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Articles by Brigitte Murphy
I am Australian co-writer says song used at conservative conference without permission
Brigitte Murphy and Kristy Reading One of the writers of a classic Australian song has called out a conservative political conference for using his work without permission. I Am Australian was co-written by Dobe Newton from the folk and country group The Bushwackers in 1987, along with Bruce Woodley of The Seekers. Mr Newton said he never gave permission for the song to be played at the Australian Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), which took place in Brisbane on October 10 and 11.
I Am Australian co-writer says song used at conservative conference without permission
One of the writers of a classic Australian song has called out a conservative political conference for using his work without permission. I Am Australian was co-written by Dobe Newton from the folk and country group The Bushwackers in 1987, along with Bruce Woodley of The Seekers. Mr Newton said he never gave permission for the song to be played at the Australian Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), which took place in Brisbane on October 10 and 11.
LARPers making real connections in a time before social media
Piercing through the early morning bird calls comes a loud blaring horn. It is a warning. Be aware — the battle has begun. In the Armidale pine forest a group of soldiers, merchants and knights have gathered to spend a weekend in the Middle Ages. Armidale Pine Forest circa 1470 — so far as the participants are concerned. (ABC New England: Peter Sanders) Life circa 1450–1470 was far from easy, so this is no luxury getaway.
Antimony price spike leads to new life for disused mine near Armidale
Antimony production has resumed at a Northern Tablelands mine site after more than a decade of the facility sitting idle. Five thousand tonnes of the critical mineral, used in solar panels and ammunition, are expected to be supplied to the world market. A global commodities market expert said the success of the mine depends on the ever-changing international market. The worldwide hunt for a little-known critical mineral has revived a dormant mine on the NSW Northern Tablelands.
Country music star Tom Wolfe's life-changing decision to give up alcohol
Holding his fifth Golden Guitar award of the night, Tom Wolfe decided it was time to speak up. "I'll be nine months sober next week, which is something I'm really proud of," he told the crowd at Tamworth's 2026 Golden Guitar Awards. "I feel like I've got a brand new lease on life and I'm going to grab it by the horns and give it everything I got." Six months later, Wolfe said he was enjoying music more than ever before. "Honestly, it's been the best thing I've ever done," he said.
Moree solicitor accused of manufacturing prohibited 3D-printed firearms
A solicitor from Moree, in north-west NSW, has been charged with 16 offences including manufacturing prohibited firearms. The 32-year-old man was arrested yesterday during a police firearm prohibition order compliance check at a Sunnyside Road home. The 32-year-old solicitor was charged with 16 offences. (Supplied: NSW Police) The State Crime Command's Drug and Firearm squad established Strike Force Temarang to investigate the importation and manufacture of 3D-printed and prohibited firearms.
Aboriginal Legal Service office raided during investigation into 3D-printed firearms
The ABC understands the office of the Aboriginal Legal Service in Moree in Northern NSW has been raided by police as part of a probe into the alleged 3D printing of firearms by a solicitor employed by the service. Joshua David Gale, 32, was arrested during a police compliance check at a property in Moree on August 11, and has been charged with 16 offences, including the alleged manufacture of prohibited firearms. He was formally refused bail before a Bail Division Court hearing today.
Landholders still rebuilding 12 months after deepest snowfall in 'living memory'
When New South Wales Northern Tablelands residents woke up to a snowfall last August, they couldn't have imagined they would still be cleaning up 12 months on. The snow closed roads, cut power and felled branches and fences across swathes of the region. Although the Bureau of Meteorology does not have official records of alpine snowfalls and snow depth, it was reported at the time that snowfalls of up to 20 to 40 centimetres were seen in areas such as Guyra, Walcha and Armidale.
A wall in Australia's country music capital keeps family legacies alive
A mural celebrating the life and legacy of multi-award-winning songwriter and country music legend Joy McKean has officially opened in the country music capital, Tamworth. Artist Charlie Nivison was commissioned to paint over a mural his father had created in 1983. Joy McKean's children hope the mural helps viewers recognise their parents' contribution to Australian country music and Charlie Nivison hopes to pass on the paintbrush to the next generation of family artists.
National bushfire outlook puts areas of NSW and WA at heightened risk
Fire authorities warn there could be an earlier start to the bushfire season for parts of Western Australia and New South Wales as the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts above-average daytime and overnight temperatures for winter. In its latest seasonal bushfire outlook, the Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services (AFAC) shows an increased risk for bushfires across northern parts of the Great Sandy Desert and surrounding areas in Western Australia.
Rural women share harrowing IVF stories at parliamentary inquiry
All Sophie Fletcher wants is to complete her family, but her journey has been a long and harrowing one. She has endured miscarriages, false hope and seemingly endless hours of travel throughout her IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) journey. The ripple effect travels through her family, including her five-year-old son Dougal. "He's very well versed in embryo transfers and miscarriage and infant loss now," Ms Fletcher said.
