Gunnedah’s GoCo Community Care has won two categories in the Community Transport Awards at the Community Transport Organisation Annual Conference 2016, beating out 91 other community transport groups in NSW.

Hope Cahill and Jill Woodhead won the prestigious Volunteer Of The Year award for their work caring for and comforting a client in his final days. Hope and Jill went beyond their transport obligations, and regularly visited the client in the Gunnedah District Hospital. They then went on to visit him in the Tamworth Base Hospital, 72km away, when his condition deteriorated further, even bringing his beloved pet dog to be by his bedside in his final hours.

“It’s great to see the volunteers rewarded, especially when they’ve been as selfless as Hope and Jill,” said GoCo Community Care Team Leader Sharon Tibbs, “This recognition by the NSW Community Transport Organisation is a fantastic way of showing not only the people of Gunnedah but the entire state of NSW exactly what our volunteers do, and that volunteering doesn’t go unrewarded.

“It’s a very prestigious award, and one we really think Hope and Jill deserve.”

GoCo itself also won the Social Impact Award, in recognition for the impact the organisation has had on the people of the Gunnedah Shire community.

“We’re very proud of that one, too. There are plenty of community care and transport organisations in NSW doing fantastic work, and to be chosen as the winners of the Social Impact category is a huge honour.”

The NSW Community Transport Organisation is the peak body representing all the community transport services in NSW, and provides support and leadership to members statewide. The Awards were of the CTO’s Annual Conference 2016.

Media Contact: Tom Plevey, (02) 6740 2100

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The Gunnedah Shire Council Community Scholarship Fund provides an opportunity for young people from the Gunnedah Shire to apply for funding to help contribute towards the costs of studying a Certificate IV or higher in 2017.

As the associated costs of going off to university or TAFE outside of Gunnedah can be large, the Gunnedah Community Scholarship fund is designed to help ease this burden, with the hope that the recipients will use their education to benefit rural Australia.

“Even though our young people may leave Gunnedah to pursue further education, we should never lose sight of the importance of encouraging our youth to achieve their career goals. It’s especially heartening to know that many of these young people are returning to the region in later years, bringing their professional skills and experience and, in many cases, young families with them,” said Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor and GCSF Chairperson Gae Swain.

Scholarship winners can use the fund to study any subject they wish, and past winners have used it to study a wide variety of courses, from accounting to social work – anything beneficial to rural Australia, and especially Gunnedah Shire.
The scholarship is funded in partnership with local businesses and individuals, and the Gunnedah Community Fund continues to welcome all support, from both inside and outside the Gunnedah Shire. The fund always welcomes new benefactors who wish to further the education of local students.

“It is only through the corporate support and donations of the community that we are able to continue to offer scholarships to some of our young people undertaking their studies. Every dollar donated and raised for the fund goes directly towards our young people studying.
“The Gunnedah community has consistently demonstrated that it collectively wishes to promote such higher educational endeavors in the firm belief that in the longer term the rural sector, this community and the nation will benefit,” said Cr Swain.

The Scholarship was started in 2003 in order to encourage Gunnedah Shire students to engage in higher learning, in response to the troubling fact that this region has one of the lowest post-secondary education retention rates in Australia. Over the last thirteen years, the GCSF has distributed over $300,000 worth of funds to student of the Gunnedah Shire.

Applications opened on Monday the 19th of September 2016 and close on Monday the 19th of December 2016.

Successful applicants will be announced on Friday, the 20th of January 2017, with a presentation ceremony Tuesday the 31st of January 2017.

To apply, the application form can be accessed using the link below:
http://bit.ly/GSCCS17 

For those who wish to contribute to the future of Gunnedah and its students, donations can be delivered as cash or cheque (made out to “Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund”), or paid via BPAY or BPOINT following the issue of a tax invoice. Alternatively, donations can be mailed to:
Gunnedah Shire Council
PO Box 63
GUNNEDAH NSW 2380

For any further information, please contact Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100.
Media Contact: Tom Plevey (02) 6740 2100

A challenging and rewarding position exists for a Project Officer with the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society Inc. The position requires an enthusiastic and self motivated person with excellent communication, technical and organisational skills. An affinity with school students and a love of literacy is an advantage.

