Tamworth, New South Wales
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.
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 competetions, 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.
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