October 4, 2021

Following the announcement of multiple positive cases in Gunnedah Shire and associated case contact locations, NSW Health have announced the Gunnedah Shire Local Government Area will return to lockdown from midnight October 4 until October 11.

Under the stay at home rules, everyone must remain at home unless they have a reasonable excuse to leave. Reasonable excuses include: shopping for essential items, medical care or caregiving, for essential work that cannot be completed from home and outdoor exercise with a member of your household or one other person.

Given these developments, Gunnedah Shire Council will move back to the orange stage of the yellow-orange-red Coronavirus Response Strategy, with non-essential facilities to close for face-to-face services. Council staff are still available to assist you over the phone on (02) 6740 2100 or online.

Thank you for your understanding. Further information in relation to Council services will be available tomorrow.

• A complete list of exposure sites can be found on the NSW Health website: https://bit.ly/NSW_CaseLocations
• For a list of COVID-19 testing clinics in Gunnedah, visit https://bit.ly/3kJYf9o. 

September 30, 2021

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey has written to NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research the Hon Brad Hazzard and the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon Greg Hunt requesting an urgent investigation into Hunter New England Health’s inaction in providing General Practitioner services to the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre (GRHC).

Cr Chaffey said he was compelled to elevate the issue due to the fact that despite Hunter New England Health (HNEH) taking over management of the centre almost fourteen months ago, there are still no additional GP services in the Gunnedah Shire.

“Today I have written to both the NSW and Federal Governments requesting they each undertake a comprehensive  investigation  into  Hunter  New  England  Health’s  inaction  in  providing  General  Practitioner services to the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Since signing an agreement offered by the Federal Government’s then Minister for Regional Health the Hon Mark Coulton MP on 7 August 2020 with full rights to operate the GRHC facility, and despite receiving several expression of interests from prospective GP services, HNEH have not been able to secure a service for the centre.

“I note HNEH have been able to secure a private general surgeon who works out of the facility for one day a month, and two skin cancer doctors who will visit quarterly, but this does little to resolve the current crisis our Shire faces in accessing GP services.

“A NSW Rural Doctors Network State of Play report released in February 2021 found that Gunnedah has a doctor-to-patient ratio of one general practitioner to 2670 residents, almost three times the recommended ratio of 1:905.

“The development of the $6.7 million dollar GRHC in 2012 was a community effort. The then Federal Government funded $4.3 million, and the remaining $2.4 million  shortfall  was  contributed  by  community  fundraising  and  donations  from  the  Shire’s  business  community. It is heartbreaking to watch this state-of-the-art facility lay dormant while our residents are forced to travel hours for basic medical services.

“To put it simply, enough is enough.  GP services are desperately needed in our community and it is my opinion that unless immediate action is taken by HNEH, the centre should be taken back by the Commonwealth and redistributed to an organisation that will commit and deliver on the provision of GP services.”

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

September 30, 2021

Some Gunnedah Shire Council Services will be closed or operating for reduced hours on Monday, October 4. Service changes include:

• Gunnedah Shire Council Elgin Street Administration Building – closed.
• Gunnedah Shire Library – closed.
• Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool – both pools open 9am to 6pm.
• Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre - open from 10am to 3pm.
• Civic Cinema – closed.
• Waste Management Facilities - open as normal.

There are no changes to kerbside collections.

We hope you enjoy the long weekend and as always you can contact our out of hours line for emergency requests on (02) 6740 2100.

September 30, 2021

As at September 12, 2021, 71.9% of the Gunnedah Shire population aged 15 and over have received one dose, while 36.9% are fully vaccinated.

You can contact your GP practice or pharmacy to make a booking for a COVID-19 vaccine, or attend a vaccination clinic.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service are returning to Gunnedah Shire for residents to receive their first or second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination on the following dates:

• Gunnedah: Basketball Stadium, Gunnedah Showground on Monday October 4, Tuesday October 5 and Wednesday October 6 – 9:30am to 4pm.
• Mullaley: Mullaley Hall, Nombi Street on Thursday October 7 – 10:30am to 2:30pm.
• Curlewis: Curlewis Hall, Goran Street on Friday October 8 – 10:30am to 2:30pm.

No appointments are required, just come along on the day with your Medicare card.

