April 7, 2021

The 2021 program for Youth Week in Gunnedah has it all, from comedy to cricket, and from debating to a mental health workshop.

NSW Youth Week 2021 is April 16 to 24 and is an opportunity for young people to share ideas, attend events, have their voices heard, showcase their talents, celebrate their contribution to the community, and have fun.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Customer and Community Relation Charlotte Hoddle said Gunnedah’s exciting program reflected the range of interests and issues facing the region’s young people.

“We have had huge interest from organisations and local businesses to be part of the Gunnedah Youth Expo this year,” Ms Hoddle said.

“The Youth Expo will be held on Wednesday, April 21 and is a great opportunity for young people to look ahead and talk to people about jobs, education pathways and their wellbeing. For the first time, the Youth Expo will include local businesses that employ young people in apprenticeships or offer other opportunities.

“But the Youth Expo is only one of the many events that will be held in Gunnedah for Youth Week.

“The Inter-School Debate will pit the debating talents of Gunnedah High School against St Mary’s and Carinya for the first time on Thursday, April 22. Young people between 12 and 25 will have the chance to exercise their funny bones at a Stand-Up Comedy workshop on Friday, April 23.

“There is also the wonderful Nextwave Youth Week Film Festival on Saturday, April 24 featuring 20 short films made by young regional Australian filmmakers.

“Other amazing events include the Carroll Cricket Day on Friday, April 16, a presentation on Early Intervention of Youth Mental Health for ages 16 and over on Friday, April 23, PCYC’s Star Jump Challenge and a Hospitality Basics course at the Community College starting on Monday, April 19.

“It’s a vibrant program with something for everyone and we really encourage young people, who are such an important part of our community, to get involved.”

A Skateboarding Workshop held this week as part of the School Holiday Program and as an early Youth Week event was fully booked with 40 kids developing their skate skills and having fun.

To take a look at the Youth Week Program, click here...

 To book your place in any of the Youth Week activities visit www.thwecivic.com.au

Caption: Gunnedah kids learn skateboarding skills at a workshop held as part of the School Holiday Program this week.

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March 29, 2021

It was the year 2001 and the first Harry Potter movie – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – along with Shrek and Ocean’s Eleven made their debut.

It was also the year going to the cinema in Gunnedah as we know it became a reality, with The Civic opening its big screen on March 31, 2001 – 20 years ago this Wednesday.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said this cultural milestone for Gunnedah had combined with the launch of the Dine and Discover NSW campaign plus the lifting of COVID-19 seating restrictions to create a perfect celebration.

“For 20 years, The Civic has played an important role in our lives,” Ms Mackley said.

“It has been the scene of first dates, fundraising events and family outings. It has seen grandparents, parents and kids laugh and cry, celebrate their birthdays and spend time with the people they love.

“Going to the movies is a tradition. It’s a cultural experience we all share.

“This year, we have seen the lifting of seating restrictions and the introduction of Dine and Discover NSW just in time to allow a full celebration of everything The Civic means to us. You can use Discover vouchers at the cinema for both tickets and the candy bar.

“And to help mark the occasion, there are special screenings. Film TRAC is kicking off its 2021 program with Corpus Christi, including a 5.30pm screening on the anniversary day, Wednesday, March 31.

“On Thursday, April 1, the classic The Greatest Showman makes its return at 7pm – but this time you will know all the words to the songs! Tickets are just $12.50 or A Discover voucher will cover two tickets to this screening.

“And on May 13 at 7.00pm, the critically acclaimed play WarHorse featuring life-sized puppets returns to the cinema at $25 a ticket. This is live theatre reimagined onto our cinema screens, straight from London.”

From March 31, 2021 The Civic, Gunnedah will be hosting a series of events to celebrate 20 years. For more information and for bookings, visit www.thecivic.com.au or subscribe to our ‘What’s on email’ to see what new events we have as part of our celebrations!

Caption: Dramatic action – the acclaimed War Horse will screen on May 13.

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March 25, 2021

A new exhibition exploring the impact of drought on Australian landscapes will open at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on April 23.

