2 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has provided a boost to the arts and culture scene, with more than $16,000 granted to local groups under the new Arts and Cultural Funding Program.

Following submissions, a selection panel was appointed and recommended a total of $16,751.00 in grant funding to be distributed among five groups. The following funding was endorsed by Council at April’s Ordinary Council Meeting:

• Gunnedah Pottery Club $1400.00 to assist with workshop costs
• Gunnedah Embroiders Guild $851.00 to assist with tutor fees
• Arts Gunnedah $5000.00 to contribute to the Annual Arts and Ceramics Exhibition
• Two Rivers Arts Council $3000.00 to contribute to the Two Rivers Dance Collective and Big Circus Show
• Gunnedah Conservatorium $6,500.00 to assist with hosting the community choir, youth choir, community orchestra and to assist with costs for musical production, Chicago

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said the new program was adopted by Council at the February Ordinary Council Meeting and has enabled multiple arts and culture groups to apply for funding to support their programs and services.

“The new program brings Council’s process for distributing funds for arts groups into line with what occurs for sporting and community organisations, resulting in a fairer system,” Mr Formann said.

“The panel assessed the applications on their merits and ensured a fair distribution by prioritising projects which would have significant benefit to local arts and cultural programming in the Gunnedah community.”

Gunnedah Conservatorium Director Rebecca Ryan spoke in favour of the program.

“Council should be commended for taking this direction. It allows organisations to tailor and develop their programs to meet the community’s needs,” Ms Ryan said.

It is anticipated a second round of funding will be open for applications in June.

“A new round of funding is expected to open in the second half of this year, which will give organisations a second opportunity, or those that missed out in this round, to apply,” Mr Formann said.

Photo Caption: Successful recipients of grants from the Arts and Cultural Funding Program were invited to a presentation at Gunnedah Shire Council. Back from left, Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley, Hilda Morris (Gunnedah Embroiderers’ Guild), Trish Conway (TRAC), Director Corporate and Community Services (Colin Formann), Councillor David Moses, Councillor John Campbell. Front: Rebecca Ryan (Gunnedah Conservatorium), Jennifer Budden (Gunnedah Embroiderers’ Guild), Shirley Urquhart (Arts Gunnedah), Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Julie Goodwin (TRAC), Pat Tobin (Gunnedah Pottery Club) and Jenni Carlin (Gunnedah Pottery Club).

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

2 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is undertaking community consultation regarding a proposed location for an off-leash dog area.

Council’s Open Space Strategy has identified Athol Gallen Park, off Walter Rodd Street, as a suitable location due to its size and accessibility. The proposal includes fencing (1.2 metres high), seating, waste bins, a water point, concrete pathways and signage.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Public Facilities Geoff Phillips said Athol Gallen Park has the supporting infrastructure already in place, with carparks in both Walter Rodd Street and Winder Place, shaded trees and multiple access points for pedestrians and vehicles.

“Gunnedah currently has only one dog off-leash area, being the Woolshed Reserve in Maitland Street. This reserve is unfenced due to being in the floodplain. Feedback received by Council consistently calls for a fenced area,” Mr Phillips said.

“Athol Gallen Park has access from Ashford’s Watercourse walk and cycle way, Winder Place, Walter Rodd Street, as well as Baxter Street. There is already parking for six to seven vehicles and sufficient shade.

“At this stage, we are just trying to gather people’s thoughts and views. We hope that, if approved, an off-leash area will encourage people to exercise their dogs there. It’s important to provide a secure recreational area for them to get outdoors and to encourage responsible pet ownership as well.”

Council has developed a survey to seek feedback from residents of the Gunnedah Shire, on the proposed location. All data and comments from the survey will be reviewed and a report will be presented to Council for consideration.

The Athol Gallen Park - Dog off-leash area (Gunnedah) survey can be accessed online or a hard copy can be obtained from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building in Elgin Street. The survey must be submitted by 5.00pm on Thursday, 31 May 2018.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Public Facilities Geoff Phillips at Athol Gallen Park.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

Eather Drive in memory of the late Edward 'Clyde' Eather is a section of roadway extending west from Oxley Highway to the intersection of Ruvigne and Wilkinson Roads, Gunnedah.

The proposed road name will be publicly exhibited for a period of 28 days from Tuesday, 1 May 2018.

The proposed road name plan can be viewed online or in person at Council's Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah between the hours of 8.30am and 5.00pm.

Map of Proposed Road Naming - Eather Drive

Any person wishing to comment on the proposed road name may do so in writing, with submissions to be received by no later than 5.00pm, 28 May 2018.

Any submission should be addressed to:

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER
Gunnedah Shire Council
PO Box 63
Gunnedah, NSW 2380

Join the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow as it comes to Gunnedah in 2018! 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! You won’t want to miss it when this bounty of belly laughs rolls into town.

The event will be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Saturday, 16 June 2018 from 7.30pm.

