Gunnedah Shire residents are being asked to help shape the future of some of the Shire’s best-loved open spaces.

Gunnedah Shire Council is developing master plans for key sporting and recreation precincts, and is seeking the input of the community to make the best possible use of the spaces into the future.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the master plans were the next logical step following the Gunnedah Shire Open Space Strategy, and would set out a long-term vision for these popular areas.

“We are asking the community to fill in surveys about Gunnedah Showground, Wolseley Park, Kitchener Park, and the Donnelly Fields/Namoi Fields/Riverine Precinct/Woolshed Reserve,” Cr Chaffey said.

“These precincts cover some of our most popular playing fields and heavily used community spaces, so it is absolutely critical that we get as much community input as possible.

“There are four simple surveys that ask how people use these spaces and how they would like to them evolve in the future. This will be important information in creating great a master plan for each area.

“Looking at all of these popular areas at the same time is an ideal way to ensure our open spaces cover the broadest spectrum of interests and age groups, and we look forward to seeing these master plans developed and put into action.”

To take part in the surveys go to the following individual links for each precinct;

Gunnedah Showground https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MM69XH6

Kitchener Park https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MMZZHJD

Wolseley Park https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MXKLVZ5

Riverside Precinct https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MXKPRLZ

Council will also hold a series of pop-up community consultation sessions:

- Tuesday, 5 December in the Smithurst Theatre Forecourt between 1.30-3.30pm and 6-8pm.

- Wednesday, 6 December at the front of the Gunnedah Newsagency between 9am and 11am.

November 28, 2023

More than 100 delegates and 24 speakers from across Australia took part in the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference in Gunnedah this month.

Hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council, the conference brought together crime prevention and community safety experts, law enforcement representatives, a number of presenters with inspiring stories, and agency representatives with success stories to share their knowledge and experiences over two days at the Gunnedah Town Hall.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor and member of the Gunnedah Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference Working Group Rob Hooke said the conference had been an overwhelming success, with delegates from across the country reporting they had gained important insights.

“As delegates heard, crime is a problem across many urban, regional and rural areas of Australia,” Cr Hooke said.

“But one of the most important tools in dealing with the concerns and ensuring safer communities is to share knowledge. There are many agencies, organisations and people who are making a difference in all sorts of ways.

“This was a very valuable way to get together some of those people in one arena, and to look at issues from every aspect – from statistics to lived experience, and from law enforcement to successful collaborative programs. It was inspiring and practical.

“The feedback we are getting is that this is the sort of event that is needed to cut through the difficulties of connecting the dots to make powerful decisions for change.

“I know there were certainly ideas there for concepts such as diversionary programs that might be considered by the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group to assist in crime prevention in Gunnedah Shire.”

Keynote speakers for the conference were 2021 Australian of the Year and advocate for survivors of sexual assault Grace Tame, NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism the Hon. Yasmin Catley, founder of national mental health charity The Man Cave Hunter Johnson and social researcher and futurist Mark McCrindle.

Other speakers included representatives from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), the NSW Police Force’s Rural Crime Prevention Unit, the NSW Police Force’s Engagement & Hate Crime Unit, the Advocate for Children and Young People, the Centre for Multicultural Youth Victoria, Just Reinvest NSW, Kinchela Aboriginal Boys Home Corporation, Queensland Police and Logan City Council, the Violence Abuse and Neglect Services, cyber security experts and more.

The Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference is estimated to have brought in almost $300,000 in direct and indirect economic benefits to Gunnedah Shire, with accommodation providers, caterers, clubs and hotels, and local businesses reaping the benefits over two-three days. Some delegates also extended their stay to include the weekend to enjoy Gunnedah and the neighbouring shires.

The conference has been a number of the years in the making and was organised by Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference Working Group.

Sponsors included Whitehaven Coal, Tamworth Family Support, Gunnedah Workshop Enterprises Ltd, Gunnedah Family Support, Gunnedah & Districts Liquor Accord, Care4U Services, Gunnedah Miners' Support Group, Gunnedah Conservatorium and Gunnedah Meals on Wheels.

Caption: One of the keynote speakers of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference, Hunter Johnson, founder and CEO of The Man Cave addresses delegates at the Gunnedah Town Hall.

