November 30, 2022

Gunnedah Shire is taking its next step in strengthening our Sister City partnership with Kolomotu’a in Tonga by hosting a workshop for employers who are interested in employing Tongan people.

Pacific Labour Facility will hold a workshop in Gunnedah on Friday, December 9 to talk about the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM).

The PALM scheme helps to fill labour gaps in rural and regional Australia by offering employers access to a pool of reliable, productive workers.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said employing people from Tonga and the Pacific Islands had huge benefits for both employers and the workers.

“Money sent home to Tonga by residents living and working overseas accounts for nearly half the country’s gross domestic product,” Cr Chaffey said. “Providing good jobs is one of the most important ways we can assist the economy of Pacific Islands.

“It is also a great solution to our own labour shortage problems. We have had Tongan nationals supporting Gunnedah for more than 10 years, and it has proven to be a wonderful partnership. We saw first-hand what a positive difference overseas work can make for a family when a Gunnedah delegation visited Kolomotu’a in October.

“I encourage employers across a range of businesses – from agriculture and horticulture, accommodation, aged care, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality – any number of areas, to come along and learn more.”

Pacific Labour Facility Regional Relationship Manager Fionnuala Dixon said that eligible businesses can recruit workers, through the PALM scheme, for seasonal jobs for up to 9 months or for longer-term roles for between one and 4 years in unskilled, low-skilled and semi-skilled positions.

“The scheme not only fills a need for labour, but creates positive connections between Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Timor-Leste”
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme workshop will be held:

• 9.30-10.30am on Friday, December 9, 2022
  • At the Gunnedah Shire Council Chambers in Elgin Street
  • Presented by Fionnuala Dixon from the Pacific Labour Facility

Please indicate your interest to Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater on 02 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au attention Manager Economy and Growth.

Caption: Tongan workers with Mayor Jamie Chaffey in Gunnedah this year.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

29 November, 2022

The Gunnedah Shire community is invited to the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree on Tuesday, 6 December at 7pm.

The lighting of the Community Christmas Tree in Brock’s Court is an annual tradition in Gunnedah and a festive occasion.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the tree was a symbol of brighter days for the Shire after months of successive flooding and a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus.

“Gunnedah Shire has been through a tremendous ordeal these past few months and now more than ever, we need symbols of hope and joy in our community,” he said.

 “The lighting of the tree is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together after months of isolation and challenges due to the multiple flood events.

“I look forward to seeing many residents at this special occasion.”

Gunnedah Conservatorium will perform Christmas carols at the lighting event.

What: Community Christmas Tree lighting

When: 7pm, Tuesday, 6 December

Where: Brock’s Court, cnr of Conadilly and Chandos streets

Bring: Chair or picnic mat

Caption: The lighting of Gunnedah’s Community Christmas Tree is a festive affair.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

28 November, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council is inviting local families, people with disability, and carers to attend a free community fun day on Saturday, 3 December.

The event will be held at Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground in Conadilly Street from 4pm to 6pm to celebrate International Day for People with Disability, which is held annually on 3 December. The event is an initiative of the Gunnedah Shire Access Working Group.

 “We have chosen Livvi’s Place so there is an additional focus on inclusivity through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for people with disability,” Working Group Chair Cr Colleen Fuller said.

“Through events such as these, the Access Working Group wants to increase understanding and awareness of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

“Through the development and implementation of its Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), Council has been a long-standing champion for access and this upcoming event supports the actions embedded in the Plan which is under review.

“We look forward to continuing our conversations with the community, and in particular, people with disability and their carers, in order to maximise the potential that this Plan provides.” 

The day will include a free community sausage sizzle, live music by The Uke-Alypts, games, face painting, and stalls staffed by a number of local disability support organisations.

“We hope the new event will mark the beginning of a bigger International Day for People with Disability celebration next year,” Cr Fuller said.  

