18 October 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has agreed to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese company Tongyu Heavy Industry to research the potential of establishing a cogeneration power station in the region that will use cotton plant, post-harvest, for bio energy, and coal for high efficiency and low emissions power generation.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said there was an opportunity for bio-energy to be developed in the area due to Gunnedah’s “unique location”.

“Gunnedah Shire is already recognised as an energy hub and is surrounded by cotton farms and other crops that have agricultural waste at the end of the picking and harvesting season,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Researchers have begun to investigate if current technology and equipment is able to harvest the cotton plant, windrow it into bales and discover the tonnage needed for it to be viable as an energy source.”

Councillors resolved to approve the signing of the non-binding MoU at the October Ordinary Council Meeting, which would indicate the intention for Gunnedah Shire Council and Tongyu to do further exploration into the projects.

Cr Chaffey said Tongyu is recognised as a quality business that does a lot of work in the future of new energy operations.

“It would be a huge opportunity for Gunnedah Shire to be at the forefront of this technology and to enhance the economic, agricultural and energy future of the region.

The MoU comes at an opportune time as we prepare for the inaugural Energy, Innovation and Mining Expo at the Gunnedah Showground beginning on the 1 November,” he said.

Photo: Cotton plant, post-harvest, will be explored for bio energy.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

19 October 2018

The Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program has made available up to $1 million to Gunnedah Shire Council to deliver infrastructure and other community projects as part of a drought relief package. The package aims to stimulate local spending, provide employment and use local businesses and suppliers in delivering projects that will have a long-lasting benefit to rural communities.

At Wednesday night’s Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors voted to lodge an application to install self-service water standpipes in Gunnedah, Mullaley, Tambar Springs and Curlewis. The project will see standpipes equipped with a self-serve automated dispensing system to help these drought-affected communities in the future and make it easier for people across the Shire to access water.

Council also resolved to investigate the feasibility of installation of Standpipes in other Villages where Council does not currently provide a water service.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the standpipes will be a great project to kick-off the funding program and is excited to see what the community proposes for the remaining allocation.

Council is now asking the community, local businesses, and service and sporting groups to submit proposals for projects that meet the funding guidelines. This could include improving community facilities, holding events that generate tourism and economic activity or building infrastructure to improve our ability to respond to drought. Council will then form an evaluation panel to shortlist and prioritise proposals.

“The funding is intended to provide immediate short-term support, or long-lasting benefits to communities, such as Gunnedah and our villages, that are facing hardship brought about by the drought,” Cr Chaffey said. 

“The community is invited to submit proposals for projects and activities that may be funded under the program and that will benefit the economic development, employment and drought-proofing of our Shire.”

Acknowledging the drought is having a big impact across the entire Shire, Cr Chaffey said Councillors resolved to set a minimum of $200,000 aside specifically to target projects in villages and remote locations.

“Our villages are very important to the makeup of our Shire, so I encourage people in the villages and progress associations to think about what could benefit their communities and submit their applications,” he said.

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

Council’s Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Forman said Council aims to make the process as simple as possible to encourage more people or groups to apply.

“To ease the burden on people making submissions and to speed up the process, submission documents only need to be a simple outline of the project including expected costs and timeframes,” Mr Formann said.

“Once the submissions are shortlisted and prioritised, Council will then work with you to create more detailed applications for the funding. We have a very short time frame to develop applications and complete these projects as construction needs to be complete by 30 June 2019.”

Proposals will be accepted via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BG6CDBZ until Thursday, 8 November, 2018.

For further information about the eligibility criteria  call (02) 6740 2100 or visit Council’s Administration Building, Elgin Street, Gunnedah. Visit here www.business.gov.au/assistance/drought-communities-programme to view the funding guidinlines.

Photo: The Drought Communities Program is open for project proposals.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR CATERING AUSTRALIA DAY DINNER

Friday, 25 January 2019 at 7.00pm | GUNNEDAH TOWN HALL

The Australia Day Working Group is calling for Expressions of Interest to cater for the annual Australia Day Dinner.

To receive the specification document contact council@infogunnedah.com.au

Phone Lauren Mackley Arts and Cultural Officer, (02) 6740 2100

Quotation submissions close 5.00pm, Monday 24, November 2018.

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery is proud to introduce kids after school art classes with Sheryll Oliver.

Workshop go from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, every Monday for five weeks; 5, 12, 19, 26 November and 3 December, 2018.

Held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre Studio on Chandos St.

$150 for 5 weeks or $40 per lesson.

Children will be doing:

• Collage
• Water colours
• Paper and lace transfers
• Focus on composition
• Focus on how materials work together

There is a maximum of 10 students per lesson, so ensure you book in early to not miss out.

