30 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is pleased to support eight local businesses and organisations after Round Two allocations of the Business Partner Program were endorsed at the April Ordinary Council Meeting.

More than $17,000 was allocated under the 2017/18 Business Partner Program after applications were considered by a panel. The following businesses and organisations were successful and announced at a ceremony on Wednesday:

• Prydes Easifeeds for quality and packaging updates
• Care 4 U Services for digital development
• Mrs Hath’s Forest Nursery for The Shed Café
• Managed by Kate (property management) for start-up costs
• WA Baxter and Co for an expansion
• Evolution Therapies for an upgrade
• Gunnedah Fashion Fabrics for digital development
• Bitter Suite Café for weather protection

Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said the Program is designed to actively seek new business opportunities and assist in the expansion of existing businesses in the Shire, by providing support, advice and marketing, as well as the provision of incentives.

“We received 26 applications and are distributing $17,975 across eight local businesses. It was very competitive and fantastic to see so many quality applications and initiatives from our business community,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Applications were assessed against the criteria set by the Advisory Group, and recommendations for funding were given based on the quality of the applications and the funding available in this round.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said support offered by this Program supplements the Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy by encouraging increased productivity, sustainability, growth and employment; and targeting new business and economic activity.

“Communities like Gunnedah are dependent on small to medium-sized businesses to remain the backbone of the local economy and it is great to see eight local businesses become successful in receiving this support from Council,” Cr Chaffey said.

Round Three of the Business Partner Program is now open and applications close on 30 June 2018.

For more information visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or contact Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo Caption: Business Partner Program Presentation, from left: Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle, Rebecca Gilbert (Mrs Hath’s Forest Nursery), Kate Johnson (Managed by Kate), Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Rachael Hopkins (WA Baxter and Co), Alice Weinthal (Bitter Suite Café), Amanda Cooper ( Care 4 U Services) and Maddison Vigor (Evolution Therapies).

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

31 May 2018

GoCo Community Care has expanded its home and community care services and geographic footprint after the recent acquisition of Tamworth Regional Council’s (TRC) funded aged care services and New England Carer Support Service.

The transition involved the transfer of TRC’s Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) funded aged-care services and New England Carer Support Service, which provides counselling, support, information and advocacy services (CSIA) for carers. The agreement included continued employment of five existing staff members and the retention of existing service hubs in Barraba Kootingal, Nundle and Tamworth.

GoCo Manager Bruce Mercer said GoCo Community Care has a long and proud history of caring for regional and rural Australians with over 30 years’ experience in delivery of CHSP services in the North West area of NSW and was pleased to extend the quality care provided.

“GoCo’s commitment to providing quality home and community care, along with its existing network and infrastructure, has made this step an easy decision to make,” Mr Mercer said.

“Gunnedah Shire Council was approached by TRC in regards to consideration of taking on its existing CHSP and CSIA funding contracts with the Commonwealth Government.

“The agreement came into effect on 1 April 2018 and has given GoCo the opportunity to build its brand even further and grow services into a wider area,” he said.

“The transition has proven to be relatively seamless with pre-existing services continuing unchanged and minimal disruption for customers. GoCo was able to increase the level of resourcing to these areas which will be of benefit to new and existing customers.

“We are committed to providing our clients with incredible support and services to ensure you (or your loved one) have the freedom to live happy and independent lives.”

New GoCo offices were opened at 90 Queen Street, Barraba and Cockburn Cottage, Kootingal.

For more information on GoCo Community Care visit www.goco.com.au or phone (02) 6740 2240.

Photo Caption: GoCo’s new Barraba office with staff, from left, Alison Ward and Narelle Morrow.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

28 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is in the running for the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) Engineering Excellence Awards after the recent completion of significant upgrades to the Gunnedah Waste Water Management Facility.

The annual awards, to be held in the Hunter Valley later this year as part of the IPWEA’S State Conference, recognise excellence in Local Government and Public Works Projects, as well as individual teams.

The $8.1 million project is nominated in Category 3 – Innovation in Water Supply and Waste Water, after addressing the following criteria – “the project must demonstrate innovations in water supply and/or waste water, reflect efficiencies and demonstrate cost savings”.

Acting Director of Infrastructure Services and IPWEA member, Daniel Noble welcomed the announcement.
“The plant has not been upgraded since 1968 and was in need of improvement to enable additional treatment volume to support the rising population growth of Gunnedah,” Mr Noble said.

“The project was in the planning for a number of years, with works commencing in 2017. The project was delivered on time and on budget and officially opened earlier in May.

“To receive this nomination is the icing on the cake and a sweet reward for the hard work of the project managers, in particular Manager of Water Services, Kevin Sheridan, who has been the driving force behind this project since its inception.”