Tickets:

• Concession: $35.00
• Adult: $40.00
• Group Booking Discount (10+): $35.00 per ticket

Tickets can be purchased at www.thecivic.com.au or in person at the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre, Chandos Street or Gunnedah Shire Council Office, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Warning: Performances often contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 15 years or older. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the venue.

Monday, 23 April 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has resolved to provide financial and in-kind support to the Gunnedah Show Society for the upcoming Energy Innovation and Mining Expo (eIMEx).

Gunnedah Show Society approached Council seeking support for the event at the March Ordinary Council Meeting.

Council moved at last Wednesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting to provide up to $15,000 of in-kind support, as well as a $20,000 financial contribution to the Expo.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said eIMEx has the potential to become a large scale, recurring event, with flow on effects for the broader community.

“There are huge benefits for the community should this event become well-established and successful over a number of years,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is important to recognise the economic benefits that will flow on from the hosting of such an event. Early estimations outline a significant economic impact for our region as we expect to see both exhibitors and visitors from a wide area including Victoria, NSW and Queensland, as well as internationally.”

Cr Chaffey said Gunnedah is well-positioned to hold such a unique event that will showcase innovation in both sectors.

“Coal mining has a long history of over 140 years in the Gunnedah basin and is the burgeoning strength in Australia, with a forecasted long enduring future. Recent approvals and early works for solar projects in our Shire indicate our region is well suited for renewable energy developments,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The nearest similar event to this scale is in Mackay, Queensland, which is held in July every second year. There has previously been an expo held in Muswellbrook, but not in recent years.

“Congratulations to the Gunnedah Show Society for their efforts in developing this event, the committee has a proven track record of getting things done.”

The Energy Innovation and Mining Expo will be held at the Gunnedah Showground in early November 2018.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council shows support to Energy Innovation and Mining Expo at Council’s April Ordinary Meeting.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

18 April 2018

Australia’s favourite ‘kidult’ comedians, The Listies, are bringing their best-smelling book Ickypedia: A Dictionary of Disgusting New Words to the Gunnedah stage.

Ickypedia will be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Saturday, 5 May from 1.00pm.

Ickypedia is a seriously silly show that answers all of life’s unimportant questions: How do you take a smellfie? What exactly are udderpants? And what happens if you never ever clean your room? With snot monsters, bubble machines and toilet paper guns, it’s a mix of clowning, slapstick, and improvised chaos that the whole family will enjoy.

Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly, formerly of Gunnedah, make up the comedy duo, The Listies. Forming in 2008 after meeting a university, their show ‘More fun than a Wii’, went on to be the first kids show to be nominated for the prestigious Melbourne International Comedy Festival Best Show Award.

Since then they’ve toured from the Sydney Opera House to South Korea, from Edinburgh to Malaysia, and all over Australia. They have won awards, including the 2013 Sydney Critics Award for Best Children’s Production, and received countless rave reviews.

“This is one for the kids and a performance not to be missed, as The Listies promise a hilarious, fun show, full of laughs,” Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce your children to the theatre, and an experience they won’t forget.”

Tickets are $15.00 (under 15 years of age), $25.00 (15+), or a family ticket can be purchased for $60.00 (family of four). Tickets are available at www.thecivic.com.au 

Photo caption: The Listies, Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly. Photo: Andrew Wuttke.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

18 April 2018

A number of events and services will be held throughout the Gunnedah Shire on ANZAC Day to commemorate the fallen and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by men and women of war. 

Veterans and servicemen and women from across generations of armed conflicts bearing their medals will assemble and lead marches, joined by family members, school children, and emergency service personnel.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service - Gunnedah
The Gunnedah RSL Sub-branch has organised the official commemorative proceedings for ANZAC Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2018, in Gunnedah.
The Dawn Service begins at 5.30am at the Cenotaph Memorial on Conadilly Street, with Gunnedah Salvation Army Captain Richard Day leading the prayers of the ceremony.

ANZAC Day March and Mid-Morning Service - Gunnedah
The ANZAC Day March will begin at 10.30am, proceeding from Marquis Street and continuing down Conadilly Street. The official service begins at 11.00am at the Cenotaph Memorial on the corner of Elgin and Conadilly streets. The commemorative address will be led by Anglican Minister Scott Dunlop. The assembly point for the march will be the corner of Marquis and Elgin streets, outside Mitre 10 from 10.00am. The Veteran’s Cars will lead the procession, commencing at 10.30am.

ANZAC Day March and Service - Breeza
Organised by the Breeza Progress Association, the annual Breeza ANZAC Commemorative March will commence from 8.30am, with all participants asked to gather at the Old Cenotaph, before marching to the new Cenotaph near the park.

ANZAC Day – Curlewis
The march for the Dawn Service in Curlewis will proceed from the corner of Goran and Pike streets at 5.15am. Participants are asked to assemble at 5.00am. The morning ANZAC Day March in Curlewis will take place from the Commercial Hotel at 8.45am to the Cenotaph, with a service to begin at 9.00am.

