18 July 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council will now consider all feedback received from community consultation on the proposed dog-off leash area at Athol Gallen Park.

A high number of submissions were received by Council during the survey process. Council is now considering alternative location options. Acting Director Infrastructure Services Daniel Noble said during consultation for the Community Strategic Plan the need for a fenced off-leash dog area was identified.

“Over the years Council has received consistent calls for an off-leash dog area,” Mr Noble said.

“The Open Space Strategy identified Athol Gallen Park as a suitable area, however a recent survey conducted on the proposal showed that community members preferred other locations and a number of suggestions were put forward.

“We will now go through the feedback and investigate other options before the proposal goes back to Council for consideration at the August Ordinary Meeting.”

The community will be kept informed as the proposal progresses.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

20 July 2018

A week of activities designed to be a window into the operations of Council will kick off from Monday, 30 July 2018. View the Local Government Week 2018 Program here.

Community members and organisations are encouraged to get involved with Council, Council staff and Councillors during Local Government Week (30 July - 5 August).

The week will start off with a bus tour of Gunnedah Waste Facility, leaving the Visitor Information Centre at 9.45am until 11.00am on Monday. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Gunnedah, Down Memory Lane, leaving the Visitor Information Centre at 1.00pm, returning at 2.00pm. Bookings for both tours can be made via www.thecivic.com.au 

Tuesday, 31 July will see a young person with an interest in Local Government follow Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor, Jamie Chaffey, around as he conducts his day-to-day business. Applications to be Mayor for a Day are now open, with entrants required to submit a written entry answering two questions, what they hope to get out of being mayor for a day and why they should be chosen.

Mayor for a Day applications will be received up until 5.00pm, 26 July. To apply visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/mayorforaday

On Tuesday evening from 5.30pm, staff from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Planning and Environmental Services Department are hosting an information session to help you to improve your backyard while still being compliant with legislations. Tea, coffee and light refreshments are provided. ‘Unlocking the potential of your backyard’ will be held in the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery Meeting Room.

Get up close and personal with Councillors and Council representatives at a Free and Friendly Breakfast from 8.00am in the Smithurst Theatre Courtyard on Wednesday, 1 August. Gunnedah Shire Council will be offering a free breakfast for the community. There will also be a free tree giveaway partnered with Planet Ark, free books and library bags from Gunnedah Shire Library. GoCo will be on hand assisting with registering for Working with Children and Criminal Record checks.

Make your own Recycled Fascinating Fascinator at 4.00pm on Thursday, 2 August in the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Studio. The workshop is free, with limited places available, so be sure to book in at www.thecivic.com.au 

Take a guided tour of Gunnedah’s Annual NAIDOC Exhibition, Because of her, We can. From 10.00am to 11.00am Friday, 3 August at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery – take a walk through the exhibition and enjoy the morning tea provided.

Come along and get out of the cold while learning how to knit, or colour in and have a chat, complete with a warm cuppa and yummy biscuits at the Gunnedah Shire Library, from 9.30am Saturday, 4 August.

Finish off the week with a free screening of The War on Waste – Season 2, at the Smithurst Theatre from 1.00pm, Sunday, 5 August. The ABC TV series tackles plastic water bottles, straws, e-waste and furniture waste. Craig Reucassel hosts the series that aims to expose the effects of e-waste from discarded laptops, mobile phones and electronic goods in landfill. This series has inspired Australian to get on board with Waste Management. Come along for a compelling and interesting afternoon that may change the way you live.

For further information on Local Government Week activities contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: June Fulwood, Christiane Birkett, Robyn Draper, Yvonne Reading and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey at the library for Local Government Week 2017.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100

18 July 2018

Students and young persons between the ages of 15 and 21 throughout Gunnedah Shire have the chance to experience being Mayor for a day as part of the annual NSW Local Government Week (July 30 – August 5) celebrations.

Young persons who would like to discover more about the role Local Government plays in the community can follow the Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Tuesday, 31 July.

Cr Chaffey said the competition was aimed at stimulating interest in, and promoting the role, Local Government plays in the community.

“The theme for 2018 Local Government week is ‘The Power of Community’; a fitting theme for encouraging the young people in our area to see what a thriving and positive community can do,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is an opportunity during Local Government Week to reach out, especially to young people, and highlight our roles and responsibilities as a Council; what we do; the processes we follow and most importantly; how they can be more involved and informed.”

To apply for the Mayor for a Day initiative students must write a submission answering two questions; what they hope to get out of being Mayor for a day and why they should be chosen.

A panel will select a winner and the student will be invited to act as Mayor for a Day, tour Council facilities, receive briefings, meet Councillors and senior staff and assist Mayor Jamie Chaffey in his day-to-day duties. Mayor for a Day applications will be received up until 5.00pm on Thursday, July 26.

To apply visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mayorforaday

The successful applicant will be notified on Friday, 27 July 2018.

For further information contact Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: Mayor for Day initiative in 2013, former Gunnedah High School students Josh Day and Courtney Brandon with then Mayor Cr Owen Hasler.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100

11 July 2018

An embroidery commemorating 150 years of Gunnedah has now found its permanent home on public display in the history section of the Gunnedah Shire Library.