The position is part-time, average 25 hrs per week, and will have overall responsibility for the planning, co-ordinating and managing of the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards. Further information can be obtained at dorotheamackellar@bigpond.com or 02 6742 1200. Applications close 14 November 2016.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s End of Term Report is now available, detailing the achievements of the previous Council made from 2012 to 2016.

The principal highlights included:

• Achieving a financially sustainable position by decreasing expenditure and forward planning to ensure Community assets are appropriately funded, maintained and updated;
• Being recognised as ‘Fit for the Future’ in the recent 2015 Local Government Reforms;
• The undertaking of an organisational review and implementation of efficiencies in Council operations which resulted in $1.7 million in annual and recurrent savings over the four-year term;
• Completion of back-to-back significant capital works programs well in excess of council's previous programs, resulting in a reduction of Council’s infrastructure backlog;
• Funding and increase in the availability of serviced industrial land.

"To come out of this period of structural change across the local government community of NSW in such good shape was a significant achievement by the Council and senior staff responsible for guiding us through that difficult period," stated former Mayor, Owen Hasler.

"We have been comprehensively assessed as very competent in many of our areas of operation including financial, engineering, and community services. Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), the Local Government Review Team, the Office of Local Government, and our peers in Local Government NSW, have noted that Gunnedah Shire Council are a progressive and economically-sustainable Council focused on operational efficiency and high-quality service provision," Councillor Hasler continued.

"This places us in an outstanding position to set significant targets for the next four years and I look forward to working with new Mayor, Jamie Chaffey and my council colleagues to continue the same high standard of service provision"

"I would encourage members of the community who are interested in better understanding the quality services that our council provides for residents in Gunnedah Shire to have a look at the Report," he concluded.

The full End of Term Report is available for download from Council’s website below.

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End of Term Report Highlights

• 850m of sewer mains replaced.
• 11.07km of sewer relining undertaken.
• 14.3km of new road constructed.
• 12,329ML of water supplied.
• 61,775 trips delivered by Community Transport, covering 469,803km.
• 33 Community Hub Events staged.
• $38,690 of funding delivered to 7 local businesses, under the Business Partner Program.
• Enacted a new Local Preference Policy, developed in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, resulting in improved opportunities for local businesses to work with Council.
• 35 community groups received $72,060 worth of funding.
• 21 sporting groups received $53,125 worth of funding.
• 280 GoCo Packages provided.
• 88,652 hours of support provided to aged and disability customers and their carers.
• $145,500 distributed to 146 Community Scholarship recipients.
• An average of 145 customer requests processed each month.
• Installation of 17 CCTV cameras in the CBD, with more to come.

One of the 43 (out of 104) NSW local governments deemed Fit For The Future by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Media Contact: Tom Plevey (02) 6740 2100

The Retrospective Collection of Marius Vanderkley will open at 6pm, on Friday the 21st of October, exhibiting the life’s work of renowned Dutch artist Marius Vanderkley. Marius was a prolific artist whose heart ran with any medium, but his love was pastels and acrylics.

Marius’ hometown was short distance from the hometown of the great Dutch Impressionist, Vincent Van Gogh, and as a young man Marius studied and deciphered the original works of Van Gogh which was evident in his practice. Marius worked with Oscar winner, George Pal, designing sets and characters within their animation studio in Eindhoven, Holland.

Marius immigrated to Australia to flee the torture of his war-torn home, and used his art as his form of healing to overcome this torment. He was an avid and active participant in many art societies throughout Australia.
Marius passed on March 9th, 2016 in Manilla, NSW. Due to this event, no more product to be forthcoming.

“Marius was an inspirational artist, who freely shared his time and wisdom to inspire others. The Retrospective Collection of Marius Vanderkley is an incredibly moving exhibition that captures his artistic nature and evolution of his life through his art,” said Gunnedah Shire Council, Cultural Officer, Lauren Mackley. Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre has the honour of exhibiting artworks Marius created throughout his life.

The official exhibition opening of The Retrospective Collection of Marius Vanderkley starts at 6pm Friday the 21st October, 2016 at The Gunnedah Creative Arts Gallery, 83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah. Live music, food and wine will be provided on the night. The exhibition will run until the 20th of November.

