24 September, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council has an action-packed program of school holiday events coming up for the spring holidays – including a return of the very popular neon bubble soccer.

Teen yoga, boxfit, crafty creations, live theatre – it’s all happening from Monday, September 30.

Council Manager Communications and Cultural Services Eliza Gallen said Council was excited to offer one of its most varied programs yet.

“There is something for everyone, from Toddler Time at Gunnedah Shire Library, to school holiday movies, teen yoga with Amelia Smith and the Gunnedah Art Showcase,” Ms Gallen said.

“The program caters for just about any age and a whole range of interests.

“The activities include a live theatre performance of You’ll Never Guess Where I Hid the Cheese, an interactive comedy show for kids and adults.

“There is also a chance for young people to display their artistic talents at the Gunnedah Art Showcase, and their performing talents at the Gunnedah Talent Showcase.”

Activities included as part of the program are: A theatrical music-making workshop with an infants’ workshop and another for primary-aged children; card making for ages 12 and above; Crafty Creations for ages 7-12; Toddler Time; Gunnedah Art Showcase with the work of artists aged 12 to 25; a school holiday showing of Angry Birds; live theatre performance; lunchtime boxfit; bracelet making, with a session of primary students and another for secondary students; Gunnedah Talent Showcase; neon bubble soccer, a showing of Dora and the Lost City of Gold; and teen yoga.

To find out session times, booking information and other details, view the Spring 2019 School Holiday Program here or phone Council’s Customer Service Team on 6740 2100, or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo caption: The neon bubble soccer has proven a hit in the past.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 September 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council residents will soon receive their first water notices following the installation of new water meter devices.

Water notices were deferred while the meters, which accurately measure water use in each individual household, were installed in about 4500 households across the shire.

This means that water notices will cover a longer timeframe than usual - up to five months instead of the usual three.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan said the new “smart water meters” allowed more accurate water management in a much faster timeframe.

“The meters have already proven their worth in detecting a number of water leaks that were adding to bills of Gunnedah households and businesses,” Mr Sheridan said.

“In this time of severe drought, it is critical to not only manage our water resources, but to ensure ratepayers are not paying extra for water leaks.”

What to expect on your bill
Your bill covers a longer timeframe than usual, so will be higher than usual. The dry conditions may also mean that your household has used more water.

What if I have trouble paying my bill?
Due to the larger bill, we’re extending the due date. We also understand conditions are extremely tough at the moment and we’ve got a number of ways we can help including arranging payment plans, assist you in applying for hardship and refer you to agencies that can offer support. We know it can be daunting to ask for help – but please be assured that as always, your request will be treated with confidentiality and respect.

Where is my water meter and how do I read it?
The water meter is usually found close to the front boundary of your property. The digital display records the kilolitres (top) and litres (bottom) used by each household. The kilolitres shown on the top are used to calculate each bill. For the following bill, householders will pay the difference between the current reading and the previous reading.

Why were the meters installed?

• The new meters play a critical role in the conservation of water by tracking leaks, illegal water use and providing timely data on overall water use
• They allow householders to track their own water use and see first-hand the benefits of wise water use
• The system allows Council to better monitor peak demand and plan for water upgrades.

How the new meters have already helped:
The water meters offer close to real-time monitoring of water use. The data means unusual spikes in use – that may point to a leak - can be identified. Since the meters were installed, Council has already contacted a number of householders and businesses to let them know they may have a costly water leak. This information has saved some water customers hundreds of dollars. The new system can also identify if water is being used illegally and may help to prevent tampering with water meters.

How Gunnedah Shire uses water:
Households and Business in our Shire are heavy users of water in comparison to many other regional government areas, but our water costs remain in the lowest 20 per cent of councils. We are lucky to have our ready source of water, and it is critical to use it wisely. We all need to be mindful of conserving this important resource.

Are there tips for wiser water use?
There are many ways you can reduce your water use. Check Gunnedah Shire Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or visit www.smartwatermark.org 

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

19 September 2019

NightQuip will become a fixture on the Gunnedah calendar following feedback on the success of the inaugural markets this year.

Gunnedah Shire Council voted to make NightQuip an annual event to be held on the first Tuesday of AgQuip at this week’s Council Meeting after hearing survey results from those who attended and businesses who participated in the August 20 night markets.

The Conadilly Street event was an initiative of Gunnedah Shire Council in partnership with the Service NSW Easy to do Business Program.

