5 February, 2020

Gunnedah’s young people will be invited to talk about the issues they face at a roundtable discussion next week hosted by the Gunnedah’s Youth Interagency.

People aged under 25 are being asked to give a unique perspective of the challenges facing young people in 2020 at an event to be held at the Smithurst Theatre from 10 to 11.30am on Tuesday, 11 February 2020.

Young people are asked to create the agenda and raise their issues through commenting on the “We want to hear from you” post on the Gunnedah Shire Council, Civic and Youth Space Gunnedah Facebook sites.

The event will see the young people of Gunnedah meet with industry experts that service the region at the Regional Youth Interagency Meeting, with a twist.

Representatives from a number of youth agencies will be on hand to speak with our young leaders about some of the issues raised.

This forum gives under 25s the opportunity to have ideas and concerns heard through discussion with industry professionals and helping to shape the way the Gunnedah community services the youth.

The event is intended to create lasting partnerships between youth and youth workers, and to help guide the direction of service provision in the community.

Young people who speak up have the chance to win 4 x tickets to the Civic Theatre or a JBL Portable Speaker.

The event will be filmed as part of Gunnedah’s Youth Voices Initiative funded by the Department of Family and Community Services.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

3 February, 2020

After the long, hot summer, Gunnedah will be celebrating the change of season.

What better way to welcome in autumn than with the Gunnedah Autumn Markets on Saturday, March 21.

The markets, organised by the Two Rivers Arts Council (TRAC) as part of Harmony Week 2020, will include a special introduction to those new to the Gunnedah Shire community.

The markets will also boast a variety of local produce and art, live entertainment and international food stalls.

There will be free bus tours of Gunnedah, and a Tractor Trek and Show ‘n’ Shine as part of the Weeks of Speed activities.

Located at Wolseley Park, the markets can be part of a great morning out for the family, with the new Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground open alongside.

Those who would like to have a stall at the event can contact TRAC market co-ordinator Kyle Smith on 0439 609 502.

Photo caption: The Autumn Markets will include a variety of stalls and entertainment.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

31 February, 2020

Flickerfest 29th International Film Festival Roadshow is on its way to Gunnedah!

Gunnedah is again lucky enough to host this popular short film festival in 2020, with two sessions – the Best of Australian Short Films and Short Laughs Comedy Films from around the world.

Gunnedah Shire Council Events and Engagement Officer Jacinta Cipolla said the event was a highlight of Gunnedah’s cultural year.

“Every year, Flickerfest is fun, original and includes something unexpected,” Ms Cipolla said.

“Flickerfest is considered to be Australia’s leading competitive short film festival and international filmmakers see it as one of the main festivals on the world circuit. Come along to the annual pilgrimage as people travel from all around the region to Gunnedah’s Flickerfest at the Civic.

“Each of the sessions includes a careful selection of short films – each of which is very different to the others. You never know what might be coming next.

“Come along and see the best Australian and international filmmakers have to offer.”

Flickerfest 2020 will include two sessions at the Civic on Sunday, February 23:

• 10am – Best of Australian Shorts (includes morning tea on arrival)
• 1.30pm – Short Laughs Comedy (includes lunch).

The cost is $30 for each session, or $40 for both sessions. FilmTrac will have a gourmet lunch available for purchase on the day.

Bookings on www.thecivic.com.au or ring 6740 2100 for more information.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

31 January, 2020

This February 14, the decision about where to go with the friends and family closest to you is already made, with a dinner and live show that will make Valentine’s Day special.

Gunnedah will host What’s New Pussycat at 6pm at Gunnedah Town Hall, starring performers Melissa Langton and Mark Jones in a joyous, foot-stamping, hand-clapping celebration of the swinging sixties.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Events and Engagement Officer Jacinta Cipolla said the show was a great choice to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

“Tickets for What’s New Pussycat include a two-course meal along with the show,” Ms Cipolla said.

“The dynamic duo of Melissa Langton and Mark Jones sing the hits of Tom Jones, Burt Bacharach, The Mamas and The Papas, Petula Clark, Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Carole King and The Fab Four in a cabaret performance.”

Tickets are $60 each, and include a two-course meal. BYO drinks. Tickets are available from www.thecivic.com.au, or in person at Gunnedah Shire Council office, 63 Elgin Street, or Gunnedah’s Visitor Information Centre, 81 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.