Aunty Polly Cutmore shares her family's stories of survival at Dhirri-aay-aay
The landscape appears to come alive when Goombri elder Aunty Polly Cutmore walks across the grassy country originally called Dhirri-aay-aay. A large white bird soaring above catches her attention, and Aunty Polly seems at home. Warning: This story contains images and names of Indigenous people who have died. But the effects of colonisation are seen here, with the area now known by its anglicised name, Terry Hie Hie.
Students use makeshift stretcher to rescue hiker in Warrumbungle National Park
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Students use makeshift stretcher to rescue hiker in Warrumbungle National Park
A group of high school students has come to the rescue of an injured hiker in the Warrumbungle National Park. During a four-day Duke of Edinburgh Award hike, students from Armidale's Presbyterian Ladies' College (PLC) came across Thomas Wendland, who had broken his leg. Using tarp poles, a hammock and their outdoor education training, the students hiked for two hours to get the man to safety.
John Williamson takes his final bow at the Tamworth Country Music Festival
John Williamson's first memories of Tamworth weren't the famous country music festival, but rather the pain he felt during a rugby match. "My earliest memory is playing rugby against one of the Tamworth teams … I actually broke my shoulder and I've still got a wire in it," he said. Since then, his memories of the country music capital have changed to be filled with golden guitars, cowboy boots and plenty of music. John Williamson says 2026 will be his last year performing at Tamworth.
Final bow for Tamworth Country Music Festival coordinator Barry Harley
Barry Harley OAM was making displays for Myer when he was asked to help organise what would become the biggest country music festival in the southern hemisphere. It was 1973, and he was not the biggest fan of the genre. "Good music is good music, so I have a lot of country music in my library," he said. "But a lot of that [was] 60s and 70s Beatles and The Rolling Stones." Barry Harley has been a part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival since the very beginning.
Youth crime funding for bail accommodation in Moree and more therapeutic services for at-risk youth
The NSW government has announced a $23 million package to tackle regional youth crime. It includes new bail accommodation in Moree as well as more caseworkers and new therapeutic programs. A lease has been signed in Moree for bail accommodation focusing on therapeutic intervention to prevent repeat offending. In an effort to reduce youth crime, the NSW state government has announced a further $23 million in funding for programs targeting at-risk youth.
A critically endangered bloom
A critically endangered shrub blooms in just one known place on earth, It's on a small property near Armidale and the landholders are trying to protect it.
Critically endangered shrub on NSW Northern Tablelands could have prosperous future
After an hour of walking, ducking and manoeuvring through bushland on Stephen Walkden-Brown's property Lomalagi, a bright-yellow cluster appears in the distance. It is the critically endangered shrub Asterolasia rupestris, specifically the subspecies recurva. It is thriving near Armidale on the New South Wales' Northern Tablelands, the only known place in the world where it grows. Mr Walkden-Brown and his wife Yvonne Langenberg bought the 200-hectare property in 2017.
NSW farmers condemn threat of compulsory land acquisition for Santos Narrabri Gas Project
Landholders are criticising NSW Premier Chris Minns after he said the government would consider compulsory land acquisition for a gas project in the Hunter region. The multi-billion-dollar Santos project would see a new coal seam gas field developed over 95,000 hectares at Narrabri. Farmers say they will fight any move to compulsorily acquire land. Landholders have condemned the NSW government for considering compulsory land acquisition for the Santos Narrabri Gas Project.
Lynda MacCallum is saving her life in the saddle, one hoofbeat at a time
Lynda MacCallum has always been at home in the saddle and now it is helping her overcome a life-changing diagnosis. The cutting horse trainer has won significant events, trains for a loyal clientele base and represented Australia twice in the USA. It has all been a dream come true for the horsewoman, based in Woolbrook in northern New South Wales.
Paper cranes and a wish for world peace
Every year towards the end of September is the United Nations International Day of Peace. And while it seems there's more conflict in the world than ever, for some young doves in Tamworth, New South Wales, the hope for peace is still alive.
Moree Hospital doctor shortage reaches 'crisis point' amid calls for action
Moree Hospital has been unable to staff its emergency department on a permanent basis for several weeks, according to a local MP. On Tuesday, a farmer with a cut hand was told to return to the hospital the next day for further more as there was no doctor onsite. Hunter New England Local Health District says "high-quality care" has been available via video call, but the farming community fears that will not be enough in a serious accident.
Wee Waa Hospital could return to 24-hour model, but there's 'no quick fix'
At 5.30pm, Wee Waa mother Kate Kahl feels anxious about her children playing outside. Not that her North West NSW community is especially dangerous, but unexpected accidents are more of a concern outside of business hours. Wee Waa Hospital has been operating under reduced hours since May 2023 due to staffing shortages.
