Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
November 12, 2021
Christmas is just around the corner and Gunnedah Shire Council is kick-starting the festive season with the launch of the annual Christmas Lights Competition.
The Christmas Lights Competition is a chance for some friendly rivalry by dressing up your home with Christmas lights and decorations. All residents and local businesses are invited to participate.
Christmas lights and displays will be judged and awarded prizes under six categories, including:
- Best Decorated House - $200 Gunny Money Gift Card,
- Best Nativity Scene - $50 Gunny Money Gift Card,
- Best Christmas Theme in a Village - $150 Gunny Money Gift Card,
- Santa Street – Winners Plaque and $200 Gunny Money Gift Card,
- Judges Choice Award - $50 Gunny Money Gift Card,
- Best Dressed Shopfront Window - $100 Gunny Money Gift Card.
The competition opens this Monday, November 15. Entries close at 5pm on December 10.
Entry forms are available at www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events and hard copies can be collected from the Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building, Gunnedah Shire Library or the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.
Completed nomination forms can be submitted to Gunnedah Shire Council by emailing council@infogunnedah.com.au, submitting in person at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or by posting to PO Box 63, Gunnedah, NSW 2380.
Caption: Silversmith Place took out the coveted title for the best neighbourhood effort in the 2020 competition.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
10 November, 2021
Something strange is coming to the neighbourhood when Ghostbusters: Afterlife storms the Civic screen.
The spooky classic has taken a new turn and will haunt the Civic for the first time as a fundraiser for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund on Thursday, December 2, helping young Gunnedah students start their tertiary education journey.
Who you gonna call? As many of your friends and family as you can find to dress up and be in the running for the prizes for best dressed. There will also be lucky door prizes.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife is the next chapter in the Ghostbusters universe. A single mum and her two kids arrive in a small town, where they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.
It promises to be spooktacular, with the candy bar open for i-scream and other screen-side freaky treats.
Come along to support the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund and show the world you ain’t afraid of no ghost!
? Date: Thursday, December 2, 2021
? Doors open: 6pm for 6.30pm movie start
? Rated: PG
? Price: $20
? Tickets: https://thecivic.com.au/youth
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
9 November, 2021
It’s time to open our hearts to the children in our community who might miss out this Christmas with the annual Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal.
This is the seventh year Gunnedah Shire Council and the Salvation Army have joined forces for the appeal which helps bring joy to children on Christmas Day.
Gunnedah Shire Council Social and Community Planner Debra Hilton said the Community Christmas Toy Appeal had brightened thousands of small faces over the years.
“This is such a simple way people can help others out,” Ms Hilton said. “All you have to do is take an unwrapped toy to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Elgin Street office and put it under the tree, or drop it at Gunnedah Shire Library in Conadilly Street.
“A new toy on Christmas Day could make a wonderful difference to a child’s Christmas. Gunnedah Shire Council is very happy to partner with the Salvation Army, who know where gifts are needed the most, again this festive season.”
Salvation Army minister Lieutenant Marika Haupt said initiatives such as the Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Toy Appeal were very important at this time of year.
“The need is just as great this Christmas,” she said. “COVID-19 has had a big impact on our community and this appeal can help make Christmas cheerful.
“We are happy we can all work together in partnership for our community.”
Toys for all ages of children and young people are welcome, but for hygiene reasons and due to COVID-19, pre-loved toys, pre-loved clothing and food donations cannot be accepted. If you can help out, please bring the unwrapped toys to:
- Gunnedah Shire Council, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, or
- Gunnedah Shire Library, 291 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah.
Caption: (From left) Gunnedah Shire Council Social and Community Planner Debra Hilton, Salvation Army minister Lieutenant Marika Haupt, Salvation Army Major Zane Haupt and Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett launch the Community Christmas Tree Appeal.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
November 4, 2021
Gunnedah Shire Council has thrown its support behind listing Kurrumbede Homestead on the State Heritage Register.
The Heritage Council of NSW announced in October it was giving consideration to listing Kurrumbede Homestead Complex on the State Heritage Register in acknowledgement of its heritage significance to the people of New South Wales.
Members of the community, owners, managers, organisations and other interested parties were invited by the Heritage Council of NSW to make submissions about the proposal up until November 15, 2021.
Gunnedah Shire Councillors voted to support the move at an extraordinary meeting of Council this week.
The report to Council noted the homestead, built by the Mackellar family in 1906, was an example of a large pastoral landholding in the early 20th century, had been a second home to famous poet Dorothea Mackellar, and had an association with Olympic swimmer Andrew “Boy” Charlton who was a station hand at Kurrumbede.
The homestead, a grand rural residence set within formal gardens, is one of the earliest concrete block residential structures in New South Wales.
Caption: Council will support a move to list Kurrumbede on the State Heritage Register.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
November 4, 2021
Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Working Group is calling on the community to nominate outstanding residents and organisations for the annual Australia Day Awards.
The awards recognise and honour individuals and groups in the Gunnedah community who have worked tirelessly to shape and enrich the Shire.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director of Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said each year the Australia Day Awards celebrate the service and contributions of some of Gunnedah’s extraordinary residents.
“Nominations are now open to recognise individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond in their efforts and service to the community,” Mr Formann said.
“This year the Australia Day Awards are especially significant as they acknowledge the strength, resilience and capacity of the Gunnedah community when faced with adversity.
“Many community champions have stepped up in 2021, assisting others during the COVID-19 pandemic and would be worthy of recognition.
