November 5, 2020

NAIDOC Week 2020 is just around the corner, with celebrations planned from November 8 to November 15.

The NAIDOC theme for 2020 is ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’, highlighting the ancient history of First Nations people, who have inhabited and cared for the continent for over 65,000 years.

Gunnedah Shire Council recognises the rich history of our First Nations people, which dates back thousands of generations and are celebrating NAIDOC 2020 with a variety of activities for the community.

There is a NAIDOC Week colouring competition, with copies available for collection at the Cultural Precinct and Gunnedah Shire Library. There are many prizes to be won and entries will be on exhibition at the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre for the month of November.

The NAIDOC week program also features an opportunity to discover indigenous creative practices, with a weaving workshop with Renee Horne and Carol Brydon from 10–2pm on Saturday 14 November, 2020.  

Kamilaroi artist Renee Horne said she was pleased to be hosting a weaving workshop with Aunty Carol Brydon as part of NAIDOC celebrations.

“She has spent over 40 years working in her craft and we are excited to share these skills with family, friends and community,” Ms Horne said.

Anthony Jack Conlan will also be hosting landscape painting workshop on 10-2pm on Sunday 15 November, 2020 and is looking forward to sharing his practices with the Gunnedah community.

 “I am excited to share symbolic representations of our aboriginal culture and celebrate our beautiful landscape as part of NAIDOC 2020,” Mr Conlan said.

The week will conclude with a free screening of the documentary In My Blood It Runs at The Civic from 4.30pm Sunday 15 November, 2020.

To reserve a place for the workshops visit www.thecivic.com.au.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

November 3, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s $100 million Regional Job Creation fund and is urging local businesses to take a closer look at whether their project could be eligible.

The NSW Government has said the Regional Job Creation Fund has been set up for businesses to establish or expand in regional NSW.

Up to $10 million in co-funding is being offered to activate or bring forward regional projects in engine, enabling or emerging engine industries. Examples of eligible projects could include the:

• replacement, upgrade or adaptation of plant and equipment at an existing regional NSW business
• establishment of an additional production line for an existing regional NSW business
• onshoring of activity currently done overseas to a regional NSW location
• development of new regional tourism experiences and visitor attractions
• relocation of a business operation from out of state to regional NSW.

The Regional Job Creation Fund’s focus is to co-fund projects creating at least five sustainable regional jobs.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the fund offered opportunities for existing and new businesses.

“The Regional Job Creation Fund could be a significant boost for any business on the brink of expansion, establishment or change,” Cr Chaffey said.

“With all that the Gunnedah Shire has to offer, the future is bright with confidence high. I am sure our business community will welcome the opportunity to grow and employee more local people, so I urge businesses who think they might be eligible to take a good look at this unique funding program.”

                                         
More information is available on the NSW Government link: https://www.investregional.nsw.gov.au/investment-support/regional-job-creation-fund/
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

November 3, 2020

It’s less than 60 days until Christmas, which is still plenty of time to make your festive dollars ‘count in your home town.

Gunnedah Shire Council is a supporter of the Gunnedah Spirit of Christmas Shop Local promotion aimed at encouraging local spending in a year when our businesses need it most.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said last year’s campaign to boost local spending and keep the money local through Gunny Money gift cards had been a community success story, and Gunny Money was also a great gift idea for 2020.

“The Gunnedah Spirit of Christmas Shop Local promotion is a wonderful initiative by the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry supported by Gunnedah Shire Council,” Cr Chaffey said.

“There are fantastic prizes, including a car, and the promotion is an innovative way to bring the community together for a Christmas celebration when we can’t have the Christmas Fair.

“Last year, the relaunch of Gunny Money in time for Christmas proved an overwhelming success. Since the program began, more than $290,000 has been loaded on to the gift cards. About $55,000 has been spent locally through card redemptions in the past year. It has been a fantastic boost to our local retailers.

“The best thing we can do this year to support our local people and businesses is to keep our spending local, and Gunny Money is a great way to do that. A Gunny Money gift card can be redeemed at 100 business and services from care for your pets to the movies and cafes.

“When you are shopping for your friends and loved ones, consider what Gunnedah has to offer first. Keeping the spending in town makes for a Christmas to celebrate for all of us.”

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

November 2, 2020

Tis’ the season for celebration and Gunnedah Shire Council is kick-starting the festive season with the launch of the annual Christmas Light Competition.

Locals can help spread the Christmas cheer by decking homes and shopfronts with lights and decorations for a chance to win Gunny Money gift vouchers.

This year’s entrants can also have their home or business featured on an interactive map, helping residents plan their tour of the Shire’s brightened streets.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said the annual event was a well-loved tradition that brings the community together.

