The Slow Fade of Tullamore: A Rural Town at the Crossroads

Tullamore, NSW — A rural community in the Central West of New South Wales is watching its main street disappear. Once a thriving hub, the town of nearly 500 people has now lost most of its essential businesses—two general stores, two banks, a butcher, a hairdresser, and a newsagency have all closed their doors.

A Sudden Blow

The Tullamore Hotel, which changed hands in December 2025, closed within six months without any warning. The owners cited a "change in circumstances" but have not responded to requests for comment. Its departure leaves a gaping hole at the heart of the community.

"It's a kick in the guts. Our community is weakening. Our small town may die."
— Robert Edwards, longtime resident

Cardigan Street, the town's main artery, now holds just two remaining services: a BP service station and the bowling club.

A Community Under Pressure

The loss of the pub carries more than just social weight. Without the hotel's accommodation and dinner offerings, residents fear visitors will simply bypass the town entirely.

Jonathan Sleiman, who runs the BP Tullamore Truckstop & General Store, sees the anxiety firsthand. "The community is beautiful, but they're also scared," he said. Around 45% of his business comes from truck drivers, who rely on the stop for fuel, fresh groceries, and showers.

Locals now face a nearly 100-kilometre drive to Parkes or Dubbo for a basic supermarket shop.

Meanwhile, the Tullamore Bowling Club has been placed under increasing strain. It provides lunch services and hosts the town's only remaining ATM. David Edwards, secretary of the club, said the community is watching its history slip away.

"Historical aspects are disappearing. I would like to see the main street rebuilt."
— David Edwards, Tullamore Bowling Club

A School Shrinks

The town's demographic shift is starkly visible at Tullamore Central School. Once home to hundreds of students, it now educates roughly 50 children.

Council Vows Action

Parkes Shire Council Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee said the council is concerned about commercial properties being converted into residential homes—a trend that further erodes the town's services.

"The council will be proactive in regaining some of these facilities."
— Marg Applebee, Parkes Shire Council Deputy Mayor

As the town waits to see whether any new businesses will arrive, the remaining locals are left with a quiet, urgent question: can Tullamore survive?