Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
November 18, 2021
Following the prolonged drought during 2018-2019, Gunnedah Shire Council is reviewing the Gunnedah Shire Drought Management Plan and seeking community feedback about water conservation measures.
Council Director of Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the review will be based on previous experience of drought events, as well as experience from across the water industry.
“Gunnedah Shire's water table has recovered well following the drought and while it is unlikely restrictions will be reintroduced in the foreseeable future, the updated plan will ensure our Shire is well prepared should we encounter drought again,” Mr Bartlett said.
“As part of the review of the Drought Management Plan and following community feedback, Council is looking at the times permitted during the day when fixed hoses, sprinklers, sprays are micro jet sprays are permitted to be used, should we move to Level 1 restrictions in the future.
“Currently under Level 1 restrictions fixed hoses are banned, except between the hours of 6-7am and 6-7pm.
“While only two hours of fixed hose use is permitted under Level 1, there is flexibility to modify these hours so they occur in a two hour block either during the morning or evening, or remain split in one hour blocks.
“We won’t be able to please everyone, but I encourage all residents connected to town water to complete our short survey to ensure their preference is considered."
The options included in the survey are listed below. Alternate times are also provided to account for daylight savings.
• One 2 hour block 5-7pm Eastern Standard Time (6-8pm Daylight Saving Time)
• One 2 hour block 7-9am Eastern Standard Time (6-8am Daylight Saving Time)
• Two 1 hour blocks 8-9am and 5-6pm Eastern Standard Time (7-8am and 7-8pm Daylight Saving Time)
• Stay the same (two 1 hour blocks 6-7am and 6-7pm in both Eastern Standard and Daylight Saving Time)
The survey takes two minutes to complete and is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/gunnedahwatersurvey
Physical copies will be provided in the upcoming Water Instalment Notice. Once complete, please return to Council’s Elgin Street Administration Notice.
Survey closes on December 12. For further details about current water conservation measures, visit https://bit.ly/3nuXeUk.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
November 16, 2021
November is Asbestos Awareness Month and Gunnedah Shire Council is supporting the annual campaign to warn homeowners, renovators, tradies, property managers and farmers of the dangers of asbestos.
With one-third of Australian homes containing asbestos, this year the Asbestos Awareness campaign is focussing on renovating safely, after an increase in home renovations being undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council Waste Manager Sheridan Cameron said there is no safe level of exposure, and waste materials containing asbestos must be disposed of properly.
“Prior to commencing work, renovators should complete an asbestos safety check and may need to engage a licenced removalist,” Mrs Cameron said.
“To support residents to identify asbestos-containing material and assist with safe management or removal, Northern Inland Regional Waste are providing free Household Asbestos Testing Kits.
“These kits are available for collection at the Council Administration Building in Elgin Street and from the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility on Quia Road. Kits are limited to one per household and are not designed for commercial use.
“For those needing to dispose of asbestos at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility, you must arrange a booking by calling (02) 6742 3943. Anyone transporting and disposing of 100kg of asbestos waste in NSW must use the Waste Locate tracking system and have a valid consignment number.”
For further information and to view Gunnedah Shire Council’s Asbestos Management Policy, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/environment/public-environmental-health/asbestos.
Caption: The Asbestos Awareness Campaign is running throughout November.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
November 12, 2021
This Christmas, the gift that keeps on giving is a Gunny Money gift card.
The gift card program has already injected more than half a million dollars into the Gunnedah Shire economy, ensuring that money is spent at local businesses who are registered with the card.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the Gunny Money gift card initiative was the perfect way to buy local this Christmas.
“Last month alone, people bought more than $130,000 worth of Gunny Money gift cards,” Mr Johns said.
“That’s spending that goes straight back into local businesses, local employment and local people. It’s just what Gunnedah needs after two years of disrupted trading due to COVID-19.
“Gunny Money gift cards also make a really thoughtful gift. They can be redeemed at more than 100 outlets in Gunnedah, from hair and beauty salons to hotels, and automotive and agricultural outlets to the cinema. There’s something for everyone.”
Gunny Money gift cards are also a popular choice for teacher presents, staff bonuses and incentives, staff Christmas presents and raffle prizes.