There are also several upcoming vaccination clinics throughout Gunnedah Shire run by Hunter New England Health (HNEH). They include:

• Rural Health Centre, Gunnedah – Saturday 16 October from 10am (AstraZeneca)
• Curlewis – Saturday 23 October from 9am (AstraZeneca)
• Tambar Springs – Saturday 30 October from 10am (AstraZeneca)
• Carroll – Saturday 6 November from 9am (AstraZeneca)

Bookings for all HNEH clinics are essential. To book, contact Gunnedah Hospital on 6741 8000 on weekdays between 8am and 4pm.

September 29, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is planning for future tourism opportunities and calling for community participation in the creation of a new Destination Management Plan (DMP).

Council has commissioned consultants Jenny Rand & Associates to prepare the Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan 2022-26.

The plan will provide a focused list of strategies to develop the Gunnedah destination and identify opportunities to boost tourism and maximise visitor spend locally.

Residents and visitors who would like to help shape this new framework for tourism can now fill in a survey – and go into the draw to win a $50 Gunny Money Gift Card.

Council Manager of Customer and Community Relations Charlotte Hoddle said the new DMP would be an important tool for Council to set out actions to build and manage Gunnedah’s tourism industry.

“This new plan will help guide future tourism initiatives in the Gunnedah Shire and ensure a direction consistent with regional and State priorities,” Ms Hoddle said.

“As well as evaluating our current tourism assets, residents are encouraged to share some of the big ideas they have seen on their own travels that could be implemented in the Gunnedah Shire.

“The DMP will also be an integral tool for tourism operators and community groups when applying for grant opportunities. Following the online survey we will have more targeted consultation with tourism operators and community organisations.

“Having these groups involved in the renewal of the DMP will ensure the consultants are well-informed to deliver a plan with vision and a practical plan of action.

“The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete, so it’s easy to have your say and make sure it is heard.”

To participate in the resident and visitors survey, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GWCCB6D

Copies are also available at the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre, Council’s Elgin Street Administration Building and the Gunnedah Shire Library.

Responses close at 5pm on Friday, October 29.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

September 28, 2021

Gunnedah is one step closer to a new animal impound facility, after a Development Application was lodged for an extensive upgrade of the current facility.

A concept design has been prepared for the facility on Quia Road which includes shelter and exercise runs for 18 dogs, a dedicated cattery, office space, public reception area, veterinary treatment room and free range exercise yards.

Gunnedah Shire Council has already received part funding for the project, gaining $388,909 in Phase Two of the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.

Council Director of Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said completion of the project will support the welfare of impounded animals and create more opportunities for rehoming animals locally.

"Our pets truly are part of our families and we thank our Federal Member for his support of this exciting upgrade,” Mr Johns said.

“The existing facility is more than 20 years old and with Gunnedah Shire companion ownership rates rising steadily we frequently operate at or over capacity.

“The new facility will have increased capacity and a modern design, helping ensure lost pets are cared for in a comfortable, safe space that is compliant with current and foreseeable regulations and practices.

“This upgrade will also create new opportunities for Council’s Regulatory Services team to assist in micro-chipping animals, deliver responsible pet ownership programs and work with our rescue organisations to provide more options for local rehoming.”

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said it’s great to see Gunnedah Shire Council putting its LRCI funding to good use.

“The upgrade to the Gunnedah Impoundment Facility will not only provide a more comfortable place for animals in need to rehoming, but the construction will create employment for local builders and contractors which is especially important as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Coulton said.

“This is exactly the type of work the Federal Government is proud to support – creating local job opportunities, while delivering lasting benefits.”

Following the approval of the Development Application, Council will call for tenders and quotations for the final design and construction.

Caption: (from left to right) Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Council Compliance Officers Paul Zaicos and Toby Jaeger, Council Regulatory Services Coordinator Wade Berryman with Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

September 28, 2021

Gunnedah’s Civic Cinema is welcoming mums, dads, carers and their bubs to relax and enjoy a movie together, with the launch of the new monthly ‘Civic Bub Club’.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Jacinta Cipolla said the screenings were a great way to unwind and catch up with other parents.

“The Civic Bub Club sessions screen the latest films dedicated to carers with babies, with no pressure to leave the cinema if your baby cries,” Ms Cipolla said.