ANZAC Day – Tambar Springs
The Tambar Springs Dawn Service will be held at 5.30am at the Tambar Springs War Memorial, breakfast will follow at the Royal Hotel, Tambar Springs.
A mid-morning service will take place at the Premer Lions Park from 10.45am, with lunch afterwards. Serving members will receive a complimentary lunch.

ANZAC DAY – Goolhi
Just over the border from the Gunnedah Shire, Goolhi will hold a sunset service from 5.30pm at the Goolhi Hall, followed by dinner.

2018 ANZAC Tribute Concert
The concert has been organised by the ANZAC Working Group and will be held on Sunday, 22 April at Pensioners Hill prior to ANZAC Day and aims to educate those in attendance on the effects of war. This is a free community concert commencing from 4.00pm and will include three sessions (approximately 45 minutes to one hour each, with 20 minute intermissions). The concert will include performances of traditional war tunes by the national award-winning Gunnedah Shire Junior Band, well-known songs from the last century by students of the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music, and war poetry readings and extracts from letters, read by school students. A barbecue will be held by Rotary Club of Gunnedah West. A golf buggy will be available to assist people to get to the top of the hill. Community members are asked to bring a picnic rug or chair and gather together to enjoy a sunset atop one of Gunnedah’s vantage points, while paying tribute to the men and women of war.

There is also free admission to the Water Town Museum from 11.30am on Anzac Day!

Anzac Working Group Chair and Councillor Owen Hasler said it is important to recognise the effects of wartime involvement and the sacrifices of soldiers, veterans and their families.

“Everyone in the community is invited and encouraged to participate in ANZAC Day ceremonies and events. We hope our community will unite to show support and pay tribute to our ANZACs and the role servicemen and women have played in defending our nation in the past, now, and into the future,” Cr Hasler said.

Photo caption: Veterans, service personnel, and community members gather in Breeza each year to march and pay their respects at a service at the Cenotaph.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

16 April 2018

Council is seeking written applications from Gunnedah Shire residents to fill the following positions on its Crime Prevention Working Group.

2 Community Representatives and 1 Youth Representative

Nominees must over 18, a resident of the Gunnedah Shire with strong community links and have a demonstrated commitment to, and/or understanding of, crime prevention and community safety

The Crime Prevention Working Group takes a collaborative approach to crime prevention, focusing on causes of crime and its functions as guided by the Gunnedah Shire Crime Prevention Plan. The Group meets bi-monthly on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 5.00pm.

Information regarding membership can be obtained from Council’s Community and Social Planner on 02 6740 2100.

The Crime Prevention Group Nomination Form can be downloaded from below or obtained from Council’s Administration building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Completed forms can be returned to 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or emailed to council@infogunndah.com.au 

16 April 2018

Members of the Centenary of ANZAC Working Group have been busy preparing for next Sunday’s Centenary of ANZAC Concert to be held on Pensioners Hill.

"We are very pleased to have the reigning Australian National Junior A Grade Champions, Gunnedah Shire Junior Band, teaming with Gunnedah Conservatorium students, Gunnedah High School senior drama students and community members in order to present a moving tribute to Australian Service personnel who have served Australia outstandingly over the last century, " ANZAC Working Group Chair, Councillor Owen Hasler said.

"The event will be held on Pensioners Hill from 4pm on Sunday and will continue into the evening with three sessions in which the performers will present music, songs, poetry and extract readings as well as a dramatic performance. These items depict the emotions and sacrifice of war and its' effect on families and individuals as well as the enduring sense of mateship associated with the ANZAC story.

"There will be breaks between each session in order for people to enjoy a chat and have something to eat before the following session. The concert has been supported by an ANZAC Community Grant provided by the NSW Government and it will be good to see our local member, Mr Kevin Anderson in attendance to introduce the event,” he said.

A four seater golf cart will be available to transport people from the carpark to the top of Pensioners Hill and extra lighting, toilets and seating will be supplied. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own chairs to ensure there is enough seating. The Rotary Club of Gunnedah West will assist with catering by supplying sausage sandwiches and cool drinks, however people may bring a picnic lunch/dinner if they prefer.

"This should be another terrific tribute by the Gunnedah community to our veterans and will be the last such event held in Gunnedah as part of the Centenary of ANZAC. We hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to participate as it promises to be a memorable performance,” Cr Hasler said.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Band performing at the 2017 ANZAC Tribute Concert.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

13 April 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is working with Showground user groups to apply for sporting and community infrastructure grants in order to progress the completion of upgrades and enhancements to the Gunnedah Showground.

Due to the project criteria and eligibility guidelines of the grant, it is proposed that the application focuses on new and upgraded infrastructure within the Showground including a new accessible amenities block, shaded picnic sets, increased lighting for safety of users and animals in and around the arena, new portable safety compliant tiered grandstands to support volunteers and spectators, irrigation system to the main arena, drainage and power upgrades to support user groups and increased visitation.

The grant applications also include 250 new safety compliant stables. In order to obtain evidence of the level of community support for the proposed infrastructure enhancements, Council is inviting the local community and visitors to provide their views via a short survey.

Survey closes 5pm on Tuesday 24 April 2018. Complete online survey here.