September 17, 2021

The Royal Flying Doctors pop-up vaccination clinics held at Gunnedah, Mullaley and Curlewis over the past five days has proven a landmark success, with 2,784 people rolling up their sleeves to be vaccinated.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was inspiring to see so many people line up to protect their family, their community and their country.

“This most recent big push on top of the continuing efforts of our local GP clinics, pharmacies and other health providers is exactly what was needed to boost our vaccination rates,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I am deeply proud of what this community has been able to achieve in just a few days. We were among the first in the country to be able to offer vaccinations to our young people between 12 and 15, and have managed to win another fight against this pandemic.

“Thank you to all those who lined up to be vaccinated. With a positive COVID-19 case confirmed in Gunnedah Shire yesterday, it’s reassuring to see so many people taking up this opportunity and doing their part to protect our community.

“My greatest appreciation is to the people and organisations who have made these vaccination clinics possible. Our Federal Member, the Honourable Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, went into bat on behalf of his constituents and made sure the Pfizer vaccine was available.

“The wonderful people at the Royal Flying Doctor Service are hosting these clinics, providing a professional service that our community has been very grateful to receive. Thank you.

“Thanks must also go to: the Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Services and Hunter New England Health, who assisted in administering the vaccinations; to Winanga-Li who organised the clinic lines like clockwork and also were key in advocating so strongly for this clinic to happen; the SES who helped with traffic control; our team at Gunnedah Shire Council who helped keep things running smoothly; and Rotary Club of Gunnedah, whose members offered a smile and a lollipop and kept an eye on people who had just received their vaccinations. GoCo also provided free transport to the clinics.”

The clinic will return in about three weeks for second vaccinations. Details will be available ahead of that time on Gunnedah Shire Council’s Facebook page.

Caption: Team effort: The Royal Flying Doctor Service, Winanga-Li, Hunter New England Health, Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service, Gunnedah SES, Rotary Club of Gunnedah and Gunnedah Shire Council teamed up for the 5 clinics.

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September 17, 2021

School holidays are here and Gunnedah Shire Council’s School Holiday Program has a variety of activities to keep kids entertained.

The program features an outdoor art workshop with artists Danny Stanley and Sophie Honess, ‘Under the Sea’ themed storytelling and craft at Gunnedah Shire Library and a tennis skills coaching clinic.

The Civic Cinema is also hosting $10 screenings of Paw Patrol: The Movie and Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon at 10:30am each Thursday during the holidays.

Council Manager of Customer and Community Relations Charlotte Hoddle said the September program featured something for everyone, with options for the active kids and the creative kids.

“While we were not able to plan our usual extensive program due to COVID restrictions, we’ve pulled together an exciting range of activities,” Ms Hoddle said.

“This will be a great opportunity for kids to get out into the community and have some fun.”

To view the full program, click here.

Caption: The Louis Tennis Academy Clinic is always a school holiday favourite.

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

September 17, 2021

Gunnedah Shire has welcomed five new citizens at an Australian citizenship ceremony as part of Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.

The conferees from four countries, including Canada, Mongolia, Fiji and the United Kingdom became Australian citizens at a ceremony at the Smithurst Theatre.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Australian Citizenship Day. Gunnedah Shire Mayor Cr Jamie Chaffey said Australian Citizenship Day was an opportunity for all Australians in their community, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on and celebrate what’s great about being Australian.

“COVID-19 restrictions will result in fewer citizenship ceremonies than usual this year, however we still want to mark this important occasion and welcome new Australians to our community”, Cr Chaffey said.

“Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for us all to reflect on the contributions of citizens to our local communities. There is no greater privilege than our citizenship, and as Mayor it is always an honour to see these new Australians through the final stages of their citizenship journey.

 “I encourage everyone in the Gunnedah Shire to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship on September 17 as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.”

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day and Australian citizenship, visit www.citizenship.gov.au.

Caption: (From left to right) Graham Montgomery, Michelle Carter, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Mark Shanahan, Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke, Narantuya (Nara) Batsukh and Iliesa Hanimo Navatu all attended today’s citizenship ceremony.

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September 16, 2021

This morning NSW Health advised of a positive COVID-19 case in the Gunnedah Shire, with fragments of the virus also detected in a sample taken from the Gunnedah Sewage Treatment Plant on Monday, September 13.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said while the community awaits further information about the case, it was important to be alert but remain calm.

“This case is currently under investigation with information for the community to be provided by NSW Health when accurate information is available,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This person is currently in isolation and I wish them a speedy recovery.

“At this point we believe the case has been in isolation since before they were infectious, however investigations are still ongoing. In the meantime, we need to remain vigilant. It is vitally important we go out and get tested even if we are experiencing only mild COVID-19 symptoms. Please continue to follow the advice that Hunter New England Health are providing.

“I also strongly urge residents against panic buying. We know from experience that we have secure supply chains and do not need to worry.