Eighty years of bull sales drives breeder's love affair with Herefords
Roger Kneipp spent his first bull sale at the Glen Innes Saleyards in northern New South Wales in a pram, and now, aged 80, he hasn't missed a single one. The Glen Innes Hereford Bull Show and Sale is Australia's longest-running multi-vendor sale, which celebrated its 80th year at the event last week. Mr Kneipp was just three months old when his parents took him to his first sale and as he grew up, it became a tradition. "I was homeschooled.
Biggest snowfalls in 20 years cover the New England region of New South Wales
Snowfalls of up to 50 centimetres are expected across the New England region on Saturday, and severe weather warnings have been issued. Near Armidale, an animal sanctuary founder says she has not seen so much snow in 20 years. The State Emergency Service is asking motorists to be careful on the roads. As rain continues across much of New South Wales, snow has settled across the New England region.
Tamworth mum in 'sandwich generation' caring for kids and sick parents
Emelia Rixon didn't know what she was signing up for when she agreed to accept power of attorney and enduring guardianship for her parents over a decade ago. Fast forward 14 years, and the Tamworth woman has found herself in the "sandwich generation" — caring for her two children as well as her parents who live 400 kilometres away in Sydney. "I said I'd do this, but I actually [didn't] know what the job was," Ms Rixon said.
Flood rescuers use makeshift bamboo raft to save couple and six dogs
Surrounded by pitch-black, swampy floodwaters and using a makeshift bamboo raft, a rescue crew pulled off an extraordinary feat. Late on Friday evening the team of five Fire and Rescue in-water technicians responded to a call from an isolated farm near Kempsey on the New South Wales mid-north coast. The crew paddled their rescue boat 2 kilometres to reach 62-year-old Troy Irwin and his 52-year-old partner Mirasol Page, whose property had been cut off for three days.
Coonabarabran community holds candlelight vigil to mourn deaths of young brothers
Hundreds of residents of a small New South Wales town have gathered for a candlelight vigil to mourn the tragic deaths of two young brothers. The bodies of the boys, aged six and seven, were found inside a Coonabarabran home on Monday after welfare concerns were reported to police.
North-west NSW farmers optimistic as properties come to life after rain
It has taken only four weeks for dry soil to turn to mud across parts of north-west New South Wales. Widespread, heavy rain has significantly improved the outlook for many producers as others in parts of the west prepare for flood-induced isolation. Jacinda Barry's Carinya Station at Lightning Ridge is teeming with happy birds and beasts. She said her property received 281 millimetres of rain over about six days. "The place has come alive — the birdlife, the animals, it's just wonderful," she said.
Four staff hurt, woman and students arrested in Armidale school incident
A woman and two girls have been arrested and two teachers taken to hospital after an incident at a school in northern NSW. Police arrived at Armidale Secondary College at 10:30am after reports two girls, 11 and 13, had assaulted staff after trying to attack another student. Four staff were treated for minor injuries. Two were taken to Armidale Hospital for assessments. Both girls were arrested. Police say the 13-year-old also assaulted an officer.
Royal Hotel at Gurley in north-west New South Wales burns down
An century-old pub in north-west New South Wales where generations of families have enjoyed a cold beer has burnt to the ground overnight. Emergency services were called to the Royal Hotel at Gurley, a town with a population of about 250 people, at 8.30pm Thursday. A post on the pub's Facebook page said it had been due to close for a summer break from Friday until March. Gurley Fire Brigade member Brendan Munn was one of the first on the scene on Thursday night.
NSW bushfire recovery struggles as Queensland farmers receive more cash
If it wasn't for a small section of white fence and some billboards, it would be hard to see where the rural border community of Wallangarra-Jennings splits into two. That separation though has become very clear to the residents of the towns which straddle the New South Wales-Queensland border after one side was granted tens of thousands of dollars in bushfire recovery money while the other missed out.
Rare grevillea in full bloom after couple hand waters plants through drought
When Catherine Wright and Andrew Menzies bought their rural property in the New South Wales Northern Tablelands in 2003 they did not realise they would also become guardians of an endangered native plant species. Spring Camp, located south of Armidale, is one of the few areas in Australia where the Grevillea beadleana grows in the wild. "We feel like we are custodians of the land and our role here is to promote the biodiversity on Spring Camp," Ms Wright said.
Female jockey numbers booming
They say horse-racing is the Sport of Kings - but now the industry is attracting an increasing number of women. Racing New South Wales says a majority of its apprentice jockeys this year are women and other racing bodies around the country are noticing a similar trend.
Luxury Balenciaga bag selling for $2,000 in Tamworth op shop, but is it real?