For more information on the event, contact Council’s Social and Community Planner on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: The free community fun day will be held at Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground in Conadilly Street from 4pm to 6pm. Photo: Stewart Surveys

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

28 November, 2022

A new state-of-the-art truck wash is now in operation at the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards.

The drive-through facility on the Kamilaroi Highway is capable of accommodating vehicles as large as road trains and B-triples and opened on 21 November.

The $1.8 million-dollar project was funded by Regional NSW, Restart NSW Fixing Country Truck Washes Program and Gunnedah Shire Council, and has been completed as part of the multi-million-dollar Saleyards’ redevelopment.

Launched as a single round in 2016, the Fixing Country Truck Washes Program is a $10 million program joint-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. The program has funded truck wash projects, improving access and efficiency across NSW.

The realignment and modification of Gunnedah’s truck wash allows trucks to move forward into the wash bays and exit from the same direction, making it safer and easier for livestock transporters.

The truck wash was designed following consultation with operators and industry organisations. The feedback and practical ideas received through this process will ensure it meets the needs of the changing industry.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the project highlighted the important role truck washes played in vehicle productivity and maintenance, and in protecting NSW’s biosecurity.

“The upgraded truck wash facility at Gunnedah Regional Saleyards will provide access for all truck operators, including livestock carriers, and has capacity to cater for modern road trains as well,” he said.

“The new truck wash means drivers no longer need to reverse their vehicle to access and use the facility, creating a safer and more efficient wash-down process. Truck washes are essential to reducing the spread of weeds and disease across NSW and I’m pleased to see the new facility opened.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the completion of the truck wash was great news for the livestock industry.

“It’s fantastic to see this new facility now made available to livestock transporters who rely on truck washes to clean their vehicles,” he said.

“This modern and efficient truck wash is a critical piece of infrastructure for those who come from around the region to use our Saleyards.

“Since the introduction of road trains into this region, it’s great to see that transporters now have the ability to wash their vehicles, no matter the size.

“It also means Council can continue to ensure animal effluent is managed in accordance with NSW Environment Protection Authority licensing requirements.

“The new truck wash is just one part of the Saleyards’ redevelopment and we look forward to seeing the rest of the project unfold.”

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government were supporting freight and agriculture by providing the infrastructure needed to allow industry to grow.

“Saleyards are the economic engine room of regional communities, bringing millions into country towns while supporting a protein industry that feeds the nation,” Mr Anderson said.

“Gunnedah Saleyards have sold up to $80 million worth of cattle annually in the past few years and carrying all that livestock can be a dirty business which is why it is great that the redevelopment includes a brand new truck wash.

“Speaking to local freight operators, one of their key priorities for Government is upgraded facilities to better support their operation and this new truck wash delivers on that goal.”

In September 2020, the NSW Government announced $14 million for the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Redevelopment. This has been supported by a Gunnedah Shire Council co-contribution of $3.56 million.

Plans for the precinct include a range of upgrades and innovations:

• Construction of a multi-purpose administration building, comprising of office and administration spaces, a café and outdoor dining area and amenities;
• Construction of new workshop sheds;
• Improvements to infrastructure including gates, fencing, gantries and watering systems;
• Internal lighting upgrades;
• Construction of off-street car parking for light vehicles and a parking/queuing area for heavy vehicles;
• Technological improvements including Wi-Fi and high-speed internet to facilitate future online sales and other smart technology applications;
• Fenced containment of the site and major security upgrades;
• Upgrades of cattle loading/unloading ramps; and
• Making the site more self-sufficient through the installation of up to a 50kW solar system and installation of water tanks with the capacity to hold 1,324kl through major stormwater harvesting and reuse facilities.

Caption: A new truck wash capable of accommodating road trains and B-triples is in operation at Gunnedah Regional Saleyards.

25 November, 2022

Local students who want to further their training and education at university, TAFE or an accredited training organisation can now apply for financial assistance.

Gunnedah Shire Council has opened the 2023 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund and is calling for applications from local students under 25 years of age. Expressions of interest opened in September.

Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Working Group Chairman and Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the fund provided a fantastic opportunity for local students and would give them a kick-start on their educational journey.

“There are countless costs involved in study and training, especially if students are moving away from home and setting up for the first time,” he said.

“A scholarship such as this can help with expenses including the purchase of textbooks, relocation and other travel costs, living expenses, and tuition fees.

“Earlier this year, 15 young people were successful in their applications for a scholarship in areas as diverse as medical, engineering, education and the arts.”

Cr Chaffey said community and business sponsors were vital to the longevity of the Scholarship.

“Over the 20 years since the Scholarship’s inception, about 400 scholarships have been given to young people, equating to close to $400,000,” he said.

“Without the support of local businesses and residents, we could not continue to offer a helping hand to our young people as they make their way in the world.”

Local students under the age of 25 who are intending to pursue tertiary education in 2023 can apply at:
https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/2023-gunnedah-community-scholarship-fund/

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 13 January 2023.

To find out more, or to donate to the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Economy and Growth team on 6740 2100.

Caption: Some of the successful 2022 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund recipients.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

November 23, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council staff have commenced work on reinstating the flood-damaged approaches to the new Orange Grove Bridge now that weather conditions and dam releases allow, with a view to opening it as soon as possible.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Works Peter Smith said the bridge had been close to completion when the Shire was hit by the recent flood events.

“Orange Grove Bridge construction had been carefully timed to take planned releases from Keepit Dam into account,” Mr Smith said.

“The bridge had been completed and was close to opening to traffic when these floods occurred. It has been designed and constructed to withstand significant water flows over the top of the bridge and the new bridge remains undamaged. The new bridge has a larger waterway area underneath it than the old bridge and features a clear single-span design that means it does not require pier supports along its length.

“Unfortunately, the road approaches had not yet been sealed when the flood event occurred, and we will need about two weeks of clear weather to ensure the bridge is safe for traffic. We have been co-ordinating with Water NSW to identify a window of time that will work outside scheduled water releases.

“We are aware of the importance of this bridge to residents of the area and are working to ensure it is open as soon as possible. At this stage, we expect to be able to undertake this work and have the bridge open to traffic within the next two weeks. If there are any changes to that we will keep the community informed.”

In March 2021, Gunnedah Shire Council was allocated around $1.1 million in funding through the NSW Fixing Country Bridges Program funding and the Federal Bridge Renewal Program to replace the bridge. The remainder of the project cost is being met by Gunnedah Shire Council.

“The current bridge has been designed and constructed to current standards considering the budget available for the project at the time of delivery,” Mr Smith said.

“Discussions are occurring with Transport for NSW to see what improvements can be made to the bridge approaches and guardrail within Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to make it more resilient. Any major improvements from the review will be undertaken sometime after the bridge is reopened.”

The bridge will initially be limited to one lane with no other vehicle restrictions. Please drive with care and obey traffic signs.

Caption: Orange Grove Bridge from the air in the days following a recent flood event.

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

22 November, 2022

The Gunnedah Christmas Fair is only weeks away and Gunnedah Shire Council is inviting stallholders and local businesses to join the festivities.

Council is partnering with the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce for the annual fair which starts at 5.30pm on Thursday, 8 December and will transform the CBD with music, market stalls, food, children’s activities. late-night shopping and even a special visit from Santa. 

The free community event is funded by the Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program and Gunnedah Shire Mayor, Jamie Chaffey said it would offer a welcome respite from the challenges caused by successive flooding in recent months.

“The Gunnedah Christmas Fair will give our community the opportunity to reconnect after weeks of isolation and difficulties due to flood events,” he said.

“The ongoing flooding has been highly disruptive to locals and businesses so I’m hopeful the fair will bring some Christmas cheer to the residents and retailers across the region.

“We’ve also made sure our villages can come along by providing free shuttle buses from Mullaley, Tambar Springs, Curlewis and Carroll.”

