Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson announced today an $850,000 boost for Gunnedah's Livvi's Place Playground - an all inclusive playground planned to be built at Wolseley Park.

Gunnedah Shire Council applied for funding from the Stronger Country Communities Program as part of the NSW Government's $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund to add to already allocated funds. The project will see trampolines, dual swings, a sandpit, tube rides, acoustic instruments and more.

“Our community has been calling out for upgrades to local facilities and I’m thrilled these sorts of projects can now be carried out. This inclusive playground has a wide variety of activities that will entertain a range of ages and abilities," Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said.

“Livvi’s Place playground has to come to life through the Stronger Country Communities program which is a once-in-a-generation investment and it will provide regional towns like Gunnedah with the infrastructure they deserve.

“We need to continue to work toward improving the lives of residents and enhance the attractiveness of our region, this funding will help us do exactly that."

The concept plan was developed by Kathryn Yigman of Stewart Surveys, following extensive consultation with the community and the Inclusive Playground Working Group.

Local mum Ashley Bender began the campaign for the playground by presenting a 300-plus signature petition to Council to consider the concept.

Earlier in the year, Council moved to enter into partnership with the Touched By Olivia Foundation, whose purpose is to create inclusive play spaces to give every Australian the right to play, side by side, without discrimination or prejudice and to facilitate social and community inclusion for people with a disability as well as their families and carers.

The NSW Government is delivering the largest litter reduction scheme ever introduced in NSW, Return and Earn.

Return and Earn will roll out from 1 December 2017 and will help to reduce the 160 million drink containers littered in our environment each year. Drink containers make up almost half of the volume of litter in NSW.

Woolworths Gunnedah has been chosen as the retail partner for this scheme, with Reverse Vending Machines located at the back of the store.

Return and Earn is part of the NSW Government's commitment to reducing litter volume in NSW by 40 per cent by 2020.

Key features of Return and Earn are:

• when the scheme is fully rolled out, there will be more than 500 collection points across the state, including in remote towns of more than 500 people and at 270 sites across the Greater Sydney Region;
• the 10 cent refund at reverse vending machines will be provided as a voucher for in-store redemption, electronic transfer, cash or may be donated to a community group;
• eligible containers include most glass, cans, plastic and paperboard drink containers between 150 millilitres and three litres - those most often found in the litter stream.

How will this benefit my community?

The main beneficiaries of the scheme will be the environment and the community. Over the next 20 years, the scheme is expected to result in:

1. 1.6 billion fewer beverage containers being littered.
2. Almost 11 billion fewer beverage containers ending up in landfill.
3. 12.6 billion more beverage containers being recycled.

What containers are eligible?

Most empty 150-millilitre to three litre beverage containers will be eligible for a 10 cent refund when presented to an approved NSW collection point. There are some exceptions and containers not eligible for a refund are described in the section below.

Container materials that may be eligible for a refund include:

• PET
• HDPE
• glass
• aluminium
• steel
• liquid paperboard

Scheme exceptions

Containers that are not included in the scheme and, therefore, do not qualify for a refund are:

• plain milk (or milk substitute) containers
• flavoured milk containers of one litre or more
• pure fruit or vegetable juice containers of one litre or more
• glass containers for wine and spirits
• casks (plastic bladders in boxes) for wine and casks for water of one litre or more
• sachets for wine of 250 millilitres or more
• containers for cordials, and concentrated fruit/vegetable juices
• registered health tonics

These drinks are predominantly consumed at home and are not found in the litter stream. They are also broadly similar to the exceptions in the South Australian and Northern Territory container deposit schemes, to aid consistency.

How do I participate?

From 1 December 2017, consumers can exchange an eligible container at an approved collection point to receive a 10 cent refund per container. Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and with the original label attached.

Consumers that use a reverse vending machine to return their containers will have three options to receive a refund payment:

1. Donating to a selected charity.
2. Receiving the refund into your registered account.
3. Taking a voucher into the retail partner to either redeem for cash or use towards your purchase.

Schools, charities and community groups can register for Return and Earn Reverse Vending Machine donations via email to: donations@tcnsw.com.au

There will be more than 500 collection points across NSW that may include Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) in your local shopping centre or shops, over the counter sites, existing recycling centres, or a combination of all. An online map will be unveiled in coming weeks so that you can find your nearest collection point.

For more information visit www.returnandearn.org.au

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery is proud to exhibit a collaborative collection of works titled, ‘A Wilful, Lavish Land’, by renowned artists Frances Feasey, Emily Simson and Maree Kelly.

The exhibition is named after a line from Dorothea Mackellar’s famous poem ‘My Country’, which inspired the artists to explore their practices of drawing, printmaking and painting different landscapes, using acrylics and oils.

