March 10, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has celebrated the completion of significant works at the Gunnedah Showground, with the multi-purpose facility transformed into an exciting major event venue.

The Showground redevelopment received $1.79 million in funding through the NSW Public Reserve Management Fund and two rounds of the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund, supported by Council co-contributions of $442,775.

Completed work includes new rodeo and camp draft arenas, new grand stand seating, new amenities and shower block, and refurbishment of existing amenities buildings.

Enhancing safety and access was a key aim of the refurbishment, which also features a disability access upgrade to the gymnasium and the addition of 5 wheelchair accessible picnic tables and shelters.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said the upgrades will create a better experience for Showground users and bring more major events to Gunnedah.

“Our Gunnedah Showground is an important community venue that’s used all year round by community groups and visitors from across the region,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is fantastic to see these upgrades completed in time for the Gunnedah Show next month.

“Accessibility upgrades support Gunnedah Shire Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, helping foster a welcoming community space for visitors and volunteers and creating opportunities for local groups to grow their participation base.

“This redevelopment will ensure Gunnedah continues to attract a wide range of new and expanded events, encouraging visitors to stay, play and spend in our Shire.”

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson emphasised the benefits of the project to the Gunnedah community.
“Showgrounds are the heart of regional communities servicing multiple community groups throughout the year,” Mr Anderson said.

“Aside from being an important community meeting place, Gunnedah Showground also hosts equine events, the Gunnedah Show, sporting events and community events.

This funding will add to the cultural and economic vibrancy of Gunnedah in a number of ways.

“It’s great to see the NSW Nationals in Government and Gunnedah Shire Council able to joint fund a project of such significance to the people of Gunnedah.”

To enquire about booking venues and facilities within the Showground complex, contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: (From left) Gunnedah Shire Councillors John Campbell, Owen Hasler, Ann Luke and Rob Hooke with Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Gunnedah Show Society president Rob Witts and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson at the Gunnedah Showgrounds.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

March 9, 2021

The much-loved Gunnedah Rainbow Serpent Water Feature has captured national attention, taking home silver in the 2020 Australian Street Art Awards in the category of Best Rural Art.

The Awards showcase public art and recognise regions that are using outdoor, publicly-accessible art to promote their destination and engage their community.

Installed in 2020, the Rainbow Serpent Water Feature realised a long term dream after local Kamilaroi women persisted for almost 20 years to bring this important story to life.

Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the prestigious award recognised the determination of generations of Kamilaroi artists.

“Shirley Long, Janet Wanless, L. Delma Jones, L. Ellen Draper, Gloria Foley, June Cox, Alison Cox, Rita Long and Cindy Foley have drawn on their culture, traditions, families, history and experiences to create this unique water feature,” Ms Mackley said.

“Those stories are preserved in the 29 circular mosaics that are the feature of this public art piece.

“This award also recognises Gunnedah as a street art destination. Since the completion of the Rainbow Serpent, our public art offering has continued to grow with projects like the Dorothea Mackellar silo art and the Arts Gunnedah mural in the Conadilly Street arcade.”

The Rainbow Serpent Water feature is the final stage of the TRAC Sculpture Court Public Art Project at the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct, which also delivered The River Red Gum Tree, installed in 2002 in the Mooki Room and the Water Mural, installed in 2005 in the Mooki Courtyard.

This is the sculpture’s second accolade, having last year received the Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture NSW Local Government Award for strategic planning for arts and culture.

Caption: L-R: Clr Owen Hasler, Cindy Foley, Lauren Mackley, Gloria Foley, Shirley Long, June Cox and Janet Wanless.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

March 3, 2021

Gunnedah Shire will celebrate the achievements of its more than 6000 women and girls and those who have gone before them for International Women’s Day on Monday, March 8.

The day to celebrate achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality will be marked in Gunnedah with a host of activities across the month.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said Gunnedah’s International Women’s Day program offered something for everyone.

