AusMusic Month might have just wrapped up but that doesn’t make a lick of difference to 45 time Golden Guitar winning, country music star Troy Cassar-Daley. When it’s time to look ahead to the 2026 edition of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and its awards, when there’s new music, or any excuse really, the proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man pops in to see his mate and supporter of three decades, Brian ‘Howdy’ Howard, the breakfast presenter of 88.9FM/99.5FM.

Troy and Howdy in 2024

Troy has served as the Festival’s Sustainability Ambassador for more than 25 years now, visiting local schools to inspire young people and promote a clean, green region and event. Howdy is not just a radio announcer either. As a musician, singer and songwriter too he was inducted into the Australian Country Music Hall Of Fame and the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2006. He’s also been a firefighter for more than 50 years.

And in 2023

The two sharing stories, milestones, and memories, across the airwaves and off, represent the important connection between radio and local music and artists.

Long may it continue.