Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking community feedback on how it can enhance safety in the Shire.
Council is undertaking a review of its Crime Prevention Plan and has created a survey as part of the consultation process.
“The Plan highlighted the key priorities for enhancing community safety relevant to our Shire and how Council, in partnership with the Crime Prevention Working Group and other government and community organisations, could work to address local concerns about crime and community safety at that time,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.
“While much has been done over the last four years, it is now time to evaluate if the views and perceptions of the community have changed since we last undertook this survey.
“If you reside within the Gunnedah Shire, we invite you to complete the community safety perceptions survey to assist us to define the actions and set the direction of the new four-year Plan.”
To complete the survey, click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/crimeandsafety
Further information is available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton, on 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council has launched a survey to capture the community’s thoughts on crime prevention.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
April 12, 2022
The Gunnybalds has showcased the “astonishing” talent and creativity of local artists in this year’s exhibition.
The exhibition officially opened on Friday at Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery and 41 entries were installed, waiting to be discovered.
The Gunnybalds is our tribute to the famous Archibald Prize and a new medium, digital works, was included this year.
Lauren Miller took out first place in the Open Section with a portrait of Lance Spradbrow, and Josephine Heath won the Junior Section with Planes of My Face. Entries were judged by Marie Low, Alyssa Barwick, Pat Tobin and Gunnedah Shire Councillor Robert Hoddle.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said it was a fantastic exhibition.
“This exhibition has really showcased the creative fabric of Gunnedah and it is excellent to see so many junior entries,” she said.
“The calibre of talent in Gunnedah is really astonishing. There are so many great quality artworks in the exhibition and I strongly encourage everyone to come down and appreciate the creativity of our community.
“Exhibitions like this foster a creative society and provide creative opportunities within the Shire, and it’s wonderful to know that the creativity will continue into the future.
“A huge thank you to all the artists who participated, and to the judges for completing the hard task of picking winners for this exhibition.”
Winners:
Open Section
1st Lauren Miller, Lance Spradbrow
2nd Elizabeth Emmerson, Doug
Highly Commended: Belinda Sims, Gae Swain In Her Garden
Junior Section
1st Josephine Heath, Planes Of My Face
2nd Jada Villegas, Mind Artwork
Highly Commended: Annily Barr, Mum Drinking Tea
Packer’s Prize
Clare Chapman, 20 Years or more
Caption: The Gunnybalds exhibition is waiting to be explored at Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
April 8, 2022
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Deputy Mayor is “shocked and bitterly disappointed” with the Independent Planning Commission’s “April Fool’s Day” decision to short-change the Gunnedah Shire in its approval of Whitehaven’s Narrabri Underground Stage 3 Project.
“This approval will see the Gunnedah community subsidising the development impacts to the tune of $2 million,” Councillor Rob Hooke said.
“The IPC has taken Whitehaven’s offer as the preferred position, thereby clearly siding with the applicant and leaving little room for us to negotiate.”
Council argues that the Shire is entitled to more than the $1.4 million offered, based on an independent impact report Council commissioned to help negotiate the Planning Agreement with Whitehaven Coal.
The Infrastructure Services Impact Model (ISIM) was based on the Environmental Impact Statement and Social Impact Assessment used by the IPC to determine the application, and Cr Hooke said the report made it clear that the Planning Agreement fell well short of the actual impact that would be felt by the Shire.
“This ISIM highlighted that the impact of the development on the roads of the Gunnedah Shire alone, was more than $3.3 million,” Cr Hooke said.
“This represents just 35 per cent of the pool of funds available, despite the Social Impact Assessment highlighting that almost 50 per cent of workers and contractors of the new development will be domiciled in the Gunnedah Shire.
“It is incredulous for anyone to think that a developer undertaking a $404 million development, and whose product value per train load dwarfs the requested contribution, cannot afford that which the community is seeking and is entitled to.”