The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) is the peak association for the professionals delivering public works and engineering services to communities in Australia and New Zealand. IPWEA provides services to its members and advocacy on their behalf.

Almost all of Australia and New Zealand’s professional consultancy firms that specialise in public sector infrastructure – including roads, water, power, rail, ports and airports – have managers and staff who are members of IPWEA.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Waste Water Management Facility has been nominated for the IPWEA (NSW) Engineering Excellence Awards.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

29 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for submissions for the annual NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition.

The 2018 theme is ‘Because of her, we can’ and Council is urging artists, hobbyists, schools, organisations and individuals to come together and explore the theme and exhibit their artworks in a professional gallery space.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said the exhibition will celebrate the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made, and continue to make, to communities, families, and to the nation.

“It will be rewarding to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s achievements, voices, passions and strength incorporated and depicted through art,” Ms Mackley said.

“The exhibition will bring light to the contributions of the women depicted or the relationship to the theme held by the artist.”

Submissions close at 5.00pm Friday, 6 July 2018. All artworks must be ready to hang and are to be submitted to the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

The exhibition will officially open at 1.00pm on Friday, 13 July 2018 during NAIDOC Week celebrations. The exhibition will continue until Monday, 6 August 2018.

For more information or for an entry form, please contact Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: The NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition last year in the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

23 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Library participates in National Simultaneous Storytime

As the clock struck 11.00am today, Gunnedah children joined thousands across the country reading the same book at the same time as part of National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS at Gunnedah Shire Library.

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres and many other places around the country. This year’s book was Hickory Dickory Dash, written by Tony Wilson and illustrated by Laura Wood. Gunnedah Shire Library invited community member Tony Jones to read the story to the audience.

Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett said the event, now in its 18th year, aims to promote the value of reading and literacy.

“The event has many outcomes, including promoting the value and fun in books, as well as supporting an Australian writer and publisher and encouraging children to attend storytime activities in the library,” Ms Birkett said.

Children also participated in a craft session following storytime.

Photo caption: Children and staff from Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre enjoyed storytime this morning. Pictured with Librarian Christiane Birkett, Tony Jones and Library staff member Liz Ironmonger.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

18 May 2018

The Delivery Program 2017-2021 and Operational Plan 2018/19 for Gunnedah Shire Council is officially placed on public exhibition and Council will receive submissions in relation to the documents up until 5:00pm Thursday 14 June 2017.

The documents will be available for viewing at the Council Administration Building, Library, Community Care Centre and Visitor Information Centre. Alternately the Delivery Program 2017-2021 and Operational Plan 2018/19 can be downloaded here..

This is an opportunity for members of the public to lodge submissions in relation to the items considered and strategies applied in the Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan. Council will meet again on Wednesday 20 June 2018 to consider all submissions, formally adopt the documents.

Should you have any enquiries, please contact Council on 02 6740 2100.

16 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council continues its customer-focused approach after voting to sign up with Service NSW’s Easy to Do Business Program.

Councillors endorsed to enter an agreement with Service NSW at the May Ordinary Council Meeting.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said Easy to do Business was developed by the office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner, Department of Premier and Cabinet and Service NSW to streamline the customer experience and reduce timeframes associated with new business development approvals.

“The program will provide a concierge service to navigate the large number of approvals and licences that are required across the levels of government and other agencies,” Mr Formann said.

“Essentially the program works as a one-stop-shop approach, with the concierge the single point of contact for the customer.

“Service NSW also provides a digital platform and upfront information regarding what is required by the customer from all of the approval authorities. This service is provided free of charge for both Council and the applicants and does not change Council’s existing application and lodgement payment processes.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said small business is a key driver and backbone of economic growth in the Gunnedah Shire, and Council is looking to continuously work towards implementing initiatives and resources that provide support to businesses.

“The first stage of the program focuses on approvals for cafes, small bars and restaurants, but as the program grows, further business types could be added in the future,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The program has the potential to reduce business opening timeframes from up to 18 months down to just 90 days.

“It’s important to empower small business with the right tools for economic growth and job creation, and for the longevity of our Shire.”

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

16 May 2018

Councillors were presented with the draft 2017-2021 (revised) Delivery Program and draft 2018/19 Operational Plan, inclusive of the annual budget and fees and charges at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting. The documents will now be placed on public exhibition to allow the Gunnedah community an opportunity to review and provide comment.

In placing the documents on exhibition, Gunnedah Shire Council’s General Manager Eric Groth said Gunnedah Shire Council has continued to be recognised by the NSW Government as being Fit for the Future, meeting both the financial, as well as the scale and capacity criteria.
“The Operational Plan describes the actions Council will take over the next 12 months to deliver on the community’s vision for our Shire,” Mr Groth said.

