Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
August 9, 2022
Preparations are in top gear for NightQuip, Gunnedah’s community night markets, on Tuesday, August 16.
There will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy when the vibrant evening festival on Conadilly Street returns with a bang, thanks to funding from the Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.
NightQuip – a Gunnedah Shire Council event - is on the first night of AgQuip and will light up Gunnedah’s main street with music, market stalls, food and late-night shopping.
“In its first year – 2019 – NightQuip attracted about 3,000 attendees from across the state, and we’re looking forward to seeing even more locals and visitors at the markets this year,” Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Team Leader Madeline Buhagiar said.
“It’s really exciting to be involved in such a great community event and bring the festival atmosphere to the heart of our CBD.”
From 5.30pm to 8.30pm, Conadilly Street will be lined with almost 40 market stalls showcasing local artisanal crafts, plants, clothing, toys and games, candles, handmade jewellery and a smorgasbord of food. Conadilly Street will be buzzing with late-night trade and special offers from local shops.
“Grab a snag at the Gunnedah West Rotary Club barbecue, indulge your sweet tooth with fairy floss, or take in the aromas of Asian and Italian cuisine,” Ms Buhagiar said.
“There are heaps of activities to keep kids busy, including tea cup rides, triple-play sports zone, face painting, and jumping castles.
“It will be a great atmosphere and crowds will be entertained by popular local band Streamline, and talented members of the Gunnedah Conservatorium.
“Locals living in the Shire’s villages won’t miss out – they can jump on a free return bus service to become part of the festival fun.”
Council’s Economic Development Officer Richard Patriquin said NightQuip was a great opportunity to support Gunnedah Shire’s local businesses, while also reconnecting the community after years of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns.
“Gunnedah’s businesses are owned and operated by locals who live and work alongside us, and we’re excited to once again collaborate with them to bring this fantastic event back to the CBD,” he said.
To find out more information about NightQuip, contact Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
Caption: NightQuip is an opportunity for locals to reconnect with friends and family in the heart of Gunnedah.
August 8, 2022
A Gunnedah Shire Library initiative has received a special acknowledgement at the Local Government Week Awards.
Librarian Christiane Birkett and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey accepted the Special Acknowledgement award in Sydney last week for Innovation in Special Events in the RH Dougherty Awards category.
Multicultural March was a month-long event highlighting and celebrating multiculturalism within the Gunnedah Shire through library events.
Councillor Chaffey congratulated Mrs Birkett and her team at the library for their hard work and ingenuity.
“Our library is a fantastic facility for the whole community and I commend Christiane and her team who put in so much work to provide a wide variety of initiatives and programs for all ages and interests,” Cr Chaffey said.
“I also thank the Multicultural Women’s Association for their invaluable contribution to the Library’s Multicultural March initiative.”
In Multicultural March, the library was transformed into a colourful multicultural space adorned with the flags of various countries and book displays featuring numerous countries and multicultural authors. Mannequins were also dressed in vibrant clothing of different countries.
Library staff collaborated with the Multicultural Women’s Association (MWA) whose members read children’s stories and shared their culture in their own languages and in English during Book Buddies sessions (storytelling for children 0-4 years).
Over the course of the month, six languages - Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Malay, Maori and Korean – featured in the Book Buddies program, which attracted record numbers, including children from local pre-schools.
“It’s really exciting for our library staff to receive this award and I’d like to thank my team for their creativity, fresh ideas and enthusiasm for our many programs,” Mrs Birkett said.
“I’d also like to thank the Multicultural Women’s Association for their wonderful contributions to our initiative.”
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett accept the Special Acknowledgement award at the Local Government Awards in Sydney. They are pictured with LGNSW President Cr Darriea Turley AM, and Local Government Minister the Hon Wendy Tuckerman MP. Photo: Local Government NSW
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
August 5, 2022
The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery will host Gunnedah Shire’s biggest art exhibition from Friday, August 12.
