Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
14 July, 2020
Following the recent tragedy that has occurred in Gunnedah, Whitehaven Coal has announced a free psychological support service available to everyone in the community.
Whitehaven is temporarily expanding its Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help all members of the Gunnedah community access free, confidential psychology services over the next fortnight.
A confidential consulting space has been set up in the Creative Arts Meeting room of The Civic, at 83 Chandos Street Gunnedah.
Face to face appointments are available by appointment between Friday July 10 and Friday July 24. On weekdays appointments are available between 10am and 8pm, and on weekends appointment times are available from 8am to 4pm.
Phone and Zoom consultations are also available 24/7. Appointments are essential; please contact the EAP provider NewPsych directly on (02) 4926 5005 to book.
Following the two week period, individuals who require continued support can discuss alternate options with NewPsych or a provider of their own choosing.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
July 8, 2020
It is with great sadness we’re hearing breaking news about the tragedy that has occurred in Gunnedah.
Police are currently investigating. Please contact them for further information.
Our thoughts are prayers are with the family.
We are a strong and tightknit community - and together we will support the family and our community through this event.
If you are in need of assistance – please contact the below services
Police/emergency services
“Triple Zero (000) - to provide access to emergency services organisations.”
http://www.triplezero.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
1800 Respect
“1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence
Counselling Service for people living in Australia.”
https://www.1800respect.org.au/
Kids Help Line
1800 55 1800
“Australia's only free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.”
http://kidshelpline.com.au/
Lifeline
13 11 14
“Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can
contact Lifeline.”
https://www.lifeline.org.au/
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
7 July, 2020
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Continuity Management Team is continuing to keep a close eye on COVID-19 developments and is urging the community to remain vigilant despite easing restrictions.
All Council services have now reopened with some restrictions, with the exception of the Civic Cinema which is closed for renovations. Hand hygiene stations, social distancing markers, recording of details and capacity limits are in place at these facilities.
Visitors to Council facilities are reminded they should continue to:
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell, even with mild symptoms,
- Observe social distancing markers and capacity limits,
- Continue to practice safe hygiene and wash hands regularly, and
- Download the COVIDSafe app to assist contact tracing.
At this stage, Council will maintain current operational levels as no additional changes to services have been recommended by the NSW Government.
An overview of the current status of all Council services is available at https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/gunnedah-shire-covid-19-advice. To keep up to date with new service changes, follow Gunnedah Shire Council on Facebook.
COVID-19 Testing:
NSW Health is urging anyone with respiratory symptoms, including a cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath or fever to come forward to be tested. There are testing clinics available locally in Gunnedah, including:
- NSW Health COVID-19 Clinic at the Gunnedah Hospital located in the Education building. Open 1pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday. To book, call (02) 6741 8000.
- Ochre Health drive through Respiratory Clinic at the Gunnedah Showground. Available on Monday’s 12:30 to 4:30. Bookings can be made online at https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/boggabri-NSW-2382/gunnedah-boggabri-and-narrabri-respiratory-clinic/doctors
- For further information about public health orders and COVID-19 visit www.health.nsw.gov.au
- To develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan for your business, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses
- To help reduce community transmission download COVIDSafe. This is now available in multiple languages. To find out more visit https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app
- Breaches of public health orders should be reported directly to police by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
7 July, 2020
Gunnedah cinema goers will be treated to an enhanced cinematic experience when curtains are planned to reopen at The Civic next month, following extensive refurbishments at the venue.
The Civic is currently undergoing renovations including new carpet, seats, curtains and overhead lighting, as well as a new look candy bar.
A commemorative photo montage will also be installed on the back wall behind the candy bar, featuring images provided by the community of their memories at the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct.
Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the renovations have come at a good time, with new content currently limited due to the fluid COVID-19 situation.
“Release dates for most new films have been pushed back until at least later this year, so getting these refurbishments underway now means the community won’t miss out on any upcoming blockbusters,” Ms Mackley said.
“These renovations will help deliver a more comfortable, engaging cinema experience.
“The Civic Cinema has seen a lot of use and the well-worn seats and carpet is a good indication it is a much-loved community asset. There are a lot of people very enthusiastic to return.”
Renovations are scheduled to be completed during August, following which the cinema will reopen under COVIDSafe regulations.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
6 July, 2020
Art enthusiasts have until Wednesday July 15 to view Cat Long and Abby Jerrett’s collaborative exhibition Divine Voyeurism at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.
