The 2TM News Podcast

In the lead up to the 2023 NSW State Election, 2TM's Tim Coates and Monte Irvine caught up with each of the major candidates running for the seat of Tamworth.

In this edition they asked the current incumbent member, Kevin Anderson of the NSW Nationals, about the major issues facing our region - health, education, power & water security and housing affordability. Find out what Kevin has in the way of policies if re-elected on March 25.

In the lead up to the 2023 NSW State Election, 2TM's Tim Coates and Monte Irvine caught up with each of the major candidates running for the seat of Tamworth.

In this edition they asked the Independent, Mark Rodda, about the major issues facing our region - health, education, power & water security and housing affordability. Find out what Mark has in the way of policies if elected on March 25.

In the lead up to the 2023 NSW State Election, 2TM's Tim Coates and Monte Irvine caught up with each of the major candidates running for the seat of Tamworth.

In this edition they asked the NSW Greens Candidate, Ryan Brooke, about the major issues facing our region - health, education, power & water security and housing affordability. Find out what Ryan has in the way of policies if elected on March 25.

In the lead up to the 2023 NSW State Election, 2TM's Tim Coates and Monte Irvine caught up with each of the major candidates running for the seat of Tamworth.

In this edition they asked the NSW Labor candidate, Kate McGrath, about the major issues facing our region - health, education, power & water security and housing affordability. Find out what Kate has in the way of policies if elected on March 25.

We take a deep dive into the homelessness affecting the New England, talking to Tamworth Family Support Services on the rising number of individuals facing homelessness and what we can do as community to help.

Podcast 2022 - Natasha Ledger

Podcast 2022 - Barnaby Joyce

A podcast with journalist Olivia Babb and Mr Tim Coates introducing the New England Candidates for Election

Episode one is with Independent Party Candidate Mr Matt Sharpham

A podcast with journalist Olivia Babb and Mr Tim Coates introducing the New England Candidates for Election

Episode two is with Labor Party Candidate Ms Laura Hughes

A podcast with journalist Olivia Babb and Mr Tim Coates introducing the New England Candidates for Election

Episode one is with Greens Candidate Ms Carol Sparks

This is the third episode of the Local Government Election Podcast, with Jarrad Brooke and Tim Coates. We must declare interest that Tim Coates wife, Judy Coates, is running as a candidate.

As all candidates appear in ballot paper order - this episode will feature our interviews with Stephen Maher, Christopher Buckman, Brooke Southwell, Marc Sutherland and Charles Impey. 

In advance of the interview taking place, all candidates were given the same 5 questions to answer. They all had a maximum 10 minutes to answer them however they wished too. Jarrad was time keeper and would let the candidates know how they were running for time so they could best utilize the time given to them – however, aside from this, there was no interjection or secondary questions asked by Jarrad or Tim.

For the earlier candidates, please listen to Episode One and Two. We hope you find this podcast both informative and entertaining.

This is the second episode of the Local Government Election Podcast, with Jarrad Brooke and Tim Coates. We must declare interest that Tim Coates wife, Judy Coates, is running as a candidate.

As all candidates appear in ballot paper order - this episode will feature our interviews with James Maxwell, Russell Webb, Mark Rodda, Ray Tait and Marjolyn Thomas. 

In advance of the interview taking place, all candidates were given the same 5 questions to answer. They all had a maximum 10 minutes to answer them however they wished too. Jarrad was time keeper and would let the candidates know how they were running for time so they could best utilize the time given to them – however, aside from this, there was no interjection or secondary questions asked by Jarrad or Tim.

For the first 5 candidates, please listen to Episode One. For the remaining candidates, please listen to Episode Three. We hope you find this podcast both informative and entertaining. 

This is the first episode of the Local Government Election Podcast, with Jarrad Brooke and Tim Coates. We must declare interest that Tim Coates wife, Judy Coates, is running as a candidate.

As all candidates appear in ballot paper order - this episode will feature our interviews with Steven Mears, Bede Burke, Judy Coates, Helen Tickle and Phil Betts. 

In advance of the interview taking place, all candidates were given the same 5 questions to answer. They all had a maximum 10 minutes to answer them however they wished too. Jarrad was time keeper and would let the candidates know how they were running for time so they could best utilize the time given to them – however, aside from this, there was no interjection or secondary questions asked by Jarrad or Tim.

Please listen to Episode Two and Three for the remainder of the candidates. We hope you find this podcast both informative and entertaining to listen to. 

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast Romy Gilbert chats with Imogen McDonald, New England North West representative on the NSW Government's Regional Youth Taskforce. Imogen shares with Romy her insights into issues facing regional youth, how the taskforce works, and what outcomes the young group of leaders have managed to obtain. Imogen is a young regional woman who is leading the way in creating positive change for youth in rural and regional communities. 