The Retrospective Collection of Marius Vanderkley is a tribute and a testament to the life of a man who truly had a compulsion to create.

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Join GoCo and New England Partners in Recovery for fun on the green with your team. GoCo Barefoot Bowls & BBQ will be held at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club on Wednesday, 21 June 2017 from 11.30am to 3.30pm to raise awareness about mental health and connect people with the support available in the Gunnedah community.

‘Last year’s Barefoot Bowls & BBQ event was a great success, and there has been so much interest in running it annually, we have now set a date for this year’s event!’ GoCo Partners in Recovery Support Facilitator Barb Heath said.

“It is a wonderful way for people to connect with each other and have fun, whether you want to play or spectate and have some lunch, everyone is invited” she concluded.
GoCo Partners in Recovery assists people experiencing mental illness to make choices and take control of opportunities in their lives. GoCo provides a range of support options for disability, aged care and transport.

To sign up for Barefoot Bowls & BBQ or for more information about GoCo services, contact Barb Heath on 6740 2181 or drop into the GoCo office at 80 Marquis St, Gunnedah.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

In honour of National Police Remembrance Day, Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey was in Walcha last week to pay his respects to police officers and staff who paid the ultimate price in their service.

Mayor Chaffey was moved by the service and by remembering those who had given their lives whilst carrying out their duties.

“It’s humbling to remember those who gave their lives to protect the people of NSW,” Mayor Chaffey said.

“It’s very important for us to all remember those who work to safeguard our community, and take note that the work they do is incredibly important, but can also be incredibly dangerous.”

“We’re lucky to have these amazing people in our police force.” Mayor Chaffey said.

The service, held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Walcha was held to commemorate those who lost their lives in service over the last year: Sergeant Geoffrey Graham Richardson, and Police accountant Curtis Shu Kei Cheng. Sergeant Richardson lost his life while on his way to attend an emergency in the Hunter Valley on 5 March this year, and Mr. Cheng was gunned down in front of Parramatta Police Station on 2 October 2015.

Attached is a photo of Mayor Jamie Chaffey with Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, and Police Inspector Paul Johnson.

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Featuring some fresh faces after the recent Council election, the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group met on Tuesday evening, to discuss initiatives to enhance community safety and reduce crime in the Gunnedah Shire.

Councillors attending were Colleen Fuller, John Campbell, David Moses and Murray O’Keefe. With the re-election of Councillor Fuller as Chair, the Working Group was quick to get down to business, with in-depth discussion taking place on topics ranging from crime prevention through environmental design, CCTV, alcohol-free zones, domestic and family violence, drug prevention educational materials and police crime statistics.

“I am delighted that Councillor Fuller has been re-elected unopposed to this very important working group; her contributions made in the previous term have been recognised and we look forward to her positive leadership over the next term.”

“Also Welcome to Councillor O’Keefe and Campbell, we look forward to their positive contributions and new ideas to the Working Group” Mayor Chaffey said.

Established in 2000, the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group is an advisory group that meets bi-monthly. Adopting a whole of community approach to crime prevention within the Gunnedah Shire, membership is drawn from a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives from NSW Police Oxley Local Area Command, Gunnedah Family Support, PCYC, Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, several community and youth members, as well as Council staff.

The Group played a significant role in the development of the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Plan 2014-2017 and has over time championed for changes to State and Federal government domestic violence policy and funding, supported the lodgement of several successful grant funding applications, and contributed to community safety projects including the implementation of CCTV in the Gunnedah CBD and the Gunny Get You Home Safe initiative.

Photo: Meeting of the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group.

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We are proud to announce that Gunnedah’s GoCo has been nominated as a semi-finalist in the 1st Choice Rentals Volunteering category for the 2016 NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards.

GoCo received the nomination for the work of two outstanding GoCo volunteers Jill Woodhead and Hope Cahill, who made an amazing community contribution by spending time comforting a dying man who was without family in his final days.

Out of the kindness of their hearts, Woodhead and Cahill regularly visited the man in Gunnedah District Hospital. When the man’s condition deteriorated and he was transferred to Tamworth Base Hospital, Woodhead and Cahill travelled every day to visit him, do his washing, and sit with him.

