November 12, 2019

A colourful wall hanging on display at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery is a reminder that creating can also be about caring.

Polly Montgomery of Sunburnt Treasures received an Empowering Our Communities grant through Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network to hold wellness sessions through QOE Health.

In one of these sessions, those who attended created a long table weave with the use of materials sourced and donated from the community.

“We are holding a number of workshops over 12 months,” Polly said.

“The wellness group decided to have a community weave session to get everyone involved in talking and being creative. Even the men were in there getting into it.

“It is an activity that makes people feel welcome and comfortable.”

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the weave was representative of a great group activity.

“The community getting together and weaving is such an ancient tradition,” she said.

“This colourful piece is a reminder of the ways we all interact with each other and support each other during difficult times.”

Photo caption: Polly Montgomery from Sunburnt Treasures and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Lauren Mackley with the long table weave.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

7 November, 2019

Gunnedah can now lay claim to one of Australia’s top memorials.

Representatives from the Gunnedah Historical Society last night attended the Australian Street Art Awards after the new murals at the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum were nominated for an award.

The Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Murals were nominated for “Best Memorial or Monument" in the inaugural Australian Street Art Awards at Australia’s Art of Attraction Tourism Summit.

The murals made the finalists as one of the top five “Best Memorial or Monuments” in the country.

Gunnedah representatives Cr Owen Hasler and Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley attended the awards ceremony at Marcoola Beach in Queensland.

“Street Art and Silo Art has become a significant movement across the country that is transforming landscapes to culturally immersive experiences and has changed the tourism trails of Australia, especially for the grey nomads,” Ms Mackley said.

Gunnedah’s Vietnam Veteran Memorial Mural Project was one of the three finalists for the category, alongside Emu Park: Centenary of ANZAC Memorial and Great Southern Line ANZAC Story.

The winner of the category was Emu Park: Centenary of ANZAC Memorial, a boardwalk with a timeline of World War I’s many major battles.

“Although the Gunnedah Historical Society Vietnam Veterans’ Project did not win, it is quite an accomplishment to make it to the final three in the country,” Cr Hasler said.

“It provided some great exposure for the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum and the wonderful work of the Gunnedah and District Historical Society.”

 The Vietnam’s Veterans’ Watertower Mural Project was funded by the Drought Communities Program to help support and stimulate regional economies.

The project has seen a sizeable increase of visitor numbers to the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum and to Gunnedah.

Other categories at the awards included: Best Street Art Trail, Best Rural Art, Best Business Mural, Best Street Art Festival and Event with the Best of the Best going to Thallon’s Silo Mural “The Wateringhole”.

There were also categories for Best Nomad Attraction or Tour, Best Grey Nomad Council Free-stay Caravan Park and Best Grey Nomad Community and Commercial Caravan Park.

The awards were accompanied by keynote speakers and panel discussions identifying street art as the single biggest art movement in the last 50 years, with the power to save and transform many regional and remote economies.

Everyone is welcome to go to Gunnedah’s Anzac Park to see The Gunnedah Vietnam Veterans’ Water Tower Museum Project and see this creative and moving community initiative.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley and Gunnedah Shire Councillor Owen Hasler at the Australian Street Art Awards.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

7 November 2019

It’s time to make a magnificent meal out of Gunnedah’s gastronomic delights.

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on the shire’s restaurants and cafes to each come up with a signature dish, give it a themed name and create a whole new food adventure.

The aim is to create the Great Taste of Gunnedah food trail through Gunnedah and the villages to encourage not only locals, but visitors to go on a gastronomic journey to discover some of the great dishes the Shire has to offer.

“Gunnedah Shire has a growing number of cafes and restaurants where innovative people are turning their talents to create new dishes,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Communications and Cultural Services Eliza Gallen said.

“It’s time to create our own food trail.
“We would love our food places to join in this trail by creating a signature dish and giving it a creative name that pays tribute to one of our amazing people or places.

“This is a great way to showcase a delicious side to our Shire.”

Maverick Bistro has already embraced the idea, coming up with a delicious dessert called Dorothea’s Delight. Restaurant manager Jodi Hayne said Dorothea’s Delight is a warm gluten-free choc-hazelnut cake served with home-made dulce de leche icecream.

If you want to join the food trail, please email Gunnedah Shire Council at council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo caption: Yum! Maverick Bistro restaurant manager Jodi Hayne and chef Tanya Pearson with Dorothea’s Delight.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

6 November 2019

Gunnedah Shire has some amazing people and it’s time to celebrate them.

Nominations are now open for the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards 2020 and Council needs your help to find our outstanding citizens.

