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.

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.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

October 9, 2020

Live theatre is making a comeback at The Civic, with tickets now on sale for upcoming production Country Witches Association.

The play stars comedian Mandy Nolan and Irish folk musician Àine Tyrrell in a playful reimagining of the role of the iconic Country Women’s Association.

The unique production offers an interactive experience for viewers, with audience members called upon to set a meeting agenda for the evening.

Nolan and Tyrell’s production is a humorous homage to the CWA, bringing support, connection and hysterical observations of everyday dilemmas.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Events and Engagement Officer Jacinta Cipolla said it was fantastic to have live performances returning to Gunnedah.

“This live theatre performance will be a CWA meeting like no other, with a melting pot of politics, comedy and song,” Ms Cipolla said.

“This is great news for Gunnedah residents; these are experiences we have all missed so much.

“We will have a CovidSafe plan in place to ensure the health of the actors, crew and audience.

“This means ticket numbers will be limited so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.”

Country Witches Association will be held at 8pm on Friday November 20, 2020 at the Gunnedah Town Hall.

Tickets are available for purchase at https://sa2.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/EventSearch?presenter=AUGSC&event=CWA1020.

Tickets can also be purchased over the phone on (02) 6740 2100 or in person at the Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building and the Visitor Information Centre.

Photo Caption: Country witches Mandy Nolan (left) and Àine Tyrrell (right).

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

October 2, 2020

Want to become a Pool Lifeguard this summer?

Want to combine this passion with your excellent customer service, food handling experience and teamwork skills?

We are seeking a number of Casual staff to work at Gunnedah Memorial Pool. The positions are a combined skill of Pool Lifeguard and Kiosk Operation from October 2020 to April 2021 for the summer season.

Do I need to be a qualified Pool Lifeguard?

To apply no, we will train you as part of the recruitment, but as part of the training you will need to be able to complete tasks such as:

• Swim 200m in under 6 minutes
• Perform a manikin retrieval to 1.8 metres.
• Perform a 25m unconscious patient tow
• A medium to high level of aquatic fitness is required for some practical components to complete the course.
• Ability to perform CPR
• Must complete the necessary training before starting any shifts.

Pool Lifeguard Position description:

• Facilitating a safe, clean and enjoyable aquatic environment
• Work as part of a team delivering a high quality of customer service
• Knowledge of pool supervision, water safety, water education, rescue techniques and public safety requirements
• Be available from October 2020 to April 2021.
• Have an ability to work rostered shifts from 5:30am –8:00pm (Mon-Sun), including Public Holidays and available to fill occasional shifts on an ad-hoc basis.

 Essential Criteria for the Role

• Current Pool Lifeguard Licence (or willingness to obtain)
• Current Food Handling Certificate
• Current First Aid including CPR
• Current Working with Children Check (if over18)
• National Police Check (if over18)
• Immunisations (willingness to undergo) Hepatitis A&B, Tetanus
• Current Drivers Licence
• Minimum 17 years of age

Desirable Criteria for Pool Lifeguard

• Previous supervisory experience in an Aquatic Centre/Pool.
• High quality of customer service
• Barista experience
• Ability to work as part of a team or with minimal supervision

What’s in it for you?

• Great casual payrates and conditions with regular shifts. Support from a local and member-owned employer. All uniforms/PPE supplied.

For more information about this position and to apply, visit https://labourco.com.au/job/casual-pool-lifeguard-gunnedah/

October 1, 2020

Gunnedah’s extended swimming season will start this weekend when the 50m pool opens at the Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool complex.

The main pool entrance and the 50m pool will open at 9am on Saturday, October 3, a month ahead of the usual annual opening date in November, and just in time for warmer weather expected this weekend.

The heated pool will be open from the Eighth Division Memorial Avenue entrance at 5.30am as usual.

The complex’s opening hours during the summer season will be between 5.30am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sundays.

Hot food and barista-made coffee will be available between 4pm and 6pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays, school holidays and public holidays. Snacks and drinks will be available at other opening hours.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

October 1, 2020

Gunnedah’s creativity is in full bloom at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, following the launch of the Spring into September exhibition last Friday.

In August the gallery called on residents to submit spring themed artwork and colouring-in for the community based exhibition now on display.

Gunnedah Shire Library joined in the creative output with a spring themed creative writing competition encouraging budding authors of all ages to put pen to paper.

Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the competition has helped boost community spirit and provide accessible cultural experiences.

“Spring into September is all about getting Gunnedah locals involved with something creative and light-hearted during a time that has been challenging for everyone,” Ms Mackley said.

“I have been impressed with both the quantity and quality of works submitted; proving Gunnedah is a nursery for budding artistic talent.”

The following winners of the colouring-in and writing competitions were congratulated at the exhibition opening.

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery colouring-in competition winners:

• Under 7 years: Alexander Byron
• 8-12 years: Erised Oosthuizen
• Ages 12 and over: J.S Clark

Gunnedah Shire Library writing competition winners:

• Under 7 years: Matilda O’Keefe
• Under 12 years: Clare Chapman
• 13 years: Wesley Law
• Young at Heart: Rachel Jones

The Spring into September exhibition continues until Friday October 30, 2020.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

October 1, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has formed a new working group to build the Shire’s skills base and provide more local training opportunities.

During the September Council Meeting Councillors voted to form the Skills and Training Working Group. Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Deputy Rob Hooke and Councillor Colleen Fuller were nominated as Council’s representatives. They will be joined by seven community representatives, including two from Gunnedah TAFE and two members of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce.

Council is currently seeking additional nominations for community representatives, one each from a small, medium and large business in the Gunnedah Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor and Working Group Chairman Jamie Chaffey said the working group will allow for greater collaboration between employers, vocational education providers and government.

“The Skills and Training Working Group will be a unified voice to advocate for our communities skills and training needs,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Community representation on the group allows us to hear directly from employers about training needs and helps us match these with solutions.

“A skilled, sustainable workforce will assist our local businesses in employing more local staff and will empower individuals to upskill and seek new opportunities right here in Gunnedah.”

Representatives will be required to attend working group meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month at 3.00pm at the Gunnedah Shire Council Chambers in Elgin Street.

Applications for business representatives close next Friday, October 9. The application form can be found here.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.