Cr Hooke said the IPC had ignored Council’s well-informed submissions, despite acknowledging Council’s position in the statement of reasons for the approval.
“For the IPC to be taken seriously and as a genuinely independent body, it must enforce realistic, meaningful and equitable compensation via the Planning agreement process for Local Government Areas that are impacted by State Significant Developments,” he said.
“Council and the community are left feeling that the NSW Department of Planning and the IPC are walking away from their responsibility to uphold NSW legislation and associated frameworks to ensure that all developers enter into appropriate planning agreements and not leave communities bearing the cost of developer’s profits.
“Council calls on our local member to make representations to the NSW Planning Minister to review the process which allows this injustice to occur.”
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council says the Gunnedah Shire community deserves better.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
April 8, 2022
It will be flat-out Friday for Gunnedah Shire’s youth with a free colour run, outdoor cinema and the PCYC Youth Hub opening.
Join the fun in the colour run today at Longmuir Playing Fields from 4pm then head along to the Gunnedah PCYC for its Youth Hub opening, followed by a free screening of Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said it was a great chance for youth to get together in their community.
“The Colours for Nourishment provides an opportunity for Gunnedah young people to participate in an exciting and fun event in the spirit of community,” Ms Mackley said.
“In order for the event to run smoothly, it is essential that all participants sign and submit a waiver at the event. Participants under 17 years of age must submit a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.”
Ms Mackley said the new Youth Hub would also provide a good opportunity for youth to connect and make new friends.
“This space is an activities room, chill-out zone and drop-in centre housed with fitness equipment, comfortable seating, video consoles and free Wi-Fi,” she said.
“This is the combined vision of so many organisations in Gunnedah and will be supported by these organisations to provide a safe and secure space for Gunnedah’s Youth, which will include Friday night programs and activities in the near future.”
After the hub opening, youth can take in the new Space Jam movie and enjoy a free barbecue, popcorn and water. If it rains, the event will be moved inside.
“This is a real community driven project and shows how collaborative and driven the Gunnedah Shire community is,” Ms Mackley said.
“The organisations that have been instrumental in the success of this activity, include Joblink Plus, PCYC Gunnedah, Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, Gunnedah Shire Council, Homes North, Gunnedah Family Support and TFSS.
“The cinema event is a real chance for everyone to connect and engage with services and engage with our young people in a really positive way, so bring a chair, bring some blankets, get comfy, sit back and relax and enjoy this great movie.”
Caption: Chase the Rainbow in today’s Colour Run.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
April 7, 2022
Regional areas are calling a halt to a crime surge across North-West New South Wales.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah was among a number of Shires experiencing a worrying sustained rise in the number of crimes including car theft and break and enters, with perpetrators becoming more and more brazen.
“The 2021 figures show a collection of crime hotspots across this region,” Cr Chaffey said.
“Last year, Gunnedah Shire’s rate of car theft was 323 per 100,000 population, that’s 2.5 times higher than the statewide rate of 128 per 100,000. That is worrying enough, but this year has seen a huge leap in crime.
“While the official figures are not yet available, anecdotally we are hearing of a car theft every other day. Perpetrators are stealing and breaking and entering any time of the day or night, and are actively seeking out police pursuits. If this continues, we will see a 200-300% increase in our already high car theft rates.
“Our community is very concerned. We need to feel safe in our homes, our streets and our businesses. In feedback to our consultation on Council’s review of our Community Strategic Plan, residents have told us that they do not feel safe in their own homes.
“Many other neighbouring shires are facing a similar situation.
“We are calling on people to lock up, to watch out for and report criminal behaviour, to look after themselves and their neighbours.
“I know our police are working hard to combat this crime surge and are absolutely focussed on tackling the situation. But I am calling on the Police Minister to help our community and our valued police officers. We need 24-hour policing. We have a new station designed for the purpose and we need the staffing levels to make this happen – as soon as possible.”