The 51st Art & Ceramics Exhibition includes the work of artists from the Gunnedah district, as well as the wider region and beyond.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Team Leader Madeline Buhagiar said the annual exhibition filled the gallery walls with an exciting and diverse range of works.
“This exhibition is competitive and invites entries in some 14 categories from children’s art to watercolours, from ceramics to printmaking, to sculpture and graphics,” she said.
“It’s an explosion of colour and styles that showcases the talent of local and regional artists.”
Arts Gunnedah president Susan Wilson said the total prize money of $9,000 encouraged both established and emerging artists to take part in the annual exhibition.
“It’s exciting to see new work from other regions and it’s also a chance to pick up a masterpiece, a bargain, or a work of art that you just love,” she said.
“Gunnedah has a long history of making and appreciating art. We are particularly fortunate that Council supports both this exhibition and the Creative Arts Gallery. The quality of the facilities and our access to them helps foster creativity in our community.
“We are also very grateful to Gunnedah’s businesses for their sponsorship and enthusiasm. It’s their continued support that makes this a popular community event.
“Everyone is welcome to attend the opening of the exhibition at 6pm on Friday, August 12.”
Tickets for the opening are $20 for adults and $5 for under 18 years and include drinks, canapés and a raffle ticket. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
The exhibition will continue until Sunday, August 28.
Caption: The Art & Ceramics Exhibition is a highlight on Gunnedah Shire’s arts calendar.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
August 1, 2022
Today marks the start of Local Government Week and Gunnedah Shire Council are celebrating with a series of events at local facilities.
Local Government Week runs from August 1 to August 7, and is designed to showcase the wide variety of work councils do and the ways they support their local communities.
The Civic is bringing live children’s theatre, The Owl's Apprentice, to Gunnedah on Tuesday, August 2, at 11am and 1:30pm.
On Wednesday, the community are invited to meet with Councillors and staff representatives as they will be will be serving up a free breakfast from 7:30am-10:30am in the Smithurst Theatre courtyard.
Gunnedah Shire Library is hosting plenty of activities across the week, including Brain Training, Book Buddies, Knit & Natter, Colour & Chatter and BookEnds Literacy Assist.
On Sunday, The Civic Theatre is screening a $10 movie - Pil’s Adventure – an animation about a vagabond girl who disguises herself as a princess to save the rightful heir who is under an evil curse.
Mayor Councillor Jamie Chaffey said that it is great news that Local Government Week events could go ahead after a hiatus last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“I am proud of the critical work that our Council staff does in Gunnedah and our great villages,” Cl. Chaffey said.
“I would like to thank our staff who work tirelessly to support these places; this work has allowed our community to continue to grow and flourish.
“Council is certainly not just about roads, rates and rubbish; we have a number of significant capital works projects in the pipeline including the $14 million Saleyards Precinct Upgrade, the $8 million Water Treatment Plant and the $12 million Koala Sanctuary.
“The 2022‐23 financial year sees the continuation of the substantial and accelerated delivery of capital works totalling $13.8 million, ($47.2 million for 2021-22). The capital expenditure over the next 10 years, by comparison, is estimated at $100 million for the entire 10-year period.
“Our community can also look forward to even bigger and better events in the next year with increased funding for NightQuip, Harvest Festival, Weeks of Speed Community Street Parade, Christmas celebrations and more. Council have been involved in running events such as these to increase community connection and in turn allow our economy to benefit.
“I would like to thank again the staff, under the direction of the General Manager, for the great work that they have achieved in the past year. Your resilience has been incredible, facing not only COVID restrictions but also record floods.”
Local Government Week runs from Monday 1 August to Sunday 7 August. For further information, visit Council’s website.
To view the program, click here...
Caption: 2019 Local Government Week breakfast: this event returns on Wednesday 3rd August from 7:30am-10:30am in the Smithurst Theatre courtyard.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
July 28, 2022
Gunnedah Shire Council has welcomed Kelly Stidworthy to the role of Director Corporate Services.
