IT’S the town of many firsts, and this year Tamworth’s bicentennial draws closer with less than 50 days until we celebrate 200 years since the first European settlement.
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The town has a rich history, and as the incoming milestone looms, celebrations also acknowledge the traditional Kamilaroi people, who inhabited the area before European contact.
Bicentenary Committee coordinator Mike Cashman said community involvement and participation is key to the overall success of the historical event.
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“What a great place to live, and as we wake up each and every day counting our blessings that we are all Australians, compared to so much disadvantage around the world,” Mr Cashman said.
As diverse as it is unique, Tamworth’s history holds a number of quirky chapters, appearing on the map for the first time in 1837.
In November 1888, Tamworth became the first town in Australia to flick the switch on electric street lighting, a focus of the Tamworth Powerstation Museum.
Worth its weight in gold, the first significant discoveries of the precious mineral were reportedly found in Nundle and Hanging Rock in 1850, leading to a gold rush of which many remnants still remain.
The commitment to celebrating the towns milestone will be a group effort.
To mark the celebration, a working group comprised of the Tamworth Historical Society, have been heading up the year-long celebration to recognise the city’s history and culture.
Many events and activities have been organised to honour this occasion.
The bicentenary celebrations will pay homage to all things today and yesterday, with a Tamworth Past and Present exhibition at Ray Walsh House, a Tamworth-themed years three to 12 Poetry Competition, and an 8km re-enactment walk.
The invitations are now out to all Tamworth residents, and Mr Cashman is encouraging everyone to join the expedition that is celebrating Tamworth's 200th birthday.
The festivities will take place at Bicentennial Park on Sunday September 2.
The Leader has been profiling 200 local icons over 200 days, check out the Faces of Tamworth series at northerndailyleader.com.au/community
