11 December 2017

Gunnedah Shire Council has been recognised with a Community Engagement Award for its part in promoting waste education as part of the national Garage Sale Trail. Gunnedah Shire Council joined the Trail for the third year in a row this year, with a one-day mega garage sale held at the Gunnedah Showground.

Now in its seventh year, the event broke all preceding records, with over 379,959 Australians choosing to reuse by participating at over 15,469 garage sale events across the country on one weekend in October. The annual event saw over 2.4 million items listed for sale with a total approximate value of over $15 million.

Garage Sale Trail recently announced the winners of its annual Local Government Awards Program. Gunnedah Shire Council was awarded the Community Engagement Award for outstanding achievement in increasing community participation and community engagement for the event.

“It is a grassroots program powered by Local Government that encourages communities to rethink what they waste through the simple act of buying and selling at a garage sale instead of filling up landfill. It comes back to that saying ‘Someone’s trash is someone else’s treasure’. We were more than happy to once again join the Trail and promote waste education,” Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron said.

“It is something we are very passionate about and to be recognised for our efforts is very rewarding.”
Garage Sale Trail Co-Founder Andrew Valder said it is inspiring to see Councils continue to embrace the program in new and innovative ways.

“We would like to extend our congratulations to Gunnedah Shire Council for the way in which they have led the charge in 2017 by promoting and encouraging reuse in their local community.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

11 December 2017

The coveted Santa Street crown has returned to Kamilaroi Road again this year, with residents working hard on their winning Christmas lights displays for weeks.

The announcement was made at the Spirit of Christmas Fair on Friday night, where six houses (13, 15, 17, 40, 42 and 44) were awarded a winners plaque and a $100 gift voucher, sponsored by Gunnedah Shire Council.

The 2017 Christmas Lights Competition’s major sponsor was Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc, who provided prizes for the “Best Decorated Houses” sections.

Kamilaroi Road impressed the judges across the board, as first prize of $200 for the best decorated house went to the Laws family for their magnificent display set up at 42 Kamilaroi Road. Second place, with a $100 Gunnedah Gift Card went to Dave and Maryanne Grosser, at 17 Kamilaroi Road. Third prize of $50 was awarded to Wendy Hatch and family at 25 McAndrew Street.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey thanked everyone for their ongoing support of the Christmas Lights Competition.

“On behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council and all of our sponsors I would like to thank everyone who entered this competition and hope to see you all again, plus more, next year. We would also like to thank and acknowledge Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc, the major sponsor, for their support each year, as well as our other sponsors, Petries Mitre 10, JA Berry Home Timber and Hardware and Plants for You,” Cr Chaffey said.

Other prizewinners included the Thomas family, of 376 and 374 Conadilly Street, who received the Judge’s Choice Award, a $50 gift voucher, sponsored by Petries Mitre 10 Gunnedah. Kate and Ray Knight, of 405 Conadilly Street were also awarded Judge’s Choice, taking home a $50 voucher.

Raelene Higgins, of Furphy Road, Curlewis was awarded the Best Christmas Theme in a Village prize of a $50 gift voucher, sponsored by JA Berry Home Timber and Hardware, for her display.

The Judge’s Encouragement Award of a $50 gift voucher, sponsored by JA Berry Home Timber and Hardware, went to three residences (18, 16 and 14) in Warrumbungle Street.

“I would encourage everyone to take the time to drive around and see these magnificent displays that light up our Shire at night on the countdown to Christmas. It’s certainly worth a look and adds that something special during the festive season,” Cr Chaffey said.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES

Please be advised that the following facilities will be closed on Christmas & New Year’s Day:

• Gunnedah Waste Management Facility

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH

Monday 25 December 2017
Collection will be on Wednesday 27 December 2017.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Tuesday 26 December 2017
Collection will be on Wednesday 27 December 2017.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Wednesday 27 December 2017
Collection will be on Thursday 28 December 2017.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Wednesday evening as collection will begin early on Thursday.