All three artists are established regional artists and have been exhibiting their works throughout NSW for more than 15 years, both in solo and group exhibitions.

Frances Feasey grew up in the Tamworth area and now lives in the Blue Mountains.

She attended TAFE at Tamworth with Emily Simson were they studied Fine Arts. Frances will showcase drawings, using both oil and acrylic media in the exhibition. “I’m interested in the afternoon light in the landscape. This is the time when different colours emerge, flickers of light highlighting different aspects of the bush reveal themselves and an eerie atmosphere is created,” Frances said.

“My painting process involves lots of mark making and building up of layers. With my work I oscillate between creating images that are representational and creating abstract marks and shapes. They are always with a particular landscape in mind such as my neighbourhood in the Blue Mountains or Hill End in NSW, uniting the works.”

Emily Simson grew up on the family farm ‘Red Bobs’, Wandobah and is now living in Armidale. Emily will display print-making, drawing and acrylic paintings in the exhibition.

“Painting the landscape is endless, even the most familiar scene is constantly changing in the light, seasons and weather. So my paintings are following the feeling of being in the landscape, completely surrounded by that particular day or hours, the stillness or wind or heat,” Emily said.

Maree Kelly was born and raised in Gunnedah and now lives on a farm south of Curlewis. Maree also attended TAFE, before finishing a degree in Fine Arts at Newcastle University with Emily. Maree will exhibit oil paintings on canvas and paper.

“I live on part of Long Mountain at Curlewis and recent work has explored my own backyard - the foothills and rocky outcrops around the mountain and the panoramic views looking out from the mountain over the plains. I looked at different light in the landscape during different seasons and times of day, and the artworks in the exhibition range from paintings of strong light on a winter morning to the mysterious light cast by a full moon,” Maree said.

The exhibition opening night will be held from 6:00pm on Saturday, 9 December 2017 at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery. Light refreshments will be provided.

The exhibition continues until 2 February, 2018.

Photo Caption 1: Maree Kelly.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on the local community to get involved in the Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal and the Library ‘Food for Fines’ initiative this year.

Council’s Community Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal focuses on the collection of food and toys for distribution by the Salvation Army to local individuals and families who are facing tough times over the Christmas period.

The Library ‘Food for Fines” initiative invites Library members who may have incurred a Library fine to instead donate a non-perishable food item to the value of the fine.

“I am proud that Council is behind this great initiative which is now in its third year. Last year, residents throughout the Gunnedah Shire donated almost 200 items, proving once again what an extremely compassionate and generous community we have. The appeal provides a great way for all of us to reach out and help others, at what is such a special time of year,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The appeal will complement the wonderful work of the Salvation Army and other local emergency relief and support services during what are normally their busiest time of the year. I encourage everyone to get involved. “Last year, the Salvation Army helped over 300,000 Australians in need at Christmas. In 2016, Salvation Army figures revealed that sadly, 55 per cent of disadvantaged people were not able to give gifts to their family and friends at Christmas. Let’s band together and support those in need this Christmas,” Cr Chaffey concluded.

Residents can give to a child and family in need this Christmas, by placing an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item under one of the Christmas trees located at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building (63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah) or Gunnedah Shire Library (291 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah).

For health and hygiene reasons, pre-loved toys cannot be accepted and only in-date canned and/or non-perishable food items are encouraged for donation.

The final collection date at both locations will be Tuesday, 12 December 2017. For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: Dianne Schutz (Salvation Army) and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100

Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to adopt the following draft policies for public exhibition:

• Draft Cultural Precinct Venue Hire Policy;
• Draft Arts and Cultural Grants Policy; and
• Medical Professionals Accommodation Policy

Council calls for public submissions in relation to the policies up to 5:00pm Friday 15 December 2017. The policy is on display at Council Administration Building, Library and Community Care centre and can be viewed online under Draft Documents and Exhibition.

Should any further information or assistance be required, please contact Council 02 6740 2100.

November is National Asbestos Awareness Month and Gunnedah Shire Council is urging homeowners, renovators and tradies to take asbestos warnings seriously when renovating or maintaining homes and learn how to manage it safely.

“Australia was among the largest consumers of asbestos-containing materials in the world, with asbestos used in the manufacture of a broad range of building and decorator products that can still be found in one in three brick, weatherboard, fibro and clad Australian homes,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron said.

“It can be in any home built or renovated before 1987; lurking under floor coverings, including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, home extensions, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even dog kennels.