A donated handbag has hit the shelves at the St Vincent de Paul Op Shop in Tamworth with a price tag of $2,000. As soon as theForest Green, hourglass crocodile embossed bag carrying the label of the luxury brandBalenciaga was put on the shelves, it sparked debate on social media over the far-from-thrifty price. Many commenting on Tamworth community pages have questioned the amount and asked whether it was an appropriate price for a charity shop.
Wife calls for more mental health care in the bush as coroner finds Tenterfield man Corey Selby wanted police to shoot him
An inquest in New South Wales has found that a Tenterfield man shot dead by police in 2023 wanted them to kill him. Deputy state coroner Carmel Forbes handed down her findings into the death of Corey Selby today. Mr Selby was shot dead by police outside the Tenterfield Police Station in May last year after he approached officers with what they thought was a rifle.
Racing 50km on a ride-on lawn mower
Ride-on lawn mower racing is found all around the country, but a new 50km enduro event has won hearts and minds in the NSW town of Inverell. Story by Brigitte Murphy with additional production by Mike Kermode.
Liverpool Plains farmer Fiona Simson the first Australian appointed vice president of World Farmers' Organisation
In Short: Fiona Simson was elected vice president of the World Farmers' Organisation in Rome this week. She was previously the first female president of The National Farmers Federation. What's Next: Ms Simson says she anticipates many late-night Zoom calls working with farmers internationally. Former National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson has become the first Australian elected as the vice president of the World Farmers' Organisation.
Ride-on lawnmowers and 'outlaw' racers make cut at Inverell Speedway's inaugural 'Invy 500'
In Short: Ride-on lawnmower racers at the "Invy 500" in Inverell can reach speeds of up to 100 kph. Racers like Gordon Jones, 68, say the sport is more about community than competition. What's next? Inverell hopes another "Invy 500" endurance race can be held next year. It's a case of ready, set, mow at the Inverell Speedway, where lawnmowers rather than speeding cars are becoming fan favourites. The North-West Mower Racing Association recently hosted its first ever endurance race.
Shattered wife tells inquest husband revealed plan to approach police with air rifle
In short: Corey Selby died after he confronted police with a slug gun and was shot in Tenterfield in January 2023. His wife and brother have told an inquest of his mental health troubles and tragic past. What's next? Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes will prepare her findings. The family of man shot dead by police in Tenterfield, New South Wales in 2023 have made emotional submissions at the inquest into his death.
Inquest hears wife saw husband on the ground after he was shot dead outside Tenterfield police station
In short: A police officer has told an inquest she regrets the wife and children of a man shot dead by police saw the scene. Corey Selby was shot by police officers outside Tenterfield police station in January 2023 after he threatened them with what officers thought was a rifle. What's next? The inquest continues in Armidale this week. A police officer has told an inquest she wishes the family of a man shot dead by police in Tenterfield in 2023 didn't see the aftermath of the incident.
Moose the labrador ate a cowboy boot. Luckily her owner had the skills to save her
In short: A vet has performed surgery on her own dog after the canine ate a cowboy boot. Moose the labrador is recovering well and is back to her normal self. What's next: Animal hospital director says it's a lesson to the community about pet safety. A dog in the country music capital has made a meal of a cowboy boot. Four-year-old labrador Moose needed emergency surgery after chewing and swallowing the leather footwear. "It's ironic for Tamworth country music isn't it?
Coming out in your 50s
Lee Scott ignored her sexuality for more than five decades, but now, with the help of her local pride group in her regional town she is living her authentic truth, and is prouder than ever.
Teenage girl found dead after ute allegedly driven from crash site near Narrabri
In short: A 15-year-old girl has died and a 16-year-old boy is in hospital with serious injuries after a ute crash in north-west NSW. Police allege the vehicle was driven from the scene of the incident. What's next? The alleged driver has been charged and will appear before court next month. A 15-year-old girl has died and a 44-year-old man is facing serious charges after a crash near Wee Waa in north-west New South Wales.
Remarkable 1924 Paris Olympics collection tells story of NSW sheep farmer ...
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Family of Olympic boxer Charles Jardine celebrates 100-year anniversary with Inverell exhibition
In 1924, a sheep farmer from the north-west of New South Wales packed his bags and boxing gloves and boarded a ship to compete at the Paris Olympic Games. A century later, ahead of the summer games' return to the City of Light, the personal items, memorabilia, and official Olympic items belonging to Australian boxer Charles Tennant Jardine have formed an exhibition in his home town of Inverell.
Buskers face 'real judgement' in pursuit of stardom at Tamworth Country Music Festival
For the last 15 years, Tamworth musician Peter "Smokie" Dawson has been busking at the same spot on Peel Street during the city's famed Country Music Festival. Smokie loves entertaining crowds with his original works and Slim Dusty covers. But now he is looking to build up the next generation of talent, and will happily hand over his guitars to anyone wanting to try busking for the first time. He said busking was like doing an apprenticeship in country music.
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