Finding Home in Tamworth – Key Change Communications

‘Is anyone here from Murwillumbah?’

That wasn’t what I expected to hear during my barely 24-hour trip to the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

The gig wasn’t even my main purpose in coming. But I was at Golden Guitar winner Matt Scullion’s gig at Tamworth Golf Club because Nerida was opening.

Nerida’s performance was powerful. You can read here about her album In the Midst of the Dark, which was transformative for me.

Her music of the land carries the same spirit of grit and grace that marks her spiritual music.

It was incredible to experience Nerida’s music live, having only heard her album. (Earlier in the day I requested a song while she was busking. I sang along, so I claim I’ve jammed with Nerida on the streets of Tamworth.)

Nerida busking outside Kevin Anderson MP’s office in Tamworth. Image Credit: Lesa Scholl

Nerida sang and reflected on the pull of the red earth of remote Australia, entwining her songs with stories from her life in Central West NSW.

The connection to the land is deeply personal. It resonates across the continent, but each place creates a distinct sound and voice.

The ballads – the story-telling – that is what makes the music hit home.

Matt Scullion sang and spoke of his Scottish heritage. I became increasingly nostalgic. My grandfather was a McAndrew, proud of his tartan and crest.

These things connected with me. I also knew this was just the kind of music and humour Pop would have loved.

It was while in that state of feeling connected to my grandfather, who passed almost 20 years ago, that the question came.

It seemed beyond coincidence that of all the times, in all the places, a callout would come for someone from my birthplace. It was as if I was meant to be there.

I didn’t know the story from 2001 about the Tweed River flowing with beer because at the time I was at university being a city girl.

But every word and feeling of the song rang true, deep in my soul.