The role includes the governance, information systems and communications and customer service business units of Council.
“We are delighted to have Kelly on board,” Council’s General Manager Eric Groth said.
“She comes with extensive experience in both local government and the public sector and brings with her a wealth of knowledge that will help Gunnedah Shire Council in the delivery of resources and services to our local community.
“If you see Kelly around, please give her a warm welcome to Gunnedah.”
Kelly, who has most recently worked in Armidale, said she looked forward to helping Gunnedah Shire Council grow and progress with the Gunnedah community.
“Gunnedah Shire is a thriving community with an exciting future,” she said.
“We have a good team of people in Council and we will work together to ensure we are providing the best and most innovative services possible.”
Kelly has tertiary qualifications in business and finance, and leadership and management.
Her professional experience includes time in a number of finance roles in the private and public sectors, and at a management and executive level in local government across a number of states and territories.
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth with new Director Corporate Services Kelly Stidworthy.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
July 26, 2022
A Gunnedah Shire Library initiative has been shortlisted for the Local Government Week Awards.
The library’s Multicultural March initiative is vying for the title of Innovation in Special Events in the RH Dougherty Awards category alongside four other councils. Winners will be announced on Thursday, August 4.
Multicultural March was a month-long event highlighting and celebrating multiculturalism within the Gunnedah Shire through library events.
The library was transformed into a colourful multicultural space adorned with the flags of various countries and book displays featuring numerous countries and multicultural authors. Mannequins were also dressed in vibrant clothing of different countries.
Library staff collaborated with the Multicultural Women’s Association (MWA) whose members read children’s stories and shared their culture in their own languages and in English during Book Buddies sessions (storytelling for children 0-4 years).
Over the course of the month, Librarian Christiane Birkett said six languages - Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Malay, Maori and Korean – featured in the Book Buddies program, which attracted record numbers, including children from local pre-schools.
“All participants expressed a delight in the program and their joy in speaking of their own culture to others, and the wish to continue storytelling in this welcoming space,” Mrs Birkett said.
“We are thankful to the Multicultural Women’s Association members for sharing their own time, languages and cultures with us.
“More than 5500 people visited the library during Multicultural March and we feel it was a great success.”
MWA Acting President Katerina Haenga said the members “thoroughly enjoyed” being part of the library’s activities.
"We believe that multicultural literature serves as a powerful tool in enabling children to gain better understanding of their own culture and the cultures of others; it was great to share our cultures within the community of Gunnedah,” she said.
“We congratulate Gunnedah Shire Library on the nomination of the RH Dougherty Award for innovation."
Caption: Multicultural Women’s Association’s Dibahni Marsh speaks in Spanish for a Book Buddies session as part of Multicultural March at the Gunnedah Shire Library.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
July 21, 2022
New faces for committees
At the July Gunnedah Shire Council meeting, a number of new faces were appointed to committees.
Council resolved to appoint Les Hullick as an independent member of the Audit Committee for the remaining term of Council, and approved the reappointment of Grahame Marchant as the chairperson of that committee.
Both Mr Hullick and Mr Marchant were appointed based on their background and suitability for the Audit Committee, which is a Gunnedah Shire Council committee.
Council also endorsed Jasmine Alloway of Gunnedah Workshop Enterprises as a community representative on the Gunnedah Shire Access Working Group that aims to identify and prioritise options for improvement to access in public areas of the Gunnedah Shire owned and managed by Council. The committee also provides input on access matters associated with Council infrastructure projects, promotes awareness of safe and accessible community amenities, and supports the progression and implementation of the Gunnedah Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
Raelee Bruce has been endorsed as the community representative for the Gunnedah Shire Community Safety Conference Working Group. This group has been established to deliver the Community Safety Conference in Gunnedah.
