Kitchener Park in Gunnedah is set for a major upgrade to include an inclusive playground.

Designed by Stewart Surveys, the new playground will include accessible ramps, an inclusive swing set, new connecting pathways to the amenities block as well as a BBQ and shaded seating area.

The project is jointly funded by the NSW Government and Gunnedah Shire Council through the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's Everyone Can Play Grant Program.

The Program aims to assist Councils in designing and constructing or upgrading existing play spaces to be more inclusive and accessible.

“The vision is to create a vibrant, welcoming, safe and accessible environment that offers opportunities for children to further develop their physical, cognitive, sensory and social skills,” said Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett.

Kitchener Park is located at the eastern end of Conadilly Street and once completed will complement the Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground in Wolseley Park at the Western end of Conadilly Street.

“This will ensure that locals and visitors have access to all abilities play spaces at two high- profile locations and entry points to the Gunnedah Central Business District,” he added.

Daracon has been awarded the project that is due for completion at the end of 2023.

The countdown is well and truly on to the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference that will take place in Gunnedah on the 23rd and 24th November, 2023.

Across the two days attendees will discover innovative and collaborative approaches to crime prevention and community safety with a highly respected and credentialed line up of speakers all sharing their expertise and insights.

2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame will deliver a keynote address and will be supported by a range of invaluable presentations.

Some of the guest speakers include;

Dr. Alana Cook from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research who will talk about youth crime in NSW, the changing face of youth crime and the most frequent types of crime behaviours during the past 10 years.

“By presenting a local view of youth crime in NSW, I am aiming to provide a better understanding of it in the regions, “Dr. Cook said.

Professor Neil Curtis, Professor of Cybersecurity & Senior Executive at DXC Technology, who will focus on cyber resilience, empowering local business, agriculture and government.

“I will explore the impact of cybersecurity on rural Australia, risks for local businesses, agriculture, and government and share emerging cybersecurity trends and insights that help establish best practice and keep local communities safe.”

“Together there are opportunities for collaboration and innovation that empower local communities and establish their cyber resilience,” Professor Curtis said.

Boudene Hauraki , the Community Engagement Head – Target Zero at the Centre for Multicultural Youth in Victoria will discuss youth crime and youth justice.

“I will introduce a new project in Melbourne’s western suburbs called Target Zero which looks to eliminate the over representation of Maori/Pacifica/African young people and innovative approaches – co-design and community engagement,” Mr. Hauraki said.

Hunter Johnson, founder of national mental health charity The Man Cave, and social enterprise STUFF, will also feature at the much anticipated conference.

“Right now there is no clear rite of passage for boys into manhood. Boys often initiate themselves into adulthood, which usually results in risk taking behavior to prove their masculinity.”

“My work at The Man Cave is to provide boys with a safe, healthy journey into adulthood. I will share insights into what the next generation of young men are thinking and feeling and provide practical strategies to support their healthy development,” Mr. Johnson said.

The full program for the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference can be viewed at https://www.cpc.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/. Tickets are still available through this dedicated website.

Gunnedah Shire Council has launched a Presenting Partner Program to give local businesses the opportunity to work with The Civic to host movie events.

Businesses (approved to be part of the program) will be notified when an event is coming up and invited to contribute towards its success by providing a helping hand and friendly face, serving food and beverages and assisting in other ways.

There is a maximum contribution of up to $1000 per business, per event, and these donations will go towards improving the quality of the event and costs such as insurance (when required).

“The Presenting Partner Program is an excellent opportunity for businesses to show their support of the Gunnedah Shire, its community events and cultural activities.”

“Off the back of the success of the Barbie movie promotion that we did in August, we decided to make collaborating with local businesses for these popular events more of a focus,” said Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater.

Application forms for the Presenting Partner Program are available at https://www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events .

A review of Gunnedah central business district (CBD) parking has taken a comprehensive look at parking space numbers and availability.

Gunnedah Shire Council engaged consultants Bitzios Consulting to prepare an updated CBD Parking Strategy to replace the one completed in 2018. The strategy formed the basis of a new Gunnedah CBD Parking Contributions Plan.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said Council wanted to look at what changes there had been in parking in the CBD since 2018, and to understand the balance between supply and demand.

“This strategy looks at the number of car parks within the CBD, where they are and how they are being used,” Mr Bartlett said.

“Before we can effectively implement a contributions plan towards new car parks as the CBD develops and evolves, we need to understand how it is working for our CBD now.

“What the strategy found was that parking occupation has actually decreased marginally since 2018, with a more even spread of parking demand in our CBD. Short-term parking spaces have increased by 5%, and there are an additional four person with disability car parks.

“Our population is predicted to grow, and this strategy makes a number of recommendations to help manage our parking network into the future. This strategy has also informed the proposed Gunnedah CBD Parking Contributions Plan to allow a fair and practical method to levy development that increases demand on Council provided car parking.”

