Charshest of penalties\\u201D you are talking about a repeat offender who had only just returned from serving a long suspension for a similar offence,\\u201D he told The Daily Telegraph \\u201CI\\u2019ve done a lot of stuff behind closed doors,\\u201D he said but I can\\u2019t because of my suspension.\\u201D \\u201CWe used to have a game-day ritual the night before we would get excited to go to the football,\\u201D Hewson said \\u201CMatthew would do something amazing on the field and the whole crowd would cheer and we can\\u2019t even go and just watch a game of football .. and I just can\\u2019t sleep at night worrying about him and his mental health \\u201CIt\\u2019s like taking the oxygen away from him .. which drew many of its players from West Tamworth\\u2019s Indigenous community Nean\\u2019s former partner in the halves at West Lions That\\u2019s all we\\u2019ve grown up to do and it\\u2019s given us that bit of stability and structure,\\u201D he said Nean said he hasn\\u2019t lost his touch despite six years on the sidelines It\\u2019s just in my blood,\\u201D Nean says Wests Tigers return to Scully Park in Tamworth this Saturday for a massive home game against the Newcastle Knights Here's everything you need to know if you're heading to the game 12:00pm: Ticket Box and Gates Open 12:40pm: CUBS Kick-off – Wests Tigers vs Newcastle U18s3:00pm: NRL Kick-off – Wests Tigers vs Newcastle Knights  Tickets can still be purchased HERE starting at $16.00 for general admission for juniors (4yrs-16rs) and $35.00 for adults All Tamworth Ticketed Members can enter the game by scanning their physical or digital Membership card Wests Tigers are hosting a signing session on the eve of the big match on Friday Meet your favourite Wests Tigers players, collect autographs, and shop the latest Wests Tigers merchandise from the Roarstore. Register your interest HERE Watch your local Tamworth junior rugby league players battle it out on the main field during half time of the NRL showcasing their skills and keeping the crowd up and roaring Wests Tigers and Wests Tamworth will be handing out plenty of giveaways where fans can win exclusive vouchers and even a chance to take home a signed jersey Members can get their hands on the exclusive Api Koroisau card simply head to the Membership Marquee at Park St and show your physical or digital Member Card Not a member but want to be part of these unforgettable game day moments? Join us today by becoming a Wests Tigers Member by clicking HERE Shop all Wests Tigers' latest merchandise at the Roarstore Marquee inside the venue at Park Street. Official merchandise can also be purchased online at the Roarstore Simply show your 2024 Membership card to staff Members and supporters alike can also pick up a Wests Tigers 2024 Indigenous Jersey that was released earlier this week This jersey reflects our core meeting places – Concord Oval Leichardt Oval & Campbelltown Sports Stadium with various symbolic totems representing and honouring our Indigenous players and their family history Tamworth just off the main road into town from Sydney Tamworth is located 420 kilometres from Sydney (five-hour drive) 280 kilometres from Port Macquarie (four-hour drive) 260 kilometres from Newcastle (three-hour drive) and 105 kilometres from Armidale Stay connected throughout game day via our social media channels – Instagram, Facebook & Twitter Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueHungry Jack's is aiming to open a second restaurant in the city If it wins planning approval by Tamworth Regional Council the store will occupy a lot at 248 Bridge Street Hungry Jack's said the new outlet would create more than 50 jobs and will not replace the existing Peel Street restaurant Scott Baird said the company is responding to customer demand in Tamworth "The new Tamworth restaurant is an exciting addition to the area and an example of the modernised look of new Hungry Jack's stores," he said Aside from Hungry Jack's and McDonalds, the city also has two KFCs, two Red Roosters, an Oporto and a Taco Bell. Tamworth Ratepayers' Association president, David McKinnon, said the city would soon break a record for the most fast food outlets per capita in the world. More fast food for Fatworth: Hungry Jack's has eyes on second outlet"I don't know how you'd prove it He said the jobs and investment the new plan would bring was welcome but locals needed to pressure the fast food companies to provide healthier options Retired Tamworth doctor Lyn Allen raised objections to the city's fourth McDonalds in December last year, telling the council it would intensify Tamworth's obesity epidemic The store was approved and is currently under construction Dr Allen despaired of convincing the council to refuse a DA for the Hungry Jack's Want more local news? Subscribe to the Leader to read it here first "The whole of Australia is suffering from obesity "I would think it's would be a good idea not to have a second one." She said the city desperately needed a public health campaign to knock down waistlines and cut down the public health cost of obesity Almost eight-in-ten residents of West Tamworth were overweight, with 48 per cent considered obese, according to statistics from the Australian Health Policy Collaboration. The West Tamworth statistical area had the worst obesity rates in Australia, according to the data, which was released in 2017. Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: A new rail bridge has been positioned at West Tamworth as part of major works to reinstate the rail line between West Tamworth and Westdale NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads said the $35 million project to reinstate the line will ensure Tamworth has a strong and viable rail network that links into the Tamworth Regional Freight Terminal and provides connectivity through to Port Botany “Reinstating about 5km of rail line between West Tamworth and Westdale will be a game changer for the region helping to increase productivity and improve competitiveness for producers in the region connecting them to key markets,” Mr Toole said “We are investing in our rail infrastructure to meet growing freight demand which we expect will increase 12 per cent to 286 million tonnes in regional NSW over the next 16 years.” said seeing the 8m bridge structure being put into place was a major milestone in the reinstatement of the 5km section of line to service the Tamworth Regional Freight Terminal “Four bridges varying in length between 4m and 106m will be installed as part of the project,” Mr Anderson said the project includes the replacement of four culverts and the upgrading of level crossings at Gunnedah Road creating about one hundred jobs during construction “The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year and will improve the efficient movement of freight and increase competitiveness of the freight industry into the coming decades “Projects like these will better connect our producer’s with markets across Australia and the world.” For more information, click here. Australia’s biggest airports are maintaining a high quality of service, according to the ACCC. The latest Australian Competition and Consumer... Australia’s transport sector is urging the next federal government to confront declining construction productivity. Roads Australia Chief Executive Ehssan Veiszadeh... The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) has reported on its impact across the country’s north, with $148.3 million in drawdowns... © 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited © 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueNow, Tamworth Regional Council's (TRC) heritage working group has taken matters into its own hands after a site visit to the railway station and the old station master's house on Bourke Street. The group was joined by a Transport for NSW heritage consultant and ULG representatives, which has taken over the country regional rail network from John Holland for the next decade. The ultimate goal is to save the two heritage sites and make sure the assets aren't lost, Cr Juanita Wilson said. "There was a real acknowledgement that the sites were relevant, but we were realistic in the assessment of their condition - particularly the West Tamworth Railway Station is not in good condition," she said. "What would be most beneficial is limited input to and attention to the roof to give us time. "That precinct will be interesting into the future, when industry goes it will become a residential and business hub and the station could be a key community facility." The station master's house is in better condition and could become a community hub. Cr Wilson said the community could be involved in the restoration. "Perhaps we could have community groups in there, or artists' in residence," she said. "TFNSW subdivided that block and it hasn't been sold, we think it would be a fine gesture toward the community to direct finance from the blocks to the restoration." TFNSW has said it is working with Council and the community to consider sustainable adaptive uses for West Tamworth Station and the Station Master's cottage. "We are considering a number of options and will update the community as decisions are made," a spokesman said.  All six public pools operated by Council will open on Tuesday 5 October All pools will be following the current Public Health Orders in place for our region meaning there is a capacity limit of one person per two square metres at each pool and all patrons are required to sign in using the Service NSW QR codes provided Subscribe to the Newsletter Tamworth Regional Council acknowledges the Gamilaroi/Kamilaroi people who are the Traditional Custodians of this land We would like to pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in and visiting our region West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club has rolled out a new synthetic green which will help cut costs and save on maintainance And they won’t need long to take it for a test run- with a major carnival being held over the long weekend Road users are urged to understand the safety risks with the return of trains after about 30 years.  Westdale will see new boom gates and flashing lights installed at each level crossing obey traffic signage and stop when the lights or boom gates are activated.  Learn more level crossing safety on the Transport for NSW website.  