Unquestionably Dry is an exhibition by Gus Armstrong, a regional contemporary photographic artist. Armstrong currently resides on his farm in Kandos, New South Wales, the site of his photographic and music studios and artists residency.

Gunnedah Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said she expects the exhibition will resonate with Gunnedah residents who have experienced first hand the lasting impact of drought.

“This exhibition offers a chance for us to reflect on our own drought story and explores a future of life without water, posing questions about the sustainability of our contemporary lifestyles,” Ms Mackley said.

“Armstrong’s compelling stories depict the extremes of the Australian landscape, which we are now seeing at the other end of the spectrum with the recent floods.

 “Armstrong is a prominent upcoming photographer who has recently been selected as an exhibiting artist on the Kandos WAYOUT Artspace. He has also exhibited in Sydney, Rylstone and Mudgee.

“His photographic style mixes elements of spontaneity with careful planning. I encourage the community to come along and view this exciting, thought-provoking collection.”

Gunnedah residents are invited to attend the official opening of Unquestionably Dry at 6pm on Friday April 23 at the gallery. The exhibition continues until 3pm Sunday, May 23.

For more information and to reserve a space at the opening visit www.thecivic.com.au or call (02) 6740 2266.

Caption: Photographer Gus Armstrong is bringing his exhibition ‘Unquestionably Dry’ to Gunnedah in April.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

March 24, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Grants Funding Program is now open.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah Shire Council was one of the few councils in NSW that provided funding for arts and cultural programs, projects and events.

“Encouraging a vibrant and colourful cultural sector in our community helps add to the great lifestyle we have in Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The aim of this funding program is to allow groups to continue with their existing successful projects or to support new projects and initiatives that meet the needs of our growing community while strengthening our cultural identity and our connection to place.

“These grants could help with everything from acting to writing projects, from dancing productions to art shows.”

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.

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

Applications are now open and are available to download here...

Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Caption: Arts and cultural grants have been used for a variety of initiatives in the past, including live entertainment at events such as markets.

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March 19, 2021

Following the postponement of the inaugural Harvest Gunnedah festival due to COVID-19, all systems are go for the 2021 spring event and stallholders are invited to join the festivities.

On Saturday, October 2 the Gunnedah Riverside Racecourse will come alive for a feast for the senses, with attendee’s invited to eat, discover and celebrate Gunnedah.

The event will feature street food stalls, a produce market, live music and entertainment, children’s entertainment, demonstrations from local growers, celebrity chefs and much more.

Member of the Harvest Gunnedah Committee, Gunnedah Shire Councillor Colleen Fuller said that people could expect a day full of quality local produce and entertainment.

“We are currently seeking expressions of interest from foodies, makers and producers who want to participate,” Cr Fuller said.

“We are hoping the whole Shire gets on board to bring the best they have to offer to the table and make the first event something to remember.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase local produce, meet the makers and get inspired to take home cooking to the next level.”

The festival has received funding of $17,000 through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, along with $20,000 awarded to the Gunnedah Jockey Club through the Back to the Track program.

For more information and to register as a stallholder visit www.harvestgunnedah.com. Registrations close Friday July 30, 2021.

For future updates in the lead up to the event, follow @harvestgunnedah.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

March 18, 2021

Council’s annual Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program is now open and eligible groups are invited to apply.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the 2021 round would provide opportunities for local clubs to get back on track.

“This grants program is in its 17th year and has awarded more than $440,000 to initiatives that support the work and interests of our not-for-profit, charitable, community and sporting groups,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It has made possible a huge variety of programs and events.

“Groups can apply for up to $5,000, which might be exactly what is needed to get a new initiative or service off the ground. With so many fundraising opportunities and activities cancelled or disrupted last year due to the Coronavirus, it is a tough time for community groups. We encourage them to apply.  

“Council recognises the valuable contribution these community groups and sporting clubs make to the fabric of our community and, in particular, the volunteers that work tirelessly to keep those organisations functioning.  When assessing the applications, priority will be given to those projects and initiatives that not only help organisations to grow and be sustainable, but also support the broader community.”

