May 23, 2022

Gunnedah’s CBD will be transformed into a magical marketplace when the popular NightQuip markets return on Tuesday, August 16.

NightQuip, a Gunnedah Shire Council-run event, is a vibrant evening festival that fills Gunnedah’s main street with music, market stalls, lights, food and late-night shopping on the first night of AgQuip, Australia’s biggest agricultural field days.

An estimated $250,000 flowed into the Gunnedah economy through the inaugural NightQuip in 2019, and now the event is returning after a forced hiatus in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 cancellation of AgQuip.

Council’s Director of Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said it was great news that NightQuip would be coming back to the CBD in August.

“We are excited to confirm that the very popular event will go ahead this year,” he said.

“NightQuip is a highlight for Gunnedah businesses during the town’s busiest time of year – AgQuip. It’s a fantastic opportunity to draw people into our main street so they can see all we have to offer.

“The event activates our CBD and provides our businesses with a dynamic platform to showcase their wares and services to locals and visitors from all over Australia.

“More than 100,000 visitors flock to Gunnedah over the three-day period of AgQuip, so I encourage our businesses to take advantage of the potential for new customers to come into the CBD for this night-time event. Businesses can benefit by extending their trading hours, and planning street displays, and special deals or promotions.”

NightQuip 2022 will be held on Tuesday, August 16, along Conadilly Street and is just one of the activities planned in Gunnedah during the AgQuip week.

For more information about NightQuip 2022, contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Caption: NightQuip is a vibrant showcase of Gunnedah’s CBD.

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

May 19, 2022

Close to 300 allotments of Gunnedah Shire land will be rezoned to better meet the needs of primary producers.

Gunnedah Shire Council yesterday approved the rezoning of privately owned land greater than a 5km radius of the town of Gunnedah from C3 environmental management to RU1 primary production.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the change better represented the existing primary production land use of approximately 300 allotments.

“Council has had, for some time, representations from the owners of C3 environmental management land who have been frustrated by a change in zoning which was undertaken in 2012 that restricted what could be done with their land,” Mr Johns said.

“That change came about following recommendations through the Gunnedah Rural Strategy that identified the need to protect our scenic hills, including Blackjack Mountain. The independent strategy recommended the implementation of a special zone for this purpose at the 450m contour line and above.

“This change will return that land to a zone that better reflects the land use and the zoning that was in place before 2012. It has been a long process that resulted in approval of the zoning change planning proposal by the Department of Planning and Environment last year, and then public consultation, along with consultation with public authorities.

“It’s a good result. Environmental protection is always important to Gunnedah Shire, but this zoning restricted certain development on lands that have traditionally been cultivated or grazed. This change will allow additional permitted uses subject to development consent and will also now allow some uses to be undertaken without consent, and unlock economic benefits in this area.”

Council has endorsed the amendment to the Gunnedah Local Environmental Plan 2012 to reflect the zoning change.

ENDS

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

May 19, 2022

The reviewed version of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community Strategic Plan, “Together We Achieve Great Things” is now available for public comment.

This reviewed version of the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is a 10-year document that sets the direction for Gunnedah between 2017 and 2027, and is part of a suite of documents within Integrated Planning and Reporting including a delivery program, operational plan and long-term financial plan that are also open to public submissions.

Gunnedah Shire Acting Mayor Rob Hooke said the plan was a vision statement for the future.

“The Reviewed CSP is based on the priorities of our community, and it is important that it is revised to keep pace with what is important to the Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Hooke said.

“This updated version considers extensive community engagement over the past two years, including seven separate community engagement processes with more than 1500 individual responses.

“What we found is that people’s priorities remain largely the same – they care about supporting local business, improving education and vocational skills training, medical services and doctors, and they care about the environment.

“They love the great people and the friendly community, our natural environment and country living. And they think Council should be focussing on community facilities, local business, community engagement and crime.

“This plan encompasses far more than falls within Council’s power, and there is definitely a role for both the state and federal governments to play in realising Gunnedah Shire’s vision.

“This is our road map for the future, and by working together with our community, we can work together to achieve great things.”

The 2017 to 2027 Gunnedah Shire Community Strategic Plan and supporting documents also within the Integrated Planning and Reporting suite include;

• Draft 2022-2026 Delivery Program; 
• Draft 2022/23 Operational Plan;
• Draft 2023-32 Long Term Financial Plan; and
• Draft 2017-2027 Community Strategic Plan.

You can view the documents on exhibition here.

The plans can also be viewed at the Council Administration Centre in Elgin Street, Gunnedah Shire Library or the Civic in Chandos Street. 

Submissions can be sent via email to council@infogunnedah.com.au with the subject line “Community Strategic Plan”.

All documents will be on exhibition for a period of 28 days and submissions close at 5pm on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

ENDS

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

18 May, 2022

It’s time to book your tickets for Australia’s rib-tickling roadshow, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Mark Thursday, June 23, on your calendar and come along to the Gunnedah Town Hall to hear from some of the nation’s funniest comedians.

