April 23, 2021

The final year of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Operational Plan shows a year of record capital works, with more than $47 million of projects in the pipeline.

The Draft 2017-2022 Delivery Program and 2021-22 Operational Plan was approved for public exhibition by the Gunnedah Shire Council this week.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said due to the postponement of the NSW Local Government Elections in 2020, Council’s four-year delivery program had been expanded to five years.

“The Delivery Program outlines our actions and programs for the financial year ahead,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Together with the Operational Plan which sets the direction for the budget, this document is an impressive blueprint for a huge year for Gunnedah Shire.

“We know our economy has shown a remarkable resilience, but this plan gives us a clear picture of what will be a record year for capital works, with $47.2 million worth of projects, more than double that of the previous year. Among those projects are $16 million for the Saleyards Redevelopment and Upgrade, $7.5 million for Rangari Road, $6.2 million for Kelvin Road, $4.8 million for the Clifton Road upgrade, and $1.2 million for the replacement of Orange Grove Road Bridge.

“This comes following what has already been a big time of growth. Gunnedah Shire Council remains committed to actively campaigning for the best results for our community, and working with all levels of government to make this happen.”

Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said the directions for Gunnedah’s future came from a strong partnership with the community.

“Engaging with the community and building on their ideas has formed the direction for the next 10 years and has resulted in the completion of many major and minor projects already,” Mr Groth said.

“This plan continues Council’s focus on the realisation of shared visions with the Gunnedah Shire Community.”

The Gunnedah Shire Council Draft 2017-2022 Delivery Program and 2021-22 Operational Plan will be on public exhibition until 5pm Friday May 21, 2021.

ENDS

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

April 23, 2021

Local health professionals are invited to attend an information session on Wednesday with Chief Executive of Hunter New England Health (HNEH) Michael DiRienzo, where an update on the Gunnedah Hospital Clinical Services Plan (CSP) will be provided.

Gunnedah Shire Council has been advocating for HNEH to consider input from the local community in the development of the Clinical Services Plan (CSP) for Gunnedah and in the subsequent design of the new Hospital.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said that after making representations to the Minister of Health, Council secured a meeting to discuss progress of the new hospital development.

“Council has been strongly advocating for greater transparency from HNEH in the development of the CSP for Gunnedah,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Last month we met with senior representatives of HNEH and the Ministry of Health to discuss our concerns around the consultation process and lack of transparency.

“As a result of this meeting, Michael DiRienzo has agreed to attend an information session with the local health community to provide an update on progress of the CSP and hospital redevelopment.

“The new hospital is a critically important development for Gunnedah and I encourage our local health providers and services to attend and ensure that moving forward we have a seat at the table.”

The session will be held at the Smithurst Theatre on Wednesday April 28, 2021 at 1pm.

Anyone wishing to attend is should send an RSVP to council@infogunnedah.com.au or phone (02) 6740 2100.

ENDS

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

April 22, 2021

EIMEX gets green light from Council

Gunnedah Shire Council has voted to continue to support the Energy Innovation Mining Expo (EIMEX) which will be held on 8-9 October this year.

Council had originally resolved to support the 2020 event with an in-kind contribution of $11,000 and funding of $7000 but the event was cancelled due to COVID-19. That support will now be transferred to the 2021 event.

The first EIMEX was held at the Gunnedah Showgrounds in 2018 by the Gunnedah Show Society, with 3500 visitors through the gates over three days and 57 exhibitors displaying their products.

Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the event not only showcased Gunnedah industry and the energy industry throughout the country, but had significant flow-on economic benefits for the community.

More information and exhibitor enquiries can be found at the eIMEx website: http://www.eimexgunnedah.net.au/

Arts and Cultural Grants reminder

Arts and cultural groups are being reminded that Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Grants Funding Program is now open and will close at 5pm on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

This funding program allows groups to launch new projects and initiatives that meet the needs of our community or to continue with existing successful projects.

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 writing.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors Ann Luke, Owen Hasler and John Campbell were this week appointed to the Arts and Cultural Grants Assessment Panel at the Council meeting.

This is an annual funding opportunity. Projects can span up to 12 months and successful applicants are encouraged to apply for subsequential annual funding rounds.

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

Council supports drive-through clinics

Gunnedah Shire Council has resolved to subsidise facility hire fees for drive-through flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics at Gunnedah Showground.

Council approved the application by North West Medical to hold drive-through flu vaccination clinics this month, and up to six drive-through COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the Gunnedah Showground on dates yet to be determined.

The doctor’s surgery has made the request stating that under the current circumstances it would be a way to provide an important health service, while maintaining social distancing and ease of access for the public.

For more information about the clinics, contact North West Medical.

Another extremely positive performance for GM

A Local Government NSW annual performance review of Gunnedah Shire Council’s General Manager Eric Groth has delivered a close to perfect rating.

Mr Groth’s performance was benchmarked by Local Government NSW against set strategic and operational objectives. He returned an overall rating of 4.61 out of 5, which is described as exceeding expectations.