Monday 1 January 2018
Collection will be on Tuesday 2 January 2018.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION – CURLEWIS

Monday 25 December 2017
Collection will be on Wednesday 27 December 2017.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Monday 1 January 2018
Collection will be on Wednesday 3 January 2018.
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 over the Christmas/New Year period 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 6740 2100

Eric Groth
General Manager

6 December 2017

Gunnedah Shire Council in collaboration with the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group is reviewing its Crime Prevention Plan. As part of the review, Council is encouraging the community to have their say in a new community safety survey.

In 2014, Council conducted a community safety survey to determine what local residents thought about crime and community safety in the Gunnedah Shire.

“Over 300 residents completed the survey and the feedback helped in the development of a realistic Action Plan, which later resulted in the Attorney General Department’s endorsement as a Safer Community Compact – allowing Council to apply for funding to implement strategies,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“A lot has been done since the Plan was developed, not only by Council and the Crime Prevention Working Group, but by organisations and businesses across the Shire. With the plan currently under review, we are keen to see if the community’s perception about crime and safety has changed in the last three years.”

Crime Prevention Working Group Chair Colleen Fuller said the survey will aid the Group in building on priorities and actions identified by community engagement and provide them with a clear set of goals to ensure the Shire remains safe for residents and visitors.

“Our aim is to work towards a crime free community and I encourage residents and stakeholders across the broader Shire to actively participate in the survey,” Crime Prevention Working Group Chair Colleen Fuller said.

The survey can be accessed online, until 5pm on Friday, 12 January 2018. Hard copies can be obtained from Council’s Administration Building or the Gunnedah Shire Library.

For more information please contact Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council is urging property owners to ensure they are up-to-date and comply with safety standards for private swimming pools.

Homeowners are required to obtain a Certificate of Compliance before selling or offering a property to rent with a pool.

In NSW, a swimming pool or spa is also required to be registered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register. Additionally, before erecting or installing a new swimming pool, homeowners must obtain either Development Consent and a Construction Certificate or a Complying Development Certificate.

“In NSW, an average of 11 children under five years of age drown annually, with a further 62 children being admitted to hospital each year for near drowning. Approximately 70 per cent of drowning deaths occur in swimming pools,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Building and Environment Blake O’Mullane said.

“These statistics are a stark reminder of the importance of pool safety. It is extremely important all pool owners check their swimming pools regularly throughout the year, especially in the months leading up to summer to ensure all safety measures are in place.”

In 2014, Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to adopt a Swimming Pool Barrier Inspection Program, following changes to state legislation.

“The aim of the inspection program is to identify swimming pools that are not protected by a child resistant barrier in accordance with legislative standards; to take appropriate action to ensure identified non-compliant swimming pool barriers are brought into compliance with the required standards; and to establish an adopted inspection program as required under Section 22B of the Swimming Pools Act 1992,” Mr O’Mullane said.

“The overall aim being to reduce drowning and near drowning instances of children.”

For more information on requirements for development or building works visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Applications for Certificates of Compliance and information on the fees applicable are available by contacting Council on (02) 6740 2100.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

NSW Health has been working with Gunnedah Shire Council to consider fluoridation of the Gunnedah town water supply.

Council endorsed a recommendation for NSW Health to undertake community consultation regarding the fluoridation process and implementation at its October Ordinary Meeting.

NSW Health says water fluoridation is the process of adding fluoride to a public drinking water supply and that it protects against tooth decay – one of the most common health problems in Australia.

“Over the next two months, NSW Health will provide the Gunnedah community with information about water fluoridation. The community will have an opportunity to have their say through submissions during this consultation process,” Acting Director Infrastructure Services Edward Paas said.

“A fact sheet prepared by NSW Health has already been distributed with Gunnedah Shire’s quarterly rates notices to give our community access to information on the matter. A website with further information and to accept submissions has also been launched by NSW Health to make it easy for our residents to have their say.

“Following the consultation period, NSW Health will prepare a report for Council, and a decision is expected to be made at Council’s December Ordinary Meeting.”

If introduced, this would also apply to the Curlewis water supply following the planned Curlewis Pipeline Project, connecting Curlewis to Gunnedah’s town water supply.