Fast facts from the Gunnedah CBD Parking Review:

• There are 2,226 parking spaces in the Gunnedah CBD study area, with 409 of those spaces in private car parks including supermarkets
• 72% (1,309 spaces) of the public parking spaces have no time restrictions
• 26% (470 spaces) have time restrictions, with the majority being two-hour parking (462 spaces)
• There are 30 accessible parking spaces for people with a disability in the public parking areas
• The peak hour for parking is 10-11am. During this peak hour, 48% (597 of the 1255 spaces) in the core CBD precinct are occupied
• The peak hour for the fringe study area was 11am-12pm, with 39% (383 of 970 spaces) occupied
• Off-street parking in the core CBD precinct usually has spare capacity with the exception of the Gunnedah Shire Council building car park in Elgin Street and Aldi Car Park
• A total of 81 of 463 vehicles overstayed in timed parking spaces (17%). The highest number of over stayers were in Marquis Street (23%), followed by Chandos Street (24-25%).

To take a look at the full strategy and the Council resolution and find out how you can provide feedback, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

The exhibition period closes at 5pm on 15 November, 2023.

Gunnedah Shire Council has approved an area in Wandobah Reserve (opposite McAndrew Park) as the location for development of an Off-Leash Dog Park.

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of the current financial year.

The approved location takes into account key considerations for dog parks contained within the Open Space Strategy.

Council is welcoming feedback from the local community about how the facility should take shape https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QDLM9HX 

Surveys must be completed by Monday, 31 October, 2023.

4 October, 2023

As Gunnedah Shire’s Year 12 students finish their school years, it’s a great time to look at applying for the 2024 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund had been helping our local youth set off on their tertiary education journey for 20 years.

“We are proud to continue to help our young people launch the first step of their careers through the Community Scholarship Fund,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Since the fund’s inception 20 years ago, more than 400 scholarships have been awarded, with close to $400,000 raised and distributed across the Shire.

“It is an innovative partnership between Gunnedah Shire Council and our community, where every cent donated by businesses, groups and individuals goes to the students to help meet the costs of tertiary education.

“I urge people to spread the word so that our young people can apply and receive a helping hand towards their future.”

The fund is open to all local students under 25 years who are looking to further their training and education at university, TAFE, or an accredited training organisation. Past scholarships have covered a diverse array of courses including accounting, agriculture, allied health, animal science, law, architecture, arts/theatre, civil engineering, education, information technology, medicine, nursing and social work.

The scholarship can help with expenses including:
• Purchasing textbooks
• Relocation and other travel costs
• Living expenses, and
• Contribution towards tuition fees.

Applications for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship fund are now open and will close at 5pm on Friday, 12 January, 2024.

Applications can be submitted via
https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/2024-gunnedah-community-scholarship-fund/?fbclid=IwAR1Tx3fcqJhPAsIXrozhe1iFZ7oAdB742NVclxR-CVI-PB7TPCxMdVNivXs

Donations for the 2024 Scholarship Round can be received up to Friday 1 December 2023. To enquire about making a donation, please contact Gunnedah Shire Council on 02 6740 2100, or email council@infogunnedah.com.au with the subject line “Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund”.

Caption: 2023 recipients of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund. Image courtesy of The Gunnedah Times.

ENDS

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

Gunnedah has diverse community committees and groups to represent the Shire and many dedicated volunteers and industry representatives who contribute significantly to its services, economy, events and lifestyle.

At its September meeting, Council endorsed its Register of Committee, Advisory and Working Groups for the next term. Each will be represented by Councillors as well as staff and community members.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey thanked his colleagues for the important role they play in these groups and committees.

“Through their continued involvement in these committees and groups my fellow councillors show enormous commitment to our community and help make Gunnedah a great place to live,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Gunnedah Shire Council is a leading organisation in our community, and Councillors are always happy to support the committees and groups that help make things happen.”

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee – Cr J McArthur and Cr A Luke
Planning Environment and Development Committee – Cr J Chaffey, Cr C Fuller, Cr R Hoddle, Cr R Hooke, Cr A Luke, Cr J McArthur, Cr K McGrath, Cr D Moses, Cr M O’Keefe,
Access Working Group – Cr C Fuller
Australia Day Working Group – Cr J Chaffey, Cr R Hooke, Cr J McArthur
Business Partner Program Advisory Group – Cr C Fuller, Cr R Hooke, Cr A Luke, Cr R Hoddle
Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference Working Group – Cr K McGrath, Cr C Fuller, Cr R Hooke, Cr D Moses
Crime Prevention Working Group – Cr K McGrath, Cr C Fuller, Cr R Hooke, Cr D Moses
Economy & Growth Working Group – Cr R Hoddle, Cr J McArthur, Cr M O’Keefe, Cr R Hooke
Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Working Group – Cr J Chaffey, Cr C Fuller
Local Traffic Advisory Committee – Cr D Moses
Gunnedah Shire Council Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group – Cr J Chaffey, Cr K McGrath
Showground Working Group - Cr C Fuller, Cr R Hooke, Cr J McArthur, Cr D Moses
Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group – Cr J Chaffey, Cr C Fuller, Cr J McArthur, Cr R Hoddle

Arts Gunnedah has been allocated $5,000 through the second round of the 2023/2024 Section 356 (Arts and Cultural) Small Grants Program for delivery of its 2023 Arts and Ceramics Exhibition.