“Today’s news is a timely reminder to continue to boost our vaccination rate, and this week’s Royal Flying Doctor Service vaccination clinics have come at a good time. If you have not yet had your vaccine I encourage you to come forward and get it done.

“If we continue to look out for each other, lift our vaccination rate and follow all restrictions, I know we will get through this and can look forward to getting back to a more normal way of life soon.”

For a full list of testing locations visit https://bit.ly/39bnaNY.  Information on local vaccination options is available at https://bit.ly/3nDhC7e. For further health advice and updates refer to NSW Health. 

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

September 16, 2021

Council takes action to support main street traders

Gunnedah Shire Council has resolved to once again waive application fees for street trading and footpath dining applications in the 2021-22 financial year.

This will be the third consecutive year Council has waived the fees in a move that was originally brought in to help businesses during the drought, and then extended to assist businesses impacted by pandemic restrictions.

Close to $3000  in fees were waived in the last financial year to support businesses during a year or challenges including lockdowns.

Business Partner Program guidelines updated

The Business Partner Program guidelines have been amended to strengthen the program.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors last night voted to revise the eligibility criteria to provide clarity for applicants and to assist the Business Partner Program Advisory Group in their assessments.

The revised forms will be available on the Gunnedah Shire Council website.

The latest round of the Business Partner Program is now open to applications.

The Business Partner Program has assisted many new and expanding businesses over the years, including a super-charged year in 2020-21 which saw more than 65 projects assisted by Gunnedah Shire Council. The program was established to support new and expanding businesses, with a view to nurture economic activity and increase employment opportunities.

Applications for the current round must be in by 5pm, Sunday, October 31.

Caption: Application fees for footpath dining in the 2021-22 financial year will be waived.

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

September 16, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is working with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and encouraging operators of underground petroleum storage systems (UPSS) used for heating oil, waste oil or fuel for back up generators to register their system, following changes to an exemption order for their use.

UPSS systems are governed under the Protection of the Environment Operations Regulation 2019. The EPA have advised previously issued exemption orders under the regulation expired on August 31, 2021, with local operators asked to ensure their systems are registered with Council.

Gunnedah Shire Council Coordinator or Regulatory Services Wade Berryman said it was important to know where these UPSS are located and for operators to have a current Fuel System Operation Plan in place.

“The storage systems impacted by the regulation change are likely to be used as a back-up generator in a commercial or residential premise, for heating oil in residential premises and for waste oil,” Mr Berryman said.

“While storage systems used for back-up generators, heating oil and waste oil storage may pose a lower risk, leaks from UPSS are a common source of land and groundwater contamination. This change will make sure leaks are prevented, or if they do occur, they are found and fixed early.

“There may also be cases where we need to reissue an exemption order for a system, and if so we will work with the operator and EPA to ensure that is up to date.”

Operators of the affected UPSS are encouraged to contact Council’s Regulatory Services team on (02) 67402100 or by email at council@infogunnedah.com.au to ensure their system is registered. A self-evaluation form that allows operators of any UPSS to review their compliance can also be found at https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/contaminated-land/upss.

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

September 10, 2021

Gunnedah artists Helen Stanley and Brad White will bring a collection of their works together in an upcoming exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery called “A Mix of Marks”.

The two are artists of very different kinds who have shared their mutual love of art since their children became friends at preschool. This exhibition is the realisation of a long-held ambition to show their work together.

Helen Stanley has honed her talent since completing a degree in Fashion and Textile Design at Winchester School of Art in Hampshire, United Kingdom, while Brad White is largely self-taught and enjoys challenging himself to create artworks with a difference.

“I am quite controlled in my art, with a playful use of mixed mediums,” Helen says. “My art is influenced by my upbringing in England, and it is a little wacky.”

Brad, on the other hand, has a contemporary style he laughingly describes as “loose and rough”. He experiments with shape and form, working in both oils and acrylics, and has recently discovered an interest in sculpture.

Helen’s gentle and whimsical style will create an interesting contrast to Brad’s more bold and confronting style.

“A Mix of Marks” will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 6pm on Friday, September 17 with light refreshments, with the exhibition continuing on until Sunday, October 24.

For bookings to the opening, visit www.thecivic.com.au

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

September 10, 2021

Following news that the Gunnedah Shire Local Government Area will be released from lockdown this Saturday, September 11, Gunnedah Shire Council will reopen face to face services and public facilities.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said the lifting of lockdown would come as a relief to residents and businesses.

“On behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council I want to thank the community for complying with the most difficult and necessary restrictions. This is wonderful news and I hope residents can enjoy spending time catching up with friends and family in the coming days.

“From tomorrow, Council will transition back to the yellow phase of our Coronavirus Response Strategy with the reopening of many of our face-to-face services. Measures like QR code check-ins, mask wearing and capacity limits will remain in place.

