An innovative masterplan for Gunnedah’s much-loved Cultural Precinct is now available to the community to have their say.

Following an extensive community consultation process, Gunnedah Shire Council this week reviewed an exciting new blueprint for the precinct that includes Gunnedah Town Hall, the Smithurst Theatre, the Civic Theatre, the Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre, the Visitors’ Information Centre, and the empty block of land next to the Smithurst.

This is a project that is not currently funded, but on the basis of this masterplan and further community comments on the plan, we can show we have a clear way forward in seeking grants to make this a reality.

It is absolutely critical that we have our community on board so we address their needs and wishes for what is a gathering place for our Shire, so we really encourage people to take a look and have their say – whether they just want to say it’s exactly right, or they can see room for improvement.

Council urges members of the community with an interest in any of the referred policies to review the draft documents. Copies of the policies can be viewed at Council’s Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or on Council’s website.

View the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct Masterplan here.

Written submissions will be received by the undersigned until 5.00pm on the public exhibition closing date 13 February 2020.

For further information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager

19 December 2019

Has your primary income been impacted by the drought in Gunnedah Shire?

Would you or your staff benefit from temporary off-farm employment?

Gunnedah Shire Council is asking people to register their interest in a new Drought Employment Program which aims to provide temporary employment from early next year for individuals living in Gunnedah Shire whose income has been impacted by drought. This may include farmers, farm workers, contractors, business owners, suppliers and employees in related industries.

The Drought Employment Program aims to provide drought impacted workers with:

• Supplementary income to help lessen the financial impacts of the drought on individuals and families
• Temporary, flexible work conditions designed to fit within your needs and availability
• Diverse work opportunities across a range of locations, and
• An opportunity to learn new skills and gain current workplace experience.

Gunnedah Shire Council Project Manager Colin Formann said the program was an opportunity to not only earn some money in difficult times, but to make a valuable contribution to the community.

“This program will be as flexible as possible to benefit as many people as possible,” Mr Formann said.

“It will also offer the chance to gain new skills and build on existing skills to expand people’s future employment opportunities.”

Temporary employment will be co-ordinated through a Gunnedah Employment Agency and participants will have the opportunity to work on a range of rewarding community projects which may be undertaken anywhere in the Shire.

Any required training will be provided as part of the program. A diverse range of skills and experience is anticipated and remuneration will be in accordance with the local government award. Anyone eligible is encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible.

Expressions of Interest are now open.

To let us know about your interest and availability to participate, please complete the online form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LMB7QNY before Friday, January 17, 2020. All applicants will then be contacted with an update.

A further round of applications is not guaranteed so please register your interest today.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 December, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking proposals for community projects that will stimulate local spending, provide employment and use local businesses and suppliers while delivering a long-lasting public benefit.

The Council’s Community Resilience Program will fund approved projects in 2020 to stimulate the economy and help build Gunnedah Shire’s strength and resilience during adverse events like this drought.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah Shire Council had led the way for other councils to tackle the impact of drought by establishing the Community Resilience Program.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has committed $1.2 million to ensuring our community not only gets through this difficult time, but diversifies and builds on our strengths to ensure we are well placed to face any challenges in the future,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Council lobbied the State and Federal governments and we now have a program worth $3.2 million. This is significant support from all levels of government.

“We are now able to look at expanding upon projects that were delivered through the Drought Communities Fund in early 2019 and we are looking forward to seeing what the community will come up with next.”

Council is now asking that community groups, service clubs and sporting groups submit project applications for an initial assessment. Projects need demonstrate a public benefit and could include improving community facilities, maintenance of public spaces or building infrastructure to improve our ability to respond to adverse events.

“The funding is intended to provide immediate short-term support and lead to long-lasting benefits across the Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

To be successful, a nominated project must lead to the employment of locals, contribute to the economic activity of our region or lead to the retention of businesses, services and facilities.

Council’s Project Manager Colin Formann said Council wants to encourage as many project submissions as possible.

“Online submissions are now open and need to outline the project including expected costs and timeframes. Projects must be able to be completed by December 2020 but projects that are ready to start earlier will be looked upon favourably,” Mr Formann said.

“The first round of applications will close on the 7th of February and further rounds may be considered, depending upon demand. Once the submissions are shortlisted, Council will then work with successful groups to create more detailed applications.”

The seven objectives of the Community Resilience Program are to:
• Deliver economic stimulus to the local economy
• Provide local employment and support local purchasing
• Address water and other utility conservation
• Sustain the community social fabric, health and wellbeing
• Provide a public benefit and lasting legacy
• Strengthen long-term community resilience, and
• Support and co-ordinate efforts with others (government and non-government).