Find out more about Imogen and the Regional Youth Taskforce in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast Romy Gilbert chats with Stephanie Cameron, President of the Tamworth Business Chamber. Steph shares with Romy her insights into how local businesses fared pre and post COVID-19 restrictions, what the ultimate survival factors are, the support for businesses available as well as the road map to freedom. 

Find out more about the current local business landscape in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast Romy Gilbert chats with Matthew Stephens, a biologist and Environment Officer for Transport NSW within the Biodiversity Offset Team. Matt shares with Romy his journey in conservation, his love for trees and building tree hollows for Australian fauna, the tools he has recently invented to build specialised tree hollows, and why this method is so important for Australian wildlife. 

Find out more about Matt's new invention and his work with tree hollow's in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Romy Gilbert chats with Betty Chetcuti, a psychologist, and Board Director at the Australian Association of Psychologists. Betty practices psychology out of Melbourne from her own private practice and has firsthand watched the mental health landscape worsen since the beginning of the pandemic. Join Romy as she discusses with Betty the current mental health crisis, how it is impacting people in lockdown, what the long term flow-on effects of the lockdown could be, how social media affects our mental health in a pandemic, and what are the key mental health survival tips for enduring a lockdown/global pandemic. 

Find out more about the "shadow pandemic" mental health crisis in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP, PLEASE CONTACT LIFELINE ON 13 11 14. If it is an emergency, please dial 000. Help is never far away. 

Find out more about the Lock The Gate Alliance and its position on unsustainable energy in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

xx

This is a 2 part edition of the 2TM News Podcast:

Part 1 has Romy Gilbert chatting with Joe Townsend, the Regional Manager for New England North West, Business NSW. Joe shares insights surrounding businesses and their response to the COVID-19 restrictions, how this year compares to last, which industries have benefitted from the COVID-19 landscape, and which have been hardest hit. Joe discusses and outlines some of the support available for businesses as well as workers.

Part 2 involves local business director Kurt Barrow from Leading Edge Innovation. Kurt shares how his business has adapted to the COVID-19 business landscape and highlights how technology and innovation have saved the day. 

Find out more about COVID-19 and its effect on business in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Romy Gilbert chats with Phil Duncan, a Gamilaraay man, and the first Indigenous person to sit on the board for the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR). NRAR is responsible for the enforcement of water laws in NSW through licensing, monitoring compliance, and education. Phil brings a critical Aboriginal perspective to the board, highlighting the importance of water to First Nations people, their culture, and their communities. Phil and I chat about his journey in Aboriginal affairs and the changes he has seen in water management over the years. 

Find out more about Phil, his life, and water engagement in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Romy Gilbert and Tim Coates chat with the Director of the Gomeroi Culture Academy and community leader Marc Sutherland. Marc shares insights into the Gomeroi Culture Academy, its importance in connecting youth with their identity, and the significance of being out on Country. We ask Marc about his personal journey into leadership and chat about NAIDOC Week. 

Find out more in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Romy Gilbert and Tim Coates chat with Tamworth Regional Council's Mayor Col Murray. They discuss Mr Mayor's time in local government as it nears an end, the upcoming September 2021 Local Government Elections, what it takes to be a councillor, and where Col Murray is heading once the job is done. 

Find out more in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast Romy, Tim, and JB discuss the hot topics and current affairs shaping the region. From Council elections, reality TV to the G7 Summit and a housing crisis, the three of us share a few ideas and a laugh or two. 

Find out more by tuning in to this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Romy Gilbert and Tim Coates chat with Chris Jarrett, dietician for Rural Fit and Joy Downes, the qualified occupational therapist turned health and wellness coach. The panel discusses health in the region, what can be done and should be done to minimise obesity, understanding health risks and diets, and a personal health journey through type 2 diabetes.

Find out more about achieving a healthier Tamworth in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Romy Gilbert chats with Krystal Lamb, Project Officer of the Bumbira Art and Culture Program at the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council. They discuss Reconciliation Week 2021, the Bumbira Art and Culture Program, the benefits of Tamworth opening an Aboriginal Cultural Centre, inclusivity, and the different events and programs on offer for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous members of the community. 

Find out more about what Krystal and the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council get up to in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Tim Coates and Romy Gilbert catch up with Fiona Sing, Para-athlete, and James Cooper, CEO of Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS). They discuss the challenges of being a para-athlete in regional communities, expert advice from James Cooper on how to best go about sponsorship, and the Paris 2024 Olympics as the ultimate goal. 

Find out more about Fiona Sing's journey and James Cooper's expertise in disability sport in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Tim Coates and Romy Gilbert catch up with Deb Maes, Chair of Regional Unlimited and 10X Tamworth event organiser. They discuss the foundations of Regional United, it's project R U Volunteernig and the upcoming 10X. 