Tamworth Regional Council acknowledges the Gamilaroi/Kamilaroi people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land. We would like to pay respect to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in and visiting our region. A woman’s home has been destroyed in West Tamworth, after a large blaze broke out in the early hours of the morning. Police are investigating what caused the fire. Photos: Gareth GardnerA “CORE group of kids” are believed to have torched homes cars and grassland in West Tamworth as police home in on those behind more than 50 suspicious fires Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueDetectives warn they’re set to target the suspected firebugs after a major arson investigation which has seen police doorknock more than 800 homes in just three days in Coledale and West Tamworth Strike Force Laden – a major Oxley police and arson squad operation – has seen dozens of police scour the area since Wednesday with officers now armed with a list of suspects “We believe there is a core group of young people that are linked to the majority of the crimes that have been reported,” Oxley Detective Sergeant Jason Darcy told The Leader on Friday “We know who they are and they will be targeted “We have developed a number of strategies to target those offenders and investigations will continue.” Detective Sergeant Darcy said they had received overwhelming support from the community as part of their investigation into the suspicious fires that have erupted in the area since late last year We know who they are and they will be targeted He said officers had “received a bit of resistance from a minority in the West Tamworth community” Police called for the teenagers to hand themselves in and talk to detectives “Our message to those parents is that they have to take some responsibility for their children’s actions their welfare is paramount and they need to know the whereabouts of these children at night,” Detective Sergeant Darcy said this needs a whole-of-community response if we are to stop this dangerous behaviour housing departments and other government agencies like Centrelink to address these issues fuelling the crimes.” Strike Force Laden investigations will continue with more operations planned in the coming weeks All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinue"The young fella had a pretty rough start in life," he said of his three-year-old son, Kai. The question, he added, was "just a bit of a reality check". Kai was born with neutropenia, which occurs when a person has a low level of neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell, and they fight infection by destroying harmful bacteria and fungi (yeast) that invade the body. For the first year of Kai's life, he was "a bubble baby", Philp said. Kai had no immune system, he continued - meaning there was a trip to Tamworth Hospital or John Hunter Hospital, in Newcastle, every time his son got sick. "So it was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster," he said, adding that it "hit home" when he was asked the aforementioned question, because it made him realise "how lucky" he is. 'A bubble baby': Jake Philp recalls his son's 'rough start in life'The West Tamworth captain is engaged to Kai's mum turns eight on Monday - 11 days before her dad turns 31 "Just being able to watch them grow." That's what Philp likes most about being a father; that and "coming home every day after work "It just makes those hard days that little bit more bearable and the good days are unreal: I'm surrounded by my family." He's the product of a close family of four He "just wanted the same thing: have the family and have both kids close together so they can grow up together" HONOURED: Philp says captaining Wests has been "unreal" Photo: Mark Bode"Really content," he said of his state of mind "and lucky enough to still be able to play cricket and have a family to support me" doing that The fifth-placed side were slated to play Old Boys in a final round clash on Saturday the round was abandoned on Friday due to the rain this week The three bottom sides - including South Tamworth and City United - would have battled for fourth spot While any one of the top three sides - Bective East North Tamworth and Old Boys - could have claimed the minor premiership Bective East have finished atop the table - with Norths Old Boys and Souths rounding out the top four RESPECT: Philp said Wests keeper David Mudaliar was a "massive help" to him this season Photo: Mark BodePhilp said captaining Wests this season had been "unreal" In the 15 years that have passed since Philp left Farrer to do a plastering apprenticeship his body has endured a fair amount of wear and tear "Pretty average," the right-arm quick replied when asked how his body was holding up "I've had knee reconstructions and [other] sh*t I’m passionate about writing stories that resonate with people. And I’m genuinely interested in the people I interview; I want to know about them and present their stories in a meaningful way. A West Tamworth property has been destroyed in an early morning fire Firefighters say they are not treating it as suspicious.