“Our Shire has many strong and talented women who continue to make a difference, from our Shire Councillors to the women who run businesses, who excel in sport and cultural activities and who care for their families,” she said.

“The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is Choose to Challenge. Organisers say that from challenge comes change, and this can help work towards a gender-equal world.

“As well as attending activities, Gunnedah Shire people can support International Women’s Day by posting a selfie with their hand up and the hashtag #ChoosetoChallenge. We have so much to celebrate here.”

International Women’s Day 2021 events:

Monday, March 8: International Women’s Day Morning Tea, hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council and Meals on Wheels at 10.30am. Event will be held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street. The event is free but you will need to book a seat through thecivic.com.au

Thursday, March 11 - Sunday, March 14: Women in Film, Inspiring Female Leads in Movies, hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council at the Civic Theatre, Chandos Street. Ticket prices vary. View session times, films and prices at thecivic.com.au

Thursday, March 11: Allawah Cottage Movie Fundraiser, a screening of I Am Woman, hosted by the Allawah Cottage Committee at the Civic Theatre, Chandos Street at 6pm. Tickets are $20 and are available through Eventbrite.com.au

Friday, March 12: #choosetochallenge Community Exhibition Opening, hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street at 1pm. Tickets are free, but you will need to book a seat through thecivic.com.au

Saturday, March 20: In Conversation with Benita Bensch, hosted by PRAMS at the Civic Theatre, Chandos Street at 4pm. Tickets are $30 through trybooking.com/BOVFQ

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council employees show their support for International Women’s Day 2021 by raising their hand for #ChoosetoChallenge.

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

March 3, 2021

For one night only Gunnedah’s Civic Theatre will take audiences on a journey to 1852 Port Melbourne, with Michael Veitch presenting the one-man show Hell Ship: The journey of the Ticonderoga.

The acclaimed production tells a story of tragedy, loss and heroism on board the emigrant ship Ticonderoga on a voyage from Liverpool to Victoria. Two weeks out to sea disaster strikes, with a deadly typhus epidemic claiming hundreds of lives.

Based on a historical maritime event, the play is told from the perspective of the young ship’s surgeon, played by Veitch, who bravely nursed many of the sick passengers back to health.

Gunnedah Shire Council Events and Engagement Officer Jacinta Cipolla said following the events of the past year, the historical tale of a pandemic and quarantine on board a ship hits a little closer to home.

“Hell Ship is at times a dark story, but is sprinkled with wry humour, hope and themes of courage, vision and even love,” Ms Cipolla said.

“In a twist, the audience will discover Michael Veitch has a unique personal connection to this true story.

“It’s fantastic to have performers like Michael Veitch bringing unique productions to Gunnedah. I encourage the community to come along and experience this little-known piece of Australian history.”

Hell Ship: The journey of the Ticonderoga will be performed at the Gunnedah Civic Theatre at 6:30pm on Thursday, March 25.

Those wishing to hear more about the production can tune in for a chat with Michael Veitch on 2MO at 8:30am, March 17.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.thecivic.com.au, over the phone on (02) 6740 2100 or in person at the Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building and the Visitor Information Centre.

Caption: Michael Veitch performs his one-man show, Hell Ship: The journey of the Ticonderoga

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

February 24, 2021

Youth Week 2021 is fast approaching, with a week of festivities planned from April 16 to 24.

Youth Week is an opportunity for young people to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives, and create and enjoy activities and events.

As part of the celebrations, the seventh annual Youth Expo Gunnedah will be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Wednesday, 21 April from 10am to 1pm.

The annual event is a joint initiative of Gunnedah Shire Council, Gunnedah Youth Interagency and NSW Youth Week. It features a range of stalls and events to help support students on their life path.

This year, Gunnedah Shire Council is extending an invitation to local businesses to be part of the Youth Expo.

Council Manager of Cultural and Community Services Charlotte Hoddle said this year’s event was focussed on helping young people build career pathways.

