9 October 2019

Older Gunnedah residents will have the chance to log on to better online safety free through Gunnedah Shire Library.

The library will offer free access to a new schedule of eSafety webinars to be launched in StaySmartOnline Week from October 7-13, with webinars running until December.

Gunnedah Shire librarian Christiane Birkett said the library was one of the first in NSW to become officially eSmart.

“Digital safety is critically important for all internet users,” Christiane said.

“Our library is recognised through the eSmart Libraries Program as being equipped to support our customers to use technology in a smart, safe and responsible way.

“Making these webinars available is a wonderful way to ensure people can use the internet more effectively, spot scams, and be more confident in shopping online and using Facebook.

“People just need to book through Be Connected and let the library know.”

The webinars are targeted at people aged 55 and over, and four popular topics will be covered, including: 

• All you need to know about data and public Wi-Fi
• Can you spot a scam?
• Safer online shopping and banking
• Staying safe on Facebook.

To find out more, or to book, visit beconnected.esafety.gov.au/bookings 

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Library was one of the first in NSW to become officially eSmart through the eSmart Libraries Program.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

9 October, 2019

It’s NSW Small Business Month and Gunnedah Shire Council is hosting a workshop to help people get started on their dream business.

As part of an extensive program of events, there will be a free Lean Canvas Workshop presented by Dimity Smith from University of New England Smart Region Incubator on Monday, October 14.

The Lean Canvas Workshop will be held from 10am to 12pm in the training room at Gunnedah Shire Council’s administration building in Elgin Street. It is aimed at helping people with a start-up or business idea to develop a one-page business model so they are ready to pitch their base level idea.

The workshop covers everything from creating a unique value proposition, all the way through to estimating revenue and costs.

All materials will be provided and participants will take home a one-page business model document – their Lean Canvas.

Bookings for the event can be made through www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au/event/lean-canvas-workshop

Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson said the small business events already held for NSW Small Business Month had proven to be successful.

“Our first workshop – Business Planning Essentials – was held on the first Friday of the month and the feedback from our attendees was that the small group setting allowed their creativity to flow,” Ms Wilson said.

“They also found it useful to talk about their ideas with like-minded people.

“The Lean Canvas Workshop is ideal for people who are on the brink of deciding to embark on creating a small business. We really want to encourage people to explore their ideas and how they might work.”

To find out more about the events included in NSW Small Business Month, visit www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au

Photo caption: Participants in the Business Planning Essentials Workshop enjoy a creative planning session.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

2 October, 2019

Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool Complex including kids wet area, playground, 25 metre pool and limited kiosk will open as scheduled on 5th October, however, the 50m pool will be fenced off as repairs continue.

The leak, discovered recently, has been isolated to a seal failure in the movement joint and is undergoing repairs by contractors. Council received a detailed plan this week that outlines a timeline for the repair and testing of the pool, and it is expected the pool, pending all going to plan, will open by the 23rd November 2019. A qualified contractor with experience in making these specialised repairs has been retained.

“After a fabulous first season with our new pool, it’s extremely disappointing to have this setback, especially as we had planned to open the 50m pool a month earlier than usual” Council’s Acting General Manager Jeremy Bartlett said.

“It is so dry, and the weather is heating up quickly, so it was extremely important that we made the rest of the facility available to the community even though the 50m pool is out of commission” he continued.

The rest of the complex will be open for business as usual, with access through the main summer entrance, however the 50m pool will remain fenced until Council are satisfied the issue has been resolved.

“We know there will be disappointment over the delay and are working with contractors to have the work completed in a timely manner, but rather than rush the process, we need to be certain there will not be any further problems. The pool is essential to our way of life in Gunnedah and we will ensure it is repaired properly so the community can enjoy the facility for many years to come” he concluded.

The fault and all associated costs will be covered under the contractor’s defect liability period.

Gunida Gunyah were awarded the license to operate the kiosk for the 2019/20 Summer season and are expected to open the kiosk at full capacity by the end of October. A limited kiosk, similar to that operated at the winter entrance will provide services until the Gunya Café is operational.

View the detailed Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex FAQ Sheet here.

Photo caption: Aerial photo of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

The draft amendments to the Fees and Charges for the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex have been placed on public exhibition and written submissions are invited by the undersigned up until 5.00pm on Tuesday 29 October 2019. Submissions should be addressed to the General Manager, Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63 Gunnedah 2380 or emailed to council@infogunnedah.com.au.

The draft amendments to the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex Fees and Charges have been developed to enable regular pool user groups to calculate their pool space hire fees:

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Manager Public Facilities on 02 6740 2100 or via email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

Council is creating a Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), which is a planning blueprint to guide the future of the Gunnedah Shire to 2040, and we need our residents and businesses to be part of this process. This will be our Shire’s first ever LSPS, so it is important to us to hear your views on what our land use vision and planning priorities might look like. The feedback you provide will be used to finalise this document.

What is the LSPS?

The Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) is a document that will:

Determine how Gunnedah Shire Council will manage land in the Shire for the next 20 years

Tell us how growth and change will be managed in the future

Describe the special characteristics and community values of the area that should be retained

Support the priorities of our Community Strategic Plan
State agencies will use the LSPS to inform their infrastructure planning and service delivery for schools, hospitals and transport.

Have Your Say - You can get involved in a number of ways:

• Complete the Online Survey
• Attend a Community Session at the Council’s Training Centre, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah NSW 2380. Numbers are limited to 2 per organisation. RSVP to planning@infogunnedah.com.au or phone: (02) 6740 2120
• Thursday 17 October, 2.30pm to 4.30pm
• Thursday 17 October, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
• Friday 18 October, 12.00pm to 2.00pm
• Visit us at the Community Markets at Wolseley Oval, Conadilly Street, Gunnedah NSW
  • Saturday 19 October, 8.00am to 11.30am
• Use our online social pinpoint mapping tool
• Email us at planning@infogunnedah.com.au

Tell your friends and help us spread the word to anyone who might be interested in having their say on the planning future of Gunnedah Shire.

30 September 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council hereby calls for expression of interest for the operation of Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Canteen, Kamilaroi Highway, Gunnedah.

The Saleyard canteen is required to provide breakfast, morning tea and lunch for the weekly Tuesday sales and any store sale days. There is an option to extend trading hours in consultation with Council.

The contract is for the period of 12 months with the possibility of extension.

Expressions of Interest should be lodged with Council before COB on Friday 11th October 2019.

Should you have any additional enquires regarding the contract / agreement or any other queries please contact Gunnedah Regional Saleyard Manger Mr Doc Morrison on 0428 458 824 or email docmorrison@infogunnedah.com.au

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

30 September, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is getting behind its small businesses by holding a full program of events for NSW Small Business Month in October.

Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson said there were more than 1100 small businesses in the shire, and they contributed not only employment, but a wealth of diversity and services to the community.

“The Gunnedah Shire has a strong small business base,” Ms Wilson said.

“It’s a critical part of our economy and covers a hugely diverse range of products and services. We have many clever people who turn their talents to running their own small businesses.

“Council would like to help support existing and aspiring business owners by holding a number of events that will allow them to build on their knowledge, access services and skills, and connect with other small business owners to create a support network.

“It can be tough weathering the challenges a small business can present, particularly during this severe drought.

“We hope the events planned for Small Business Month might help build stronger businesses or assist those who are looking to get a new business up and running.”

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Small Business Month Program includes:

Friday, October 4: A free Business Planning Essentials Workshop from 9am to 3pm in the training room at Council’s admin building. Business plans serve as the framework for your unique business and can provide benchmarks to see if you’re moving toward your goals. Lunch is provided. Bookings through https://www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au/event/business-planning-essentials-workshop/

Tuesday, October 8: A free Managing Employment Law Risks in Small Biz Webinar from 8am to 8.30am in the training room at Council’s admin building. The webinar will be presented by one of Australia’s most experienced HR experts.

Tuesday, October 8: A free Using Break Even Analysis Webinar from 1pm to 1.30pm in the training room at Council’s admin building. Breakeven analysis is a powerful tool that can help you manage costs, plan for profit, set prices and more.

Thursday, October 10: Chamber Connect Networking Event from 5.30pm to 7pm at the Gunnedah Hotel. The Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce hosts these events to provide an opportunity for local businesses to meet, share and provide support to each other.

Friday, October 11: Gunnedah Business Brekkie from 7.30am to 8.30am at Jack and Jill’s Café. An informal chance for businesspeople in Gunnedah to sit down and have a chat with like-minded people.

Monday, October 14: A free Lean Canvas Workshop presented by Dimity Smith from UNE Smart Region Incubator from 10am to 12pm in the training room at Council’s admin building. The Lean Canvas workshop aims to help someone with any start-up or business idea to develop a one-page business model to ensure they are ready to pitch their base level idea. Refreshments provided. Bookings through https://www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au/event/business-planning-essentials-workshop/

Tuesday, October 15: A free Sidestep Pay Compliance Risks for Small Biz Webinar from 8am to 8.30am in the training room at Council’s admin building. This webinar is with one of Australia’s most experienced compliance experts – John Arraj. This webinar will provide practical ways to manage your HR policies, procedures and guidelines, so that you can sidestep pay compliance risks.

Tuesday, October 15: A free Purchasing Business Assets Webinar from 1pm to 1.30pm in the training room at Council’s admin building. The dilemma of whether to purchase more assets for a business can be reduced somewhat by understanding what drives the need for assets, how they will support the business in generating income or efficiencies, and what are the key considerations when buying and funding your business assets.

Thursday, October 17: A free Guide to Self-Managed Super Fund Webinar from 1pm to 1.30pm in the training room at Council’s admin building. Explore the basics of establishing and managing a self-managed super fund to see whether it may be suitable for you.