 Photo caption: Melissa Langton and Mark Jones will perform hits of the sixties in a special Valentine’s cabaret show.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

31 January, 2020

Nineteen young Gunnedah Shire people have today been given a helping hand along the road to their tertiary adventure through the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

The successful applicants were awarded their scholarships at a ceremony at the Civic Theatre in Gunnedah today, with the Clinical Dean at the University of Newcastle’s Department of Rural Health Dr Lauren Cone as the inspiring guest speaker.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Scholarship Fund was an innovative program that allowed Council to help out a larger number of students to pursue their studies.

“The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund began 17 years ago when Councillor Gae Swain instigated an idea to help the Shire’s young people on their journey to tertiary education.

“Over those years, about 350 scholarships have been awarded, providing a total of more than $300,000 to students embarking on the first step in a career that could see them return in a professional capacity to Gunnedah.

“Together with the sponsors for this program, we are proud to be able to give our young people an easier start to their adventure.”

The successful applicants for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund in 2020 are:

Eliza Perkins, Jaxon Holbrook, Caitlin Woods, Lauren Jessup-Little, Bayley Williams, Edwina Carrigan, Emmerson Tull, Maja Heath, Nicola Latham, Taryn Maher, Helena Pease, Darcy Kelly, Phoebe Sumpter, Mary-Anne Stone, Ashleigh Mills, Haylee Murrell, Khobi Devine, Grace Jaeger, and Jemina Moss.

The sponsors who have made the scholarship possible are:

Gunnedah Shire Council, Gunnedah Youth Council, Whitehaven Coal, Shenhua Watermark, PRAMS, Rotary Club of Gunnedah West, Rotary 2380, Forsyths, U3A Namoi Inc, and Karen Carter Chemist.

Caption: Some of the 19 recipients of the Gunnedah Community Scholarships for 2020.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

January 30, 2020

Gunnedah’s strong small business sector is being asked to have its say on the state’s Small Business Strategy.

The NSW Government has released the NSW Small Business Strategy 2020: Discussion Paper to seek public feedback release an updated NSW Small Business Strategy.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said small business was a very important part of the Shire’s economy.

“There are more than 765,000 small businesses across New South Wales, in Gunnedah Shire small business represents a large component of our economy, we have a share of innovative product and service providers that we need to continue to focus on,” Ms Hoddle said.

“We urge people to make a submission. It’s important that our local businesspeople provide a regional perspective about this discussion paper and the initiatives it includes.

“The more feedback the NSW Government gets from small business, the more representative and effective this strategy will become.”

The updated strategy will have five key themes:
1. Building resilient, connected and prepared businesses in NSW
2. A strong economy for small businesses to thrive
3. Making it easier for small businesses to contract with government
4. Making it easier to do business
5. Building the capability of small business

The current Small Business Strategy was released in 2017, and included initiatives such as: Increasing the payroll tax threshold progressively up to $1 million by 2021-22; Implementing the Small and Medium Enterprise and Regional Procurement Policy to assist small businesses to be “procurement ready” and win NSW Government business; and faster payment terms ensuring that from 1 December 2019, all registered small businesses who supply to the NSW Government and provide a correctly rendered invoice are paid within five days.

The Discussion Paper is available on the NSW Government’s “Have your say” webpage www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/have-your-say/nsw-small-business-strategy-2020/ and you can provide feedback before 4 March 2020.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

January 30, 2020

Commencing Monday 3/2/ 2020, weather permitting, Gunnedah Shire Council has contracted JR Richards Waste and Recycling services to begin the CCTV and Cleaning of the sewer supply mains in various areas around town.

We aim to significantly improve the sewer system and these works should take approximately eight weeks to complete. We appreciate your understanding during this period.

We endeavour to limit interruptions wherever possible, however unavoidable interruptions to traffic flow, property access and sewer mains may be experienced intermittently during the upgrade period.

If you have any special requirements during this period please do not hesitate to contact Council’s Water Services Project Officer Michael Ludlow on 6740 2167.

Should you have any questions relating to the Sewer main upgrade please contact Council’s Customer Service Team on 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

25 January 2020

Gunnedah Shire has congratulated its newest Australia Day Award recipients at a special community dinner.

The Australia Day Awards Dinner was held tonight at the Gunnedah Town Hall, with the Shire’s Australia Day Ambassador surf lifesaver Doug Hawkins as guest speaker.

“This is a really special event in Gunnedah’s calendar,” Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“It’s a celebration where we recognise the outstanding contribution our citizens make to the Shire.

“These nominees have given their time and their efforts to help make Gunnedah a better place, and we are proud to have them as part of our community.”

Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton attended the dinner and congratulated the recipients.

Another highlight was the presentation of a Chamber Flag – a flag that has been hung on a Parliamentary sitting day outside the Chambers, with an accompanying certificate, to Gunnedah Rural Museum/Men’s Shed by Mr Coulton.

The certificate was signed by the Speaker of the House and includes the date it hung outside Parliament.

Gunnedah’s Citizen of the Year for 2020 is Dominic Goodwin-Hauck, who is a well-known volunteer in the Gunnedah Shire. Dominic is a role model for young people, donating his time to many organisations including GoCo, the Gunnedah Library and the Conservatorium, and he is an active leader on the Gunnedah Youth Council.

Gunnedah’s Young Citizen of the Year is Lucy Moore. Lucy, who was a vice-captain at Gunnedah High School, worked closely with her senior leaders to deliver fundraising targets and raise awareness about bullying.
She was also part of Lions Youth of the Year and Rotary’s Public Speaking Competitions, and received a number of awards at the end of Year 12 in 2019.

Gunnedah’s Australia Day Award recipients for 2020 are:

Citizen of the Year – Dominic Goodwin-Hauck
Young Citizen of the Year – Lucy Moore
Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year – Dixie Walker
Community Organisation and/or event achievement – Gunnedah & District Historical Society
Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour – Chris and James Rolls
Sportsperson of the Year – Sarah Stewart
Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Andrew Osmond
Sports Team of the Year – Gunnedah Motorcycle Club
Junior Sports Team of the Year – St Xavier’s School Tennis Team
Ivan Towns Memorial Award Coach of the Year – Craig Louis.

“Congratulations to all the recipients and to the nominees,” Cr Chaffey said. “And we thank all the people who nominated those who are doing something really worthwhile.”

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey with Gunnedah Citizen of the Year Dominic Goodwin-Hauck.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

29 January 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has received NSW Government endorsement to go ahead with its preferred option for a centralised fluoridation dosing system.

Council approved the introduction of fluoridation to the Gunnedah town water supply in December 2017.

Gunnedah Shire Council presented a case to the State Government to meet the costs of a new centralised fluoridation dosing system instead of making use of the current three-dosing point system for the introduction of fluoride.

The NSW Ministry of Health this month confirmed it would meet the costs of a centralised fluoridation dosing system including a new chlorination system and pumping station.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan said while the single dosing point was more expensive, it had significant benefits for the Gunnedah community.

“It is great news for Gunnedah that the State Government has agreed to meet the costs of a centralised fluoridation dosing system,” Mr Sheridan said.

“Although it has been a long process to get to this stage, the end result will be well worth it for the community.

“A centralised system will mean improved water quality outcomes, better water management, and will minimise the ongoing costs. We have identified a Council-owned site on Kelvin Road road reserve for the new plant.

“We are in the final design stages and are hoping to proceed as soon as possible with the project.”

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

24 January 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is proud to exhibit Between, a showcase of traditional Aboriginal artworks with a contemporary twist.

The artworks have been created by participants, staff and community members of the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council’s Bumbira Art and Culture Program.

This exhibition highlights the diversity of artistic projects delivered by Bumbira Art and Culture social and emotional wellbeing program (previously the University of Newcastle Gomeroi gaaynggal Program).

Projects include “Three Perspectives”, “Gomeroi Yarning Dolls – Re-stitching Culture”, “Connection Culture and the Unborn”, “Possum Skin Project” and “Creative Creatures”.

The Bumbira Art & Culture Program works with the local Aboriginal community to improve social and emotional wellbeing through art, culture, connection to country and cultural identity. This exhibition is a testament to art that changes lives, builds resilience and strengthens communities.

Lyniece Keogh, Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council’s Bumbira Arts & Culture Program co-ordinator said: “We are connected between cultures, we live between traditional and modern worlds, we work between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations and we are between pre-birth and childhood, between childbirth and youth, between youth and adulthood, between adulthood and Elders, between mothers and their unborn children, connection between the past and the present, between race and religion, the unborn are our future.

“We have been really excited to have this collection come to Gunnedah after it has toured Canada and South Africa as well as Coffs Harbour, Newcastle and Tamworth.”

The Bumbira Arts and Cultural Program is offering workshops on February 14 from 11am at The Studio space inside the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery. The workshops are free but spaces are limited. Please book online at www.thecivic.com.au

Between officially opens at 6.00pm Friday, February 7 at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, 81 Chandos Street. This exhibition is open for everyone to attend with light nibbles and refreshments provided on the night. The exhibition will continue until Friday, March 13.

Photo caption: Work included in the Bumbira Arts and Cultural Program’s exhibition Between.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.