Gunnedah Shire Council has moved to enter into a Sister City Relationship with the Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province China.

Council resolved at an Extraordinary Meeting yesterday to formally enter into a Sister City Relationship with Yinzhou, with documents to be signed at an Official Sister City Ceremony at Wolseley Park from 11:00am on Friday, 15 September.

A delegation from the Yinzhou Government accepted an invitation to visit the Gunnedah Shire, following trade and investment missions in March and the signing of Friendly Relationship Exchange Agreements. Six senior members of the Yinzhou Government will travel to Gunnedah to formalise the relationship.

“It is exciting that we are taking the next step in the development of our relationship with the Yinzhou Government,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“Economic development is the focus of Yinzhou, however, education and tourism are also noted as a key focus.

“There is a lot we can learn from each other and this agreement will allow us to further promote a wide range of administrative, economic, investment, trade, agricultural, tourism, educational, cultural and other activities of mutual exchange benefit.”

Yinzhou District, China has a thriving economy characterised by large input and large output. Yinzhou has a population of 730,000, is the largest sea port in the world and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015 was valued at more than $27 billion across more than 15,000 organisations.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

GoCo Community Care launches Assistance with Care and Housing, a support program to provide assistance in linking residents to housing options.

The Commonwealth funded support program allows GoCo to provide links to services and information, help clients with housing applications, provide linkages to financial and legal advocacy, and assist clients in connecting with their community, and accessing care and support.

“GoCo has the opportunity, with the introduction of the Assistance with Care and Housing program, to support clients to maintain or find more suitable accommodation.

This program is for people who may be struggling on a low income, having difficulty paying their rent or it might be that someone needs help around the house or in the community,” GoCo Care and Housing Support Facilitator Jacquie Goodhew said. “GoCo can find a solution under this program.”

The program supports residents aged 50 years and over, and Aboriginal persons aged over 45.

For more information contact GoCo Care and Housing Support Facilitator, Jacquie Goodhew on (02) 6740 2240 or goco@infogunnedah.com.au 

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Tammey McAllan is a local artist who has been practicing and refining her art for three years and is quickly gaining recognition in the area for her whimsical contemporary arts practice.

Tammey is currently installing works at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery as part of an upcoming exhibition titled ‘The Beauty in Adamantine’.

“Tammey’s works are colourful, gestural and bold and always signed with Tammey’s quirky signature: Love Tammey,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said.

“We are looking forward to showcasing the colourful works of an up-and-coming local artist.”

Tammey’s professional career is beginning to flourish, she has previously exhibited at the Annual Gunnedah Arts and Ceramics Exhibition, Gunnedah Show, Boggabri Arts show and Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery’s - Strength and Diversity Exhibition.”

Tammey has recently moved to Boggabri where she has been instrumental with the Boggabri Hardware Store, Men’s Shed and Lions Club in opening a community arts shed. It is anticipated to be open to the public in early October 2017.

Tammey’s colourful and inspiring exhibition ‘The Beauty in Adamantine’ will officially open at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 6:00pm on Friday, 8 September. Drinks and canapes will be provided.

The exhibition continues until 15 October.

Photo 1: Tammey McAllan’s colourful exhibition will open this Friday.

Photo 2: Tammey McAllan is a local artist who is quickly gaining recognition in the area.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales will aid Gunnedah in marking its contribution to the state-wide soil collection for the Anzac Memorial Centenary Project.

The Project is the multi-million dollar redevelopment of NSW’s pre-eminent memorial to the contribution of NSW and Australian veterans to the First World War in Hyde Park, Sydney. It will feature an artwork developed by artist Fiona Hall alongside Sydney architect Richard Johnson, displaying soil collected from approximately 1700 locations across NSW, including Gunnedah.

The place names from which the soil is collected are taken from the database of Great War enlistees, summing up the geographical reach of the call to serve.

An official soil collection will take place at the Gunnedah Cenotaph on Wednesday, 13 September from 9:45am.

“We are honoured the Governor of NSW will be available to mark this poignant event with Gunnedah,” Anzac Working Group Chair Owen Hasler said.

“The Gunnedah Historical Society’s book, In the Line of Fire amply demonstrates how over 500 men from the Gunnedah District were prepared to sacrifice their lives for their nation and the soil collection process is a fitting memorial to their courage and their families support and sacrifice.

“The soil collection ritual allows Gunnedah to remember their own and then bring together other communities from across NSW in the final artwork for a very moving tribute.”

During his visit, the Governor will also attend the 2017 Mayoral Dinner on Wednesday evening, where he has been invited as guest speaker.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Digital safety is one of the most important protection issues in communities across Australia and Gunnedah Shire Library is joining the fight with the unveiling of an eSmart Library plaque today in conjunction with National Child Protection Week (4-8 September) and eSmart Library Week.

eSmart Libraries is one of the most significant community cyber safety programs ever undertaken in Australia, with over one-third of all libraries in Australia currently involved in the program. The program recognises Gunnedah Shire Library as equipped to support its customers to use technology in a smart, safe and responsible way.

Councillor Ann Luke unveiled the eSmart plaque on behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council.

“The Library staff have worked hard to achieve this status and with technology readily available to everyone, including young people, I am glad we are able to provide this great service to our community. It is also a great example of what can be achieved by a smaller regional Library,” Cr Luke said.