Chamber of Commerce President Ben Hennessy said local businesses had faced many challenges over the past few years from COVID-19 and more recently, flooding, and the fair would boost morale in the community.

“The festive season is the ideal time to come together and support one another, so I urge our local businesses to get involved in the Christmas Fair by decorating their shop windows and extending their trading hours,” he said.

‘Likewise, our business community is only as strong as the support it receives from our community, so this Christmas season I urge everyone to shop local. If we want to have a strong retail precinct, it is imperative that we support our local businesses by shopping local this year.

“Let’s make the 2022 Gunnedah Christmas Fair one to remember.”

To apply to be a stallholder at the Gunnedah Christmas Fair, click here: https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/qrkfkcr0kpyszt/

 Applications are due by 5pm on Monday, 28 November.

For more information on the Gunnedah Christmas Fair, contact Council on (02) 67 40 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Caption: The Gunnedah Christmas Fair is a festive highlight on the Shire’s calendar.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

21 November, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey has been elected as the Chair of the Country Mayors Association of New South Wales, with a determination to advocate for equity for regional, rural and remote residents.

Cr Chaffey said he was honoured to be unanimously supported for the role in an organisation that had a history of lobbying for local government and issues that affected regional communities, and working with all levels of government to achieve the best outcomes.

 “The Country Mayors Association of NSW has a proven record of speaking up for our 76 member councils representing more than three million residents – that’s about 37% of the state’s population,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It’s a big task, particularly in a year like 2022 when local government is facing extreme financial pressure from inflation, material shortages and price increases, staff shortages and energy price increases, amongst other challenges.

“Add to this the unrelenting natural disasters impacting on 126 of the state’s 128 councils, and our communities are clearly in need of strong representation at the highest level.

“This is our strength as an organisation. We have agreed in principal on a list of State Election Priorities that will be endorsed in a matter of weeks and then presented to all political parties calling for action in the areas of skills and education, health, roads and transport, water security, housing, law and order, telecommunications blackspot coverage, and disaster preparedness and funding.”

Cr Chaffey also congratulated his fellow country mayors elected to the Country Mayors Association of NSW Executive, including Deputy Chair Mayor Rick Firman from Temora Shire Council.

“I look forward to working with Rick Firman over the next two years as we deliver for Country Mayors Association,” he said.

“It was very encouraging to see 12 nominations for eight executive positions, and for us in New England North West, it was great to see two of those positions filled by mayors from within our region – Russell Webb from Tamworth Regional Council and Sam Coupland from Armidale Regional Council.”

Cr Chaffey has been the Deputy Chair of the Country Mayors Association of NSW since 2020 and has served on the Executive since 2018. He has represented Gunnedah Shire as a delegate since 2016.

Caption: Country Mayors Association of New South Wales, from left, immediate past Chair Ken Keith (Parkes Shire Council), Cr Kylie Thomas (Kyogle Shire Council), Cr Sue Moore (Singleton Shire Council), Cr Russell Webb (Tamworth Regional Council), Chair Jamie Chaffey (Gunnedah Shire Council), Deputy Chair Rick Firman (Temora Shire Council), Cr Russell Fitzpatrick (Bega Valley Shire Council), Cr Craig Davies (Narromine Shire Council), Cr John Medcalf (Lachlan Shire Council) and Cr Sam Coupland (Armidale Regional Council). Absent: Phyllis Miller (Forbes Shire Council).

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

17 November, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council has finalised its 2021-22 Annual Report in a document that shows a year of both significant challenges and significant progress.

“The 12 months represented by the 2021-22 financial year has proved challenging in many respects for Gunnedah Shire Council,” the introduction by Mayor Jamie Chaffey and General Manager Eric Groth says.

“While still trying to manage many of the impacts created by COVID-19, Council has been the recipient of a large value of external grant funding and has had to manage a significant volume and value of projects in addition to providing normal services to the community.”

Cr Chaffey said challenges across the financial year had included flooding, inflation and rising costs, and national labour shortages.