On the Gunnedah Housing Working Group, Ben Hennessy, John Harford, Rob Walters and Michael Broekman have been endorsed as community representatives. This new working group provides a unique opportunity for representatives to become actively involved in improving housing availability and affordability in the Shire.
Land sale recovers unpaid debts
The recent public auction of land in Gunnedah Shire with unpaid rates has led to the recovery of outstanding rates and charges.
Fifteen properties were sold on Friday, May 22 this year after every effort failed to recover rates and charges that had remained unpaid for more than five years.
The properties were in Tambar Springs, Breeza, Curlewis and Gunnedah.
The sale recovered a total of $151,892.48 in outstanding rates and charges.
As stipulated in the Local Government Act 1993, surplus funds from the auction of properties with outstanding debts are held with Council’s Trust Fund pending discharge to persons having interest in the properties. Where no claim is forthcoming, the balance of sale proceeds is remitted to the State Government in accordance with the Unclaimed Moneys Act.
Management of Feral and/or Infant Animals Policy on public exhibition
Gunnedah Shire Council has placed on public exhibition a Draft Policy for the Management of Feral and/or Infant Animals.
Section 64(2) of the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW) provides for a Council to adopt a policy in relation to the management of feral or infant animals, specifically relating to the humane euthanasia of seized or surrendered feral and infant animals before the end of any statutory holding period set out in Section 64(1) of the Act.
The policy allows for humane euthanasia in situations where the animal has been severely injured, diseased or requires intensive care that cannot be provided at the time. All other avenues are explored and animals in these circumstances are assessed by an experienced staff member and a vet.
The draft policy is available for viewing here.
It will also be available for 28 days at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or in hardcopy at the Council Administration Building in Elgin Street, the Civic and Gunnedah Shire Library. Feedback can be submitted to council@infogunnedah.com.au with the subject line “Draft Policy for the Management of Feral and/or Infant Animals”.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740
July 21, 2022
Twelve community and sport groups will be able to strengthen existing initiatives or start new projects with the approval of $30,176 through the Gunnedah Shire Council Section 356 (Community and Sports) Small Grants Program.
The program has seen nearly $500,000 in funding go to a huge range of organisations since it began in 2005.
“This program is an important one in supporting organisations who often help other people themselves,” Section 356 (Community and Sports) Small Grants Program panel member Cr Rob Hooke said.
“Even a small amount can go a long way towards making a difference, like the purchase of a marquee for Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
“The program is also a wonderful encouragement for our sporting organisations who really contribute to our lifestyles, and our children’s lifestyles.
“We had some very strong applications, and it is wonderful to be able to help out these community groups in delivering their great programs and initiatives.”
Successful organisations have until June 30, 2023 to complete their projects.
The successful community organisations were:
• Gunnedah Pottery Club - $2775 towards the purchase of a new kiln
• Meals on Wheels - $1686 towards the purchase of pie warmers
• Gunnedah Rotary Club - $1350 towards the purchase of a bronze plaque in the Gunnedah CBD
• Westpac Rescue Helicopter - $1100 towards purchase of a marquee
The successful sporting organisations were:
• Breeza Tennis Club - $4750 for the purchase of external spectator seating for tennis courts
• Gunnedah PCYC - $4679 for games for youth attending the PCYC
• Gunnedah Tennis Club - $4000 for purchase of chairs and an air-conditioner for clubhouse
• Gunnedah Poultry Club - $3000 for kitchen upgrades to poultry pavilion
• Gunnedah Junior Rugby Club - $2670 towards stackable benches
• Mullaley Hall and Gymkhana Association - $1700 towards travel and equipment for the delivery of a fitness program
• Gunnedah Pistol Club - $1660 towards concrete paths for disability access
• Big Sky Trailblazers - $806 towards a barbecue, mounting block, GPS and swag first aid kits.
While the sporting fund was fully expended, community organisations who were unsuccessful in this round will have a further opportunity to apply in a second round, which will open in the coming weeks.