“The competition shines a spotlight on our residents and businesses that put in a tremendous effort decorating each year,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This year, our Christmas experience may be a little different to what we’re used to, but special traditions like decorating together and driving around town to see the lights are always a hit with the whole family.

“Whether you have a small display or have been waiting for an excuse to go all out, this is a great way to foster community spirit. Be sure to pop an entry in for a chance to win.”

Christmas lights and displays will be judged in six categories, including:

• Best Decorated House - $200 Gunny Money Gift Card,
• Best Nativity Scene - $50 Gunny Money Gift Card,
• Best Christmas Theme in a Village - $150 Gunny Money Gift Card,
• Santa Street – Commemorative Plaque and $200 Gunny Money Gift Card,
• Judges Choice Award - $50 Gunny Money Gift Card,
• Best Dressed Shopfront Window - $100 Gunny Money Gift Card.

Entry forms are available here and hard copies can be collected from the Gunnedah Shire Council office, Gunnedah Shire Library or the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.

Entries close 5pm Friday, December 4 2020. Judging will take place on December 7, with a presentation for winners held on Wednesday, December 16.

Caption: The Gunnedah Christmas spirit is on full display with an outstanding entry from the 2018 competition.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

November 2, 2020

Request for Tender: Gunnedah Shire Waste, Recycling and Garden Organics Collection Services

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking Tenders from suitably qualified and insured companies to undertake Waste, Recycling and Garden Organics Collection and Transport services for Gunnedah Shire.

The successful Tenderer’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the collection, transport and disposal of Garbage, Recyclables and Garden Organics from the kerbside, to the nominated Landfill or Material Recovery Facility. Additionally, the Contractor shall perform the collection of Garbage and Recyclables from two (2) outlying rural Waste Transfer Stations and Recyclables from two (2) outlying rural Landfills, and haulage to a nominated Facility.

Tender and contract documents can be obtained by registering on the e-tendering portal at www.tenderlink.com/gunnedah to download the documents free of charge.

Tender enquiries should be via the online forum accessed on the portal.

Tenders close at 10:00am Tuesday 8 December 2020 via the Tenderlink portal.

October 23, 2020

Reconciliation Action Plan

Gunnedah Shire Council has voted to continue its Reconciliation journey with the development of a new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) consistent with Reconciliation Australia’s Innovate RAP at the October Council meeting.

A RAP Working Group will be formed to progress the plan and membership will include representatives from the local Aboriginal community.  Work on the plan is expected to start in February 2021.  

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.  Council is anticipating its new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) will be launched to coincide with the National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week in July 2021.

Great Christmas news for local economy

Gunnedah Shire Council will support this year’s Gunnedah Spirit of Christmas Shop Local Campaign as part of its commitment to building resilience in the local economy during difficult economic times.

Councillors voted this week to allocate $12,000 from the existing Economic Development Budget and Invigorate Gunnedah to support the campaign.

The Gunnedah Spirit of Christmas Shop Local Campaign has replaced the Spirit of Christmas Fair this year due to COVID-19 considerations.

Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the sponsorship recognised both the importance of supporting Shire business and the success of past Christmas Fairs in boosting local spending.

“As part of our Invigorate Gunnedah program, we are aiming to bring vibrancy back into the CBD and to increase local spending. The Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Spirit of Christmas Fair has proven to be successful in both areas in past years,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This is a significant investment on behalf of Council, but the estimated benefits to the retail sector are a minimum of $400,000 and could be as high as $1 million.

“Based on past Christmas campaigns, it’s expected there will be a sales increase of between 2% and 5% across the economy. A boost to the retail sector is good for the wider economy and our whole community.

“Gunnedah is a great place to do your Christmas shopping, and this campaign will help spread the news.”

Representatives approved for Skills and Training Working Group

Three business representatives have been approved to join Gunnedah’s new Skills and Training Working Group.

The working group has been formed to support Gunnedah Shire by ensuring a skilled workforce and local educational opportunities by supporting; students/learners, job seekers, industry and training providers for a strong local economy now and into the future.

Following a call for expressions of interest, Whitehaven Coal, Aztech Earthmoving Repairs and Many Engineering will join representatives from Gunnedah Shire Council, the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Gunnedah TAFE NSW on the working group.

Caption: Locals enjoying the 2019 Christmas Fair festivities.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

October 22, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program recent round aimed at street beautification has proven a runaway success, with 45 local businesses and organisations approved for funding.

As part of the Invigorate Gunnedah – COVID-19 Business Recovery Package, Council supported a plan to bring vibrancy back into the CBD and build business resilience.

Chair of the Business Partner Program Advisory Group Cr Ann Luke said this round of the super-charged 2020 program was aimed at street beautification through the support of signage and façade upgrades.

“We are very excited about the number and the quality of submissions for this round of the Business Partner Program,” Cr Luke said.