To reserve your child's spot, call Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

11 September 2018

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery will be the first to exhibit multimedia artist, Marion Conrow’s surreal visual collection of works, titled ‘Museum of My Friends #1’.
Ms Conrow has been developing her practice for over 30 years and has been a part of the Northern Rivers arts community for some time.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley said ‘Museum of My Friends #1’ is a multimedia, sculptural and holographic light installation of self-portraits.
“The exhibition features video portraitures in playful and ghostly holographic environments, representing Ms Conrow’s friends and their universes,” Ms Mackley said.
Art has been a release, therapy and a reflection of her journey and recovery after Ms Conrow was diagnosed with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI), following a severe car accident in 2007.
Ms Conrow is a regional artist who has a passion for bringing the arts to country communities and inspiring budding artists.
With Gunnedah already boasting a vibrant arts community, Ms Conrow said it was the parallels between her Lismore home and Gunnedah that encouraged her to exhibit here.
“I am recovering from the Lismore floods and when I come to Gunnedah I see the hardship of the drought,” she said.
“I want to advocate not only about MTBI, but about the cultural importance of regional areas.”
Ms Mackley said the exhibition is unlike anything the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery has ever hosted, and will be a visual delight for everyone who comes to see it.
“There will be photographic, still and visual video media projections on sculptures. Anyone interested in multi and digital media will be fascinated by the way Ms Conrow has created her art work, and can even get a chance to learn from her,” Ms Mackley said.
“Participants will gain professional knowledge about visual media, video projections and projection art installations by using their own cameras and phones.”
Workshops with Marion Conrow will be held on 27 and 28 October for people to learn to create their own video installations by shooting videos and stills using VJ software to make a collaborative video. The workshop is $80 per day and bookings can be made by contacting Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.
Marion Conrow's exhibition ‘Museum of My Friends #1’ officially opens at 6.00pm on Friday, 26 October at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery. Drinks and light refreshments provided. The exhibition continues until 26 November, 2018.
‘Museum of My Friends #1’ has been made possible through funding from the Australia Council for the Arts, Create NSW and Accessible Arts.

Photo Caption: Marion Conrow’s exhibition ‘Museum of My Friends #1’ will help raise awareness about people living with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

11 September 2018

Young persons can expect to have a grand time celebrating Grandparents Day on a GoCo Mystery Bus Tour.
GoCo Community Care has joined the state-wide initiative to host activities on Sunday, 28 October 2018 in support of NSW Grandparents Day.
Gunnedah’s premier home care service, GoCo, is inviting grandchildren to join their grandparents on a mystery bus tour for the day.
Manager GoCo Bruce Mercer said grandparents hold a very special relationship with their grandchildren, and Grandparents Day is a good opportunity to build on that relationship.
“Grandparents are such an important part of our community,” he said.
“Grandparents Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the special role grandparents play in our families and the wider community, spend time with them and have a lot of fun.”
The Mystery Bus Tour will leave from GoCo Community Care, 80 Marquis Street, at 9.00am on Sunday.
Open to any grandparent and grandchild, the Mystery Bus Tour is free to join.
Bookings are essential and places are limited. To book a place on the Mystery Bus Tour, call GoCo Community Care by Friday, 26 October 2018 on (02) 6740 2240.

Photo Caption: GoCo Community Care Manager Bruce Mercer and CHSP Coordinator Nicole Shields are looking forward to Grandparents Day.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

10 September 2018

Gunnedah’s CBD will turn into the scene from a horror movie as Gunnedah Shire Council and Can Assist work together to bring the global phenomenon and fundraiser, Night of the Walking Dead, to Conadilly Street for a second year.
Gunnedah Can Assist President Kate Knight and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley are encouraging the community to dress up in their spookiest and funniest Halloween costumes and to bring a gold coin donation, with all proceeds donated to Can Assist.
“Night of the Walking Dead will be a gathering of people dressed as zombies and in Halloween costumes walking en-masse through the Gunnedah CBD while raising money for Can Assist,” Ms Mackley said.
“Last year we had some terrific costumes and it was such a surreal scene to see a huge mass of people pretending to be zombies and creatures of the night, walking through Conadilly Street.
“The idea behind the march is to raise awareness and money for the Gunnedah Can Assist branch; a small group of volunteers who tirelessly fundraise to assist local people affected by cancer.”
Mrs Knight said the Night of the Walking Dead was a great success last year and hopes families get involved again this year.
“At the end of the walk the zombies can enjoy a disco and a sausage sizzle,” she said.
“Many of our volunteers will also be dressed up and actively involved as they enjoy having a fun time while fundraising.”
With families often struggling to cope with increased costs as a result of a cancer diagnosis, Mrs Knight said it was important to have awareness and fundraising activities such as this for local cancer patients.
“A patient and their family often face extra expenses from travel, accommodation and medical costs,” she said.
“It is through fundraisers such as this that we are able to continue to financially assist local families.”
The Night of the Walking Dead march will begin at 6.30pm on Saturday, 27 October from the Post Office on Elgin Street, ending at the Smithurst Theatre. All participants are asked to gather at the Post office at 6:15pm and bring a gold coin donation.
The Zombie Dance-Off Disco and BBQ will be held following the walk until 9.00pm at the Smithurst Theatre.
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Zombies will take to the streets for Halloween to raise money for Gunnedah’s Can Assist branch.