Caption: Gunnedah Tennis Club is among the community and sporting organisations who have been successful in their Gunnedah Shire Council Section 356 (Community and Sports) Small Grants Program application.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
July 21, 2022
Gunnedah Shire Council will partner with five community groups to deliver arts and cultural projects in the Shire.
Council has approved a total of $18,353.60 for five applications for the Section 356 (Arts and Cultural) Small Grants Program to assist in continuing existing projects or supporting new projects or initiatives for arts and cultural programs, projects and events that help meet the needs of Gunnedah’s growing community.
“This is a great grants program for Gunnedah Shire,” Section 356 (Arts and Cultural) Small Grants panel member Cr Robert Hoddle said.
“It encourages projects that add to the cultural richness of our community and our lifestyle.
“It was pleasing to see a number of strong applications that we look forward to seeing evolve into exciting initiatives.”
Successful organisations have until June 30, 2023 to complete their projects.
The successful applicants were:
• Multicultural Women’s Association Inc - $4981.95 towards the Around the World in One Day project
• Arts Gunnedah Incorporated - $7900 towards the 51st Annual Art & Ceramics Exhibition and 2022-23 Workshop Program
• Blackjack Camera Club Inc - $2813.50 towards “Through the Lens”, an exhibition of highlights from Blackjack Camera Club
• Gunnedah and District Spinner and Weavers - $1158.15 towards Makers and Shakers: Spinners and Weavers Weekend Group
• The House that Dan Built - $1500 towards Gunnedah Toy Choir
Caption: Gunnedah’s biggest art exhibition, Arts Gunnedah’s Annual Art and Ceramics Exhibition has been supported through Section 356 (Arts and Cultural) Small Grants Program.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
July 21, 2022
Gunnedah Shire Council has joined the region’s front line in calling for more police to help bring an end to a growing crime surge in the Shire.
Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey yesterday called on fellow Councillors at the July meeting to support the Gunnedah Branch of the Police Association’s call for:
- Two additional general duties constables
• One general duties sergeant
• One full-time general administration support officer (GASO), and
• At least three proactive crime team members to be based at Gunnedah Police Station with the priority being to service Gunnedah and the south-western area of the Oxley Police District.
Cr Chaffey said the latest NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data from April 2021 to March 2022 was very worrying.
“The data shows a significant increase in break and enter dwelling of 135.1%,” Cr Chaffey said. “Stealing from a dwelling increased by 51.2%, motor vehicle theft increased by 55%, stealing from a motor vehicle increased by 80% and fraud increased 47.5%.
“Drug use and possession is also on the rise.
“We echo the community’s concerns for the ongoing health, safety and mental well-being of our police force. As crime has increased, our already stretched policing staff are being forced to do the work of two police officers in other parts of the country.
“We need action, and we need it now. Council is calling on both the NSW Minister for Police and the Shadow Minister for Police to show bipartisan support for a full complement of police in our area. Our community deserves to feel safe.
“I fear for what is to come if swift action isn’t taken to arrest the increase in crime and return the Shire to one of confidence in personal safety.”
Cr Chaffey said the NSW Police Force Annual Report 2020-21 stated there were 17,727 police officers (excluding administrative officers) across a statewide population of about 8.1 million.
This meant there was a statewide ratio of one police officer to every 457 people. In the Oxley Police District, that ratio is one police officer to every 601 people. In Gunnedah Shire, that figure expands to one police officer for every 748 people.
“It’s not good enough,” Cr Chaffey said. “Why should our hard-working men and women in Gunnedah be asked to do 65% more than officers in other areas? Why should each one of them be responsible for 65% more people than some of their colleagues?
“We are understaffed, crime has been skyrocketing, and something needs to be done. We have listened to our front line, the people on the ground here, and we are supporting them in their calls for the measures they feel are absolutely necessary.”
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