The piece was created by 22 members of the Gunnedah Embroiderers’ Guild to mark the group’s contribution to the sesquicentenary celebrations.

A three-piece wall hanging was formed, with each panel marking 50 years of Gunnedah’s history.

The embroidery was gifted to Gunnedah and now forms part of the Library’s history section.

To mark the occasion, the Gunnedah Shire Library is hosting a morning tea from 11.30am on Tuesday, 17 July 2018. All are welcome.

Take a close look at the embroidery and you will see the first train leaving town, the original hospital, as well as The Civic, baker’s store and Union Bank.

Gunnedah’s agricultural development also heavily features on the piece, with birds, tractors and crops all familiar sights, as well as the present day with mines, saleyards and more.

Deputy Mayor Gae Swain said the panels “bring Gunnedah to life right before your eyes” and is a must see for people interested in Gunnedah’s history.

“The members have cleverly stitched the many aspects of the Gunnedah Shire together in one stunning piece and it’s only fitting that it be on display for the whole community to enjoy. I encourage everyone to take the time out to see the embroidery,” Cr Swain said.

The Library’s history section also encompasses a local history group meeting on the second Wednesday and fourth Friday of every month at 10.30am. Call the Gunnedah Shire Library on 02 6740 2190 for more information.

Photo Caption: The 150 year embroidery is now on permanent display in the library.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

11 July 2018

The recipient of the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Program Scholarship Mya McRae is celebrating her three month milestone as a school-based trainee at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct.

Miss McRae said she is happy and excited to continue her traineeship and enjoys the people she works with.

“I do it because I want to learn skills in business and work with people and customers,” Miss McRae said.

“Working at the Cultural Precinct is great. It’s right in the heart of town and you get to meet so many people, locals and visitors, and you are helping them, which I enjoy.”

The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Program provides funding to organisations to support Aboriginal education, employment and training.

Gunnedah Shire Council was successful in receiving the funding, which it extended to the community in the form of a scholarship for school-based trainees.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Human Resources Glenn Learmont said Council has a proud history of engaging trainees throughout a number of its functions.

“The facilitation of an alliance between our schools and Local Government will provide meaningful career paths to retain our youths in the community,” Mr Learmont said.

Gunnedah Shire Council HR Advisor and the co-ordinator of the scholarship, Fiona Ludlow, is thrilled for Miss McRae and is happy with her performance.

“Mya has embraced the job really well and it is nice to see her enjoying it,” Mrs Ludlow said.

“We made the application process similar to a job application. Applicants had to apply for the position and sit through an interview. After careful consideration we offered the position to Mya.”

Miss McRae is completing her Certificate II in Business and works one day a week at the Cultural Precinct as part of the HSC.

“The work I am doing at the Cultural Precinct is one step closer to figuring out what career I want when I leave school,” Miss McRae said.

“I would be happy to continue working here for a couple more years.”

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Human Resources Glenn Learmont, School-Based Trainee Mya McRae, Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley and HR Advisor Fiona Ludlow.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

11 July 2018

Business Administration Trainee at Gunnedah Shire Council, Breanna Green, is the 2018 Runner Up in the Trainee of the Year category at the NSW Training Awards.

Miss Green completes her duties and tasks with aplomb and enthusiasm, including the provision of internal customer service across the organisation, records management and completion of Certificate III in Business Administration through TAFE.

Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said Miss Green’s commitment to her work led to her being offered a second year’s traineeship with Council.

“Breanna is an integral part of the Governance and Administration team, and her recognition at the NSW Training Awards is another feather in her cap,” Mr Formann said.

“Due to her elevated understanding of the role, understanding of the services Council provides to the community and dedication to providing a superior service, Breanna’s responsibilities have been increased and she is deserving of this accolade.”

Mr Formann acknowledges the work from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Senior Governance and Administration Officer Donna Markey, who manages and trains the trainees that come through.

“Donna Markey does an excellent job preparing our trainees to achieve their best in their working career,” Mr Formann said.

A traineeship undertaken at Council is completed alongside a qualification through TAFE, ensuring skills are remaining in Gunnedah.

“Council is committed to training young people and giving them opportunities to stay and work in Gunnedah. It becomes a benefit for the Council business and the community to have skilled young people in our region,” Mr Formann said.

“Congratulations on this achievement to Breanna and Donna.”

Breanna is also the 2018 Winner of the NSW Government Women in Traineeships or Apprenticeships – Rural or Regional Council category of the 2018 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.

Gunnedah Shire Council is currently advertising for a Business Administration Trainee - 12 Months, and anyone interested in increasing their skills, knowledge and qualifications are encouraged to apply through Council’s website, www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

Photo Caption: Breanna Green receives recognition for her good work.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

04 July 2018

NAIDOC Week is nearly here, and Gunnedah has celebrations for the whole community to enjoy. From 9 July to 15 July there will be a range of activities sharing Aboriginal culture and honouring the rich heritage of the Gamilaroi people.

