Today, Troy Cassar-Daley stopped off in the nation's country music capital, to spread the message of sustainability to the next generation of country music fans at Tamworth West Public School. And remind visitors to the 2023 festival to be mindful when it comes to recycling, water usage and consumption, and energy use.
"The countdown is on to January and I can't wait to get back up on stage at the 51st Tamworth Country Music Festival," said Mr Cassar-Daley.
"I want everyone to come along, enjoy the festival, the fans and the music, but we must ensure everyone in the country music community is doing their bit to ensure a clean and green Tamworth for many festivals to come."
For more than 20 years, proud Gumbaynggir/Bundjalung man, Mr Cassar-Daley, has been the Toyota Country Music Festival's sustainability ambassador. Troy is a country music luminary, having won 40 Golden Guitar Awards throughout his career - more than any other artist in Australian history.
Through his passion for storytelling and strong connection to the land, Mr Cassar-Daley has been a driving force in promoting sustainability throughout the festival, encouraging visitors to take care of the Tamworth region while they are here celebrating country music.
"When visiting the region, there are lots of simple tips and tricks to ensure energy and water consumption is sustainable," he said.
Mr Cassar-Daley is working closely with Tamworth Regional Council's Sustainability team to promote sustainability practices throughout the festival.
Angela Dodson, Tamworth Regional Council's Waste Sustainability Officer, says the key things they are hoping to see from locals and visitors to the region is mindful recycling, as well as reduced water and energy consumption.
"Things like shorter showers, setting your air conditioning on a timer, and turning lights off in your accommodation are some of the easiest ways visitors can monitor their energy and water usage," Ms Dodson says.
As always, visitors are reminded to recycle correctly, using the additional bin stations provided throughout Tamworth's CBD to relieve some of the extra pressure put on the region's waste infrastructure during the festival.
"We love having visitors in our region, and we thank everyone for doing their bit to keep the nation's country music capital clean," says Ms Dodson.