“While we can resume many of the things we love, and hopefully many of our ways of doing business, it is also essential to keep doing the right thing.

“The NSW Government have announced a road map for reopening the state that is centred upon freedoms for the fully vaccinated. It’s important we continue to lift our vaccination rate so we are well protected and in the best possible position moving forward.

“I encourage residents to talk to their GP or pharmacist about getting vaccinated, or attend one of the pop-up vaccination clinics planned throughout the Shire in the coming weeks.

“We must also continue to come forward for testing, even with only mild symptoms. This will help to ensure any potential future outbreak can be stopped at the source.”

The following Gunnedah Shire Council services and facilities will reopen and resume normal operating hours:

• Elgin Street Administration Building,
• Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre,
• Gunnedah Shire Library,
• GoCo Aged Care & Community Transport,
• Waste management facilities,
• The Civic Cinema (reopening on Thursday, September 16),
• Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery (reopening on Monday, September 13),
• Gunnedah Memorial Indoor Swimming Pool,
• Sports fields (please note: community sport is not permitted under current regional restrictions),
• The showground, caravan parks, camping grounds, public toilets, community halls and facilities will also reopen for use compliant with regional restrictions.

For further information, including a list of upcoming pop-up vaccination clinics, click here.

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

September 9, 2021

Gunnedah’s Koala Sanctuary remains something significant to look forward following the pandemic, but will have new operators at the helm.

Gunnedah Shire Council has received notification from tourism operator The CaPTA Group it has been forced to withdraw from the project due to the “huge toll” the pandemic has taken on the Australian tourism industry.

The CaPTA Group, which is based in Far North Queensland, advised it had “no choice” but to withdraw, but wished Gunnedah Shire Council every success with the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary project, and hoped for a solution that would be in the best interests of our wild koalas and beautiful region.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said while the news was disappointing, the Koala Sanctuary project would continue for Gunnedah.

“The tourism industry has faced enormous challenges during this pandemic, and we understand the need for operators to concentrate on their existing attractions,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have been lucky enough to have the ear and advice of this very experienced tourism group during the critical design phase of our Koala Sanctuary, and we intend to continue with progress on this important project. The development application was lodged with the NSW Government in February and when it is approved, we are poised to start on the next part of the project.

“Our intention is to look at alternate arrangements for its operation. We can’t say at this stage what that will look like, but it does give us the opportunity to look at all kinds of options.

“We remain committed to this project, and excited about what it will mean for both the region’s koala population, and for Gunnedah.”

The planned Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary is located on a 50-acre bushland site on the Oxley Highway, and includes a koala hospital and sanctuary. About 10,000 trees have already been planted for use as food trees at plantation sites for the koalas.

The Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary project secured $6.48 million through the NSW Government’s Regional Social Benefit Infrastructure Fund. Council has also applied for $1.75 million through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund to allow the full project to proceed as soon as possible.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson view plans for the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary.

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

September 7, 2021

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) are bringing pop-up vaccination clinics to the Gunnedah Shire during September, with residents encouraged to come forward to receive their first or second Pfizer jab.  

The RFDS will host clinics in Gunnedah, Mullaley and Curlewis over a 5 day period from September 13-17, with anyone aged 12 and over able to attend.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said these mass vaccination clinics will help boost the local vaccination rate and ensure residents are well protected.

“As of September 5, 62.9% of eligible Gunnedah Shire residents have had at least one dose of a vaccine, compared to the NSW average of 74%. We have seen a big improvement in our vaccine rate in the last few weeks, thank you to everyone in the community for coming forward to get vaccinated,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We are very grateful to the RFDS for bringing this vital service to the Gunnedah Shire community. It is clear that the only way for us to move forward is through vaccination and I encourage all residents to come along to get their jab.

“This service is targeted at helping our Shire lift vaccination rates, so we kindly ask that residents from outside the LGA wait for future clinics planned across the North West.

“Children aged 12 and over are eligible to be vaccinated at these clinics, so I encourage parents to bring their children along to ensure they are protected when they return to school.”

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has been in consultation with Cr Chaffey for some time about bringing a mass vaccination clinic to Gunnedah, and said he is pleased that the RFDS has been able to provide this opportunity.

“The Gunnedah community has been calling for this for weeks and after consultations with the RFDS and council, I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure these clinics,” Mr Coulton said.

“With COVID-19 now in the regions, it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.

“I encourage all eligible people to go along and take advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

Clinics will be held on the following dates:

• Gunnedah Showground - Monday September 13, 9:30am to 4pm
• Gunnedah Showground - Tuesday September 14, 9:30am to 4pm
• Gunnedah Showground – Wednesday September 15, 9:30am to 4pm
• Mullaley Hall – Thursday September 16, 10am to 4pm
• Curlewis Hall – Friday September 17, 10am to 4pm

Bookings are not required. Residents should ensure they are wearing a mask and bring their Medicare card, a hat and sunscreen.

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