Both originally from Gunnedah, Long and Jerrett’s interdisciplinary body of work explores their joint interest in the empowerment of women through the female form.
Long’s work utilises stippling, a technical process that begins and ends with a dot. Through the arrangement and repetition of thousands of these marks, each piece is a collection that celebrates women and their unique strengths.
Jerrett’s embroidered textile pieces appropriate religious iconography and take inspiration from stained glass windows, challenging preconceived notions of spirituality.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley is encouraging residents to visit the innovative exhibition before it closes next week.
“This exhibition has faced several setbacks, with COVID-19 restrictions resulting in the temporary closure of the gallery,” Ms Mackley said.
“Now that the gallery has reopened we have chosen to extend the exhibition to ensure everyone still has a chance to see this diverse range of works.
“Unfortunately COVID-19 restrictions also meant we couldn’t host an official opening to properly celebrate these unique local artists. Now that restrictions have eased we are inviting the community to attend an official exhibition closing celebration this Thursday evening, commencing at 6pm.”
What: Official Closing and Celebration of Divine Voyeurism
Where: Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, 81 Chandos Street.
When: Thursday 9th July 2020 from 6pm.
Those wishing to attend the official closing are asked to obtain their free ticket via Seat advisor to enable COVIDSafe practices.
Tickets are available from www.thecivic.com.au
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
1 July, 2020
Gunnedah Shire Council is undertaking a new project to enhance and beautify the islands on Stock Road.
Several new garden beds will be established along the footpath of the Stock Road islands, between Links Road and Apex Road.
Native vegetation and drought tolerant species will be used to develop biodiversity and brighten the streetscape. Tree planting will also be conducted to create a succession for ageing trees along the islands.
Numerous native plants will provide cheerful spring colours, with plants of several species to be featured. Such plants include variations of grevillea, westringia, callistemon, scaevola, liriope muscari, and polygala.
The project will be undertaken by Gunnedah Shire Council’s Farmer Army. Originally started to offer paid, temporary work for primary producers during the drought, the Farmer Army has recently been expanded to include locals struggling to find paid employment due to COVID-19.
Council’s Manager of Public Facilities Ashley Gardner said improving open spaces throughout the Shire was a priority for Council, and is thrilled to have the Farmer Army on board to help get these projects up and running.
“The Farmer Army Program is a great initiative that will see a number of exciting projects that are in the pipeline come to life,” Mrs Gardner said.
“The Stock Road islands are a popular walking track and this particular project will result in a better experience for those using the area and will develop a sustainable, attractive, low maintenance landscape for the long term.”
Garden work at Stock Road will commence shortly, and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
26 June, 2020
Dog and cat owners in the Gunnedah Shire are being urged to check new de-sexing and registration requirements, with changes to the Companion Animal Act coming into effect next month.
From 1 July 2020 the NSW Government will introduce annual permits for owners of non-desexed cats, restricted dog breeds, and dogs declared to be dangerous.
Under the changes, owners of cats not desexed by four months of age will be required to obtain an $80 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.
Exemptions will be in place for cats kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies, and cats which cannot be desexed for medical reasons.
The new permit system will also apply to owners of dogs of a restricted breed or declared to be dangerous. The $195 annual permit will be in addition to the registration fee and applies to dogs that are already registered.
Restricted dog breeds include the pit bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, Argentinian fighting dog, Brazilian fighting dog, and canary mastiff.
Dogs of any breed can be formally declared dangerous by a council or court if without provocation the dog attacks or repeatedly threatens to attack a person or animal.
Council Coordinator of Regulatory Services Wade Berryman said the changes are designed to promote responsible pet ownership and improve animal welfare standards.
“Improving desexing rates will help keep our cats healthy, ease the burden on pounds and shelters, reduce euthanasia rates and address concerns about stray and roaming cats and their effect on wildlife,” Mr Berryman said.
“Most of the community are already proactive, responsible pet owners. These new regulations will act as an extra reminder to book the cat in to be desexed, which also entitles you to a discount on your registration fee.
“Permits for restricted and dangerous dogs will encourage owners to better manage the behaviour of their animal and reassure the community that these animals are monitored closely.”
Annual permit fees will go directly to the Companion Animals Fund which pays for companion animal management by local councils including pounds and shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.
From 1 July 2020, pet owners will be able to apply for annual permits at https://www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
18 June, 2020
Eight Gunnedah Shire community groups will benefit from a total of more than $20,000 in grants in the latest round of Gunnedah Shire Council Arts and Cultural Grants Fund.