People who see suspicious activity can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report crime or suspicious activity online at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
You can also contact Gunnedah Police on 6742 9099 and remember to call 000 if it is an emergency.
Note: Official crime statistics are available from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) at crimetool.bocsar.nsw.gov.au
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
6 April, 2022
Gunnedah Shire Council’s school holiday program has arrived and it is chock-a-block with activities, from whipcracking to candle-making, and movies to fun with clay.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Customer and Community Relations Charlotte Hoddle said whatever your child’s interests, they are sure to find a fun activity during the holidays.
“What a fantastic start to the Easter holidays with the Youth Week Colour Run – Colours for Nourishment at 4pm on Friday at Longmuir Fields. It’s a colourful way for the whole family to join in,” Ms Hoddle said.
“This will be followed by the free Outdoor Cinema event at PCYC Gunnedah at 6pm, with a screening of Space Jam: A New Legacy, incorporating the PCYC Youth Hub opening.
“The $10 movie for school holiday Thursdays is back, with The Bad Guys on the first week and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the second week.
“Sporting kids have a range of options this Easter break, they can enjoy a netball clinic, skateboarding, tennis, cricket at Carroll or AusKick AFL.
“Artistic kids can get their creative juices flowing with Crafty Creations at the Library, a Candle Wax Beads Workshop, a Polymer Clay Workshop and a Composition Workshop at the Conservatorium.
“The very popular Junior Engineers returns for another year, this time teaching kids to Code with Minecraft Education where kids can modify their own Minecraft world over two days.”
The Easter School Holiday program includes:
- Friday, April 8: Colours for Nourishment Colour Run at 4pm at Longmuir Oval. Free.
• Friday, April 8: Outdoor Cinema – Space Jam: A New Legacy at 6pm at the PCYC in View Street. Free
• Monday, April 11: Gunnedah NetSetGo School Holiday Clinic, at Gunnedah Netball Courts, Longmuir Fields, View Street 10am – 12pm
• Tuesday, April 12: Free Skate Workshop with Totemskateboarding.com – between 10am and 12.30 with various workshops
• Wednesday, April 13 and Tuesday, 19 April: PCYC Kids Holiday Camp, various times
• Thursday, April 14: 2nd Annual Carroll Cricket Day at the Carroll Community Ground from 11am to 2pm.
• Tuesday, April 12: Whip Cracking Workshop with the Wicks Family at the Griffith Pavilion over two sessions between 1.30pm and 2.30pm and 3pm to 4pm. Free
• Thursday, April 14: Tennis Skills Coaching Clinic at the Wolseley Park Tennis Courts from 9am
• Thursday, April 14 & 21: $10 Holiday Movies at the Civic.
• Friday, April 22: Candle Wax Beads Workshop over two sessions in the Studio Room at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street – free with Creative Kids voucher. Sessions at 9am and 11am.
• Tuesday, April 19: Polymer Clay, Sculptures and Charms Workshops over two sessions at the Studio Room at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street - at 11am and 12.30pm
• Wednesday and Thursday 20 – 21 April: Learn to Code with Minecraft Education at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery from 8.30am to 4.30pm
• Wednesday - Friday, April 20-21: Composition and Music for Young People Workshops with the Gunnedah Conservatorium, various workshops
• Thursday April 21: AusKick AFL Holiday Clinic, 9am at Wolseley Oval
To find out more and to book for the events that need you to reserve a place, visit Gunnedah Shire Council’s Facebook site or www.thecivic.com.au/youth
Caption: The Junior Engineers workshop proved a big hit with kids in last year’s school holidays program.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
March 31, 2022
The month of March has zoomed by with Gunnedah’s Weeks of Speed.
The collaborative festival wrapped on the weekend after many successful events, including drag racing, the Tractor Trek, Multicultural Markets, Show and Shine, greyhound racing, motorcycle racing, and the Mount Porcupine Hill Climb.