Gunny Money gift cards can be purchased at:
- Why Leave Town: www.whyleavetown.com/purchase-online
- Gunnedah Shire Council
- Enchanted on Conadilly
- Gunnedah Newsagency
- The Verdict Café
- Goodness & Gracious
- Gunnedah Locksmiths
- Karen Carter Chemist
People who have received a Gunny Money gift card are also encouraged to spend their cards this Christmas – either on something for themselves, gifts for their loved ones, maybe a turkey for the festive season, or even to pay bills such as vet bills or rates.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
November 12, 2021
Gunnedah Shire Council Events & Engagement Officer Madeline (Maddy) Buhagiar has been awarded a scholarship for a Diploma of Event Management in partnership with industry body Meetings & Events Australia (MEA).
Maddy is among 18 regionally based students selected by a panel of representatives from the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, MEA and the six Destination Networks.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said Council was delighted Maddy had been selected.
“We are proud that Maddy, supported by her manager Cultural Precinct Team Leader Jacinta Cipolla, has been given this opportunity,” Mr Formann said. “This is not only great for Maddy and Council, but for our community, which will benefit from the skills she will learn.
“As our Events and Engagement Officer, Maddy develops and delivers community events, and with a broader skills base and the most up-to-date learning, she can provide even more support to helping grow Gunnedah as a vibrant Shire.”
Maddy, who has worked at Gunnedah Shire Council for three years, said she looked forward to building on her events management skills.
“This is a great opportunity and I’m excited to expand our horizons through this MEA qualification,” Maddy said. “I am really enjoying my role in events management and would like to thank the MEA, the NSW Government, Destination NSW and Gunnedah Shire Council for making this possible.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the scholarships would help stimulate business events in regional communities.
“The business events sector presents a major opportunity for the visitor economy, particularly for regional NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
“We know that the best way forwards is to help to create more jobs and these scholarships will do exactly that – giving people the tools and extra support needed to kickstart their careers.
“I congratulate the 20 scholarship recipients who are already making valuable contributions to their local communities and wish them every success as they begin their diploma studies and continue their journeys in the events sector.”
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Events and Engagement Officer Maddy Buhagiar has been selected for a Diploma of Event Management Scholarship.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
November 12, 2021
Christmas is just around the corner and Gunnedah Shire Council is kick-starting the festive season with the launch of the annual Christmas Lights Competition.
The Christmas Lights Competition is a chance for some friendly rivalry by dressing up your home with Christmas lights and decorations. All residents and local businesses are invited to participate.
Christmas lights and displays will be judged and awarded prizes under 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 – Winners Plaque and $200 Gunny Money Gift Card,
- Judges Choice Award - $50 Gunny Money Gift Card,
- Best Dressed Shopfront Window - $100 Gunny Money Gift Card.
The competition opens this Monday, November 15. Entries close at 5pm on December 10.
Entry forms are available at www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events and hard copies can be collected from the Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building, Gunnedah Shire Library or the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.
Completed nomination forms can be submitted to Gunnedah Shire Council by emailing council@infogunnedah.com.au, submitting in person at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or by posting to PO Box 63, Gunnedah, NSW 2380.
Caption: Silversmith Place took out the coveted title for the best neighbourhood effort in the 2020 competition.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
10 November, 2021
Something strange is coming to the neighbourhood when Ghostbusters: Afterlife storms the Civic screen.
The spooky classic has taken a new turn and will haunt the Civic for the first time as a fundraiser for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund on Thursday, December 2, helping young Gunnedah students start their tertiary education journey.
Who you gonna call? As many of your friends and family as you can find to dress up and be in the running for the prizes for best dressed. There will also be lucky door prizes.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife is the next chapter in the Ghostbusters universe. A single mum and her two kids arrive in a small town, where they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.
It promises to be spooktacular, with the candy bar open for i-scream and other screen-side freaky treats.
Come along to support the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund and show the world you ain’t afraid of no ghost!
? Date: Thursday, December 2, 2021
? Doors open: 6pm for 6.30pm movie start
? Rated: PG
? Price: $20
? Tickets: https://thecivic.com.au/youth
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
9 November, 2021
It’s time to open our hearts to the children in our community who might miss out this Christmas with the annual Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal.
This is the seventh year Gunnedah Shire Council and the Salvation Army have joined forces for the appeal which helps bring joy to children on Christmas Day.
Gunnedah Shire Council Social and Community Planner Debra Hilton said the Community Christmas Toy Appeal had brightened thousands of small faces over the years.
“This is such a simple way people can help others out,” Ms Hilton said. “All you have to do is take an unwrapped toy to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Elgin Street office and put it under the tree, or drop it at Gunnedah Shire Library in Conadilly Street.
“A new toy on Christmas Day could make a wonderful difference to a child’s Christmas. Gunnedah Shire Council is very happy to partner with the Salvation Army, who know where gifts are needed the most, again this festive season.”