The report noted: “The GM continues to have an unwavering level of support from the Mayor and Councillors which is evident from the consistently high ratings and positive performance reviews obtained by the GM in this process.”

Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Mr Groth had led Council’s continued success during the difficult times of the pandemic and had delivered a large program of projects on time and to budget.

Caption: Former recipients of the Arts and Cultural Grants, closing on Tuesday April 27, 2021.

ENDS

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

April 22, 2021

Ten local businesses and organisations will get a helping hand to get new projects off the ground in the latest round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.

Council has allocated $27,905.87 to 10 businesses and organisations in round three of the 2020/21 Business Partner Program for projects as diverse as a mobile therapy service to a new electrical business start-up.

Chair of the Business Partner Program Advisory Group Cr Ann Luke said the successful program had helped many Gunnedah Shire businesses and organisations to launch new initiatives or expand existing businesses.

“The Business Partner Program is part of Gunnedah Shire Council’s commitment to providing a strong business environment and a growing economy,” Cr Luke said.

“It encourages business expansion and assists new initiatives, and it has been very effective in everything from helping businesses build an online presence, to enhancing our main street.

“In this latest round, it was again great to see a few new businesses apply, alongside existing businesses who are already part of the Gunnedah community. We look forward to seeing these exciting projects come to life.”

This is the third and final round of the significantly boosted budget for the Business Partner Program as a COVID-19 recovery measure as part of the Invigorate Gunnedah Program. This program has proven to make a real difference in assisting the Shire’s business and organisations to remain resilient and keep our economy buzzing.

The successful applicants for round three of the 2020/21 Business Partner Program are:

• Focus on Function Pty Ltd - $10,000 towards development of a new business
• Gunnedah Dog House - $4000 towards expansion
• Dawso Electrical Pty Ltd - $4000 towards a new business start-up
• Gunnedah Health & Fitness Co - $3000 towards an upgrade of property facilities
• Ve’s Nails - $2,500 towards the Looking after Hands and Feet
• View Street Takeaway - $2000 towards employment and training and security upgrade
• Evo’s Tree Lopping - $1000 towards rebranding
• Frankly, My Darling - $750 towards business start-up
• Buggalugs Photography - $655.87 towards vehicle advertising and branding.

Caption: Some of the recipients of the second round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s 2020/21 Business Partner Program.

ENDS

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

April 22, 2021

The seventh annual Gunnedah Youth Expo has wrapped up with more than 250 young people filling the Gunnedah Town Hall yesterday for information to help them on their life path.

The day featured 30 exhibitors including tertiary education providers, health and community services and a range of local businesses.

Jacinta Mannion’s local business Mannion Drilling was one of several local exhibitors at the expo. She said they were thrilled to be involved and meet so many passionate and engaged young people here in Gunnedah.

“These young people are future leaders in our community and we hope we may see some to go on and take up opportunities with us here at Mannion,” Mrs Mannion said.

Council Manager of Customer and Community Relations Charlotte Hoddle said it was positive to see young people connecting and exploring their future pathways.

“We were fortunate to have so many service providers on hand to answer questions and talk to students about the services they have to offer,” Ms Hoddle said.

“The 5 TAFE NSW mobile training units proved to be popular, providing students with a hands-on preview of work in industries like hairdressing, beauty, welding, engineering and hospitality.

“For the first time we also had several local businesses in attendance, giving young people exposure to possible future employment opportunities in their home town.

“Thank you to our local businesses and services for taking time away from their jobs to attend and share their knowledge. We would also like to thank the schools for taking time out of their busy timetables to bring through such a fantastic group of interested and enthusiastic students who really got involved this year.”

The annual event is a joint initiative of Gunnedah Shire Council and NSW Youth Week.

Youth Week continues until April 24, with many events including the interschool debate, a stand-up comedy workshop and festival still to come.

Caption: Gunnedah High School students Jack Trappel (left) and Lachlan Moore at the 2021 Youth Expo.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications team (02) 6740 2100.

A number of events and services will be held throughout the Gunnedah Shire on Anzac Day to commemorate and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by men and women of war.

Veterans and servicemen and women from across generations of armed conflicts bearing their medals will assemble and lead marches, joined by family members, school children, and emergency service personnel.

The RSL is encouraging those not attending a Dawn Service at their local cenotaph to continue the Light Up the Dawn tradition and honour veterans from home at 6am.

Gunnedah

The Dawn Service begins at 5.30am at the Cenotaph Memorial on Conadilly Street.

The ANZAC Day March will begin at 10:30am, proceeding from Marquis Street and continuing down Conadilly Street. The assembly point for the march will be the corner of Marquis and Elgin streets, outside Mitre 10 from 10am.

The official service begins at 10:45am at the cenotaph memorial on the corner of Elgin and Conadilly streets.

Breeza

An Anzac Day Service will be held at 8:30am at the Breeza cenotaph.