For the first time, the Australian Whip Cracking Titles and World Bullock Whip Titles were part of the program and the local Wicks family was well-represented.
Weeks of Speed committee Chair Ray Darcy said the festival got off to a great start and the first three weekends were “brilliant”.
The Multicultural Markets was a colourful affair and more than 900 people visited the event throughout the day to try international cuisine, browse almost 50 stalls, participate in workshops, and watch more than 30 performers, representing the Tahitian, Maori and Chinese cultures, to name a few.
The final weekend of the festival was affected by wet weather conditions, but racers still got out and had a good go.
“This year has probably been one of the better years,” Mr Darcy said.
“I think everyone was glad to get out and do something for a change … it can only get bigger and better.”
Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts (GME) was behind a number of the month’s events, including the annual hill climb and aerodrome half-mile sprint.
GME’s Geoff Hood said the rain on the weekend drove some spectators away, and discouraged some drivers from competing, but they got a few good runs in.
“Numbers were down because our events clashed with other events on the coast, however, we had enough to have a really good day,” he said.
“We didn’t have any accidents and the drivers drove to conditions.”
Mr Hood said one major positive was the feedback from drivers about how the events were run.
“When you’re in motor sports, it’s very much, ‘I’m going to beat you. I don’t like you’,” he said.
“They said they competed all over Australia in motor events and the friendly country atmosphere of Gunnedah and its events is very enjoyable.”
Mr Hood said it was a team effort, and the festival was well supported by numerous groups, including the Tamworth Drag Racing Association and Tamworth Sporting Car Club.
“Without them, we couldn’t have done it,” he said.
It was a busy weekend in town, and motels were booked out with Weeks of Speed, dog shows and the Country Music Muster.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Tourism Team Leader Nikki Robertson said it was wonderful to see so many people flocking to the Gunnedah Shire.
“There were people everywhere. It gives visitors good vibes when events are on everywhere and there are lots of choices,” she said.
It was Mrs Robertson’s first taste of the Weeks of Speed and she believes the festival has huge potential.
“I am new to the Tourism role in Gunnedah and it was exciting for me to be part organising committee and see the events come to life,” she said.
“The motor racing world has a lot to offer and it attracts competitors and spectators from across the state to attend our annual Weeks of Speed festival.
“Council has been a key supporter of the Weeks of Speed since its inception. I can see that this event is a great contributor to our visitor economy and certainly has potential for future years to keep growing and expanding as the motor racing sport evolves.”
Caption: Gunnedah’s Weeks of Speed has delivered fun and excitement.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
March 30, 2022
Youth Week 2022 kicked off a little early today with Gunnedah Youth Expo introducing students to a world of possibilities.
The event was the first in a whole program that includes a colour run, skate workshop, outdoor cinema and the opening of the PCYC Youth Hub.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Customer and Community Relations Charlotte Hoddle said NSW Youth Week, which officially runs from April 4 to April 14, was the perfect opportunity to hold events that celebrate our young people.
“Today’s Youth Expo shows students the exciting future that is ahead of them,” Ms Hoddle said.
“More than 20 businesses, services, universities and TAFE were at the Expo to talk about the huge range of options that are open to people just starting out on their working lives. This is great way for students to see so many opportunities under one roof.”
Ms Hoddle said the full Youth Week 2022 program for Gunnedah included many fun events, such as Colours for Nourishment Colour Run and an outdoor cinema screening of Space Jam: A New Legacy on Friday, April 8, a free skate workshop on Tuesday, April 12, and the Carroll Cricket Day on Thursday, April 14.
“The program aims to put our young people at the centre of it all, with this year’s Youth Week theme being, ‘It’s up to YOU’th’,” Ms Hoddle said.
“It’s all about having fun with old friends and new friends.”
The Youth Week 2022 Program can be viewed online, at Council’s Administration Building in Elgin Street, Gunnedah Shire Library, and The Civic in Chandos Street.