Salvation Army minister Lieutenant Marika Haupt said initiatives such as the Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Toy Appeal were very important at this time of year.
“The need is just as great this Christmas,” she said. “COVID-19 has had a big impact on our community and this appeal can help make Christmas cheerful.
“We are happy we can all work together in partnership for our community.”
Toys for all ages of children and young people are welcome, but for hygiene reasons and due to COVID-19, pre-loved toys, pre-loved clothing and food donations cannot be accepted. If you can help out, please bring the unwrapped toys to:
- Gunnedah Shire Council, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, or
- Gunnedah Shire Library, 291 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah.
Caption: (From left) Gunnedah Shire Council Social and Community Planner Debra Hilton, Salvation Army minister Lieutenant Marika Haupt, Salvation Army Major Zane Haupt and Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett launch the Community Christmas Tree Appeal.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
November 4, 2021
Gunnedah Shire Council has thrown its support behind listing Kurrumbede Homestead on the State Heritage Register.
The Heritage Council of NSW announced in October it was giving consideration to listing Kurrumbede Homestead Complex on the State Heritage Register in acknowledgement of its heritage significance to the people of New South Wales.
Members of the community, owners, managers, organisations and other interested parties were invited by the Heritage Council of NSW to make submissions about the proposal up until November 15, 2021.
Gunnedah Shire Councillors voted to support the move at an extraordinary meeting of Council this week.
The report to Council noted the homestead, built by the Mackellar family in 1906, was an example of a large pastoral landholding in the early 20th century, had been a second home to famous poet Dorothea Mackellar, and had an association with Olympic swimmer Andrew “Boy” Charlton who was a station hand at Kurrumbede.
The homestead, a grand rural residence set within formal gardens, is one of the earliest concrete block residential structures in New South Wales.
Caption: Council will support a move to list Kurrumbede on the State Heritage Register.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
November 4, 2021
Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Working Group is calling on the community to nominate outstanding residents and organisations for the annual Australia Day Awards.
The awards recognise and honour individuals and groups in the Gunnedah community who have worked tirelessly to shape and enrich the Shire.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director of Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said each year the Australia Day Awards celebrate the service and contributions of some of Gunnedah’s extraordinary residents.
“Nominations are now open to recognise individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond in their efforts and service to the community,” Mr Formann said.
“This year the Australia Day Awards are especially significant as they acknowledge the strength, resilience and capacity of the Gunnedah community when faced with adversity.
“Many community champions have stepped up in 2021, assisting others during the COVID-19 pandemic and would be worthy of recognition.
“If you know someone in our community who has done an amazing job for a charity or community organisation, or who should be recognised for their contributions to education, health, sports or the environment, please consider putting them forward by completing a nomination form.”
There are 12 categories in Gunnedah Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards for 2022. They include:
- Citizen of the Year Award (21 and over),
- Young Citizen of the Year Award (20 and under),
- Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award,
- Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy,
- Community and Cultural Achievement Award,
- Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award,
- Sports Person of the Year Award (21 and over),
- Junior Sports Person of the Year Award (20 and under),
- Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under),
- Sports Team of the Year Award,
- Ivan Towns Memorial Award, and
- Environmental Citizen of the Year Award (open age category).
Nomination forms are available at https://thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events. Applications close 5pm Friday January 14, 2022.
Winners will be announced during the Australia Day Awards Dinner, to be held on Tuesday January 25, 2022.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
November 4, 2021
Gunnedah Shire Council will commence work next Monday, November 8 on the reconstruction of Maitland Street Bridge in Breeza.
The works form part of the Clifton Road Upgrade Project and involve the demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a new concrete bridge over the waterway.
Council secured funding of $8.56 million through the NSW Government Fixing Country Roads program for the upgrade of Clifton Road, with a co-contribution of $247,794 from Gunnedah Shire Council.
The Federal Government also contributed an additional $1.007 million in Phase 1 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program to upgrade Clifton Road from Oakey Creek Road Intersection to Leys Road Intersection.
Council Director of Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the new bridge will help improve safety and productivity.
“The reconstruction of Maitland Street Bridge will allow all weather access across the waterway and improve access to local roads and farming operations,” Mr Bartlett said.
“The new bridge has been designed to carry the maximum loads possible for vehicles and machinery and will enable access for Higher Productivity Vehicles.
“This work is an important aspect of the Clifton Road Upgrade Project and at times there may be minor disruptions to traffic. I thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this process.”
It is anticipated works will be completed by the end of February, 2022.
Caption: The Maitland Street Bridge at Breeza will be demolished and reconstructed.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