“Asbestos was used everywhere. So, if you’re a homeowner, renovator or tradie, and you don’t know the risks, the products to look for or how to manage asbestos safely, you could be risking your life and the lives of others if you disturb asbestos-containing materials and release fibres into that air that can be inhaled.”

Well-maintained and undisturbed asbestos is unlikely to pose a health risk, however, if disturbed they can cause disease.

“When it comes to asbestos, don’t cut it, don’t drill it, don’t drop it, dismantle it or demolish it, and definitely don’t dump it.”

To find out how to safely dispose of asbestos locally, contact Gunnedah Waste Management Facility on (02) 6742 3943.

To learn more about managing asbestos handling and removal safely please visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au 

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

An official sod turning ceremony was held yesterday to mark the commencement of construction works for the $3.2 million Blackjack Creek Flood Mitigation Project.

The site was declared open for construction by Deputy Mayor Gae Swain and Daracon Group’s Construction Manager Adam King.

The project was a recommendation of the Blackjack Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study to reduce the impact of flooding from Blackjack Creek and to protect surrounding properties.

Gunnedah Shire Council accepted a tender in June from Daracon Group for $1.958 million, for the creation of channel banks and deepening, widening and the realignment of 1.9 kilometres of Blackjack Creek to increase capacity.

The project also includes the installation of storm water pipes under Wandobah Road and associated road works, as well as the removal and replanting of trees in the area. “I extend my appreciation to the Flood Mitigation Working Group, both current and past, for their commitment to this project,” Deputy Mayor Gae Swain said.

“We are proud to be at this stage to see the works start on this project.”

The project will commence on 13 November and is expected to take approximately 16 weeks.

Photo Caption: Deputy Mayor Gae Swain and Daracon Group’s Construction Manager Adam King turn the sod on the Blackjack Creek Flood Mitigation Project.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Farmers, fishers, and community and industry groups in the Gunnedah Shire can apply for grants of between $5000 and $100,000 to assist them to protect and improve the condition of natural resources.

Applications are open for the Federal Government’s $50 million Smart Farms Small Grants Program, through the National Landcare Program. Gunnedah Shire Council is offering assistance to anyone who would like to apply in completing their applications.

“It is a great opportunity for our farmers to tap into much-needed funds to help them to diversify or run their businesses more efficiently and sustainably,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

“Our agricultural sector is a large part of our economy and the flow-on effect from it thriving is extremely rewarding for our entire community.

“If anyone is interested in finding out more information regarding this grant or if they need any assistance in completing an application we are available to help.”

For information on how to apply for the Smart Farms Small Grants Program, please contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100.

Applications close 7 December, 2017.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

The Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce 2017 Christmas Lights Competition is officially open. A number of Gunnedah Gift Cards are up for grabs across six categories – Best Decorated House, Best Nativity Scene, Best Christmas Theme in a Village, Santa Street, Judges Choice Award and Best Dressed Shopfront Window.

The competition closes at 5:00pm on Friday, 1 December 2017. Judging will take place on Monday, 4 December 2017 and winners will be announced at the Gunnedah Christmas Fair on Friday, 8 December 2017.

Download a 2017 Christmas Lights Competition Entry Form here.

For more information please contact Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Works for the Curlewis Pipeline Project, which proposes to connect Gunnedah’s town water supply to Curlewis, has gone to tender. The $5.9 million project will improve water quality, storage capacity and security for the village.

This major project will involve the installation of a 15.8 kilometre pipeline from Wandobah Road, via Blackjack Forest Road, Booloocooroo and Preston roads to Curlewis, the construction of two 500 kilolitre storage reservoirs and a disinfection dosing station.

“Council has consulted with Curlewis residents over a long period of time, with a key piece of feedback being concern with water quality in the village. The pipeline was Council’s preferred option and would allow us to deliver a solution that will greatly improve Curlewis’ water and cater for a future increase in population growth,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The project will create social and economic benefits for Curlewis and help to attract families to the village, which will create a flow-on effect for local businesses and the school. Curlewis is a high potential residential, industrial and economic growth area, with affordability and access to services attractive to investors and people looking to reside in the Gunnedah Shire.”

Gunnedah Shire Council was successful in obtaining $2.6 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. Council is also seeking funding under the NSW Safe and Secure Water Program for the project.

The project is expected to commence in late January 2018 and construction is projected to take 12 to 18 months.

Tender documents can be obtained by registering on the e-tendering portal at www.tenderlink.com/gunnedah. The closing date for submissions is 5:00pm on 24 November 2017.

Submissions are also currently open to design, develop and construct a four megalitre water supply storage reservoir at Apex Road, Gunnedah. Tenders for this project close at 5:00pm on 17 November 2017.

For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.