“If you know someone in our community who has done an amazing job for a charity or community organisation, or who should be recognised for their contributions to education, health, sports or the environment, please consider putting them forward by completing a nomination form.”
There are 12 categories in Gunnedah Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards for 2022. They include:
- Citizen of the Year Award (21 and over),
- Young Citizen of the Year Award (20 and under),
- Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award,
- Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy,
- Community and Cultural Achievement Award,
- Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award,
- Sports Person of the Year Award (21 and over),
- Junior Sports Person of the Year Award (20 and under),
- Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under),
- Sports Team of the Year Award,
- Ivan Towns Memorial Award, and
- Environmental Citizen of the Year Award (open age category).
Nomination forms are available at https://thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events. Applications close 5pm Friday January 14, 2022.
Winners will be announced during the Australia Day Awards Dinner, to be held on Tuesday January 25, 2022.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
November 4, 2021
Gunnedah Shire Council will commence work next Monday, November 8 on the reconstruction of Maitland Street Bridge in Breeza.
The works form part of the Clifton Road Upgrade Project and involve the demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a new concrete bridge over the waterway.
Council secured funding of $8.56 million through the NSW Government Fixing Country Roads program for the upgrade of Clifton Road, with a co-contribution of $247,794 from Gunnedah Shire Council.
The Federal Government also contributed an additional $1.007 million in Phase 1 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program to upgrade Clifton Road from Oakey Creek Road Intersection to Leys Road Intersection.
Council Director of Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the new bridge will help improve safety and productivity.
“The reconstruction of Maitland Street Bridge will allow all weather access across the waterway and improve access to local roads and farming operations,” Mr Bartlett said.
“The new bridge has been designed to carry the maximum loads possible for vehicles and machinery and will enable access for Higher Productivity Vehicles.
“This work is an important aspect of the Clifton Road Upgrade Project and at times there may be minor disruptions to traffic. I thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this process.”
It is anticipated works will be completed by the end of February, 2022.
Caption: The Maitland Street Bridge at Breeza will be demolished and reconstructed.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
Updated 18 September, 2024
The Kelvin Road upgrade is a $6.2 million project which involves the upgrade and sealing of the remaining 11.6kms of Kelvin Road between Gunnedah and Rangari Road. This will improve safety and reliability of the road and provide better access to services.
The project received funding of more than $4 million through the NSW Governments Fixing Local Roads Program and a $2 million contribution from the Australian Government Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
The project is close to completion.
Updated 18 September, 2024
Major upgrade works were announced for the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards were started in June 2022.
The NSW Government contributed $17.6 million in funding towards the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Redevelopment, with the initial stages including the demolition of existing sheep yards and development of the design for the complex upgrade, including a cafe, administration facility, a new truck wash, more workshop sheds, upgraded parking and lighting for the entire complex and upgrades to security and fencing.
The new truck wash officially opened in November 2022. The drive-through facility on the Kamilaroi Highway is capable of accommodating vehicles as large as road trains and B-triples.
October 28, 2021
Draft Water Supply Strategy to go on display
The Draft Gunnedah Water Supply Strategy is now on public exhibition for 28 days.
Gunnedah Shire Council engaged consultants Hunter H2O to undertake a water network servicing strategy for the Gunnedah water supply system, looking at the existing and future performance of the water system.
The review takes into account an expected increase in water demand from residential and industrial growth. The strategy will help plan for the community’s needs for the years ahead.
The strategy can be viewed here or at Council’s administration building in Elgin Street. Submissions close Tuesday, November 23.
Council seeks input on Draft Road Closure Policy
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Draft Road Closure Policy is being publicly exhibited for community input.
The policy aims to set forward a clear process for the permanent closure of roads that complies with the Roads Act 1993.
The strategy can be viewed here or at Council’s administration building in Elgin Street.
New policy to assist in medical professionals housing support
Gunnedah Shire Council has drafted a Medical Professionals Accommodation Support policy to help with housing for health care providers.
The policy allows council-owned properties to be leased to established medical practices who can sub-lease them to incoming medical professionals. Also included in the policy is the ability for Council to authorise a subsidy for a period of up to 12 months for medical professionals who rent externally because they can’t find accommodation through medical practices.
The policy has been drafted to ensure housing is not a barrier to attracting medical professionals to the Shire.
The strategy can be viewed here or at Council’s administration building in Elgin Street.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
October 22, 2021
Villages in Gunnedah Shire can now apply for grants of up to $500 to assist them in hosting events and activities for Australia Day 2022.
Progress associations, hall committees and community groups within Gunnedah Shire’s villages have been invited to apply to help fund their community celebrations.
Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor and Australia Day Working Group Chair Cr Rob Hooke said he encourages every village to apply.
“Each of our shire villages has its own unique community and atmosphere, and it’s wonderful that these grants can assist in sharing the celebrations around our Shire,” Cr Hooke said.
“Ideas for activities might include a classic Australian barbeque, water activities like a slip and slide, a sports event or live music.
“Traditionally, our Shire has really embraced the Aussie spirit. We’d love to see that continue with events in Breeza, Carroll, Curlewis, Kelvin, Mullaley and Tambar Springs.
“The Australia Day Working Group is also starting to bring together the Australia Day program for next year’s festivities, so if you have an event you would like to promote please let us know.”
Grant applications close on November 12, 2021. The application form is available at https://bit.ly/3aTW8eH and can be returned to council@infogunnedah.com.au.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