The festival is in its 24^th year and tours nationally, pulling up everywhere from Ballarat to Bega to Bundaberg to Broome.

“The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been visiting Gunnedah for more than five years, and it never disappoints,” Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said.

“COVID-19 meant that many life shows were cancelled over the last couple of years, so we are excited to see Gunnedah get behind this event and celebrate great live entertainment back at the Cultural Precinct.

“This is also an ideal opportunity to use your NSW Dine and Discover vouchers before they expire on June 30.

“Tickets for the comedy festival are already selling fast, so grab some friends, jump on the booking link and come along to the Town Hall on June 23 for a few laughs and a great night out.”

Performances often contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 16 years or older.

NSW Dine and Discover vouchers are accepted and can be redeemed against the purchase at the Gunnedah Visitors’ Information Centre at the The Civic, Gunnedah. Full bar facilities will be available at the event and tickets are $35.

Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.

To book, visit https://AUGSC.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/51826. 

Caption: The Melbourne Comedy Festival is a guaranteed great night out.

ENDS

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

12 May, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking a suitably qualified community member for appointment to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee’s role is to provide independent assurance and assistance to Council on risk management, control frameworks and internal audit.

The committee has a minimum of two independent external members (the chair and a member) and one councillor.

The Committee meets a minimum of four times a year in the Council Chambers.

 The vacant position is for a four-year term and Council is seeking a candidate with one or more of the following categories of skills and experience in:

• Accounting or related strong financial management experience and an understanding of accounting and auditing in a public sector environment; and/or
• Legal qualifications and experience; and/or
• Risk management qualification and experience.

Applications close at 4pm on Monday, 30 May, 2022. Expressions of Interest can be emailed to council@infogunnedah.com.au or mailed to:

Private and Confidential

Expression of Interest – Audit Committee External Member

Gunnedah Shire Council

PO Box 63

GUNNEDAH NSW 2380

The information pack outlining required skills and experience for external Audit Committee members is available on Council’s website at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/the-future-of-gunnedah/draft-documents-exhibition.

For more information, contact Council’s Manager Governance and Legal Alice McLean on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

ENDS

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

11 May, 2022

Multi-talented performer Laura Zarb is bringing her cabaret magic to Gunnedah on Wednesday, May 25, at 7pm.

The intimate one-hour cabaret show, The Soul Express, is filled with original songs, humour, and plenty of sequins.

The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery is hosting this journey as Laura shares her penchant for procrastination, silent battles with anxiety, and her love of shimmies and sing-a-longs.

The debut cabaret show highlights the need for self-love and acceptance, as Laura addresses the pressures of perfection, anxiety and life in our modern-day, technologically-fuelled world.

Laura grew up singing with her dad, Matt Zarb, who shares her love of entertainment. A self-professed “goof-ball”, Laura grew up in Penrith, but moved between Australia and America for a number of years. Her resume includes stints as a travel agent and belly-dancer.

Her versatility has even extended to performing in a 50^th anniversary Rolling Stones show at The Vanguard, despite not knowing much of their music before she was invited to play.

In 2020, when COVID-19 was really hitting home, Laura put a call-out on social media, to anyone who would like to have a chat and be “serenaded” over Zoom.

“Laura shares stories that are relatable and she really lifts the lid on mental health,” Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Team Leader Lauren Mackley said.

“If you need a laugh, grab some friends and head along to The Soul Express. It’s guaranteed to lighten up your evening. Tickets are limited, so don’t delay.”

The Soul Express is for ages 16 and up. To book, visit https://AUGSC.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/54310.

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Caption: A multi-talented Australian performer, Laura Zarb, will light up Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery with catchy songs and her unique sense of humour.

ENDS

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

Gunnedah Shire Council is continuing to undertake vital upgrades and improvements to the Gunnedah Showgrounds.

Council’s successful applications under the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Showground Stimulus Funding Program has funded projects including storm water drainage; demolition of a stable block; upgrade of balustrade and railings on the main grandstand; and at the Griffiths Pavilion renovations to the kitchen, installation of six whirly-bird roof vents, and external lighting.

Council was successful with a second round of the funding under this program for an additional $136,923.60.  This has enabled Council to also make improvements to the internal showground road, including the installation of kerb and gutter, internal street lighting and the sealing of the remaining section of road.

Council crews have been carrying out this work over the last few weeks and sealing the remainder of the internal road was completed this week.

Council’s Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the projects were identified from the Showground Masterplan and a priority list was created after further user-group consultation.

“Working together with the user groups to identify and prioritise upgrade projects at the Gunnedah Showground was an important part of the process when applying for the grant,” Mr Bartlett said.