Submissions will be taken until 8 December 2017. For more information or to make a submission please visit www.gunnedahfluoride.com.au 

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson announced today an $850,000 boost for Gunnedah's Livvi's Place Playground - an all inclusive playground planned to be built at Wolseley Park.

Gunnedah Shire Council applied for funding from the Stronger Country Communities Program as part of the NSW Government's $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund to add to already allocated funds. The project will see trampolines, dual swings, a sandpit, tube rides, acoustic instruments and more.

“Our community has been calling out for upgrades to local facilities and I’m thrilled these sorts of projects can now be carried out. This inclusive playground has a wide variety of activities that will entertain a range of ages and abilities," Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said.

“Livvi’s Place playground has to come to life through the Stronger Country Communities program which is a once-in-a-generation investment and it will provide regional towns like Gunnedah with the infrastructure they deserve.

“We need to continue to work toward improving the lives of residents and enhance the attractiveness of our region, this funding will help us do exactly that."

The concept plan was developed by Kathryn Yigman of Stewart Surveys, following extensive consultation with the community and the Inclusive Playground Working Group.

Local mum Ashley Bender began the campaign for the playground by presenting a 300-plus signature petition to Council to consider the concept.

Earlier in the year, Council moved to enter into partnership with the Touched By Olivia Foundation, whose purpose is to create inclusive play spaces to give every Australian the right to play, side by side, without discrimination or prejudice and to facilitate social and community inclusion for people with a disability as well as their families and carers.

The NSW Government is delivering the largest litter reduction scheme ever introduced in NSW, Return and Earn.

Return and Earn will roll out from 1 December 2017 and will help to reduce the 160 million drink containers littered in our environment each year. Drink containers make up almost half of the volume of litter in NSW.

Woolworths Gunnedah has been chosen as the retail partner for this scheme, with Reverse Vending Machines located at the back of the store.

Return and Earn is part of the NSW Government's commitment to reducing litter volume in NSW by 40 per cent by 2020.

Key features of Return and Earn are:

• when the scheme is fully rolled out, there will be more than 500 collection points across the state, including in remote towns of more than 500 people and at 270 sites across the Greater Sydney Region;
• the 10 cent refund at reverse vending machines will be provided as a voucher for in-store redemption, electronic transfer, cash or may be donated to a community group;
• eligible containers include most glass, cans, plastic and paperboard drink containers between 150 millilitres and three litres - those most often found in the litter stream.

How will this benefit my community?

The main beneficiaries of the scheme will be the environment and the community. Over the next 20 years, the scheme is expected to result in:

1. 1.6 billion fewer beverage containers being littered.
2. Almost 11 billion fewer beverage containers ending up in landfill.
3. 12.6 billion more beverage containers being recycled.

What containers are eligible?

Most empty 150-millilitre to three litre beverage containers will be eligible for a 10 cent refund when presented to an approved NSW collection point. There are some exceptions and containers not eligible for a refund are described in the section below.

Container materials that may be eligible for a refund include:

• PET
• HDPE
• glass
• aluminium
• steel
• liquid paperboard

Scheme exceptions

Containers that are not included in the scheme and, therefore, do not qualify for a refund are:

• plain milk (or milk substitute) containers
• flavoured milk containers of one litre or more
• pure fruit or vegetable juice containers of one litre or more
• glass containers for wine and spirits
• casks (plastic bladders in boxes) for wine and casks for water of one litre or more
• sachets for wine of 250 millilitres or more
• containers for cordials, and concentrated fruit/vegetable juices
• registered health tonics

These drinks are predominantly consumed at home and are not found in the litter stream. They are also broadly similar to the exceptions in the South Australian and Northern Territory container deposit schemes, to aid consistency.

How do I participate?

From 1 December 2017, consumers can exchange an eligible container at an approved collection point to receive a 10 cent refund per container. Containers should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and with the original label attached.

Consumers that use a reverse vending machine to return their containers will have three options to receive a refund payment:

1. Donating to a selected charity.
2. Receiving the refund into your registered account.
3. Taking a voucher into the retail partner to either redeem for cash or use towards your purchase.