“It is wonderful to see so many businesses and organisations confident in their future, and the successful submissions showed a clear economic or employment benefit for our Shire.

“Local signage businesses are also winners as the funds required use of local contractors where possible, keeping the dollars in town with close to $112,000 in total project costs.

“Gunnedah Shire Council’s total contribution of $40,506 will go towards improved signage, shopfronts and generally making our streets more inviting and appealing. It is a great way to meet the needs of our businesses and improve the look of our Shire. The total of

“I really look forward to seeing the results of this round of the Business Partner Program.”

The successful businesses and organisations in the signage and façade round of the Business Partner Program were:

Blush & Bloom Skin and Beauty, Sunburnt Treasures, Harvest Lodge Motel, Stacey McAllan Legal, Gracia Rose, W A Baxter & Co Pty Ltd Solicitors, Gunnedah Locksmiths, Carwash 2380, Goodness & Gracious, The Verdict Coffee, Kez’s Café, Ricky Graham Fitness, Col Nelson Motorcycles, Enchanted on Conadilly, Second Edition Bookstore, Robertson Real Estate Gunnedah, Gunnedah Workshop Enterprises Ltd, Eat Street Asia, 4eva Keepsakes, Stewart Surveys Pty Ltd, Gunnedah Shire Band, Crest Financial Services Pty Ltd, Mpowered Health and Wellness, Valley Fasteners, Co-operative Businesses @ 203 Conadilly Street, Hartley’s Electrical, Lakeford Real Estate, GB Auto Group Pty Ltd, The OBG Co Pty Ltd, Jobs Australia Enterprises, Thub Thim Thai, Parkview Hotel, Turner Cycle Shop, The Barbers Way, Raw Confetti, Chan Supa Thai Massage and Day Spa, MDH Haulage Pty Ltd, Gunnedah Meals on Wheels Association, Soul Hair Studio, BTS Blinds & Awnings, Gunnible Pastoral Company Pty Ltd, SE Michel and Co Pty Ltd, Downtown Serviced Apartments, Impact Solutions Pty Ltd and Ray White Fleming & Ross.

The next round of the Business Partner Program is now open. It focusses on business owners who have a substantial project that will grow the economy and create more local employment opportunities.

To apply, head to https://gunnedah.smartygrants.com.au/BPP2021R2

Applications close at midday on October 30.

The Business Partner Program has assisted many businesses and organisations over the years to get established and to grow. This year, as part of the Community Resilience COVID-19 Business Recovery Package Invigorate Gunnedah, the available funds through the Business Partner Program has been boosted to $200,000.

Caption: Lauren Robertson (right) and Rosa Areces at work at successful Business Partner Program applicant Roberstons Real Estate.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

October 22, 2020

A unique program developed by the Gunnedah Shire Council that received funding from all three tiers of government and whole-of-community support has been held up as an example of strength in adversity.

Gunnedah Shire Council has been named as the winner of the Local Government category in the NSW Resilient Australia Awards.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said while the award was recognition of how our community could rally together, the program had been undertaken to meet the needs of the community.

“The NSW Resilient Australia Awards is a national program that recognises initiatives that strengthen community disaster resilience,” Cr Chaffey said.

“During the drought in late 2018, we put the call out to the community to tell us their ideas for resilience-focused projects. Eight major projects from 10 community groups became a reality.

“Council also installed bores and standpipes in Gunnedah and in Curlewis, Mullalley and Tambar Springs.

“In 2020, the challenges of the drought were closely followed by the challenges of a global pandemic. Council took the bold step of committing $1.2 million that was the catalyst for the program, and this was supported with contributions from the state and federal governments, bringing the total to $3.2 million. It was a leap of faith, but it has paid of for our community.

“Through close communication with the community, a wide variety of ideas came forward that would strengthen not only their own groups, but the resilience of the whole Shire. Twenty projects across 16 groups were approved, with some wonderful initiatives including improved facilities at the Gunnedah Motorcycle Club, the Gunnedah Rural Museum, Gunnedah Rural Fire Service and new projects such as a Dorothea Mackellar mural.

“We also began the Farmer Army, which has provided practical employment for people whose income has been hit hard by drought or Coronavirus.

“We’re proud of what we have achieved in partnership with both the community and the state and federal governments. Gunnedah Shire is not only surviving, but is thriving in times of adversity. We thank and congratulate our people and our community groups. It shows how much we can achieve together.”

Cr Chaffey also congratulated Gunnedah’s Sister City Northern Beaches and Snowy Valleys Council who were highly commended in the Local Government category.