“This is an opportunity to say thank you to some of the people who help make Gunnedah Shire a great place to live,” Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“We all know someone who has made a difference, whether it is through helping out the people next door, or putting hundreds of hours into charity work.

“They could be businesspeople or volunteers, sportspeople or retired people who are enriching the community.

“We need as many people as possible to nominate citizens so we can recognise the contribution these people have made.”

There are 11 categories in Gunnedah Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards for 2020. They are:

• The Citizen of the Year Award (21 and over)
• The Young Citizen of the Year Award (20 and under)
• The Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award
• The Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy (for a retired person who has continued to dedicate their time and efforts to impart their knowledge and skills to others in the community, and to assist people to attain higher goals in life).
• The Community Organisation and/or Event Achievement Award
• The Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
• The Sportsperson of the Year Award (21 and over)
• The Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award (20 and under)
• The Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under)
• The Sports Team of the Year Award
• The Ivan Towns Memorial Award (in recognition of the work done by a coach).

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, January 10, 2020, and the award ceremony will be held on Saturday, January 25 at Gunnedah Town Hall.

To nominate and find out more, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Nomination forms are also available from the Gunnedah Shire Library in Conadilly Street, The Civic Centre on Chandos Street, or the Gunnedah Shire Council Building on Elgin Street.

If you would like assistance with nomination completion and understanding the categories, contact Jacinta Cipolla at Gunnedah Shire Council on 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Australia Day is a great time to recognise the contributions of our citizens.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

6 November 2019

A Find Your Feet Training Day and Employment Expo will be held for drought-affected workers on Wednesday, November 13.

The event, hosted through Namoi Unlimited, will include training in career planning, job hunting, first aid and white card (general construction induction training.

The three areas are:

• 10am to 2pm – drought support assistance. Help will be on hand to talk about and assist people access the support that is available.

• 10am to 2pm - Local employers will be on hand to talk about the opportunity for casual work in the community.

• From 9am onwards - training in a number of courses including first aid, white card, and a new course called #WTF – What’s the Future?, which looks at each business, some support mechanism and individual assistance, such as resume writing.

People will need to register for training before the day at www.namoiunlimited.nsw.gov.au

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said the event was a good opportunity for people who were confused about drought assistance, as well as those who were looking at their employment options.

“Impacts of the drought are felt throughout the community, and as well as those who might need immediate assistance, there are people who want to increase their employment chances,” Ms Hoddle said.

“This is a practical way to make connections and learn new skills.

“For those who meet the short eligibility criteria, there is no charge for the training, and we would urge people to take advantage of this opportunity.”

To find out more about the Find Your Feet event to be held at the Smithurst Theatre in Conadilly Street, Gunnedah, on Wednesday, November 13, visit www.namoiunlimited.nsw.gov.au

The event is one of five being hosted in the region, with others at Nundle, Walcha, Bingara and Quirindi.

Photo caption: Dry times: The Find Your Feet event is being held to assist those looking for help or greater employment opportunities during this difficult time.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Gunnedah Shire is known for its Australia Day enthusiasm – and Gunnedah Shire Council grants for our villages can help add to the excitement.

Progress associations, hall committees and community groups within Gunnedah Shire’s villages have been invited to apply for grants to host community celebrations on Australia Day, January 26, 2020.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said the Australia Day Working Group – through Gunnedah Shire Council – was making up to $500 for each village available for appropriate events.

“Each of our shire villages has its own unique community and atmosphere, and it’s wonderful that these grants can assist in sharing the celebrations around Gunnedah Shire,” Mr Formann said.

“Traditionally, our Shire has really embraced the Aussie spirit. We’d love to see that continue with events in Breeza, Carroll, Curlewis, Emerald Hill, Kelvin, Mullaley and Tambar Springs.”

Applications can be made through a survey link on http://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/ before Tuesday, December 10.

Photo caption: It’s time for the Shire’s villages to think about Australia Day activities.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

31 October, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group today launched the roll out of its fleet’s new anti-bullying and domestic violence designs.

In late 2018, Council received a grant under the NSW Community Safety Fund for funding towards the delivery of two projects to raise awareness about bullying and domestic violence in the community.

The latest project is the design and installation of a series of vinyl “skins” with key “no violence” and “no bullying” messages that have been installed on four of Council’s waste and water truck fleet.

“This is a proactive and highly visible campaign that aims to highlight that, as a community, we will not tolerate verbal or physical violence of any kind,” Crime Prevention Working Group Chair Cr Colleen Fuller said.

“We hope the community will support it. This project speaks volumes about what we value as a community and is an initiative that has already generated excitement and strong praise from support services.