More images available on request.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

Policies on public exhibition

The following Gunnedah Shire Council policies have been reviewed and are now on public exhibition for community feedback:
• Draft Policy – Managing Contaminated or Potentially Contaminated Land
• Draft Policy – Development Application Fee Refund
• Draft Policy – Naming of Public Infrastructure Acknowledgements
• Draft Policy – Town Planning – Resource Development
• Draft Policy – Use and Placement of Shipping Containers in Gunnedah Shire Council
• Draft Policy – Waste Management Exception from Charges for Not-for-Profit Charities Orphaned Waste
• Draft Policy – Cultural Precinct Venue Hire
• Draft Policy – Cemeteries
• Draft Policy – Planning Agreements
• Draft Policy – Delegated Authority
• [This/these] resolutions can be viewed online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
If you have feedback, please submit via the following methods: Email council@infogunnedah.com.au. Please include your name and contact details. Complete an online form via the Contact Us section of Council’s website. Post your submission to Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah, 2380 or hand it over the counter at Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah. Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

New Economy and Growth Working Group

Gunnedah Shire Council has accepted nominations for a new Economy and Growth Working Group.
Councillors accepted nominations from Prue Jeffrey, Melanie Squires, Scott Davies, Jasmine Alloway, Michael Broekman, Jodie Letat, Kate Gunn, Shelley Beard, Matthew White, Ashleigh Foster, Tracey Reid and Liliana Julien for the working group.
The new group replaces the former Economic Development Working Group and Skills and Training Working Group, and will identify barriers, and advocate for resources and solutions to address sustainable economic growth and innovation along with continuous workforce development.
Road name on public exhibition
Gunnedah Shire Council has endorsed the proposed name of a new road near George Street.
Council supported the proposal to call the road “Yarrandoo Close”. Yarrandoo is a local Gamilaroi word that means “Southern Cross”, a constellation that is visible from the street.
The proposed road name will be on public exhibition for 28 days. For more information, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

Village dates set for Council meetings

Two of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Ordinary Meetings will be held in the Shire’s villages next year.
The March meeting will be held at the Piallaway Hall, hosted by the Piallaway Progress Association, on Wednesday, March 20. The July meeting will be held at the Emerald Hill Hall, hosted by the Emerald Hill Progress Association, on Wednesday, July 17.

Council approves new name for pig shed

Gunnedah Shire Council has approved Riding for Disabled Association Gunnedah’s request to name the western end of the pig shed at the Gunnedah Showground the “Bruce and Marj Hill Shed”.
Bruce and Marj Hill were long-time supporters of both the Riding for the Disabled Association and Gunnedah Pony Club.
The proposal will be on public exhibition for 21 days. For more information, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

Council supports Carols in the Park

Gunnedah Shire Council has endorsed a recommendation to support a financial and in-kind contribution of $1256 for the Carols in the Park hosted by the Gunnedah Ministers’ Fraternal.
The proposal allows the same to be provided, allowing for CPI and fee and charge increases, for the 2024 and 2025 events.
The proposal will be on public exhibition for 28 days. For more information, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

November 21, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council has released its 2022-23 Annual Report detailing a year of growth and investment in the Shire’s future.

The Annual Report shares with the community Council’s achievements over the year in relation to the Community Strategic Plan. It measures Council’s performance in line with the Community Strategic Plan’s four themes of: engaging and supporting our community; building our Shire’s economy; retaining our quality of life; and protecting and enjoying our beautiful surrounds.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Annual Report showed 2022-23 had been a strong year for Council and the community, with an investment of close to $34 million in capital works.

“It has been an exciting time for our Shire, with work proceeding on our state-of-the-art saleyards, the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary, the centralised water treatment plant, and the airport tarmac,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have also had challenges. The floods took a heavy toll in Gunnedah and while we have come some way towards dealing with the millions of dollars worth of damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure, there is still work to be done.

“Council is doing its utmost to balance this need with managing the cost impact on our ratepayers. We have worked with, and will continue to work with, all levels of government to get the assistance that is needed for our road network.

“This Annual Report also shows the breadth of Council’s work in the community, from our support of older people through GoCo Community Care, to grants to the community and businesses, scholarships for young people, and a huge range of services.

“The pool, the sporting fields, the Cultural Precinct, the Library and many other Council facilities and services are all part of what makes living in Gunnedah Shire great.