The Community Resilience projects have supported the community to build resilience through disasters and emergencies by:

• Promoting mental health initiatives and networks
• Upgrading amenities at six outlying local halls, central gathering and marshalling points at times of crisis
• Providing ten new water sources, tanks and standpipes, equipped for rural fire service brigade access
• Protecting and promoting our heritage, through art, music and cultural initiatives to support recovery
• Improving engagement and communication between Council, responsible for coordinating disaster and emergency responses, and a broader community base
• Recognising and supporting vital volunteer groups and associations and
• Increasing our economic diversity by directly targeting growth in our visitor economy sector and reducing reliance on traditional sectors most likely to be impacted.

Caption: Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey announces funding for new toilet facilities at Ooranga Childcare in Curlewis with Ooranga’s Rebecca Dridan.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

October 14, 2020

Events and activities are in full swing for NSW Small Business Month in Gunnedah.

Gunnedah Shire Council is hosting a program of events centred on the 2020 NSW Small Business Month themes that are designed to help businesses reboot, upskill and look to the future:

• Building your brand on social media
• Working with digi-tech
• Financial foundations
• Research, plan, do
• Futureproof your business, and
• Your team and you.

Activities such as the Get Shiny on Socials Masterclasses and Xero Basics are proving very popular, with sessions sold out.

There is still time to sign on for three of this month’s free business activities:

• Funding Fundamentals – a Zoom presentation today at 5.30pm ideal for creative freelancers, established practitioners and arts organisations. Learn the basics of writing, winning, and acquitting your funding, as well as putting together a grant folder for future funding. Funding Fundamentals also looks at implementing a research plan to stay up to date, and creating a strategy for success. Presented by Monica Davidson of Creative Plus Business.

• The Business Basics Workshop – to be held on Wednesday, October 28 at 10am at the Civic. This is a business basics workshop focusing on Indigenous creatives looking to build their knowledge and capacity in business and learn about new opportunities within the arts community with a focus on developing creative ways to share culture. Presented by Lorrayne Fishenden of 2 Rivers P/L.

• Friday night with Mia Freedman – a Zoom presentation to be held exclusively for Gunnedah Shire on Friday, October 30 at 6pm. Mia Freedman is the co-founder and chief creative officer of the Mamamia Women’s Media Company, a purpose-driven business that works to make the world a better place for women and girls through it’s written, video, social, and podcast content and by using profits to send 100 girls to school every day in some of the poorest countries in the world. This is an opportunity to learn from Mia about harnessing the power of disruption to grow your business.

To find out more and secure your free tickets, visit https://sa2.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/EventSearch?&presenter=AUGSC&codes=SBM&killLogin=true&tck=true
Gunnedah Shire Council is running a competition where small businesses are asked to “Share their Start-up Story”, this a great opportunity to share celebrate your businesses success There are three great prizes on offer:

• A Mindful Business Hub Membership (valued at $499) including:
o Lifetime access to the Mindful Business Hub digital course platform for one new member
o 12 weeks access to the Mindful Business Community support Facebook group
• Two Cats Creative Business Reboot Package (valued at $600), including:
o Four business headshot photographs
o One blog or business profile story
• Country Horizons Writing Services Package (valued at $200), including:
o Your choice of writing services, such as a blog post, article for a newsletter, web page content or profile creation.

Three entrants will be drawn randomly as winners on November 13.

Entrants can submit their story of up to 300 words including how they came to do business in Gunnedah Shire, and why the Shire is the best place to do business on https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QHD3CHQ

Caption: Keira Gifford of Raw Confetti at the Get Shiny on Socials Small Business Month event.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

October 12, 2020

It is Small Business Month and Gunnedah businesses are urged to put their hands up for the latest round of the Business Partner Program.

This year the Business Partner Program has received a significant funding boost, with an additional allocation of $200,000 through Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community Resilience Business Recovery Package - Invigorate Gunnedah.

Business Partner Program Advisory Group chair Cr Ann Luke said the program offered grants for applicants whose business initiative can continue to help the Shire’s economy stay strong.

“This round of the Business Partner Program focusses on business owners who have a substantial project that will grow the Gunnedah Shire economy and create more local employment opportunities,” Cr Luke said.

“The funding boost was put in place as a COVID-19 recovery measure to help strengthen our businesses and encourage resilience.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to get that great, ground-breaking idea off the ground or to expand your existing business.

“Small Business Month is an ideal time to support our local business people, which helps build a stronger economy for the whole Shire.”

As well as demonstrating the contributions they will make to the project, business owners will need to show:

• Opportunity, need or demand for the project,
• Employment generation,
• Capacity and experience to undertake the project including marketing/promotional plans and any required approvals, and
• Commitment, capacity and plans to continue the initiative, if successful, without further support from Gunnedah Shire Council.

To apply, head to https://gunnedah.smartygrants.com.au/BPP2021R2

Applications close at midday on October 30.

Photo Caption: Mannion Drilling was a recipient of a Business Partner Program grant last year.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.