Find out more about 10X and Regional Unlimited's vision in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Tim Coates catches up with local Labor candidates Stephen Meares and Mick Lawler to discuss the approaching local government elections. We'll discuss some local issues and take a look at what is important to both running labor tickets in the upcoming election. 

Find out more about the Labor candidates in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Romy Gilbert & Tim Coates catch up with Tamworth Regional Council's Project Manager Anna Russell to discuss the region's 12-month plan. We'll take a look at what is on the agenda, and find out from Anna what, when and how we can expect it. The Annual Operational Plan (AOP) is currently at a draft level, with Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) encouraging public feedback for the rest of its exhibition duration. 

Find out more about the AOP in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Tim Coates caught up with Head of PE at Tamworth High School, Stephanie Halpin, and Head of NSW Development Program Manager for Junior Rugby North West, Garry Walsh. They discussed women in sport, where and when did it start to gain traction, sportswomen and their growth in our region and what's next for women and sport. 

Find out more when Tim Coates discusses 'Women in Sport' in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast.

The need for further youth mental health services in the region has been highlighted by experts and advocates in the community for some time. A recent $1.5 million donation from Joblink Plus sparked a flow of vague and confusing media articles regarding what the donation will see done for youth mental health at Tamworth's Banksia Mental Health Unit. A media release from Kevin Anderson's office stated the donation will "provide safety for young people through short-stay accommodation of up to 72 hours featuring an emotionally designed therapeutic space, and as a recreational area for young people to be connected to ongoing support services during their stay". Community consultation for the new Banksia Mental Health Unit is currently open. 

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Romy Gilbert and Tim Coats discuss the new Banksia Mental Health Unit with local member Kevin Anderson. 

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Romy Gilbert discusses the complicated topic of water with Tamworth Regional Council Director of Water and Waste, Bruce Logan, and Sustainability Coordinator Tracey Carr. Has our region's water been mismanaged? Are the rules in place fair? Why do we pay so much more for water than any other region in NSW? Join us as we discuss the big questions.

The need for further youth mental health services in the region has been highlighted by experts and advocates in the community for some time. A recent $1.5 million donation from Joblink Plus (who declined an invitation to the panel) sparked a flow of vague and confusing media articles regarding what the donation will see done for youth mental health at Tamworth's Banksia Mental Health Unit. A media release from Kevin Anderson's office stated the donation will "provide safety for young people through short-stay accommodation of up to 72 hours featuring an emotionally designed therapeutic space, and as a recreational area for young people to be connected to ongoing support services during their stay". 

Josie Hofman, head Psychologist at Tamworth Headspace and Helen Mary Jones, founder of online youth mental health advocacy group MindMatters join hosts Romy Gilbert and Tim Coats in the studio to discuss the issue.

WARNING: This podcast discusses suicide and mental health issues. If this raises any issues for you please consider how you feel before listening. If this episode upsets you and you find yourself needing immediate help please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or emergency services on 000.

In this edition of the 2TM News Podcast, Tim Coates caught up with the President of the Tamworth Business Chamber, Stephanie Cameron. They discussed COVID-19 and it's affects on Tamworth 12 months on from the initial lockdown. How did Tamworth fare? What could have it done differently? How is the Tamworth region recovering from it? What affects will the end of JobSeeker and JobKeeper have on it? 

Find out more when Tim Coates discusses COVID-19 with Stephanie Cameron in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast. 

In this week's 2TM News Podcast, Tim Coates sits down with Belinda Kotris from Tamworth Family Support Services and Stuart Watts from Tamworth Property Co. 

They discuss the issue of the stretched housing market in Tamworth and the lack of rentals. How this has been allowed to occur, how this issue could affect Tamworth's future, how it is causing social issues within our community and some possible solutions to fix this issue.

The 2TM News Podcast thanks to Super Steel Tamworth, there's steel and then there's Super Steel Tamworth. 

In this episode of the 2TM News Podcast, Tim Coates sat down with Peter Mahony and Mitchel Hanlon to discuss the devolpement of the Tamworth University.

After Barnaby Joyce's comments last week that he had secured in-kind funding for the project, we discussed with Peter and Mitchell where the project goes to from here, what the university and learning may look like and why this is an important and vital project for our region.

Find out more in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast with Tim Coates discussing the Tamworth University with Peter Mahony and Mitchel Hanlon. 

In this episode of the 2TM News Podcast, Tim Coates had a chat with Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce.

They spoke about funding for the new University in Tamworth, the future of Space in Australia, tension between Australia and China and the future of the Dungowan Dam.

Find out all about those topics and more in this edition of the 2TM News Podcast with Tim Coates joined with Barnaby Joyce. 

Sport plays an important role in our community, through social connectivity, physical activity and improved mental wellbeing for those who partake.