“The Gunnedah Youth Expo is a day to celebrate young people and their contribution to our local community,” Ms Hoddle said.

“This year in addition to the events planned for the day, we are inviting local businesses, training and service providers to exhibit their services.

“This is a great way to showcase the broad opportunities available to young people here in their hometown.”

Businesses and organisations wishing to register for the event should complete the online form located at https://gunnedahyouth.wufoo.com/forms/zlri0v90dwnic0/ by Friday 5^th of March.

Exhibiting at the Youth Expo is free and a trestle table and two chairs will be provided. Powered stalls are available upon request.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

February 24, 2021

The Cobbs 4x4 Weeks of Speed program for 2021 is fuelling plenty of interest with high-octaine action due to kick off on Saturday, March 6.

Gunnedah Shire Council is an ongoing and proud sponsor of this exciting annual event which is making a comeback after being knocked out of contention by COVID-19 in 2020.

The Cobbs 4x4 Weeks of Speed Committee president Ray Darcey said there were a few changes of pace in this year’s program which he said was the strongest one yet.

“We are looking at a couple of extra events,” Mr Darcey said. “A speedway event was washed out earlier this year so as well as Gunnedah’s Night of Legends on March 20, we will be racing at the speedway on March 6. That’s first time we will have raced twice during the Weeks of Speed.

“We’ve also got the oldest hot rod cars in Sydney arriving for the Drag-ens Drag Safari at Gunnedah Airport on March 11.”

The vintage cars, which are street-registered and drive to events, will also be on display at the Railway Hotel that night.

Mr Darcey said the traditional Rural Museum Tractor Trek Street Parade had been moved to the first weekend of The Cobbs 4x4 Weeks of Speed on Saturday, March 6 to launch the program. The parade will coincide with the date for drag racing and the speedway, so the parade will include drag, speedway and vintage cars and vehicles from the Gunnedah Rural Museum.

This year, the Gunnedah Hillclimb will be included in the NSW Hillclimb Championship, and will be held in September.

Mr Darcey said there had already been strong interest in registration for all events.

For more information, visit The Cobbs 4x4 Weeks of Speed Gunnedah on Facebook.

The Cobbs 4x4 Weeks of Speed Gunnedah 2021 program:

Saturday, March 6:

• Official Festival Launch Parade - starts at the Elgin Street end of Conadilly Street at 10am
• Show ‘n’ Shine – Woolworths car park 10.30am-12pm
• 1/8 Mile Drag Races – Gunnedah Airport 10am
• Gunnedah Speedway Racing – Gunnedah Speedway 5.30pm

Sunday, March 7:

• 1/8 Mile Drag Races – Gunnedah Airport 10am

Thursday, March 11:

• Drag-ens Drag Safari 2021 – Gunnedah Airport 11am-6pm
• Greyhounds Twilight Race Meeting – Greyhound Track, 3.30pm
• Live entertainment at the Railway – Railway Hotel, 7.30pm

Saturday, March 13:

• Motorcycle Twilight Race Meeting – Balcary Park, 9am

Sunday, March 14:

• The Carwash 2380 Motorkhana – Gunnedah Showground, 12pm

Thursday, March 18:

• Greyhounds Twilight Race Meeting, Greyhound Track, 3.30pm

Saturday, March 20:

• Gunnedah Speedway Racing - Gunnedah Speedway 5.30pm
• Live entertainment at the Railway – Railway Hotel, 7.30pm

Sunday, March 21:

• Rural Museum Demo Day – Gunnedah Rural Museum, 9am

Caption: The Weeks of Speed parade makes its way along Conadilly Street in 2019.

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

February 23, 2021

Gunnedah’s Civic Cinema is rolling out the red carpet and welcoming the community back to the movies.

This year marks 20 years of operation for the cinema, which has recently undergone a full refurbishment with fresh carpeting and seats, LED lighting, a hearing loop and a new candy bar.

