TAMWORTH Regional Council has announced the appointment of Joel Ulbricht as new events manager.
Mr Ulbricht will replace Barry Harley, who has worked for Tamworth Regional Council for 11 years. Mr Harley leaves an incredible legacy, especially in his role as the Tamworth Country Music Festival Manager.
Mr Ulbricht is an experienced festival and events professional with a career spanning more than two decades.
He’s held numerous leadership roles across Australia’s major event landscape including in Northern Territory, Queensland, ACT, and New South Wales.
Known for combining strategic vision with hands-on delivery, he has led the planning, commercial development, and execution of large-scale community festivals, agricultural shows, and cultural events that collectively attract tens of thousands of attendees and generate meaningful regional impact.
Mr Ulbricht says he is passionate about events as drivers of economic development, cultural identity, and community connection, particularly in regional Australia.
“I am thrilled to be in Tamworth and honoured to take on such an important role,” he said.
“I hope to contribute forward-thinking perspectives grounded in innovation, financial discipline, and audience experience for already established and new events across the Tamworth Region, while honouring its legacy as Australia’s country music capital.
“I was fortunate enough to experience the Festival this January, and I was blown away.
“I am committed to enhancing visitor engagement, supporting artists and industry participants, and reinforcing the festival’s reputation as a world-class cultural event,” he said.
Mr Ulbricht’s portfolio spans major agricultural shows, community festivals, cultural celebrations, and tourism-driven events, including leadership roles with the Katherine Show, Parkes Elvis Festival, Garma Festival, Trundle Abba Festival, UCI BMX World Championships and involvement across numerous regional showcase events.
Creative communities and experiences executive manager, Peter Ross, says Mr Ulbricht brings with him a strong background in festival, events and cultural programming.
“Joel has extensive experience delivering complex, large-scale events and working closely with artists, producers, sponsors and community stakeholders,” Mr Ross said.
“His skills in planning, partnerships and on-the-ground delivery will be a great asset as we continue to grow and evolve our events portfolio as well as the Tamworth Country Music Festival.”
In late 2025, Barry Harley announced his retirement. He will remain at Council part-time for the next few months to ensure a smooth and successful handover, providing continuity, insight and support.