“The survey results backed up the overwhelmingly positive feedback we had already been hearing about NightQuip,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

“All of the retailers and stallholders who completed the survey said they would participate in NightQuip again. Eighty-five percent of the 94 community members who responded said they would definitely come back next year, with another 14 percent saying they might be back – that’s a 99 percent result.

“The total direct economic impact of NightQuip is estimated at $250,000 – and this does not include the positive flow-on effect of after sales for local retail businesses and food outlets. We have also had positive feedback about just how many people came back after the event.”

Twenty-three retail stores extended their trading hours for NightQuip, 10 existing food outlets did a roaring trade, three cafes stayed open, and there were 44 market stalls set up on Conadilly Street. There were also two food vans, an ice-cream truck and three busking groups.

Ms Hoddle said NightQuip had obviously hit the mark in providing an opportunity for local retail and food outlets to increase sales during AgQuip and creating a great night-time event for locals and visitors.

“The atmosphere was fantastic,” she said. “It’s been a tough time for Gunnedah and a lot of people told us they felt a real lift in spirits through this community event.

“A big thank you to all those who came and our retailers and stallholders for making this a night to remember.”

Here are some comments from the survey:

“The atmosphere was wonderful and full of energy.”

“Bringing and engaging the public into the CBD. Enabling local businesses to capitalise on the AgQuip crowds, showcasing local products and capabilities.”

“Positive community spirit, great stalls, browsing stores which I usually don’t get a chance to do during the day because of long work hours. It was a really great night with my family. I am hoping to see it every year!”

“It was a great event! I’ve been in town 12 months and never shopped in the Main Street until NightQuip. It was a great event and great turn out!”

“The atmosphere, seeing the community out and about enjoying the evening together. The fairy lights were great. The live music and the food vans.”

Photo caption: NightQuip Stall

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

19 September, 2019

The new masterplan for Gunnedah Regional Saleyards is just the beginning of exciting developments which will secure Gunnedah's spot as a national leader in the beef industry.

Gunnedah Shire Council adopted the masterplan for the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards this week. The $17.5 million Masterplan includes:

• A state of the art Office, Cafe and Education Centre
• Construction of major structures to place under roof an entire hectare of primary work areas and cattle holding yards
• Major biosecurity improvements including a Drive-Through Truck Wash facility capable of taking road trains
• Major upgrade of the additional 4 bay truck wash facility
• Installation of technology infrastructure and high speed internet capability to allow smart technology applications and stream of on-line content
• Fenced containment of the site and major security upgrades
• Sealing of internal roads, lighting upgrades
• Upgrades of all loading ramp facilities
• Surface and gate renewal programs
• Public access gantry and other access improvements
• Making the site completely self-sufficient through the installation of up to 1 megawatt of solar panels and major stormwater harvesting and reuse facilities.

The saleyards are already among the country's top 10 cattle-selling centres, with more than $100 million worth of cattle sold each year.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the significant improvements in the masterplan were a major step in cementing the shire's future role as a beef hub.

"We are a resilient community and by diversifying our economy and building on our strengths, we will ensure a strong future for Gunnedah Shire," Cr Chaffey said.

"This masterplan is an important blueprint for the saleyards and will mean the facility is positioned to meet the needs of the future and open to all opportunities.

"We are poised to realise our potential as a national leader in the beef industry, but the saleyards are only one piece in the puzzle.

"We are working hard to attract investors to a new abattoir; there is strong interest in new feedlots and in expanding existing feedlots within the shire.

"There is a very clear direction for Gunnedah to become a major centre for beef, providing we have the support of the state and federal governments."

Cr Chaffey said the fact that there were no formal submissions about the Saleyards masterplan during the period of public exhibition was tribute to the fact there had been strong involvement from the community and stakeholders during its development.

The masterplan includes a number of infrastructure projects including removal of the sheepyards, relocation of the carpark and canteen as part of a multi-use building on the same side of the highway as the saleyards, yard expansion and technology improvements.

Gunnedah Shire Council voted to start work on developing the masterplan into one or more "shovel-ready" projects to seek grant funding, and to look at options for multi-purpose use of the upgraded buildings included in the masterplan.

Photo Caption: saleyards in action

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

19 September, 2019

Excitement is building for Gunnedah Shire’s newest festival with a working group ready to kick off the preparations.