With the anniversary comes a renewed push for residents to take advantage of movie screenings at their local Civic, following a reduction in attendance due to COVID-19.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director of Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann is encouraging residents to support their local cinema.

“COVID-19 has presented the global cinema industry with its biggest challenge, and the Civic is beginning to feel these pressures. Occupancy limits, blockbuster delays and a rise in online streaming have left people feeling a little reluctant to return to the big screen,” Mr Formann said.

“Despite these external pressures, we’re confident nothing beats the big theatre experience.

“Attending a movie at the Civic offers a chance to switch off and escape for a couple of hours in air conditioned comfort, as well as an excuse to tuck into a choc top.

“A steady increase in attendance over the life of the cinema has allowed us to increase the number of screenings and draw more new releases, but in light of these new pressures we really need people to start coming back.

“There is plenty of space to settle in and relax, we have a CovidSafe plan in place and want to reassure the community it’s safe to come back.”

Official birthday celebrations will kick off in March this year, and a full cinema program is available at www.thecivic.com.au.

Caption: Highlights from the photo wall installed during recent refurbishments.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

February 22, 2021

Renewed support for community groups

Gunnedah Shire Council has renewed financial support measures for three community groups, with Arts Gunnedah, Multicultural Gunnedah and Riding for the Disabled to receive in-kind contributions for use of Council facilities.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said Council was proud to support the valuable contributions of local volunteer groups.

“Council offers in-kind funding to community organisations to support local community, cultural, sporting and environmental projects and initiatives benefiting our region,” Cr Chaffey said.

“As part of determinations made during the February Council meeting, Arts Gunnedah will continue to use of the front gallery in the Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre, providing a space for local artists to exhibit and sell their work.

“Multicultural Gunnedah will receive 12 months financial assistance to offset the cost of venue hire for monthly meetings. This volunteer organisation assists people from other nations to find their feet and become established within the Gunnedah Shire.

“We have also waived Showground booking fees for the Riding for Disabled Association Gunnedah Centre for 2021. The Gunnedah RDA, run by volunteers, provides horse riding opportunities for disabled children and adults within the Gunnedah District.”

Changes to debt recovery actions

Gunnedah Shire Council will resume debt recovery procedures following the expiry of the Office of Local Government’s COVID-19 relief measures.

On April 15, 2020, Council resolved to adopt the Community Resilience – COVID-19 Business Support Package. Elements of this package included relief from interest for overdue rates, annual charges and fees.

In May 2020, the Office of Local Government temporarily amended the Local Government Act to support councils and ratepayers during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes included the prevention of councils from commencing legal action to recover rates and charges.

Council will recommence recovery actions from April 1, 2021, but remains committed to providing support for ratepayers, businesses and residents who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19 and other extenuating circumstances.

Council’s continuing Debt Recovery and Hardship Policy outlines assistance available to residents experiencing difficultly paying rates, charges, fees or other debts. Features of the policy include payment plans, confidential third party financial counselling and exhausting all options before initiating recovery actions.

Council officers work sensitively with those facing financial hardship and anyone experiencing difficulty making a payment is encouraged to contact Council’s Financial Services team on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: Arts Gunnedah will continue to exhibit and sell local art in the front gallery of the Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

19 February, 2021

The new Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary has reached a major milestone with Gunnedah Shire Council lodging a development application with the NSW Government Regional Planning Panel for a state-of-the-art facility.

Gunnedah Shire Council has lodged plans for the 50-acre bush sanctuary which will include a wildlife centre and koala hospital, koala sanctuary and a petting zoo. The plans will now be made available for public comment as part of the State Government development approvals process.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the plans, in partnership with experienced tourism operator CaPTA, would bring to life a vision of a major tourist attraction with benefits for a much-loved Gunnedah resident.

“This wonderful project will not only provide a hospital to help address the health issues of our koalas and that of surrounding areas, but will give the world another reason to visit the Koala Capital of the World,” Cr Chaffey said.