Council’s Section 356 (Arts and Cultural) Small Grants Program has been in place since 2017 and supports the work of local not-for-profit, charitable arts and cultural focussed groups and organisations.

For Round Two, applications were assessed by a panel that included Gunnedah Shire Councillors Kate McGrath, Juliana McArthur and Robert Hoddle.

Cr Kate McGrath warmly congratulated Arts Gunnedah on receiving the $5,000.

“Arts Gunnedah is a dynamic and progressive group that stages wonderful exhibitions in our region and our community is very fortunate to be able to access and enjoy these throughout the year,” said Cr McGrath.

“They should be commended on their recent Arts and Ceramics Exhibition which attracted strong visitation.”

Gunnedah Shire Councillors have re-elected the leadership team of Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke.

At the mayoral election this week, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were elected by Councillors in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 that stipulates mid-term mayoral elections.

Cr Chaffey and Cr Hooke will hold the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions until the council elections anticipated to take place in September 2024.

Of his re-election Mayor Chaffey said: “I am honoured to be elected to serve another term as Mayor of the Gunnedah Shire. I am deeply passionate about leading progress and development of our community and I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and staff over the next 12 months.”

Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke said: “I am pleased to be elected for another term as Deputy Mayor of the Gunnedah Shire and would like to thank my fellow councillors for having faith in me to continue in this position supporting Mayor Chaffey.”

Gunnedah Shire Councillors also voted to retain nine Councillor positions.

The 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting schedule ahead of the elections was endorsed at the meeting. Meeting dates are:

• 21 February, 2024
• 20 March, 2024
• 17 April, 2024
• 15 May, 2024
• 19 June, 2024
• 17 July, 2024

Council will seek expressions of interest from village hall committees and progress associations to host two Council meetings in 2024, subject to the declared date for Council elections.

20 September, 2023

There are more than 1530 businesses in Gunnedah Shire, and approximately 98.5% of them are classified as small, with less than 20 employees.

That’s about 1500 reasons to celebrate New South Wales Small Business Month and Gunnedah Shire Council, with the help of funding from the NSW Department of Small Business, is about to do just that.

The NSW Small Business Month events kick off with a joint Gunnedah Shire Council and Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce Welcome Breakfast at the Railway Hotel at 7.30am on Tuesday, 10 October.
This year’s theme is “My Small Business”, and business people from all types of industries will be able to make new connections and hear from knowledgeable locals Josh Launders, Donna Grant and Renee Torrens as they share their experience in small business teams, financial health and mindfulness.
The Welcome Breakfast will be followed by a program of events throughout October, including sessions in Busy Minded Business Owners and Leaders, Agri-Tourism, Grow Your Business Using Facebook, and HR and WHS Compliance. There is also a Zoom session at the Gunnedah Hotel on How to Start a Pro Brewery or Distillery.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said NSW Small Business Month was a great time to provide fresh opportunities for business people.

“Gunnedah Shire is lucky enough to have a really diverse blend of businesses,” Cr Chaffey said. “We’re proud to present a program of events that can help our business people in a range of ways, from understanding their workplace health and safety obligations, to improving their mental health, or starting a brewery.

“NSW Small Business Month is an opportunity to celebrate our business people and everything they have achieved – and help them to achieve even more.”

The Gunnedah Shire NSW Small Business Month program includes:

• Tuesday, 10 October: Welcome Breakfast at the Railway Hotel at 7.30am – $15, book at https://www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au/activity/2023-small-business-month-launch-breakfast/
• Friday, 13 October: Busy Minded Business Owners and Leaders with Renee Torrens at Business and Life in Alignment, 155 Conadilly Street at 12.30pm – free workshop, book at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1114955
• Monday, 16 October: Busy Minded Business Owners and Leaders with Renee Torrens at Business and Life in Alignment, 155 Conadilly Street at 6pm – free workshop, book at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1114955
• Thursday, 19 October: How to Start a Pro Brewery or Distillery with Spark Breweries & Distilleries, via Zoom at the Gunnedah Hotel at 5.30pm – free workshop, book at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1114037
• Friday, 20 October: Agri-Tourism Information Session with representatives from Plains Inc, town planning, tourism and Destination Country and Outback NSW at the Commercial Hotel Curlewis at 3pm – free workshop, book at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1122059
• Saturday, 21 October: Grow Your Business Using Facebook with Taylah Hudson at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre at 1pm – free workshop, book at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1113801
• Thursday, 26 October: HR & WHS Compliance with Renee Torrens at the Namoi Valley Brickworks, 37 Mullaley Road at 4pm – free workshop, book at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1115405
• Tuesday, 31 October: HR & WHS Compliance with Renee Torrens at Business and Life in Alignment at 155 Conadilly Street at 12.30pm – free workshop, book at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1115423

ENDS

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