On Monday, the man who spearheaded the ‘yes’ campaign in Ireland, Tiernan Brady, said the stories of support coming out of Tamworth warmed his heart.

“One of the things they’ve all been saying is how much strength they’ve got from their neighbours on this, which is really fabulous,” Mr Brady said.

“People are just asking if they’re OK, people understanding that this is tough for them.”

Recent polling suggests just over half – 51 per cent – of the New England electorate support same-sex marriage.

Local MP Barnaby Joyce is a supporter of traditional marriage, as was his predecessor Tony Windsor – however, Mr Windsor has since come out as a supporter of same-sex marriage.

“My thoughts are, it’s an issue where the time has come,” Mr Windsor said.

“I’m supportive of the issue. There are more people supportive of the issue than not and it’s important whether you agree or disagree, that you have your say.”

Mr Brady said Mr Windsor was a “very good reflection” of the journey a lot of people had experienced.

“They’ve changed their mind on the issue – 15 years ago, they weren’t for it and then they meet people in this community who are lesbian and gay, and realise it’s not going to take anything away from anybody if they can get married,” he said.

In March, Mr Brady spoke to a packed room of marriage equality supporters at Joe Maguires Pub. Six months down the track, and he can see how a grassroots movement has lead to local expressions of support such as cafes in Peel St putting up signs or the marriage equality rally in Bicentennial Park.

“You can have a national campaign, but an issue like this gets won when you have people in Tamworth talking to other people in Tamworth,” Mr Brady said.

“It’s very similar to Ireland, where you have towns like Tamworth and Armidale, and they have a real strong sense of identity and a real strong sense of community within those towns 

“That’s what’s really powerful. Yes, there is probably a larger conservative vote in these towns, but there is also a vote that understands this is about someone that is from here.”