“We all know that babies can be restless and loud when it comes to outings, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the chance to go out and enjoy a good movie with your bub.

“It's the perfect escape for mums and dads. The cinema lights are dimmed and the movie volume lowered for sensitive ears.

“Attendees will also receive a free cup of coffee with every ticket purchased, or even a babycino.”

The first screening of the Civic Bub Club will be Free Guy staring Ryan Reynolds, held this Friday, October 1 at 10:30am. Tickets are $16 for each parent or carer.

To book a ticket, visit www.thecivic.com.au.

Caption: Child friendly screenings are returning to the Civic.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

September 28, 2021

Dorothea Mackellar’s poem My Country is a work rich in Australian imagery, an imagery that is brought to life through a new exhibition named after the famous poem.

My Country is a series of paintings by Gunnedah artist Maree Kelly that will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, October 29.

Maree says her paintings respond to the colour, the drama and the emotion of the poem.

“The artworks revisit the collection of watercolours created by Jean Isherwood in the 1980s with a contemporary perspective, exploring the Gunnedah region’s distinctive landscapes and the poet’s connection to the area,” Maree Kelly says.

Maree’s paintings capture the imagery that has long represented Australian’s love for their country, with artworks that open a window into lines such as “Her beauty and her terror”, and “the hot gold hush of noon”.

Maree says the exhibition also reflects the importance of the landscape in her own work.

“My work is based on my observance, understanding and connection to the natural environment that surrounds me,” she says.

“My family have lived in the Gunnedah area for generations, and I feel a strong sense of connection to the land. For this series of work, I took inspiration from the words of the poem and developed artworks that reflect a contemporary interpretation of the Gunnedah area’s landscape.”

My Country will be on display at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery until Sunday, November 28.

The Jean Isherwood water colour collection remains on permanent display at the Mackellar Centre in South Street, Gunnedah.

To find out more about Maree Kelly’s exhibition or to book for the opening on Friday, October 29 at 6pm, visit www.thecivic.com.au

Caption: Maree Kelly with some of the works for the My Country Exhibition.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

September 22, 2021

Plans for next weekend’s inaugural Harvest Gunnedah festival remain in full swing, with a new ticketed event format announced to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.

A long lunch is now planned, featuring a menu curated by festival ambassador Paul West of the popular television series A River Cottage Australia

Harvest Gunnedah Committee Chair Cr Colleen Fuller said the festival was shaping up to be a great event, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.

“Given the current uncertainty surrounding large events, the Harvest Gunnedah committee decided to change up the format, allowing for a pared back, COVID safe lunch where locals can gather and enjoy good food and each others company,” Cr Fuller said.

“Lunch and bus transport to and from the event is included in the ticket price and there will be live entertainment provided by Rennie Adams, Steve McCauley and the Gunnedah Conservatorium. An onsite bar will also be available.

“We are delighted Paul West can still be in attendance. Paul is a high profile chef and has worked in all areas of food production, from WWOOFing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) around Australia, growing fruit and vegetables, to cooking in the bistro of Melbourne’s renowned Vue de Monde.

“The River Cottage host will be chatting to local producers over the course of the day, and there will be plenty of opportunities to eat, discover and celebrate Gunnedah’s fantastic local produce.”

Harvest Gunnedah will be held at the Gunnedah Riverside Racecourse from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, October 2. Tickets are $60 per person, or $300 for a table of 6. Tickets can be purchased from www.harvestgunnedah.com.

Caption: TV chef and farm-fresh food guru Paul West has curated a menu for the first Harvest Gunnedah festival.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Gunnedah Shire Council is following the NSW Health regulations. Opening hours or restrictions of Council services and facilities may be subject to change following changes to those regulations.
We are committed to the health and safety of Gunnedah Shire residents and our staff, and the continued delivery of essential services. Please follow current health recommendations and get tested if you show symptoms.

COVID-19 Information

For more information about COVID-19, visit or call:

• NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au 
• Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
• Service NSW COVID-19 Hotline 13 77 88

To find your nearest COVID-19 testing clinic visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics

For information about COVID-19 vaccines and to make a booking, visit the Australian Government Department of Health.