“I’ll be taking a copy of the Little Black Book of Scams, because we can all do with being up-to-date with what is around. As part of the service these books are available free at the Library.”

eSmart is an initiative of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, a national charity which works to protect children from violence.

“eSmart Libraries is one of the most significant community cyber safety programs ever undertaken in Australia, with over one-third of all libraries in Australia currently involved in the program,” Gunnedah Shire Council Librarian Christiane Birkett said.

“Gunnedah Shire Library is the 1st library in the north east zone, 4th library in NSW, 6th regional library service in Australia, and the 26th library service in Australia to become recognised as an eSmart library.

Photo caption (1): Gunnedah Shire Library staff Christiane Birkett, Yvonne Reading, Fiona Sills, Robyn Draper, and Councillor Ann Luke at the unveiling of the eSmart plaque.

Photo caption (2): Members of Gunnedah Shire Library’s Brain Training group at the unveiling.

Photo caption (3): Gunnedah Shire Library has an information stand on ways to become eSmart.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund is an initiative of our local community and provides an opportunity for our local youth to succeed in their tertiary education by encouraging students to embark on a journey of lifelong learning by financially supporting those moving on to pursue tertiary studies.

Since the Fund’s inception fourteen years ago, over $300,000 across more than 332 scholarships has been awarded to local students. Scholarships have covered many disciplines including accounting, agriculture, allied health, animal science, law, architecture, arts/theatre, civil engineering, education, information technology, medicine, nursing and social work.

Applications for the Community Scholarship Fund opened on 1 September 2017 and close on 18 December 2017 for the 2018 round - complete your applications for the 2018 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund here.

Applications for the Community Scholarship Fund opened on 19 September 2016 and close on 19 December 2016 for the next scholarship year.

Application are to be completed online for the 2017 round. You can view and apply using the 2017 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Application Form here.

If you require further information or have any questions please view the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Fact Sheet below or contact Council’s Youth Officer on 02 6740 2275 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

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You can view the 2017 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Application Form here.

Recently, Gunnedah Shire Council planted garden beds in Brock’s Court as part of the Community Strategic Plan to create a vibrant CBD precinct.

Unfortunately, plant thieves struck on two occasions last week removing an estimated value of $150 worth of plants from the gardens.

“We are working hard to put in place collective aspirations of the community and council to beautify our parks and gardens and enhance our streetscapes,” Acting Director Infrastructure Services Edward Paas said.

“We know there are only one or two individuals involved and the rest of the community are proud of Gunnedah and their surroundings.

“We won’t be discouraged by this thoughtless incident and will continue to work towards the goals the community have identified – providing more beautified spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy.”

Council will be reviewing CCTV surveillance of the area.

If anyone has information regarding the incident, please contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey together with the Gunnedah Ministers Fraternal invites members of the community to the 2017 Mayoral Dinner.

This week is the last chance to purchase tickets to the event to be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Wednesday, 13 September from 6:30pm.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the whole community together, and have the chance to hear His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley, Governor of New South Wales speak on his life as a Christian,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“We are honoured to have been given this opportunity and want to share it with our community.”

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson will perform the Master of Ceremonies at the event.

Tickets are $30 per head and include a two-course meal. Tickets can be purchased online at www.thecivic.com.au or in person at Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Office or the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.

Ticket sales close at 5:00pm on Friday, 1 September. For more information or enquiries please phone (02) 6740 2100.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council supported local business at the Indian Consulate’s 70th anniversary of Indian Independence at a gala event hosted by the Indian Consul-General at Pier One on the Sydney Harbour.

Council was extended an invitation after an Indian trade delegation toured the Gunnedah district with NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager Joe Townsend.

Special guests at the anniversary celebrations included NSW Minister of Multiculturalism and Minister for Disability Ray Williams; Minister for Counter Terrorism, Corrections and Veterans Affairs David Elliot; Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello; other Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Council; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; NSW State Office; Consul Generals of Japan and Egypt; and representatives from Indian associations, business and community.

Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle accompanied by Mullaley export business owner, Jacqueline Donoghue of Lively Linseed, presented the consulate with a Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce investment prospectus and spent time discussing trade and investment opportunities in the Gunnedah Shire.

“India has huge export potential, being the fastest growing economy in the world,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Gunnedah is well-suited for such an opportunity, given India’s high demand for coal, cotton and chickpeas, along with other products produced in our region.”

Indian delegates expressed genuine interest and an openness to discuss trade opportunities.

“It was a great opportunity to build relationships with India to promote our area,” Mrs Donoghue said.

“The discussions that took place showed a high level of willingness and genuine interest in our numerous products.”

Photo captions:

1. Lively Linseed Director Jacqueline Donoghue and Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Manager Charlotte Hoddle.

2. Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Manager Charlotte Hoddle with Aust-India Business Council Chair Pallavi Sinha.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Administered by the Leards Forest Precinct Environmental Trust Inc.

The aim of the Environmental Grant Program is to facilitate projects that enhance the environment, protect the environment, or provide a sustainable environmental solution.

The criteria can be defined as follows:

Enhance - to raise to a higher degree, to intensify, to magnify.

Protect - to secure for future generations.

Sustainable - a system that maintains its own viability.

The Environmental Grant Program is derived from contributions made by Maules Creek Coal, Boggabri Coal and Tarrawonga Coal Mines under Voluntary Planning Agreements.

The program is administered by the Leards Forest Precinct Environmental Trust Inc. The Trust consists of representatives from the above mines, community and Gunnedah and Narrabri Shire Councils.