Health benefits are realised as increased physical activity, reduced obesity, reduced incidence of non-communicable disease and improving mental health. This results in avoided healthcare costs and eases pressure on the health system. 

Economic benefits are generated through the creation of opportunities for events and tourism, particularly drawing participants, officials and spectators who contribute significantly to the visitor economy. 

Mike Rowland, Manager of The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) and James Cooper from The Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) joined us in the studio to talk specifically about the situation in Tamworth, where its at and how to continue the growth we have experienced over the last few years. 

WARNING: This podcast discusses domestic and family violence. If this raises any issues for you please consider how you feel before listening. 

It is well documented that domestic and family violence is a significantly under-reported crime and a complex crime for police to provide an effective response to.  

Domestic and family violence involves an abuse of power, mainly perpetrated by men in an intimate partner relationship or after separating from the relationship.  It extends beyond physical violence and may involve the exploitation of power imbalances and patterns of abuse.

Coercive control is the silent form of domestic violence that is not only under-reported but under-discussed and not often recognised. 

The NSW Parliament is currently conducting an inquiry to discuss, define and possibly criminalise coercive control behaviours. 

Tanya Rogers, Family Safety Worker with Centacare New England North West and Melanie Gray, Oxley Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service Manager, joined us in the studio to discuss coercive control and how it affects our local community. 

If you or someone you know needs help you can call LifeLine on 13 11 14 or 1800respect. 

The New England North West has been named as a renewable energy zone and various projects are seeking approval all around the region. 

2TM's journalist Toni Ambrogetti and Co-host Tim Coates spoke to local experts about renewable energy and sustainable living, so you can find out everything you need to know about some of the new projects and how you can make a difference in your daily life. 

Joining the panel for discussion this episode is Llewellyn Owens, Chief Technical Officer with Providence Asset Group. 

Providence Asset Group is one half of Manilla Solar Project, and they have recently been given the green light for their solar energy farm just north of Tamworth, that will also incorporate a hydrogen battery. 

Bringing it back to grassroots level is Penne Fraser the President of Sustainable North West a volunteer-run not for profit group who help locals and businesses live a more sustainable life. 

2020 was a year jam-packed full of news stories big, small and some smothered by a global pandemic. 

Toni Ambrogetti and Tim Coates take a look back at what happened in 2020, the good the bad and the ugly. 

What can we expect this year?

No one really knows, however, take a listen to some stories they expect to continue throughout 2021 and get the scoop on Tamworth Regional Council local council elections set for September. 

A conversation about the historical context to January 26th, Australia Day and perspectives on how we can move forward. 

Co-Hosted by 2TM's Journalist Toni Ambrogetti and Tim Coates, a Tamworth local

Special Guests  - Charles Lynch, Gomeroi man, Northern Region Councillor NSW Aboriginal Land Council

                              - Marc Sutherland, Gomeroi man, Director of Gomeroi Dance Company and Cultural Academy

In this edition of the Need To Know Podcast for Thursday April 2 - Jarrad Brooke and Annie Lewis discuss the latest local case numbers in the Tamworth region, they also discuss the upcoming extra-ordinary council meeting on Monday, the police minister issuing the statement that the new isolation measures will be enforced for at least 90 days, plus details about the free childcare policy announced this afternoon. 

In this edition of the Need to Know podcast, Annie Lewis and Jarrad Brooke look at the latest statistics for Coronavirus within Australia from the last 24 hours. They also discussed the dire circumstances for Covid-19 in the United States before ending the podcast with a good news story locally! 

In this edition, Jarrad and Annie discuss recoveries from coronavirus in the HNE Health region, the basics of the proposed 'jobkeeper' allowance, the 'reasonable excuse' public health order and why people should cancel travel in and around regional NSW. Plus, we answered a couple of questions from our listener Amy!

In this edition of the Need To Know Podcast for Monday March 30, Jarrad and Annie discuss the new number of confirmed cases in the Tamworth region, how serious police are taking measures for self-isolation after two people were charged for not remaining in quarantine, some of the measures Tamworth Regional Council is doing to soften the blow for local businesses plus we had a look at some of the Covid-19 related news doing the rounds state wide and federally. 

In this edition of the Need To Know podcast for Friday March 27, we look at how many new local cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Tamworth region, the impacts on the retail sector in the city, the State Government stimulus package, Woolworths hiring spree and the latest from the National Cabinet. 

Today, Annie Lewis and Kaleb Crowhurst will bring you the latest news and information regarding coronavirus on a local, state and national level in one podcast.

In this edition, we look at the latest numbers of Covid-19 cases in Tamworth, the call for transparency on the figures, police powers during the pandemic, what residents need to do and how to report someone breaching public health orders.

In this edition we look at the latest numbers of Covid-19 cases in the region, the latest closures that come into effect tonight plus Adam Marshall's call for transparency in locations of confirmed cases.