Schools, charities and community groups can register for Return and Earn Reverse Vending Machine donations via email to: donations@tcnsw.com.au

There will be more than 500 collection points across NSW that may include Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) in your local shopping centre or shops, over the counter sites, existing recycling centres, or a combination of all. An online map will be unveiled in coming weeks so that you can find your nearest collection point.

For more information visit www.returnandearn.org.au

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery is proud to exhibit a collaborative collection of works titled, ‘A Wilful, Lavish Land’, by renowned artists Frances Feasey, Emily Simson and Maree Kelly.

The exhibition is named after a line from Dorothea Mackellar’s famous poem ‘My Country’, which inspired the artists to explore their practices of drawing, printmaking and painting different landscapes, using acrylics and oils.

All three artists are established regional artists and have been exhibiting their works throughout NSW for more than 15 years, both in solo and group exhibitions.

Frances Feasey grew up in the Tamworth area and now lives in the Blue Mountains.

She attended TAFE at Tamworth with Emily Simson were they studied Fine Arts. Frances will showcase drawings, using both oil and acrylic media in the exhibition. “I’m interested in the afternoon light in the landscape. This is the time when different colours emerge, flickers of light highlighting different aspects of the bush reveal themselves and an eerie atmosphere is created,” Frances said.

“My painting process involves lots of mark making and building up of layers. With my work I oscillate between creating images that are representational and creating abstract marks and shapes. They are always with a particular landscape in mind such as my neighbourhood in the Blue Mountains or Hill End in NSW, uniting the works.”

Emily Simson grew up on the family farm ‘Red Bobs’, Wandobah and is now living in Armidale. Emily will display print-making, drawing and acrylic paintings in the exhibition.

“Painting the landscape is endless, even the most familiar scene is constantly changing in the light, seasons and weather. So my paintings are following the feeling of being in the landscape, completely surrounded by that particular day or hours, the stillness or wind or heat,” Emily said.

Maree Kelly was born and raised in Gunnedah and now lives on a farm south of Curlewis. Maree also attended TAFE, before finishing a degree in Fine Arts at Newcastle University with Emily. Maree will exhibit oil paintings on canvas and paper.

“I live on part of Long Mountain at Curlewis and recent work has explored my own backyard - the foothills and rocky outcrops around the mountain and the panoramic views looking out from the mountain over the plains. I looked at different light in the landscape during different seasons and times of day, and the artworks in the exhibition range from paintings of strong light on a winter morning to the mysterious light cast by a full moon,” Maree said.

The exhibition opening night will be held from 6:00pm on Saturday, 9 December 2017 at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery. Light refreshments will be provided.

The exhibition continues until 2 February, 2018.

Photo Caption 1: Maree Kelly.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on the local community to get involved in the Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal and the Library ‘Food for Fines’ initiative this year.

Council’s Community Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal focuses on the collection of food and toys for distribution by the Salvation Army to local individuals and families who are facing tough times over the Christmas period.

The Library ‘Food for Fines” initiative invites Library members who may have incurred a Library fine to instead donate a non-perishable food item to the value of the fine.

“I am proud that Council is behind this great initiative which is now in its third year. Last year, residents throughout the Gunnedah Shire donated almost 200 items, proving once again what an extremely compassionate and generous community we have. The appeal provides a great way for all of us to reach out and help others, at what is such a special time of year,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The appeal will complement the wonderful work of the Salvation Army and other local emergency relief and support services during what are normally their busiest time of the year. I encourage everyone to get involved. “Last year, the Salvation Army helped over 300,000 Australians in need at Christmas. In 2016, Salvation Army figures revealed that sadly, 55 per cent of disadvantaged people were not able to give gifts to their family and friends at Christmas. Let’s band together and support those in need this Christmas,” Cr Chaffey concluded.

Residents can give to a child and family in need this Christmas, by placing an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item under one of the Christmas trees located at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building (63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah) or Gunnedah Shire Library (291 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah).

For health and hygiene reasons, pre-loved toys cannot be accepted and only in-date canned and/or non-perishable food items are encouraged for donation.

The final collection date at both locations will be Tuesday, 12 December 2017. For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: Dianne Schutz (Salvation Army) and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100