Gunnedah Shire Council this week approved funding for projects as diverse as a jazz afternoon, to workshops and resources for a youth choir.
Chair of the Arts and Cultural Grants Fund selection panel Councillor Owen Hasler said Council was pleased to be able to support the projects of eight important arts and cultural groups.
“Arts and culture plays an important part in our lives,” Cr Hasler said. “In Gunnedah, we are lucky enough to have a number of very strong groups that encourage community involvement across a range of areas.
“We had eight good submissions for the Arts and Cultural Grants Fund and we are proud to be able to assist each of them to further their initiatives.
“We look forward to the results of their efforts, including being able to attend the events they have organised, when the COVID-19 restrictions are eased. In the meantime, we congratulate them on their commitment to ensuring that Gunnedah has a strong arts and cultural sector.”
The following groups were successful in their applications:
• Arts Gunnedah - $4920 towards the 50th Annual Art and Ceramics Exhibition
• Gunnedah Conservatorium - $4368 for youth projects including the youth choir and video and sound recording equipment
• Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre - $1224 for a mural installation
• Gunnedah Eisteddfod Society - $2000 for the Eisteddfod Enrichment Program bringing teachers to remote villages
• Two Rivers Arts Council - $2000 for a jazz afternoon with markets and food
• Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation - $3805 for arts and cultural activities
• Blackjack Camera Club - $1067 for a transportable projector and screen
• Gunnedah Pottery Club - $1000 for workshops.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
23 June, 2020
Gunnedah’s tourism industry has received a boost with a concept plan for a new Recreational Vehicle Park close to the CBD supported at last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) plans to erect a Recreational Vehicle Park by the river at 107-109 Chandos Street and 65-67 Maitland Street.
The park will form part of a network of low-cost commercial RV parks across Australia, available to members of the CMCA and other RV users.
The recreational facility is specifically for self contained vehicles and with the exception of a single caretaker site there are no formal sites, helping cater to a wider range of vehicles.
The CMCA plans to undertake landscaping and will plant several new trees. Common facilities include dump points, electricity, water and a communal shelter for barbeques and gatherings.
Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council Jamie Chaffey said the park will add to the region’s tourist credentials and draw a new visitor demographic to the Shire.
“While we currently have parks with great amenities and facilities, there are groups of self-sufficient travellers looking for low cost spots to pull up,” Cr Chaffey said.
“These tourists are currently setting up at free camping spots on our town’s periphery. The new location only 400 metres from the Gunnedah CBD will allow visitors to spend more time in town where they can take advantage of local shopping and dining.
“The parks location on flood zoning also means it is unsuitable for other commercial development, so this is an opportune way to utilise this land and enhance the Riverine Precinct.
“This new Recreational Vehicle Park will see Gunnedah become a preferred stop for travellers.”
Now that Council has agreed to concept, the project will be subject to a Development Application to be lodged in the coming weeks.
The proposal is in line with Gunnedah Shire Council’s destination plan, which focusses on supporting infrastructure and services that grow the tourism sector and improve the accommodation base of the Shire.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
23 June, 2020
Gunnedah focuses on building skills for the future
Gunnedah Shire Council has drafted the Gunnedah Shire Workforce Plan (2020-24) to help ensure a skilled workforce and local educational opportusnities into the future.
The Gunnedah Shire Workforce Plan has been developed in conjunction with workforce and education stakeholders to pinpoint the areas where there are labour shortages and find solutions.
The plan is now on public exhibition. Click here to take a look.
A report to Council this week stated Gunnedah Shire, like many places in regional Australia, was facing a skilled labour shortage.
The plan sets objectives to ensure Gunnedah Shire has high quality local skills that are accessible and responsive to the needs of employers and employees. It aims to assist in diversifying the economy by providing training opportunities to diversify the skill set of residents.
The plan recognises the critical role employment plays in growth and productivity of the Shire.
Council applies for funds for new Orange Grove Road Bridge
Gunnedah Shire Council is applying for funding through the federal government’s Bridges Renewal Program to replace the Shire’s last remaining timber bridge – the Orange Grove Road Bridge.
Council voted this week to seek 50 per cent of the estimated $1.25 million to replace the bridge that was originally built in 1929. The remaining 50 per cent would be met by Council.
A 20-tonne load limit of was recently placed on the bridge which is about 30km along Orange Grove Road from the Kelvin Road turn-off.
A report to Council noted a structural inspection had found the bridge was in poor condition due to its age, but remained safe for lighter vehicles.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