Projects delivered through the program will be assessed against these objectives.

Proposals will be accepted via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8YKMJ57

For further information about the eligibility criteria call (02) 6740 2100 or refer to Gunnedah Shire Council - Resilience Program - Community Grants Stream Guidelines.

An information night for applicants will be held on January 16 at 6pm in the Council Training Room at 63 Elgin Street.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

19 December, 2019

And the winner is…

Kamilaroi Road residents have again wowed the Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competitions judges to take out the coveted “Santa Street” award.

Kamilaroi Road was among the winners announced yesterday at Gunnedah Shire Council following a tour by the judges the night before.

Acting Mayor Rob Hooke told the gathering it had been a hard decision, but the lights display would rival that of any town.

The winners of the 2019 Gunnedah Christmas Lights competition were…

• Best decorated house: 18 Linden Place - Jordan Brown
• Best Nativity Scene: 17 Kamilaroi Road - Belinda Whitby
• Best Christmas Theme in a Village: 67 Pullaming St, Curlewis - Grahame and Chris Foote
• Santa St: Kamilaroi Rd
• Judges Choice Award: 23 McAndrew St - Wendy Hatch
• Best Dressed Shopfront Window: Mari-Ann Florist

Some of the winners were on hand to receive their prizes, which varied from $50 to $200 Gunny Money gift cards.

Photo caption: Some of the Gunnedah Christmas Lights Competition winners accept their awards at Gunnedah Shire Council this week.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 December 2019

To help people find immediate support in the event of a disaster, GrantGuru, the team behind Council’s Gunnedah Shire Funding Finder portal, has introduced a new feature.

The feature, called “Quick List Bushfire, Drought, and Disaster Funding”, recognises the devastating impact of fires and drought, and acknowledges help can be needed quickly for both those directly impacted and communities in need of rebuilding.

“This is a great new feature that will assist our community to access support in the event of a fire or drought, like the one we are experiencing now,” Gunnedah Shire Council Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns said.

“It means that rather than searching the portal, all drought fire, and disaster-related funding and support is collated and located centrally on the Shire’s Funding Finder Home Page.

“This will make it just a little easier for people to get the support they need at what is an extremely stressful time.”

To find the Gunnedah Shire Funding Finder, visit https://gunnedah.grantguru.com.au/

Click on the Quicklist link in red on the home page to go directly to a selection of drought, fire and disaster programs that are accessible either immediately or in the near future.

For further information or assistance with navigating the portal, please contact Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2162 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo caption: The Funding Finder has been designed to make finding financial assistance easier.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

17 December, 2019

Gunnedah Shire children will get a taste of Christmas a little early on Thursday when the Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground officially opens.

The gates will open onto a new space at Wolseley Park that has been designed especially for Gunnedah children of all ages and abilities.

“It will be a magic moment when the children are able to put this amazing equipment to its intended use,” Acting Mayor Rob Hooke said.

“It has been carefully and thoughtfully designed by committee members and inclusive playground experts.
“Play equipment includes a treehouse tower, a sensory garden walk, wheelchair-accessible in-ground trampolines, a flying fox, accessible drinking fountains, barbecues, a raised sand table with wheelchair access and a specially-designed expression swing. There is even a Gunnedah theme, featuring koalas and other artwork.

“Livvi’s Place is one of 24 inclusive playgrounds around Australia and is a wonderful addition to Gunnedah’s attractions for both local people and visitors. It is a place for people of all ages and abilities to picnic, meet and play together.”

The idea for Livvi’s Place began when Gunnedah mum Ashley Bender campaigned for an inclusive playground by presenting a petition with more than 300 signatures to council.

Gunnedah Shire Council formed a partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation in 2013. Touched by Olivia has partnered with developers, other businesses and recently with Variety, the Children’s Charity, to create playspaces across Australia.

The playground has been made possible by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, a large community contribution and Gunnedah Shire Council.

The official opening will begin at 10.30am on Thursday, December 19 and will include a sausage sizzle on the new barbecues, a short community performance and a ribbon cutting, with the playground open for use by children.
The public is invited to come along and take a look at the new playground.

#ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

12 December 2019

Gunnedah’s Sister City Lane Cove has hosted a fundraiser in a show of support for our drought-stricken Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Acting Mayor Rob Hooke this month attended the Rain Bringer Christmas Concert at Hunters Hill, part of Lane Cove’s campaign in support of Gunnedah.

“It was an amazing night,” Cr Hooke said.

“Our city cousins showed they were there for us to help in any way possible and to let us know that we are all in this together.