“We have nearly finalised all projects funded under the Stimulus Program, with the most recent completed being the sealing of the remainder of the internal road. This project was ranked highly in the feedback from the Showground User groups and it is great to see it completed.”

Other improvements over the past few years, made possible through government funding have included new rodeo and camp draft arenas, new grandstand seating, a new amenities and shower block, and the refurbishment of existing amenities blocks.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Gunnedah Showground is a fantastic facility for the Gunnedah Shire.  It hosts numerous local events, including the Gunnedah Show, Bird Expo, Gunnedah Showjumping Festival, Country Music Muster, Gunnedah Campdraft, and the Spring Rose Show, to name a few.

“The Showgrounds are also starting to attract more regional events. This year, the Gunnedah Pony Club will host the Zone Jamboree and Off the Track NSW will return again for its Championship Show.

“Our recently adopted Economic Development Strategy lists tourism as an opportunity for our Shire, event attraction is a great way of creating more economic diversity to grow our local economy and bring more visitors into town,” Cr Chaffey said.

These upgrades will assist with the attraction of more regional events to the Showground, while also providing valuable improvements to this important community asset for local user groups to enjoy.

Caption: The works to the showground internal work is now complete.

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

5 May, 2022

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery is calling for submissions for the annual NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition.

The exhibition will open on July 8 during NAIDOC Week (July 3-10), headlining this year’s theme – “Get up! Stand up! Show up!”.

The gallery is urging artists, hobbyists, schools, organisations and individuals to come together and explore the theme and exhibit their artworks in a professional gallery space.

“The NAIDOC Week exhibition provides the ideal opportunity to celebrate the depth and vibrancy of Indigenous culture in our region,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said.

“This exhibition is a space to share valuable stories of culture and identity, to start conversations and enrich understanding.

“It’s always exciting to see a vast array of artworks from throughout our community and I’m looking forward to seeing the display of creativity in the gallery.”

All artworks must be ready to hang, and be submitted to the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery by 5pm on Monday, July 4, 2022.

The exhibition will officially open at 6pm on Friday, July 8, 2022 and will continue until Friday, August 5, 2022.

For more information or for an entry form, visit www.thecivic.com.au or www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au, or contact Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Caption: The annual art exhibition is a key element of Gunnedah Shire’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.

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

4 May, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council’s annual Arts and Cultural Grants Fund is now open for applications.

Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the program aimed to help community groups deliver existing projects and to support new projects and initiatives that help meet the needs of the growing community, while strengthening cultural identity and connection to place.

“Gunnedah Shire Council is one of the few Councils in NSW that provides funding for arts and cultural programs, projects and events,” Ms Mackley said.

“It has been a tough couple of years for creative industries, and these grants are a great way to gather strength and enthusiasm for the year ahead. Gunnedah has a vibrant arts and cultural sector and we would like to see this continue to flourish.”

Past successful applications have included cultural workshops, concerts, exhibitions, media equipment and markets.

The arts and cultural project, program or event must align with the following general arts categories:

• Acting;
• Announcing;
• Fine art and craft;
• Directing;
• Animation;
• Dancing and choreography;
• Entertainment and performance;
• Music and singing;
• Photography;
• Production, and;
•  Wrting.

Arts and cultural groups can find application forms and information at www.thecivic.com.au or https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/community/community-services/grants-sponsorship/item/1401-section-356-arts-and-cultural-grants.

Applications close at 5pm, on Friday, 17 June, 2022.

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Grants Fund kick-starts new projects and initiatives that help meet the needs of the growing community, while strengthening cultural identity and connection to place.

ENDS

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

4 May, 2022

Work will begin soon on a new Orange Grove Bridge following the demolition of the damaged existing bridge in the next week.

In March 2021, Gunnedah Shire Council was allocated funding through the NSW Fixing Country Bridges Program funding and the Federal Bridge Renewal Program to replace the bridge at a cost of about $1.2 million. The remainder will be met by Gunnedah Shire Council.

Council was forced to close the bridge to traffic in January this year after vandals set fire to the timber foundations and caused significant structural damage.

Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said work had been scheduled as soon as possible taking into account the variable river flow for irrigation and other purposes from nearby Lake Keepit.

“I’m pleased to be able to announce that work is about to get underway on a new bridge,” Mr Bartlett said.

“We know the closure has been a major inconvenience for residents, but the damage to the bridge by vandals left us with no choice. We had been able to open the bridge for pedestrian access but that will no longer be possible once the bridge has been demolished.

“We have engaged with local bus companies to make alternate arrangements for their services.

“Council has awarded a tender in July 2021 for the design and construction of the replacement bridge, and work is expected to start following the demolition. The new bridge is expected to be open to traffic before the end of 2022.

“The old bridge has served us well since it was constructed in the 1920s. It is great to see work commencing to work towards a solution for residents and users of the Orange Grove road.”

Caption: Orange Grove Bridge is ready for demolition ahead of construction of the new bridge.

ENDS

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