Curlewis

Curlewis will be holding a Dawn Service at 5:15am at the cenotaph.

Tambar Springs and Premer

Tambar Springs will be hosting the Dawn Service at 5:30am and an Anzac Day Service will be held in Premer at 11am.

For further information please contact the RSL sub-branch on (02) 6742 1603.

April 16, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council this week welcomed representatives from the High Commission of Tonga, who met with local businesses to discuss employment opportunities.

The Polynesian Kingdom of Tonga lies significantly more than a cooee away from the landlocked north-western NSW Shire of Gunnedah, but talks between representatives from the two locations have uncovered opportunities the two could realise together.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said there is a strong alignment of needs between Gunnedah and Tonga, with the visit marking the beginning of a valuable friendship.

“There are significant employment opportunities here in Gunnedah, both in agriculture and far beyond, and Tonga is interested,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Our population has not kept pace with Gunnedah’s employment growth. Employers have told us that people are not available locally to fill the demand for skilled and unskilled positions.

“Council’s Skills and Training Working Group are focussed on securing immediate and long term solutions to these local workforce shortages. As part of this initiative we are extending a hand of friendship across the Pacific to offer Tongan workers an opportunity to gain experience with our local industry leading businesses and help support their families and communities.

“We could see a wonderful strong relationship between Gunnedah and Tonga build from this visit. There is so much we could share – skill-sharing, training, culture and tourism, the list goes on.

“Gunnedah has so much to offer and we would love to see our whole community become part of this journey as we build our friendship with the people of Tonga.”

Photo Caption: (From left to right) Tasimani Telefoni (Third Secretary Tonga High Commission), Curtis Tu'ihalangingie (Deputy Head of Mission Tonga High Commission), Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Sione Vaka (Liaison Officer, Seasonal Worker Program, Tonga) at Porcupine Lookout in Gunnedah.

ENDS

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

April 14, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is inviting the local community, housing providers, business and industry representatives to have their say in the development of a new Gunnedah Shire Local Housing Strategy. 

The wide ranging strategy will identify key priorities, objectives and initiatives for the delivery of affordable housing within the Gunnedah Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director of Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the Local Housing Strategy will inform strategic planning for residential development for the next 20 years.

“As part of this process, Council has engaged Elton Consulting to conduct a series of consultation sessions in Gunnedah next week and we are extending an invitation for interested parties to attend to help progress the development of this important document,” Mr Johns said.

“In developing this strategy, Council will consider factors including demographics, local land use opportunities, housing supply and demand and how this may change over time, identify areas of cultural, environmental, heritage or local character significance and outline actions to address issues of housing affordability.”

A series of consultations will be held at the Smithurst Theatre, Conadilly Street Gunnedah on Wednesday April 21, 2021 with session times below:

• Session 1 - General Public: 9am to 10am;
• Session 2 - Housing Providers/Community Services: 10:30am to 12pm;
• Session 3 - Business/Developers/Real Estates, Mining/Industry: 1pm to 2:30pm.

Anyone wishing to attend is encouraged to RSVP to Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton by email at council@infogunnedah.com.au or phone 02 6740 2100.

ENDS

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

April 14, 2021

Miniature books recording people’s artworks and thoughts during the very different year of 2020 are about to go on display at Gunnedah Shire Library.

The Panorama Project will open in Gunnedah on Monday, April 19 as part of a regional tour, and includes more than 180 sketchbooks, some contributed by Gunnedah Shire residents.

Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett said the exciting project was an Arts North West initiative.

“We made the Panorama Project sketchbooks available at Gunnedah Shire Library for people to fill any way they chose during the winter of 2020, which fell during some of the darker days of COVID-19,” Mrs Birkett said.

“Gunnedah really embraced the idea and our community is well represented in the Panorama Project.

“The collection of sketchbooks is a fascinating record of a significant time in history. Each book is entirely different – some include the reflections of people on lockdown, some feature beautiful artworks, others have photos or souvenirs of their life during that time.

“People can come and see the whole collection at the library and can pick books out at random or go in search of a particular book. It is really worth a look.”

The Panorama Project is touring the North West region from Tenterfield to Walcha, and Moree to Mungindi.

This project gives a rare opportunity for a wide audience to understand the perspectives of people in New England North West through imagery, colour and media, while capturing a moment in time, and serves a kind of visual historical document of this challenging time.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire artist Maree Kelly at work on her Panorama Project sketchbook.

Caption2: Panorama booklets being delivered in Gunnedah.

ENDS

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

April 14, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is conducting a short public survey to ensure our parks, sports grounds and open spaces meet our community's needs.

Survey feedback will assist in developing a Plan of Management for public open spaces. The Plan of Management will guide the use and management of community and Crown land in Council ownership or care and control.

Community land and Crown land comprise a wide variety of properties including our iconic parks, sportsgrounds, recreation reserves, natural areas and playgrounds.

We are asking the community to let us know what you value about our parks and reserves, and what actions should be prioritised in the management plan.

The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GenericPlanofManagement