Local News

In Conversation With The Skinner Boyz

In Conversation With The Skinner Boyz

Who are the Skinner Boyz? Brothers Nathan and Joel Skinner aka The Skinner Boyz are fast becoming musical sensations in their adopted hometown of Glen Innes, where their musical careers are taking off. Nathan, who is older, and Joel grew up on the coast, sharing a love of surfing and music. Taught the guitar largely by his father, Nathan’s early musical influences included finger picking from the 30s, old country blues and “just about every song from Mississippi John Hurt”. Joel was taught the guitar by his father and also Nathan. He used to love listening to Nathan playing his…
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Listen in Glen Innes

Listen in Glen Innes

At the beginning of the year, Paul Wilson had a dream of opening a new venue in town. While he continued to push the thought away, it gave him no peace. He eventually caved, feeling that he would never know if it would work, if he didn’t give it a try. On Saturday 12th April, on World Record Store Day, and after a lot of hard work, Paul opened Listen at 3/120 Wentworth Street, Glen Innes (next to Charlie’s Chickens). Because he wants to be open when other stores aren’t, his hours will be Friday to Sunday from 5pm to…
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Support Local Non-Profits While Getting Festival-Ready

Support Local Non-Profits While Getting Festival-Ready

With the Australian Celtic Festival kicking off this weekend, locals and visitors alike are on the lookout for the perfect Celtic-inspired outfit. For those wanting to dress the part while supporting a good cause, two Glen Innes non-profits are offering a treasure trove of tartan at budget-friendly prices. Out the Back Treasures, located behind Oasis Church at 70 Grey Street (opposite TAFE), is opening its doors today, Friday 2 May 2025, from 9am to 3pm. The shop boasts “ACRES of Tartans....Kilts, Skirts, Trousers, Caps, Scarves, Wraps, Jackets,” making it a one-stop shop for festival-goers wanting to embrace Celtic style. Meanwhile,…
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Temporary Road Closures for 2025 Australian Celtic Festival

Temporary Road Closures for 2025 Australian Celtic Festival

Glen Innes motorists and residents are advised to plan ahead as several temporary road closures will be in place across the town for the 2025 Australian Celtic Festival, taking place from Friday 2 May to Sunday 4 May. The Glen Innes Severn Council has announced the following road closures to ensure the smooth running of festival events: Friday 2 May:Grey Street, between Bourke Street and Town Square, will be closed from 9:30am to approximately 1:45pm to accommodate the Festival Opening Ceremony. Saturday 3 May:Grey Street, from Lang Street to Meade Street, will be closed between 8:00am and 11:30am for the…
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Glen Innes Severn Council Under Scrutiny Over $5 Million Overdraft

Glen Innes Severn Council Under Scrutiny Over $5 Million Overdraft

A $5 million overdraft facility taken out by Glen Innes Severn Council has drawn criticism from some councillors, who have raised concerns over transparency and compliance with local government procedures. At a council meeting on Thursday, 24 April, General Manager Bernard Smith defended the facility, which was extended by the National Australia Bank in 2024. Mr Smith said the overdraft had been established to manage cash flow while the Council awaited reimbursement for already completed and paid-for grant-funded projects. "Importantly, the facility hasn't been drawn down," Mr Smith told councillors during the meeting. Although Council already had an existing $200,000…
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Upgrade for CCTV Systems in Glen Innes

Upgrade for CCTV Systems in Glen Innes

Significant upgrades to Glen Innes’ local CCTV infrastructure are set to commence soon, with Glen Innes Severn Council announcing plans to expand and modernise surveillance systems across the town centre and, for the first time, at ANZAC Park. Scheduled to begin between late May and early June, the project will see 16 new high-definition cameras installed on four streetlight poles located between the Bourke Street and Meade Street intersections—four cameras per pole—substantially increasing coverage throughout the central business district. Further improvements include the addition of 13 cameras around the perimeter of the Town Hall. The existing system within the building…
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Celtic Music At The Library

Celtic Music At The Library

Begin your Celtic Festival Friday with an hour of glorious music hosted by the Glen Innes Severn Public and TAFE Library at 71 Grey St. The short and FREE concert will begin at 10 am with a 30 minute performance by soprano and harpist Siobhan Owen, described as having a ‘unique vocal style - blending her ethereal soprano voice with heart wrenching Celtic lilts.' A Welsh-born Australian, with Irish heritage, Siobhan is the invited ‘Honoured Guest for Wales.’ The music continues at 11am with the Abakus Celtic Trio presenting its 30 minute set. The Trio includes Kim Kirkman, voice, harp…
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Glen Innes Welcomes New Doctor

Glen Innes Welcomes New Doctor

AMH Medical Centre has welcomed a new addition to its team, with Dr Danyal Tarachi joining the practice in Glen Innes. Dr Tarachi, 28, hails from Bartella in Northern Iraq and brings with him a broad skill set, along with an accomplished background in community, arts and culture. Raised in a close-knit Orthodox Christian family, Dr Tarachi has been immersed in music, theatre and poetry from an early age. He became a professional pianist by the age of 12, performing entirely from memory. His medical journey began in 2014 when he entered medical school and quickly rose to the top…
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Sydney Youth Orchestras Hit the Right Notes at the Chapel Theatre

Sydney Youth Orchestras Hit the Right Notes at the Chapel Theatre

On Saturday April 26, the Sydney Youth Orchestras (SYO) brought their regional tour to Glen Innes as part of the 2025 Youth Orchestral Camp. These talented young musicians travelled to Armidale and the surrounding communities of Gloucester, Glen Innes and Inverell, teaming up with local players to rehearse, learn, and perform together. The concert at the Chapel Theatre was a collaborative effort, featuring the Western Sydney Youth Orchestra (WSYO), conducted by Dr. Sadaharu Muramatsu, and the Richard Gill Chamber Orchestra (RGCO), under the baton of Kate Morgan. The performance was a joyful showcase of dedication and talent. It was clear…
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Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale

Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale

Now a fixture on the Celtic Festival calendar, the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale is on again at Glen Innes Scout Hall. Funds raised from the Book Sale have supported the Glen Innes Severn Public and TAFE Library for many years, providing extras which have enhanced this treasured local institution. The Friends have contributed to the Library in different practical ways. For example, they have donated large print books, a shade sail for the outdoor area, outdoor seating and audio books. In addition, the Friends have been able to support a range of educational activities for children, such…
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