Thursday October 17 - Friday October 18: Digital Bootcamp for Small Business Owners at Gunnedah TAFE. $99. A comprehensive program to deliver awareness and deep insights of what’s required to succeed in the digital world. Register https://www.netstripes.com/bootcamp-gunnedah-october-2019

Tuesday, October 22: A free Managing Employee Performance in Small Biz Webinar from 8am to 8.30am in the training room at Council’s admin building. The webinar is with one of Australia’s HR experts – Sobha Nair. This webinar will provide you with the confidence to manage your staff effectively and minimise the risk of poor performance.

Tuesday, October 22: A free Starting a Business Webinar from 1pm to 1.30pm in the training room at Council’s admin building. This webinar will help to focus your thinking and provide valuable sources of information to help you get started.

Wednesday, October 23: A free Social Media Marketing Webinar from 10am to 11am in the training room at Council’s admin building. This webinar will look at the building blocks of an effective social media strategy and how to deliver content that will resonate with your customers.

Friday, October 25: Gunnedah Business Brekkie from 7.30am to 8.30am at Bitter Suite Café. A chance for businesspeople in Gunnedah to sit down and have a chat with like-minded people.

Tuesday, October 29: Gunnedah Women in Business Event from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Arts Gallery. This exciting event provides an opportunity for like-minded businesswomen to engage and establish valuable connections, and hear from local inspiring business women. The Women in Business Event is an evening of networking and celebrating the important role women play in our local business community. $15 per person includes light refreshments and a gift. Find the Gunnedah Women in Business Event on Facebook to book.

If you have a Small Business Month event you would like to add to the program, please contact our Economic Development Team on 6740 2100.

To find out more about Gunnedah Shire Council’s Small Business Month Program, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au, email council@infogunnedah.com.au or call Council’s Economic Development Team on 6740 2100.

Photo caption: A small business workshop in action.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

26 September, 2019

As the drought continues and Lake Keepit sits at below 1 per cent, a surprising amount of activity is going on at the Lake Keepit Sailing Club.

The club is in the process of upgrading its clubhouse and facilities after successfully applying for a federal government Drought Communities Programme Extension grant.

The grant will see a significant upgrade to the iconic A-frame clubhouse that overlooks the lake.

The extension will include:

• An increase in the boat storage area
• Improved shower and toilet amenities on the top deck
• An automated in-ground watering system for the lawn and rigging area
• An upgrade to the guard rails between the disability access road and the parking area.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Col Formann said it was great that the club had managed to maintain its focus and optimism despite the current conditions.

“This upgrade will help make the club more family-friendly, with improved accessibility to facilities for all visitors and provide for future growth,” Mr Formann said.

“The guard rail changes will also ensure inclusive and safe access for drivers and people with mobility challenges.

“The Lake Keepit Sailing Club is a net contributor to the economic activity of our region and their annual Keepit Kool event brings hundreds of people to the region each year”

“All the work on the site has been undertaken by Gunnedah locals and this project tops off an impressive list of projects that were delivered by Council and community groups under the Grant Programme”

The Drought Communities Programme Extension aims to deliver support to drought-affected areas of Australia by funding local community infrastructure and other drought relief projects.

Photo caption: Sailing Club updates in action

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Media Contact: Eliza

25 September, 2019

There is still time to apply for Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program, with applications closing on October 31.

The Business Partner Program has given more than 60 local businesses a helping hand with a total of more than $200,000 in funding since the program began.

One of the businesses to benefit from one of the 2018-19 rounds of funding was Ameliorate Yoga.

“Since receiving the grant, I have had business cards created, a flyer produced for drought support yoga in Mullaley, a new Gunnedah timetable formatted and printed, registered a domain name, and most importantly, had a website built,” Amelia Smith from Ameliorate Yoga said.

“The Business Partner Program has allowed me to do things for the promotion of my yoga classes and business that I might not have been able to do without the grant.”

Amelia said a key milestone in her business journey was attending the Digital Bootcamp in Gunnedah, a course that helped her crystallise what she needed and how to go about it.

The Digital Bootcamp returns to Gunnedah for NSW Small Business Month on October 17 and 18.

If you would like some advice about how to put together an application for the Business Partner Program, you can make an appointment with Emily Wilson by calling 6740 2100 or emailing council@infogunnedah.com.au

Applications are assessed by a panel and funding is recommended based on estimated economic or employment benefit to the Gunnedah Shire community.

Business Partner Program guidelines and application forms, as well as information about Small Business Month, are available online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

For further details about the Business Partner Program, contact Council’s Economic Development team on 02 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo caption: Amelia Smith shows off her new website for Ameliorate Yoga.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH

Monday 7 October 2019
Collection will be on Tuesday 8 October 2019.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CURLEWIS

Monday 7 October 2019
Collection will be on Wednesday 9 October 2019.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Should you have any enquiries regarding the Recycling collection during the June Long Weekend please contact RECYCLIT on 67421522.

THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND GREENWASTE COLLECTION

Please ensure bins are placed out the night before collection date, as contractors are not obliged to accept late bins.

If you have any enquiries regarding these changes please contact Council’s Customer Services Team on (02) 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager