Tamworth, New South Wales: Difference between revisions

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Template:Austlocalgovtarea Tamworth is a regional centre (population: 35,000) and is the major city within the Tamworth Regional Council (Local Government Area) in the southern New England area of New South Wales, Australia. The city is well known as the "Country Music Capital" of Australia.

Geography

Tamworth is located on the banks of the Peel River which frequently causes minor flooding. It is about 400 km north of Sydney on the New England Highway. It can also be reached by CountryLink rail services. The Oxley Highway from Nevertire to Port Macquarie also passes through Tamworth. Tamworth is located at the coordinates S 31° 05.0 E 150° 50.8. Tamworth is 404m / 1325 feet above sea level and occupies an area of 486.5km² as of 2003. Surrounding towns include Gunnedah, Willowtree, Uralla, and Nundle. The city sits at the western edge of the Great Dividing Range, which rises to over 1000m ASL in adjacent districts.

Weather

The climate is generally warm to hot in summer and cool to mild in Winter. Rainfall is experienced all year round, with Summer storms providing occasional heavy downpours. Snow can be seen on the ranges to the North and East of the city occasionally during a winter cold snap. Occasional frosts are also experienced in Winter.

History

Tamworth was the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to have a municipally-operated electric street lighting, earning itself the title of "The City of Light".

Timeline

1818 - Explorer John Oxley passes through the area on his exploration mission. Names the river that now runs through the town: Peel River, after English PM Robert Peel whose name is also that of the main street.
1888 - Power station opened and enables beginning of electric street lighting.
1918 - An anchor is unveiled as a memorial to the discovery of Tamworth district.
1947 - East-West Airlines established in Tamworth - flying Tamworth - Sydney.
1988 - A country music icon, the 40 foot tall Golden Guitar is erected as a symbol of the city's country music roots.
1990s - The Local Council embarks on a successful campaign of urban and streetscape renewal, including the greening of Peel Street
2004 - A new local government area, Tamworth Regional Council, is formed from Tamworth City, Manilla Shire and parts of Parry, Nundle and Barraba Shires.

Demography

The estimated population of Tamworth City in June 2003 was 37,120 (Aust. Bureau of Statistics). For statistical purposes, Tamworth was grouped with the part of Parry Shire containing the satellite town of Kootingal. The estimated total population of this combined Tamworth Statistical Subdivision at 2003 was 42,891.

Economy

Tamworth is a diverse city supporting a number of industries, including pastoral produce, education, transport and aviation. The latter has been a significant part of the local economy, with the former East West Airlines and Eastern Airlines having service and maintenance bases at the Tamworth Airport. More recently the area has become an important centre for flying training activities for both airline and defence force graduates. The city serves as the regional centre for media in the New England District, with television and radio stations located in the city. The ABC provides local radio programming, including morning and afternoon timeslots mixed with National content.

Sports

The local region has several strong sports competitions, including Rugby League, Rugby Union, Australian Football and Cricket. Several national athletes can trace their sporting roots to the region. The region has a number of excellent sporting facilities.

Country Music Festival

Tamworth is best known for hosting the Country Music Festival. Held over 10 days during January, the festival is often counted among the world's top ten music festivals. While the festival is based in Tamworth, events are also held in a number of areas outside (but within a short distance) of Tamworth, including Manilla, Moonbi and Kootingal

The festival culminates in the awarding of Golden Guitars - one of the highest awards that Australian Country Music artists can win for their music. In honor of its country music Tamworth is home to the World's Largest Guitar.

Suburbs

Tamworth

East Tamworth

West Tamworth

Oxley Vale

Calala

Nemingha

Schools

Attunga Public School
Bullimbal School For Special Purposes
Calrossy Girls' School
Carinya Christian School
Currabubula Public School
Dungowan Public School
Duri Public School
Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School
Hillvue Public School
Kootingal Public School
Liberty College
Limbri Public School
McCarthy Catholic College
Moonbi Public School
Nemingha Public School
Nundle Public School
Oxley High School
Oxley Vale Public School
Peel Technology High School
St Edward's Infants School
St Edward's Primary School
St Joseph's Primary School
St Mary's Infants School
St Nicholas' Primary School
Tamworth East Public School (usually referred to as Tamworth Public School)
Tamworth High School
Tamworth South Public School
Tamworth West Public School
Timbumburi Public School
Tintinhull Public School
Westdale Public School
William Cowper Anglican Primary School
William Cowper Anglican Boys High School
Woolomin Public School

External links