Many of the activities are also listed as events on Council’s Facebook page with booking links.
Youth Week 2022 activities include:
- Wednesday, March 30: Youth Week Expo at Gunnedah Town Hall.
- April 3-10: PCYC Star Jump Challenge (visit pcycstarjumpchallenge.org.au)
- Friday, April 8: PCYC Youth Hub opening from 4pm to 5pm at the PCYC (call 1800 695 625 for more details).
- Friday, April 8: Colours for Nourishment Colour Run at 5pm at Longmuir Oval. Free.\
- Friday, April 8: Outdoor Cinema – Space Jam: A New Legacy at 6pm at the PCYC in View Street.
- Tuesday, April 12: Free Skate Workshop with Totemskateboarding.com (visit Gunnedah Shire Council Facebook event or totemskatboarding.com to book).
- Thursday, April 14: 2nd Annual Carroll Cricket Day at the Carroll Community Ground from 11am to 2pm.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
March 29, 2022
A whole world of possibilities will be laid out for Gunnedah Shire youth tomorrow at the 2022 Gunnedah Youth Expo.
More than 20 exhibitors will be at the Expo, including universities and TAFE, Gunnedah-based businesses and service providers.
The Gunnedah Youth Expo, a joint initiative of Gunnedah Shire Council, Gunnedah Youth Interagency and NSW Youth Week, was visited by more than 250 students last year.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager of Customer and Community Relations Charlotte Hoddle said the event was an important one for students looking at their pathways for the future.
“The Gunnedah Youth Expo can be an eye-opener for young people who are on the brink of one of the most exciting times of their lives,” Ms Hoddle said.
“In one place, they can find information about universities and about how to get started in a huge range of industries, from music to mining.
“It is great to see so many of our local businesses and services get on board to give students a taste just how many options are out there. Students can talk to people who are already working within those industries and, in the case of the TAFE mobile training units, actually get some practical experience.
“The Youth Expo is a free event is for youth aged 12-25, as well as parents or carers. It will be a fun morning, there are giveaways and prizes to be won.”
Youth Expo is the highlight event of Youth Week in Gunnedah Shire. The aim of NSW Youth Week is to celebrate young people and the contributions they make to their local communities. NSW Youth Week 2022 will run from 4 -14 April 2022. The theme for 2022 is ‘It’s up to YOU’th’.
Find your 2022 Youth Expo map here.
Caption: The 2021 Gunnedah Youth Expo was visited by more than 250 young people.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
March 29, 2022
Community and sporting groups can realise their goals by applying for up to $5,000 through Gunnedah Shire Council’s Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program.
For 18 years, the program has funded the launch of new initiatives, much-needed equipment and infrastructure changes for countless groups, and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey urged community organisations and sporting clubs to make the most of the opportunity.
“With so many fundraising opportunities and activities cancelled or disrupted over the last few years, it has been a challenging time for a lot of volunteer groups,” Cr Chaffey said.
“This funding can kick-start these groups again in 2022 and help them to steer towards future plans, whether that is through expansion, events, or simple but effective improvements.”
Cr Chaffey said priority would be given to projects and initiatives that not only help organisations to grow and be sustainable, but also support the broader community.
“Funding helps to support the wonderful work they do, and acknowledge their ongoing resilience and passion to keep their clubs and groups functioning,” he said.
Lake Keepit Fishing Club is among past recipients and used a grant to replace its outdoor seating, which is in bad disrepair.
“It gets used all the time. Because it’s such a beautiful table and chairs, we sit on it for our monthly meetings,” Club President Ann Michie said.
“It’s fantastic … everyone comments on how good it is.”
Application forms available here and grant guidelines are available from Council’s website at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
Further information is available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton, on 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
The 2022-23 funding round closes at 5pm on Monday, May 2, 2022.
Caption: Lake Keepit Fishing Club used funding from the Council’s Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program to replace its outdoor seating.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