Gunnedah Shire Council this week voted to appoint four community members to the Hay and Harvest Festival Working Group.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said the festival would showcase local growers, produce and a range of other talent, and was set to go ahead in the first half of 2020.

“With the appointment of a working group, it’s time to get really excited about this new festival,” Ms Hoddle said.

“In the past, we were lucky enough to have Porchetta Day. This new festival will take the essence of that successful event and add in the fresh ideas and great location of the Gunnedah Jockey Club as well as those of our other committee members.

“This will be Gunnedah Shire’s own signature festival event. We are keen to make the first one something that will set the tone for years to come.”

Community members Ingrid Kaineder, Barbara McDonald, Geraldine McKay and Rebecca Ryan have been appointed to the festival working group.

They will join elected council representatives Councillors Colleen Fuller and Ann Luke, two Gunnedah Jockey Club members including Kathryn Blinman, Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce representative Stacey McAllan, and three council staff representatives on the working group.

The festival has received seed funding of $17,000 through the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund, along with $20,000 awarded to the Gunnedah Jockey Club through the Back to the Track program.

Working group meetings will be held twice a month.

There is also the opportunity for more community involvement. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the economic development team at Gunnedah Shire Council on 6742 2100.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 September, 2019

Gunnedah Shire has welcomed its newest Australian citizens on Australian Citizenship Day.

Citizenship ceremonies were held around the country yesterday to mark the day, including a ceremony for four new Aussies in Gunnedah.

Acting Mayor Rob Hooke said it was a “great honour” to officiate at the ceremony that welcomed Marcelo Correa da Silva, Simoni Cristina Franquini da Silva, Olivia Cristina Franquini da Silva and Trung Dinh Vong as Australian citizens.

“It’s a wonderful step,” Cr Hooke said.

“This is part of the greatest honour anyone can bestow on someone is to make them an Australian citizen.”

Mr and Mrs da Silva moved to Australia in 2010 when Mr da Silva was asked to be part of the maintenance department at the Gunnedah Leather Processors, where he has remained employed for nearly 10 years. He and Mrs da Silva have been involved in community groups including Apex Gunnedah and Rotary Club Gunnedah West, and have been active members of Gunnedah Catholic Church. They have had two children since moving to Gunnedah.

Mr Vong came to Australian in 2013, fell in love with Gunnedah and has made it his home.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Councillors welcome the da Silva family and Mr Vong as Australian citizens in a ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

For more information regarding the Notice of Proposed Hazard Reduction Works for Porcupine Reserve please click here.

For current incidents or major fire updates visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au 

For more information contact the State Duty Media Officer on 9898 1855

11 September 2019

Applications are now open for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund for those who are about to start on their post-school journey of learning.

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.

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 Fund is a way to support our young people as they further their education, with the hope that their learning and skills will one day be of benefit to regional New South Wales. They might even find their way home to Gunnedah to follow their careers.

“It is wonderful that they can be supported on this part of their journey by their home town.

“Since the fund’s inception 15 years ago, more than $300,000 across close to 350 scholarships has been awarded to local students. Scholarships have covered many disciplines including accounting, agriculture, allied health, animal science, law, architecture, arts/theatre, civil engineering, education, information technology, medicine, nursing and social work.”

Laura Watterson, a recipient of the 2018-19 community scholarship, is now studying Bachelor of Paramedicine at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.

“We have to have a uniform for the duration of our degree,” Laura said. “That can cost $300 to $600, and the scholarship was a massive help in that aspect, as well as for accommodation, textbooks and just the cost of living.

“We are just so lucky. We don’t have a university in Gunnedah and this helps us with the opportunity to get a degree.”
Laura hopes t
o work with NSW Ambulance as a paramedic when she finishes her degree.

Cr Swain said the Gunnedah Community Scholarship would not be possible without the sponsorship of local businesses who recognised the value of the program.

“Without the support of local businesses and groups, these students would not have the benefit of this financial help,” she said.

“We already have some great supporters on board, but we are in need of a few more.

“If your group or business has not sponsored the Community Scholarship before, there is still time to get involved in what is a very fulfilling program.”

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, view the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Application Form.

Applications close on Sunday, December 15, 2019.

Business, groups or individuals who would like to become a sponsor can contact Gunnedah Shire Council Youth Development Officer Ellen Valler on 6740 2100.

