This article mentions sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. If you or someone you know is affected by these experiences and needs to contact someone, please contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
Joel Ulbricht, the manager of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, has stepped down from his role after pleading guilty to sexual touching without consent.
As the ABC reports, the incident in question occurred at Ulbricht's Central Coast home on the evening of January 3rd, where he and the unnamed complainant engaged in a social catch-up over a handful of alcoholic beverages.
The complainant slept at Ulbricht's house that evening, staying in a spare room, however they claimed that they awoke between 1am and 2am the following morning to find Ulbricht pressing his body against theirs.
The complainant alleged that Ulbricht placed his hand inside their underwear, touching their buttocks and moving towards their genitals before the complainant extricated themselves from the situation and left the room.
The incident was reported to police the following day, and Ulbricht voluntarily attended Gosford police station two days later, admitting to having been drinking that evening, but claiming to not recall the incident.
Ulbricht was charged by NSW Police in mid-March, attending Gosford Local Court in late April before entering a guilty plea to the charge on June 18th.
The incident in question took place just one month before Ulbricht was announced as the new Manager for the Tamworth Country Music Festival, taking over from Barry Harley, who announced in November he would retire following the 2026 event, putting an end to more than a decade helming the festival.
“I was fortunate enough to experience the Festival this January, and I was blown away,” Ulbricht said of his appointment to the role. “I am committed to enhancing visitor engagement, supporting artists and industry participants, and reinforcing the festival’s reputation as a world-class cultural event.”
Described as “an experienced festival and events professional with a career spanning across more than two decades,” Ulbricht had previously helmed events such as the Parkes Elvis Festival, the the Garma Festival, and many others.
However, just days after the festival unveiled the first artist announcement for its 2027 program, Ulbricht has tendered his resignation, officially leaving the event without a manager.
"Festivals & Events Manager Joel Ulbricht has departed the organisation and is no longer employed by council," a spokesperson for the Tamworth Regional Council confirmed to The Northern Daily Leader.
Despite Ulbricht’s no longer being an employee of the council, the 2027 event is still scheduled to run as planned. “Arrangements are in place to ensure continuity of event planning and delivery across the region,” the spokesperson added.
The 2027 edition of the Tamworth Country Music Festival takes place from January 15th to 24th.
Countrytown brings you Australia’s best country music news, interviews, charts and more every week! This post was authored by Countrytown and originally published on the Countrytown website. It has been re-published with permission.