“The designs have been developed in consultation with key stakeholder groups including the Gunnedah Community Action Team, and young people, and are consistent with two strong hashtags that operate in our community - #gunnedahsaysnotoviolence and #gunnedahsaysnotobullying.

Purple is a domestic violence colour and blue connects to both mental health and bullying awareness initiatives operating around the country.”

Councils’ Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton said “Speak Up” and “Speak Out” were recognised calls to action.

“To maximise the reach of the messaging, each truck will carry one domestic violence skin and one bullying skin, positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle,” Ms Hilton said.

“We hope that as the trucks travel around our Shire and on the roads and highways, they will receive favourable attention by locals and visitors, and add to the reputation that the Shire has of being welcoming, inclusive and safe.”

The first project to be funded through the Community Safety Fund was the design and installation of street banners in the CBD.

For more information on the project please contact Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton on 02 6740 2100.

Photo caption: The mobile message on Gunnedah Shire Council’s waste and water fleet.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

Australia Day 2020 Award nominations are now open. The Australia Day Committee is seeking nominations for people or groups who exhibit good citizenship and community qualities. Nomination can be made in a variety of categories. This year the categories are: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 Organisation and/or Event Achievement Award
• Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
• Sportsperson of the Year (21 and over)
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year (20 and under)
• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under)
• Sports Team of the Year Award
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award – Coach of the Year

Nomination forms are now available online or from the Gunnedah Shire Library Conadilly Street, The Civic Centre on Chandos Street or the Gunnedah Shire Council Building on Elgin Street.

Award winners will be announced in January 2020 during our Australia Day Dinner. All community members are encouraged to come along and enjoy the festivities. Please note nominations close 5.00pm Friday 10 January 2020, so get in early to avoid missing out.

30 October 2019

Gunnedah businesses are embracing new initiatives to bring the city Christmas dollar to drought-stricken regional New South Wales.

At least six local businesses have joined the Facebook/Instagram @BuyfromtheBush campaign which showcases products from towns facing drought.

Two have also joined the NSW Government’s Buy Regional hub, an online site that links to the websites of regional shops and sellers.

Martina Boyle, from Marval Designs, said she believed the Buy Regional hub was a fantastic initiative for rural New South Wales.

“It’s such a great idea,” Martina said. “Both the Buy Regional hub and the Buy from the Bush campaign are exactly what all of our small businesses need right now.

“Right across the country, people need to know that there are all these amazing things out here.”

Jodi Dolbel, from Enchanted on Conadilly, said she was stunned by the instant response to her listing on Buy Regional.

“I got to work the day after the listing went up and my inbox was full of sales,” Jodi said.

“That is awesome for the first day, it has far exceeded my expectations.

“City people are asking the question about what they can do to support us, and the answer is to buy from us.”

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle urged shops and sellers from the shire who were not part of the initiatives to look at joining.

“Strong small businesses go a long way to keeping our economy healthy,” she said.

“If you have a website, the Buy Regional initiative is a great option, and for those who have a social media presence, @BuyfromtheBush is getting a lot of attention.

“Our businesses have beautiful products on offer, and might be just the Christmas present someone from the city or outside our area is looking for. This can broaden our horizons and bring in some-much needed business.”

To find out more about Buy Regional, visit www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/regional-nsw/buy-regional-this-christmas/ or take a look at Buy from the Bush on Facebook or Instagram.

If you need assistance in starting an Instagram or Facebook account, contact Charlotte Hoddle at Gunnedah Shire Council on 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Susie Martin from Goodness & Gracious is a supporter of the Buy from the Bush campaign.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

30 October 2019

Gunnedah Shire people have been invited to have their say about regional digital connectivity at a community drop-in session hosted by the NSW Government.

The event, to be held at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Wednesday, November 6 from 5pm to 7pm, is an opportunity for people to learn more and have their say about digital connectivity.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle encouraged Gunnedah Shire residents to use the opportunity to make their experiences and their digital connectivity needs known.

“The session is part of the NSW Government’s Regional Digital Connectivity Program which includes $400 million investment in a faster and more reliable digital network to regional NSW,” Ms Hoddle said.

“The focus is on mobile coverage, internet and data, and farm and water digital needs.

“People who would like to learn more, or who want to be heard on these matters that are as critical here as they are in any other part of the state, should ensure they can go along.

“Digital connectivity is key to our economic growth and future, and we need to be on an equal platform with metropolitan businesses.”

Those who can’t make it to the session can still have a say by completing a survey at https://tinyurl.com/ConnectRegional or pick up a hard copy of the survey at Gunnedah Shire Council in Elgin Street or Service NSW centres including the centre at 387 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.