ENDS
Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

10 October 2018

Live out your ‘Grease’ diner fantasies at the Gunnedah Youth Council (GYC) Dessert Bar this Friday, 12 October.
The popular dessert bar fundraiser is returning to close out the School Holiday Program with a classic diner theme and many mouth-watering desserts on the menu.
The dessert bar is located at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery via the Little Conadilly Street Entrance from 5.00pm to 9.00pm. All money raised will go to GYC and the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund (GCSF).
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong said this year’s dessert bar is set to be something special.
“GYC members have put in a lot of work for this; they designed the menu, are baking and serving the food, working on improving their hospitality skills and have even completed their Food Safety Certificates,” Ms Emojong said.
“Everyone’s favourite delectable desserts will be there including the brownie sundae, choc-tops and ice-cream spiders and a new menu item; the Old School Banana Split.
“Once you throw in the classic diner music, you will be immersed in a different era all evening.”
The 2018 Dessert Bar comes off the back of a very successful first year, which raised $800 for GYC and GCSF.
Ms Emojong encourages the community to attend and support both initiatives.
“Treat yourself while supporting two great causes,” she said.
Menus are available at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or from Council’s Administration Building and Visitor Information Centre.
For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo caption: GYC members Bodie Crawford and Emily Hunt, and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong are getting set up for the Dessert Bar at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.
#ENDS
Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

5 October 2018

Seven local businesses have received a slice of $7750 in funding from Round One (2018/2019) of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.
Representatives from each business were invited to a ceremony at Council Chambers on Thursday afternoon to accept the funding.
Successful recipients in Round One include:

• Commercial Hotel Curlewis, to revamp and regenerate
• ODU Sportswear, for website development
• Kinfolk Student Cafes, for development of branded marketing collateral
• Provincial Printery, for business expansion Annie’s Kitchen, for start-up costs
• Impact Solutions, for a promotional campaign

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Business Partner Program is a key element of Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc and Gunnedah Shire Council to attract new business opportunities, or to expand existing businesses in the Gunnedah Shire by providing an assistance package as an incentive.
“This is very timely awarding this round of funding in October, being Small Business Month,” Cr Chaffey said.
“As a proactive Council, striving for growth and sustainability for our Shire, it is important to recognise local businesses and start-ups, and the vital role they play in our community and the local economy.
“I am pleased to see from the significant amount of applications Council received, businesses looking to generate employment and value add, as well as support regional benefit and economic growth.
“Council is proud of this Program that actively encourages new industry to set up in the area, as well as nurtures our existing businesses to encourage increased productivity, sustainability, growth and employment.”
Round Two of the Business Partner Program will open on Wednesday, 19 October, with applications closing at 5.00pm on Wednesday, 31 October.
For more information contact Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Round One 2018/2019 Business Partner Program recipients. Back from left: Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns, Cr David Moses, Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann and Cr John Campbell. Front from left: Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle, Cr Ann Luke, Sakthivel Jayarman (ODU Sportswear), Tracey Reid (Impact Solutions), Cr Jamie Chaffey, Kirstie Lawlor (Kinfolk Student Cafes), Mel McCulloch (Commercial Hotel Curlewis), Jenna Patterson (Kinfolk Student Cafes) and Lisa Davis (Kinfolk Student Cafes).

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

4 October 2018

Councillors Colleen Fuller and David Moses will lead the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group, which held its first meeting for the 2018/2019 year on Tuesday night.

Cr Fuller, who has held a position on the committee for 16 years, was re-elected as Chair of the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group for a two-year term. Cr Moses, in his second year on the committee, was elected as Deputy Chair for the ensuing term.
“The Crime Prevention Working Group is a very progressive committee and with three new members on board we will be able to take a fresh approach to tackling crime prevention,” Cr Fuller said.

“It is great to be working closely with local Police and the Gunnedah Liquor Accord on the issues our Shire experiences. I am looking forward to also working closely with our local education providers and community groups to look at initiatives to tackle the juvenile incidences within our community.
“We will be continuing our focus on domestic violence, as well as CCTV programs and are committed to securing funding for more street lighting and targeting illegal dumping, to ensure a safer community for all,” she said.

“We will be determined to follow our Crime Prevention Plan, which outlines the community’s key priorities and concerns for our Shire, for the remainder of the term.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey congratulated Councillors Fuller and Moses on their dedication to the committee.

“I congratulate Cr Fuller on being re-elected to this very important working group, her contributions in previous terms have been recognised and we look forward to her leadership over the next term,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Thank you to Cr Moses for also putting his hand up for the Deputy role, and welcome to Councillors Rob Hooke and John Campbell, we look forward to their positive contribution in leading the Crime Prevention Working Group on community initiatives and developing practical strategies for dealing with and preventing local crime,” Cr Chaffey said.

“A number of long-standing committee members as well as some fresh faces will continue to work together to improve the overall safety of our Shire and reduce crime.”

Photo Caption: Councillor Colleen Fuller, right, and Councillor David Moses, left, will lead the Crime Prevention Working Group.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.