DYLAN SMITH A childhood spent on a farm in Gunnedah, surrounded by animals, family and country music, helped shape the artistic ambitions of singer-songwriter Sophee Jean, who is preparing to take a major step towards realising a lifelong dream. The Newcastle-based musician will release her debut single, B&W, on 13 November, marking the beginning of what she hopes will be a long career sharing her music and stories with audiences. For Sophee, the release represents the culmination of years of writing, performing and developing her distinctive musical style, which blends piano-led pop with cinematic, orchestral and theatrical influences. But despite […]

Gunnedah Shire residents are being encouraged to spread some Christmas cheer by donating gifts to the annual Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal. The appeal, a long-running partnership between Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah Salvation Army, aims to provide Christmas gifts to local families experiencing hardship. Council’s community and social planner Debra Hilton said rising living costs were placing increasing pressure on families, with Christmas adding to the financial strain. “We’re all feeling the pinch as prices go up, and a big event like Christmas can make people feel stressed, not joyful, as they consider the costs,” she […]