“Council’s dedicated staff continue to strive to deliver efficient and quality services, and continually improve processes and practices. This plan aims to achieve Council’s continued financial sustainability while planning for growth and a positive future for our community.

“Council continues to maintain services and renew existing assets, and is establishing itself in a position where it can continue to do so into the future. I am very confident the plans presented will prove to be of great benefit to the community.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah Shire Council will continue to build strong relationships with neighbouring councils as an active member of Namoi Unlimited – the Joint Organisation of Councils.

“We will continue to represent Gunnedah’s interests and advocate for local government regionally by actively being involved in Namoi Unlimited,” Cr Chaffey said.
“We are now entering our second year of the four-year delivery program under the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework. We continue to deliver a number of significant and positive outcomes for our community and we are confident that in the year ahead, we will complete this work and realise our community’s vision for the Gunnedah Shire.

“The past 12 months were a successful and defining year of major achievements for the Gunnedah Shire and its residents and 2018-19 is shaping up to be another significant year of delivery,” he said.

“The Operational Plan is an extremely important document that will provide the framework for Council’s service delivery for the next year. I encourage the Gunnedah community to review the proposed plans and to submit feedback to Council for consideration.”

Copies of the draft 2017-21 Delivery Plan and 2018-19 Operational Plan are available to download here or from Council’s Administration Building, Library, Visitor Information Centre and GoCo Community Care. Feedback from the community is welcome, with the closing date for submissions being Thursday, 14 June 2018.

For more information regarding please contact Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo Caption: Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and General Manager Eric Groth discuss the draft 2018/19 Operational Plan.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

9 May 2018

Gunnedah’s Waste Water Management Facility has undergone an $8.1 million major remodel to future-proof Gunnedah’s sewerage treatment works until 2038.

Gunnedah Shire Council secured $1.98 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Resources for Regions Program for the project, and allocated the remaining funds from its own budget for the works.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey officially opened the Plant on Wednesday afternoon.

“The $1.98 million contribution by the NSW Government to the Gunnedah Waste Water Treatment Plant is an investment in the future of Gunnedah,” Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said.

“The plant has not been upgraded since 1968 and was in need of improvement to enable additional treatment volume to support a strong and growing Gunnedah. This upgrade is about meeting residential and business needs on the horizon as Gunnedah continues to expand to meet growth in both the mining and agricultural sectors.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Chaffey said the project was in the planning for a number of years and work commenced in 2017 after a successful contractor was chosen.

“Gongues Construction was contracted for the works and has put in a fantastic effort ensuring this project has come in under budget and on time. I would also like to commend Council staff for their forward-thinking and initiative shown throughout this project,” Cr Chaffey said.

Council’s Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan said the major upgrade included the replacement of the inlet works, inlet pumping station, amenities building, digester, telemetry system and the sludge feed averaging tank for a new sludge drying system. New infrastructure includes a septic receival unit, a dewatering building and a dedicated switchboard room, roadworks and fencing.

“Some of the equipment replaced was nearly 80 years old,” Mr Sheridan said.

“The dewatering building has allowed the plant to enter the world of modern technology. It has the ability to dry treat sludge to 28 per cent dry solids, where most other technology sits at around 18 per cent. It also replaces the old drying beds which were really labour intensive and unsightly. We are really pleased with the outcome.”

Cr Chaffey said the major upgrade was initiated to increase the efficiency and modernise the treatment process, improve workplace health and safety and increase the capacity of the plant for future growth of the shire.

“Gunnedah is in a unique position as one of few rural towns in NSW still experiencing growth and it is important we strive to see our infrastructure match this expected growth,” Cr Chaffey said.

Council opted for the multi-million dollar upgrade over a complete rebuild, which would have cost upwards of $35 million.

Photo: Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey officially open the Gunnedah Waste Water Treatment Plant.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

8 May 2018

All roads lead to Gunnedah for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow in June as this bounty of belly laughs rolls into town.

Come along to the jam-packed, tour-de-comedy, featuring funnymakers from Australia and beyond, showcasing everything from stand up and sketch, to satire and song, in one side-splitting show.

Each year, the show is becoming better than ever, and this year it’s back by popular demand. A busload of Australian stars, talented newcomers and international performers will tour more than 80 destinations in Australia, including Gunnedah.

This year’s line-up includes Josh Earl, Sharul Channa, Suzi Ruffell, Tom Cashman and one more yet to be announced.

The show will be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Saturday, 16 June 2018, with doors opening from 7.00pm. A cash bar will be in operation and food will be available to purchase.

Tickets are $40 per adult, $35 concession, or a group booking of 10 people is $350. Tickets are available at www.thecivic.com.au or in-person at The Visitor Information Centre, Chandos Street or Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building, Elgin Street.

Warning: Performances often contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 16 years or older.

For more information please phone Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100