Gunnedah Shire Council this week appointed Councillors David Moses, Owen Hasler and John Campbell to the Section 356 Panel to assess applications alongside the relevant Council staff member.

Application forms and grant guidelines are available here.

Further information is available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton on 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

The 2021-2022 funding round closes at 5pm on Monday, May 3, 2021.

Caption: Successful recipients of the 2020/2021 Section 356 Grants Program.

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

March 18, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging residents to share their experiences accessing local health services by completing the NSW Rural Doctors Network Gunnedah Health Service Survey.

The survey has been created by the NSW Rural Doctors Network to assist in the development of a General Practitioner attraction and retention strategy for Gunnedah.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said the strategy will provide a template for addressing the community’s long term health needs.

 “In a Mayoral Minute at the November Ordinary Council Meeting last year, Council voted to engage the NSW Rural Doctors Network to look at solutions to the Shire’s critical general practitioner shortage,” Cr Chaffey said.

“While health services remain the responsibility of State and Federal Governments, the Rural Doctors Network strategy will help identify opportunities for advocacy and ensure Gunnedah’s health services are a priority for both levels of government.

“The Rural Doctors Network has commenced work on the strategy, assembling information about our population, GP and hospital services to gain insight into workforce shortages and strengths.

“The next step in this process is conducting a confidential survey of residents to gather our experiences of using the local health system over the past year.

“I urge all Gunnedah Shire residents to have their say in this survey so we can present our experiences and frustrations collectively.

“Our participation in this survey will directly assist the Rural Doctors Network to recommend immediate, medium and long term solutions to address Gunnedah’s GP shortage.”

Participants can complete the survey for themselves, or on behalf of friends and family members.

The Gunnedah Health Service Survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CCV5KJY. Responses close on Sunday April 18, 2021.

For additional information about the survey contact the NSW Rural Doctors Network on (02) 4924 8032.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

March 18, 2021

Reconciliation Action Plan a step closer

Gunnedah Shire Council is moving ahead with a Reconciliation Action Plan following the nomination of representatives to the working group and endorsement of terms of reference for the group.

At this week’s Council meeting, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey was appointed to the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group. Council is expecting to call for expressions of interest from the community and staff for the remaining positions later this month.

The working group will develop a draft Gunnedah Shire “Innovate” RAP that aligns with Reconciliation Australia’s framework and the Gunnedah Shire Community Strategic Plan.

The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program was launched by Reconciliation Australia to provide a framework for organisations to support the national reconciliation movement and develop actions and outcomes that contribute to “closing the gap” through the key areas of relationships, respect and opportunity.

The Innovate RAP is designed to support councils to develop specific programs and initiatives that promote reconciliation and build cultural responsiveness. 

ANZAC Day march returns

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Council was pleased to receive a request from the Gunnedah RSL Sub-Branch for road closures for Anzac Day marches and services.

“Last year, because of Covid-19, we were unable to hold the annual events on our calendar,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It was really disappointing we could not pay tribute to those who had served, but it was heartwarming to see our community join the Light up the Dawn initiative with candles at their homes.

“When we saw the health advice had changed and received the application from the Gunnedah RSL Sub-Branch to close roads for the commemorations, I have got to say, we were excited. It would have been devastating if we could not join together as a community to pay our respects two years in a row.

“We look forward to this important day.”

The Anzac Day Dawn service will be held at the Cenotaph at 5.30am, followed by the Anzac Day march at 10.30am. There will also be a dawn service and march at Curlewis.

Caption: The 2019 Gunnedah ANZAC march.

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February 16, 2021

Gunnedah Shire businesses are invited to attend an Industry Forum Breakfast to find out about support and services available from local, state and federal levels of government.

The consultative forum will feature short presentations by representatives from each tier of government along with the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, helping connect businesses with the information they need to grow and succeed.

Topics covered at the event include grants and other non grant assistance, trade and export, jobs and skills, and identifying government contacts that can help your business.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey will be presenting at the forum, alongside representatives from the Department of Regional NSW, Training Services NSW and AusIndustry. Council Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development staff will also be in attendance.