“We are looking forward to an even bigger year ahead, with a budget of close to $66 million, including $28.8 million of capital works.”

Fast facts for 2022-23:

• Gunnedah Shire has a population of about 13,144 people
  • It covers 4,992 square kilometres
  • The Shire is represented by nine Councillors
  • About $34 million was invested in capital works in 2022-23
  • There are 200 full-time equivalent employees in Gunnedah Shire
  Council covering roles from waste management to animal control, and from economic development to library services and town planning
  • Council awarded $43,851 in community grants and $34,556 in Business Partner Program grants
  • Sixteen students shared a total of $21,850 in Gunnedah Community Scholarship funding
  • There were 12,799 visitors to the Visitor Information Centre
  • 190 development applications were approved
  • 36,850 tonnes of waste were delivered to waste facilities by customers
  • 57,762 people visited the Library, and 17,240 books were borrowed
  • Council held 11 Ordinary Council meetings, seven Planning, Environment and Development Committee meetings and four Audit Committee meetings.

Read the full 2022-23 Annual Report here.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Annual Report is a reflection of the depth and breadth of Council’s role in the community.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

November 14, 2023

Gunnedah Shire – get out those Christmas lights!

It’s time for the annual Gunnedah Shire Council Christmas Lights Competition and a return to the friendly rivalry for the coveted title of Santa Street.

Every year, Council encourages our communities in town and the surrounding villages to get festive and creative with their decorations for the chance to win prizes.

This year’s categories are:
• Best Decorated House - $200 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Nativity Scene - $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Christmas Theme in a Village - $150 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Santa Street – Winners’ plaque and $200 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Judges’ Choice Award - $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Dressed Shopfront Window - $100 Gunny Money Gift Card.

The competition is now open and will close 5pm on Friday, 8 December, with judging to follow shortly after. Nominees must be available on Wednesday, 20 December at 5.30pm when the winners will be presented at the Christmas Tree in Brocks Court, Gunnedah.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said the Christmas Lights Competition was an annual tradition in Gunnedah Shire, and helped add extra sparkle to the streets.

“It’s fun for everyone to take a look at the amazing lengths so many people in our community go to in their effort to make their home festive,” Ms Frater said.

“Whether you live in Carroll or have a business in Conadilly Street, this is your opportunity to add to the Christmas spirit and light up the Shire. Don’t forget to put in your entry form!”

Entry forms are available here, or can be picked up from the Gunnedah Shire’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah Shire Library or Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.

Completed nomination forms can be submitted to Gunnedah Shire Council by emailing council@infogunnedah.com.au, in person at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or by posting to PO Box 63, Gunnedah, NSW 2380.

Caption: Add some dash to Christmas this year with your entry in the Gunnedah Shire Council Christmas Lights Competition.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

9 November, 2023

Gunnedah Shire will show its support for the call to end gender and sexual violence against women and girls with a candlelight vigil on November 30.

The vigil, organised by Gunnedah Shire Council in partnership with the Gunnedah Community Action Team, is part of the 16 Days of Activism that runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, to Human Rights Day on December 10.

Gunnedah Shire Council Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton said this was a chance for people to unite in support of safety for women and girls.

“We know that one in three women will experience violence in their lifetime,” Ms Hilton said. “No level of violence is acceptable.

“We invite people to join us to be part of the 16 Days of Activism to show their support and to say no to violence. The theme for this year is ‘Respect’ and the colour theme is orange.”

Battery-operated candles will be provided at the Rotunda, and the event will include a reading of the names of each victim of domestic violence and intimate partner violence lost in 2023 followed by one minute’s silence.

What: 16 Days of Activism Candlelight Vigil

When: 7pm, Thursday, November 30, 2023

Where: Wolseley Park Rotunda, Conadilly Street, Gunnedah

November 7, 2023

About 180 attendees took advantage of Small Business Month in Gunnedah Shire, with a big variety of workshops and events on offer.

Approximately 98.5% of Gunnedah’s 1530 businesses are classified as small, with less than 20 employees.

Gunnedah Shire Council, with the help of funding from the NSW Department of Small Business, held a program of events that varied from a networking breakfast with the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, to workplace health and safety compliance, growing your business on Facebook, agri-tourism and how to start a pro-brewery sessions.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said small businesses were vitally important to Gunnedah’s economy.

“The sum of small businesses is a thriving economy and a growing community,” Ms Frater said.