The official NAIDOC theme for 2018 is ‘Because of her, we can!’ which celebrates the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made – and continue to make - to our communities, our families, our rich history and our nation.

Gunnedah NAIDOC Committee Chairperson Cassy Aldridge hopes everyone will get involved in the weeks festivities.

“NAIDOC is a great celebration of Aboriginal culture, and the Gunnedah community coming together to honour the contribution of Aboriginal women to our heritage, history and community is really important” Ms Aldridge said.

NAIDOC Week will kick off Monday, 9 July with the official flag raising and morning tea at Hunter New England Health from 10.00am.

On Tuesday, 10 July at 5..00pm, The Civic is hosting a free screening of ‘Rites of Passage’, rated MA15+, which has been described as ‘a riveting social commentary about adolescence, life, and survival filmed in a meaningful and powerful way’.

The biannual NAIDOC Awards Night will be held at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club from 6.00pm on Wednesday, 11 July, with tickets available from Winanga-Li Aboriginal and Child Family Centre for $15. The NAIDOC awards are an opportunity to reflect on and acknowledge the contributions the award nominees and recipients have made to the Gunnedah community.

On Thursday, 12 July join the Red Chief Local Aboriginal Lands Council for a Cards Night and a shared meal.

‘Because of Her, We Can!’ NAIDOC Exhibition Opening will start at 1.00pm on Friday, 13 July at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, with refreshments provided. The NAIDOC Exhibition features local Aboriginal artists, with a focus on female artists.

Sunday, 15 July will be the highlight of NAIDOC Week. The NAIDOC March will start from the Red Chief Monument at 10.00am and will finish at Wolseley Park with the Official Flag Raising Ceremony.

The official proceedings are followed by the Annual NAIDOC Fun Day where families can enjoy free carnival rides, arts and craft, first responder demonstrations, ceramic animal painting, ball games, a lolly guessing competition and lolly bags, BBQ, slushies, tea and coffee, education sessions and information, scam protection devices, jewellery making, donuts, a gallery of Gunnedah women and other fun activities for all ages.

“The Community Fun Day at Wolseley Park will be amazing,” Ms Aldridge said.

“There are so many things to enjoy and something for everyone. All the first responders will be present and doing demonstrations, including police, ambulance, fire and SES. This is a first for Gunnedah and we are so excited that they have decided to come on board.”

For more information about NAIDOC community events please contact NAIDOC Committee Chairperson Cassy Aldridge on (02) 6743 0999.

Photo Caption: The community gets involved in NAIDOC Week.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

2 July 2018

The Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex Upgrade has reached a major milestone this week, with the new 8-lane outdoor pool filled with water for testing.

The contractors, Hines Constructions, filled the pool over the weekend and testing of the structure will take place over the next seven days.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure Services Daniel Noble said with the region currently experiencing drought conditions, Hines has made allowances in its construction program to make the water available to the community after the testing is complete.

“Being a regionally based company, Hines is aware of the issues people are experiencing with the drought conditions,” Mr Noble said.

“The company is allowing Council to set up a temporary stand pipe so community members are able to access the water free of charge.

“There will be approximately 2.2 mega litres of non-potable water available, which will be allocated to those who book in with Council and have appropriate means of collecting the water.”

Interested parties are asked to contact Council to request an amount and book in a time on Monday, 9 July 2018 to collect the water. The stand pipe will be manned from 7.00am to 5.00pm. A disclaimer will need to be signed noting the water is not for human consumption – non-potable only.

If you are interested in obtaining some of the non-potable water or have any questions, please call Council’s Infrastructure Services Department on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: The new 8-lane outdoor pool has been filled for testing.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

27 June 2018

We wish to advise the Gunnedah community of the temporary closure of the Eric Arnold Heated Pool (indoor pool) on Thursday, 5 July; Wednesday, 11 July; and Thursday, 12 July from 8.00am to 4.30pm. The pool will still be open from 5.30am to 8.00am and from 4.30pm to 8.00pm.

Essential Energy will be disconnecting the power to the Facility on those dates in preparation to install electrical infrastructure services to support the new complex as part of the major upgrades.

Should you have any questions relating to the changed conditions please contact Council’s Customer Service Team on 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au 

We apologise for any inconvenience experienced during this time and thank you for your co-operation.

One form, one number and a fast track to opening your business.

Gunnedah Shire Council has partnered with Service NSW to deliver the Easy to do Business Program.

Opening a café, restaurant or small bar just got easier. To get started, all you’ll need is to complete a single form. Then you’ll be partnered with a dedicated Business Concierge who will fast track your application through government and act as a one-stop-shop for the application process – meaning you can spend less time on the paperwork and more time on your business.

HOW YOU BENEFIT

With Easy to do Business, you’ll:

• Get a unique digital profile that can help you fast track the approval process across local, state and federal government
• Receive step by step guidance through the application process
• Have the support of a dedicated Business Concierge who can answer your questions, liaise with Council, and review your applications to ensure they are ‘decision ready’
• Know upfront the time, fees and effort involved

For more information visit Service NSW or phone 13 77 88.