“The following few years have not been business as usual across the world,” he said.

“Following drought and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments at all levels have faced increasing tasks and requirements and a diminishing return for their dollar.

“Gunnedah Shire has had very welcome stimulus funding from the State and Federal governments to assist in some of these challenges.

“Despite all of the issues we have faced, 2021-22 was a year of significant progress in Gunnedah Shire, and we are proud of how far we have managed to come during that time. We are also proud of the resilience and community spirit that helped us achieve so much.”

The total capital works program for 2021-22 had a value in excess of $88 million, with projects including work towards the saleyards redevelopment, the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary, Orange Grove Bridge and the new water treatment plant.

Fast Facts from the 2021-22 Gunnedah Shire Council Annual Report:

• $24,506.22 was awarded under the Section 356 Community Small Grants Program to nine community organisations
• $19,734.55 was awarded under the Section 356 Sports Small Grants Program to seven groups
• 24,046 users visited the Council website
• 11,744 social support hours were delivered for GoCo clients
• 144,048km were travelled for GoCo Community Transport clients
• 80,112 documents were registered into Council’s Records Management System
• There were 10,400 walk-in visitors to the Visitor Information Centre
• 42 local businesses received Business Partner Program funding
• $42,000 was allocated to local businesses via the Business Partner Program
• 143 development applications worth more than $39 million were lodged with Council for assessment
• There were 50,293 visits to Gunnedah Shire Library
• 10,110 tonnes of domestic waste were received at the Gunnedah Waste Facility

Caption: Blackjack Camera Club was one of a number of community groups that received a grant under the 356 Community Small Grants Program. Pictured are Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke and Blackjack Camera Club member Marg Carr.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

17 November, 2022

A draft Hardship Policy, and a revised 2022-23 Fees and Charges Schedule including a Natural Disaster Category, are on exhibition for 28 days.

Gunnedah Shire Council endorsed the exhibition of the draft documents at the November ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday.

The draft revised Hardship Policy aims to provide clarity and transparency to the community on the hardship provisions for residential and farmland rate assessments including the determination of hardship, options available to ratepayers and the application and assessment process.

The recent floods in Gunnedah Shire have caused considerable financial hardship for many ratepayers whose properties have been impacted by floodwaters. While Council is unable to waive or reduce rates for individual ratepayers, Council does have the ability through Council’s adopted Hardship Policy to enter into payment plans and waive overdue interest in genuine cases of hardship.

Council’s revised Fees and Charges Schedule, if adopted, would enable the General Manager and /or delegated staff to waive or reduce fees in cases where ratepayers and residents are impacted by a natural disaster event.

The inclusion of the new category was prompted by the successive flooding events in Gunnedah Shire in the past eight months and could be enabled following a Natural Disaster Declaration by the NSW Government for impacted residents for a set period of time following the natural disaster event.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was great to see the two motions supported unanimously by Council.

“Our community has been through the wringer and residents need every bit of help we can offer them as a Council. At the moment, decisions on fee waiving and reductions must go before Council which means we can’t act as quickly as we need to during a natural disaster. It’s vital that Council is able to step in and assist residents as soon as possible and the inclusion of this new category will allow for that,” he said.

The draft wording to be included in Council’s Hardship Policy and 2022-23 Fees and Charges Schedule have been placed on public exhibition and written submissions are invited by the undersigned up until 4.00pm on Friday, 16 December 2022. The documents can be viewed at Council's Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street or online at https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/the-future-of-gunnedah/draft-documents-exhibition

Submissions should be addressed to the General Manager, Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah NSW 2380 or via email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

The adopted Fees and Charges Schedule will be amended to include the above Category after the public exhibition period if no submissions are received from the public. However, if submissions are received, a further report will be prepared for the following Council meeting after the end of the public exhibition period, which will include a summary of submissions and whether any changes should be considered by Council.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire has experienced six flood events since November 2021.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.