“In conjunction with our proposed operator, the CaPTA Group, who operate very successful wildlife destinations in Far North Queensland, Gunnedah Shire Council is looking forward to this becoming something we can all be proud of.

“It will be a purpose-built koala sanctuary with a number of exciting innovations, including volunteers’ accommodation with backpacker-style housing for up to 16 people, allowing people from around the country and the world to experience working with Australia’s wildlife.”

CaPTA Group Operations and Projects Director Michael Woodward said CaPTA was “delighted” the development application was being lodged.

“Having operated several wildlife parks and a wildlife care centres in Far North Queensland, we have first-hand experience in the synergies of wildlife attractions and wildlife hospitals, particularly the potential for animal keepers to care for wildlife in need,” Mr Woodward said.

“When we heard about the vision of Gunnedah Shire Council to build a sanctuary to protect the vulnerable koala species – we were motivated by the prospect of saving the koala species whilst also increasing regional tourism.”

CaPTA Research and Development Manager Andrew Hearn said it had taken a lot of work to get to this stage.

“We are extremely pleased with the practical and aesthetic designs that the architect has master-planned in conjunction with us,” he said. “It is also pleasing that the degraded site is being rehabilitated to the benefit of both the environment, and the economy. We are eagerly anticipating the next stages of Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary.”

The plans designed by Dunn & Hillam Architects for the staged project include a large wildlife centre and hospital building to house the main entry, shop and café, education auditorium, aviary/animal enclosure and the hospital. A viewing deck will allow views into the koala clinic and the two larger intensive care units.

Also in the plans are a petting zoo, a nature playground, koala and other animal enclosures, a wildlife sanctuary walk, a caretaker’s residence, picnic areas, a cultural heritage display and demonstration area, bush-themed mini-golf and zipline, caravan sites and safari tent accommodation.

“Estimates have shown the koala sanctuary is likely to attract about 70,000 visitors each year and inject millions into our local economy,” Cr Chaffey said. “It is truly an exciting time for our Shire as we progress a project that could have significant conservation and economic benefits.”

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

Thousands of trees have already been planted at two plantation sites to provide food for the park’s koalas.

The DA will be available to view on the NSW Planning Portal in the coming days.

Fast facts:

10,000 trees are being planted for Gunnedah Koala Park koalas.

Adult koalas eat between 200 and 500g of leaves a day

The Koala Sanctuary hospital plans include: four small and two large intensive care units, up to 12 small animal enclosures, a large clinic, separate reception area, external rehabilitation enclosures and seven pre-release enclosures

Oxley Highway frontage with entry on Hunts Road to minimise impact on traffic flow

Wildlife such as emus and kangaroos will roam freely in the pond and picnic zone

The animals will be protected with predator-proof external fencing

The volunteers’ accommodation will house up to 16 people

The plans are green-friendly with extensive rainwater collection and solar systems.

Caption: An artist’s impression of the new Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary.

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

February 19, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has thanked Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson for supporting calls to address the lack of community consultation in the Clinical Services Plan (CSP) for the new Gunnedah Hospital.

In a Mayoral Minute at this week’s Council Meeting, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said he was pleased the local member was supporting Council’s position and making representations on behalf of the community.

“Our local member has recognised our concerns and asked the Health Minister and NSW Health to place the clinical services plan on public exhibition for two weeks,” Cr Chaffey said.

 “Public exhibition of the plan will help compensate for insufficient community input into the CSP. We will be closely monitoring developments in this space to ensure this consultation is conducted.”

During Wednesday’s meeting, Council moved to formally call on the NSW Health Minister to place the draft Clinical Services Plan on Public Exhibition for a period of two weeks and accept public feedback on the draft.

If there is no response from the Minister’s office within two weeks, Council resolved to initiate steps to lead a petition to the parliament on behalf of the Gunnedah community.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.