Photo caption: 2018-19 Gunnedah Community Scholarship recipient Laura Watterson in her paramedic’s uniform.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

4 September 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is helping resident’s spring cleaning efforts with a free weekend for domestic bulky waste at the shire’s waste facilities.

Shire residents will be able to bring up to a standard trailer-load (1.2m by 1.8m by 1.5m) of domestic waste to the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility and the shire’s five other waste transfer facilities for free on the weekend of September 21-22.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste Sheridan Cameron said it was a great opportunity for residents to have a spring clean and to dispose of items like old whitegoods, furniture and even tree loppings.

“It’s the time of year when people are having a clean-up and this is the perfect chance to get rid of some troublesome items,” Ms Cameron said.

“Spring clean weekends have been a success in the past, but we do know that they can also be very busy.

“While staff will be working to keep up with demand, we ask that people allow extra time to get through the weighbridge.

“It would also help if people can sort their waste as efficiently as possible to keep things running smoothly.

“We encourage people to take advantage of this weekend, but also to remain patient during the busy periods.”

Items ineligible for the initiative include chemicals, liquid waste, tyres, commercial waste, and mixed building waste, asbestos-containing materials, contaminated waste and medical waste.

People will need to have their driver’s licence on entering the facility to show they are Gunnedah Shire residents.

Tips for making the most of the Domestic Bulky Waste Disposal Weekend:

• Allow extra time in case of traffic on the way to the facility, and possible delays at the weighbridge.
• Sort out waste before you leave for the facility. Green waste is the first area and should be the most easily accessible on your load, followed by steel items, recycling and then household items.
• The amount of waste will be capped at one standard trailer-load (1.2m by 1.8m by 1.5m) per ratepayer.
• Ensure you have your driver’s licence to show proof of Gunnedah residency.
• Ensure you cover and secure your load.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Saturday 21 September

• Gunnedah Waste Management Facility 8am-5pm
• Curlewis Waste Facility 9am- 11am
• Tambar Springs Transfer Facility 1pm-4pm
• Breeza Transfer Facility 1pm-4pm

Sunday 22 September

• Gunnedah Waste Management Facility 8am-5pm
• Mullaley Transfer 9am-12 noon
• Curlewis Waste Facility 1pm-4pm
• Carroll Waste Facility 2pm-4pm

For further information about the weekend, Council’s Customer Services Team on 6740 2100.

Photo caption: The amount of waste that can be disposed of for free will be capped at one standard trailor-load (1.2m by 1.8m by 1.5m) per ratepayer.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

4 September 2019

Gunnedah’s first NightQuip markets has met with an enthusiastic response from both those who attended and stallholders.

A survey to gather feedback about the markets held on the first night of AgQuip 2019 closes at midnight on Friday. Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson said that all initial reports show overwhelming support for the event.

“The participation, the effort by businesses and stallholders, the atmosphere – it all made for a really great night,” Ms Wilson said.

“NightQuip 2019 was a wonderful event and added to both the fun and the economic opportunities that AgQuip brings to Gunnedah Shire.

“We want to thank the community and our businesses and community groups for really getting behind NightQuip.”

Gunnedah’s Mick Furner, who owns MA’s Food Van with his wife Ako, said NightQuip had been their first outing with their Japanese food van.

“The atmosphere was absolutely awesome,” Mr Furner said. “I would do it again in a heartbeat.

“There was a huge volume of people that came through and we had quite a few repeat customers.”

The Furners have just set up their Japanese food business with the help of advice through NightQuip partner, the Service NSW Easy to do Business program.

NightQuip 2019 provided opportunities for locals to showcase their business offerings as well as those in the surrounding region.

Baan Baa singer Sarah Leete said she busked at NightQuip as well as operating a stall for timber business Harleywood.

“Singing is my full-time profession and it was really refreshing to be able to busk and for people to show their appreciation,” she said.

“It was really fun. It was also great to see so many people out and about given the time of year and the drought.

“Having it on the first night of AgQuip was also a good idea. I talked to people who had pulled into town for this and then were going to the field days the next day.”

Ms Leete said she would not hesitate to come again – but given the numbers of people, might need to bring a helper for the Harleywood stall.

To have your say about NightQuip and go into the draw to win a double movie pass, fill in a survey:

Market attendee: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nightquip

Stallholder/retailer: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nightquipretail

Photo Caption: Lucy Furner at MA’s Food Van at NightQuip. Caption 2: Sarah Leete keeps the crowds entertained at NightQuip.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.