Mayor Jamie Chaffey is encouraging local businesses to attend and put their questions and concerns to those in government.

“Government processes can sometimes be difficult to navigate, so with all three levels of government in the room at the same time this is a great opportunity for locals to get the information they need,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The Gunnedah Shire is full of connected, innovative and productive businesses and a networking event such as this provides a chance to establish and grow connections.

“It is also an opportunity to help the three levels of government understand first-hand the issues common to local businesses.”

The breakfast will be held at the Smithurst Theatre on Wednesday, March 31 2021 from 7-9am, with Rotary West providing tea and coffee and a barbecue breakfast.

Tickets are available for $5.00 per person with proceeds going to Rotary West.

To purchase a ticket visit: https://augsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/8419

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

March 10, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson today visited two Gunnedah Shire roads projects that have reached significant milestones.

Cr Chaffey and Mr Anderson turned the first sod for the Clifton Road upgrade between Carroll and Breeza, signalling the start of work on this project worth approximately $9.6 million.

“Local families and businesses have campaigned for this upgrade for some time,” Cr Chaffey said. “Today marks the start of work on a project that will mean a safer and smoother drive, with a lot less dust.

“But this upgrade is also important for our local industries that use this road for freight transport.

“It is great to see the continued success of the outcome of three tiers of government working together. The NSW Government has allocated $8.56 million for the project through the Fixing Country Roads Program, and the Federal Government has contributed just over $1 million through the Local Roads Community Infrastructure Fund.

It is anticipated the project will be completed in early 2022.

“It’s a critical transport link, and we thank both the NSW and federal governments for funding this project that will be delivered by Gunnedah Shire Council.”
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said it was fantastic to see this project underway.

“Clifton Road is a key freight route in this part of the world and these upgrades will improve safety and productivity for freight operators, farmers and the local community,” Mr Coulton said.

“This is a great example of the types of local priorities being delivered around regional NSW and the nation, under the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program: delivering local jobs and lasting infrastructure as we continue our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Mr Anderson said the start of work was great news for all road users.

“This road upgrade will significantly boost the local economy. We have the $20 million Carrol Cotton Gin on this road so bringing it up to standard means more jobs and more money into this community.

“Any time we can help our farmers safely transport their crops and conduct their business, it’s a big win for our region. The new cotton gin alone has the capacity to bring $150 million into the local economy which is a massive boost for local jobs.”

The Clifton Road project includes the upgrade and sealing of 13.5 kilometres of Clifton Road, replacing a bridge over the Mooki River at Breeza, and construction of a new culvert at the Werris Creek crossing.

Cr Chaffey and Mr Anderson also announced today funding had been secured from both the State and Federal governments for replacement of the Orange Grove Road bridge.

Cr Chaffey said Council was delighted to be allocated funding through the NSW Fixing Country Bridges Program funding and the Federal Bridge Renewal Program to replace Gunnedah’s last remaining timber bridge at a cost of about $1.2 million. The remainder will be met by Gunnedah Shire Council.

“The Orange Grove Road bridge was built in 1929 and has done well to survive the incredible changes in population and the transport industry over that time,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is deteriorating and a load limit is currently in place, limiting use of the road by heavier vehicles. Council thanks our local State and Federal members, who have worked with us to make this project possible.”

Mr Coulton said this was a great example of multiple levels of governments working together to deliver key infrastructure projects.

“This vital bridge upgrade will improve safety and connectivity for local road users, freight operators and farmers,” Mr Coulton said.

“The Federal Government is committed to investing in infrastructure projects which will provide local jobs to help boost our economy as we continue to recover from COVID-19.”

The Orange Grove Road bridge replacement is expected to be completed in the first half of 2022.

Caption: Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson on site for the start of work at Clifton Road.

Caption 2: Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth, Gunnedah Shire Councillors Rob Hooke, Owen Hasler and John Campbell, Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Gunnedah Mayor Kevin Anderson.

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