“It was a wonderful show of support.

“There have been many relationships formed in local government, but few would be as strong and meaningful as the one Gunnedah Shire has with Lane Cove.”

The Rain Bringer Concert included performances by Hunters Hill High School, Lane Cove Youth Orchestra and other guests from participating schools.

Besides ticket entry, funds were raised through “rain sticks” beautifully made within Lane Cove, and the sale of “raindrops” to be used in a creative, music-making roof and water spout.

Photo caption: Lane Cove Mayor Pam Palmer with Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke at the Rain Bringer Concert event.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

11 December 2019

Christmas and New Year are a time of festive celebration – and a time when your household bins are likely to be absolutely full.

Gunnedah Shire Council is reminding Shire residents to be aware of bin collection days and a few changes that will be in place over the holiday period.

While there will be no change to household waste and greenwaste collection over the Christmas and New Year period, there will be a few recycling collection changes.

If your usual recycling day is Wednesday, the recycling bin will be picked up Tuesday, December 24 instead of Christmas Day, and Thursday, January 2 instead of New Year’s Day.

If your usual recycling day is Thursday, the recycling bin will be picked up on Friday, December 27 instead of Boxing Day.

Residents are reminded to put their bins out on the evening before to allow for early collection.
On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the waste facilities in Gunnedah, Curlewis and Carroll, as well as the Breeza and Kelvin Mobile Collections, will be closed.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste Sheridan Cameron said one easy way to check your collection date at any time was to use the Recycle Coach app available for smartphones.

“Once you have you the Recycle Coach app, you can view upcoming collections and even get reminders to put out the right bin at the right time,” Mrs Cameron said.

“It’s a great, simple app that can make it all a bit less confusing.

“It is also great for holiday periods and helps ensure it is easier to effectively recycle.”

Residents can also check Council’s website (http://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/environment/waste-management/waste-services) for collection details.
Enquiries about household waste and greenwaste can be directed to Council’s Customer Services Team on 6740 2100, and enquiries about the recycling collection can be made to Recyclit on 6742 1522.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

10 December 2019

The green light is now on for Gunnedah’s brightest competition, the Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition 2019.

Gunnedah Shire Council recently announced entries are now open, and is looking for as many households and businesses as possible to make this year’s display a really special one. Entries will close on Friday.

Whether you have a shopfront or go Christmas-mad at home, there is a category for just about everyone - but you must have your nomination in.

The six categories for the Christmas Lights Competition, includes the title of Santa Street, awarded annually for the street with the best and brightest light displays.

The Santa Street award comes with a winners’ plaque and a $100 Gunny Money Gift Card.

Other categories are:
• Best Decorated House for a prize of $200 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Nativity Scene for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Christmas Theme in a Village for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Judges’ Choice Award for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Dressed Shopfront Window for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card.

The competition closes at 5pm on this Friday, December 13, and will be judged by Councillors on Tuesday, December 17, with the winners to be announced on Wednesday, December 18.

Entry forms are available online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and hard copies can be picked up from Gunnedah Shire Council, Gunnedah Shire Library or the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.

Completed nomination forms can be submitted in person to Gunnedah Shire Council at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, via email to council@infogunnedah.com.au, or by mail to Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition, PO Box 63, Gunnedah NSW 2380.

Photo caption: Sparkling display – A Gunnedah house decked out in Christmas lights.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

4 December, 2019

There is still time to apply for a helping hand in tertiary studies next year, with the closing date for applications for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund extended until Thursday, December 19.

It’s a very hectic time of year – and a hectic time of life! – but just a little time spent filling in an application could ease the financial strain.

Last year, 24 young people were given a headstart through the scholarship fund in tertiary courses from Bachelor of Paramedicine through to Bachelor of Agriculture.

More than $300,000 has helped out about 350 students during the 15 years since the scholarship began.

Chair of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Working Group Gae Swain said the fund was one way to make the transition to tertiary education a little easier.

“Many young people have to move away to pursue their dreams of a career that requires a tertiary education,” Cr Swain said.

“There are all sorts of costs involved including the purchase of essential study materials and equipment, accommodation and fees.”

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship is made possible through the sponsorship of local businesses.

The sponsorship is open to students under 25 who have completed their secondary or tertiary preparation studies within a 100km radius of Gunnedah and whose family’s principle place of residence is within Gunnedah Shire. They must have been accepted into an approved tertiary course (minimum Certificate IV).

For the full eligibility conditions and to apply, visit gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/ztvv0nm1epq9m6 or Gunnedah Shire Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Applications close on Thursday, December 19, 2019.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.