When his condition deteriorated further, Woodhead and Cahill brought his dog to his bedside, and he was able to spend his final hours with his beloved pet before he died.
“They are volunteers with a heart of gold, who really went above and beyond in their duties.” GoCo Community Care Team Leader Sharon Tibbs said.

“They only knew this gentleman from taking him on trips with Community Transport. If only the world had more people with hearts as big as theirs” she concluded.

GoCo Volunteers make an exceptional contribution to GoCo and to the wider community. They assist with everything from general lifestyle support to more dedicated medical support. Over the years, the Volunteers have done everything from laundry and mowing lawns, to dressing changes and wound cleaning.

GoCo prides itself on offering tailored packages, with as much or as little care as need, with their aim to preserve and maintain their clients’ independence. GoCo’s services are extremely diverse and include Aged care, disability support, Aboriginal support, assistance for those with dementia, and community transport – vital for those in towns with limited services. Additionally, GoCo’s Community Hub provides guidance for all members of the community, not just those in need of specialised care.

GoCo is also the point of contact in the Gunnedah Shire for the National Disability Insurance team.

“GoCo has 40 community Volunteers in Gunnedah, with 22 transport drivers. We’re able to transport anyone in the community who needs transport services, and school leavers can access help with resumes through our Community Hub, for example,” Ms Tibbs said.

Always looking to do more for the community, GoCo is seeking new volunteers to continue their great work in the community. If you (or anyone you know- rope in those bored friends and neighbours!) can spare as little as a few hours a week, just get in contact.

If you are in need of care or assistance, please contact GoCo on (02) 6740 2240, through the form on their website at www.gococare.com.au, or drop in to their offices at 80 Marquis Street, Gunnedah.

With over 127 years of combined experience in their community care team, GoCo started out as a small organisation in Gunnedah, and has since expanded to care operations in Moree, Quirindi, Narrabri, Tamworth, and everywhere in between. Two of the original three founding members still form part of GoCo today, and they continue to live up to GoCo’s core belief of empowering people to live their lives the way they choose.

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Gunnedah Shire Council ANZAC Working Group has launched ticket sales for the major musical event 100 Years Commemoration of ANZAC: The Music of War and Peace Time at the Gunnedah Town Hall on November 11 and 12 2016.

The major musical event has been funded through the Australian Government ANZAC Centenary Arts and Culture Fund and will commemorate the sacrifice of Australian men and women during wartime. The show will tell part of the story of war through music of the time as well as songs which reflect on the experience of war such as “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda” and “I was Only 19”.

The 100 Years Commemoration of ANZAC: The Music of War and Peace Time will feature a large cast of local musicians and performers and a major drawcard will be the return of professional musicians, Anthony Snape and Cassie Carbliss (nee Berry) to the Town Hall stage. Both Anthony and Cassie performed in a similar event while students at Gunnedah High School and have gone on to work as professional musicians. Anthony is now based in Nashville and his return to the Gunnedah stage is eagerly anticipated.

Gunnedah-based band Streamline and students from the Gunnedah Conservatorium will also feature during the event which will condense 100 years of music into a 90-minute show.

There will be three performances of 100 Years Commemoration of ANZAC: The Music of War and Peace Time. A free matinee for schools on Friday 11 November will incorporate a minute of silence at the 11th hour marking the end of the First World War. The 7pm performance will be presented in cabaret style and incorporate a three-course meal by local caterers, The Verdict for $55. There will also be a matinee performance on Saturday 12 November at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased at The CIVIC or on the www.thecivic.com.au website by following the BOOK NOW link.

“In partnership with Gunnedah Conservatorium and artists Anthony Snape and Cassie Carbliss, the Gunnedah Shire Council’s ANZAC Working Group’s vision is to present a performance which examines how music has been the soundtrack to the Australian experience of war and peace time,” said Councillor Owen Hasler, Chair of the Gunnedah ANZAC Working Group.

“I would encourage those interested to book as soon as possible as tickets are expected to sell quickly. I look forward to a great show.”

100 Years Commemoration of ANZAC: The Music of War and Peace Time is presented by Gunnedah Shire Council’s ANZAC Working Group in conjunction with Gunnedah Conservatorium and supported by the Australian Government ANZAC Centenary Arts and Culture Fund.

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