“Small Business Month is a real reason to celebrate in Gunnedah Shire, and the 2023 program provided opportunities for our business people to get together, to discover new ways of working, fresh ideas and new ways to grow.

“We were really pleased to see so many business people join the many sessions on the program, and our thanks go to the venues who hosted workshops to help build our small businesses.

“Supporting small business can only benefit our whole community. After all, as well as the diversity and variety they add to our lifestyle, many big businesses started out small.”

Caption: Participants attend a Grow Your Business Using Facebook workshop for Small Business Month 2023.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

In accordance with Section 418 (3) of the Local Government Act, 1993, Gunnedah Shire Council advises that the Ordinary Council Meeting to be held on 15 November 2023 will include the presentation of the Audited Financial Statements and the Auditor’s Reports for the financial year ending 30 June 2023.

In accordance with Section 420 of the Local Government Act, 1993, any person may make a submission in writing to Council with respect to the Council’s Audited Financial Statements or the Auditor’s Reports.

The Audited Financial Statements and the Auditor’s Reports may be viewed online or in person at Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Submissions close one week after the above public meeting has been held.
Public Notice - Presentation of Financial Statements.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

1 November, 2023

Christmas is just around the corner and the Gunnedah Shire Council and Salvation Army are once again partnering for the annual Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal.

Each year the Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal draws on the compassion and generosity of the community with residents invited to donate gifts for distribution to families in need.

New and unwrapped gifts can be placed under the Christmas tree located in the foyer of the Gunnedah Shire Council administration building on (63 Elgin St, Gunnedah) and at the Gunnedah Shire Library (291 Conadilly St, Gunnedah).

Gift ideas include toys, clothing and accessories, books, sporting goods, games, beauty products and gift vouchers. For health and hygiene reasons, food items and pre-loved toys cannot be donated.

“Every year this appeal is a great way to make Christmas that little bit more special and festive for members of our community that are going through hard times,” said Gunnedah Shire Council Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke.

Donations must be received before 5PM, Friday 8th December 2023 and will be distributed to local families in the lead up to Christmas.

31 October, 2023

Gunnedah Shire business and community representatives have returned from an Employment Expo in Tonga that built practical ways forward for both regions.

The Gunnedah representatives held an Expo that attracted representatives from a large range of industries, including much-needed skill sets such as early childhood learning, nursing, teaching, and trades such as electrical, carpentry, and mechanics. Close to 200 people have registered their formal interest in pursuing employment.

“Early on in our Sister City relationship with Kolomotu’a in Tonga, there was a mutual identification of the need for a focus on employment,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“What we have learnt over the past two years is that the Tongan economy is heavily reliant on Tongan nationals earning income in other nations, while getting practical experience that is very limited in Tonga in their area of qualification.

“This Expo has taken us to the next level. It has not only connected us to the frontline people we need to reach, it has created an awareness of the jobs that are available in Gunnedah Shire.

“What a great feeling it will be for those who employ people from Kolomotu’a to know that not only are they meeting short-term employment needs in their business, but they are providing practical experience that will help build the skills in Tonga’s workforce.”

The representatives held the Employment Expo at the invitation of Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, who is also the patron of the Sister City relationship. Councillors, business and community representatives attended at their own expense.

The visit included representatives from aged care, mining, construction, Council and the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce.

Cr Chaffey said the representatives were warmly welcomed in Tonga and met with the Princess, the Acting High Commissioner for Tonga to Australia Curtis Tu’ihalangingie, and the High Commissioner for Australia in Tonga Rachael Moore, and other officials, including Lose Kuluka, the Principal of the Kolomotu’a Middle School. The Gunnedah Shire community has been helping with fundraising towards a new library for the school.

Representatives from Tonga surprised the contingent from Gunnedah Shire just ahead of their departure with the unveiling of a street named “Gunnedah Avenue”.

“This was a tremendous honour and a great surprise,” Cr Chaffey said. “It’s testament to the family relationship we have with Kolomotu’a and with all of Tonga.

“We will continue to work towards the many benefits this agreement can have for both of our homes. We are hoping for the next reciprocal visit from Kolomotu’a, led by Her Royal Highness, to be in the first half of 2024.”

Caption: Gunnedah Shire representatives at the unveiling of “Gunnedah Avenue” in Tonga.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.