Nominations for the NSW/ACT Young Achiever Awards are now open - giving Gunnedah the chance to recognise local young achievers.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey encourages all residents to nominate a local young person into the NSW/ACT Young Achiever Awards.

“We have a huge cross-section of high achievers among our younger community and it’s important to recognise their efforts to boost their confidence and help to build a strong foundation for their future,” Cr Chaffey said.

Nominations are being sought in the following categories:

• The Coffee Club Arts and Fashion Award
• First National Real Estate Leadership Award
• Freemasons of NSW/ACT Community Service Award
• Aboriginal Education Council Aboriginal Education Award
• Worldwide Printing Solution Sports Award
• Soroptimist International Women Creating Change Award
• WFI Insurance Small Business Achiever Award

The Awards will culminate with a Gala Presentation Dinner on Friday, 20 April 2018 at the SMC Conference and Function Centre. Category winners will each receive $2,500 from Masonicare and a trophy. One of the category winners will be chosen as the NSW/ACT Young Achiever of the Year and will receive $5,000 from Masonicare and a State trophy.

To submit a nomination, visit www.awardsaustralia.com/nswactyaa and click ‘Nominate Now.’ Nominations close Friday, 8 December 2017. For more information phone the Awards Office on 1300 735 445 or email nswyaa@awardsaustralia.com 

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Tantalise your taste buds at the Gunnedah Youth Council’s (GYC) Dessert Bar on Friday, 6 October.

The pop-up style dessert bar is designed to be a takeaway dining experience with many mouth-watering desserts on the menu, including hot chocolates, triple decker mudcakes, ultimate brownie sundaes and more.

The dessert bar will be located in Little Conadilly Street near the Creative Arts Gallery from 5pm to 9pm.

All money raised will go towards the Gunnedah Youth Council and the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

“The Dessert Bar is designed to bring vibrancy to the CBD as part of the Vibrant Precincts Project as well as raising funds for two of our great services,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Officer Sewa Emojong said.

“There are lots of delicious treats on our menu and we invite everyone to come and join in the fun – you can either pre-order or just turn up on the night and take your dessert to eat wherever takes your fancy.

“Our Youth Council members have been working hard to bring this idea to light and we are looking forward to the event.”

The Dessert Bar is the first initiative of its kind for GYC. The concept was created by GYC members and is supported by Gunnedah Shire Council and NSW Department of Industry’s Vibrant Precincts Project.

Menus and order forms are available below or from Council’s Administration Building and Visitor Information Centre. Pre-orders are available until Friday, 29 September at 5:00pm.

For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council formalised a Sister City Relationship with the Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, with an official ceremony to mark the occasion last week.

Entering into the relationship has the potential to create social, cultural and economic benefits to both localities now and in the future.

Six delegates from the Yinzhou Government visited the Gunnedah Shire to sign official documents and experienced a taste of Gunnedah during their stay.

“A positive outcome of the agreement would be the potential to host student exchanges and create a cultural understanding between the two regions,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“While the delegation was here they visited St Mary’s College to meet with students who have been learning Mandarin, with hopes to establish a student exchange program.

“An exchange program would provide a wealth of opportunities to our local students, allowing them to accept and understand a different culture and other community perspectives through International learning.”

St Mary’s College Year 8 students welcomed Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and the Yinzhou delegation on Friday morning.

“The students were able to officially welcome the delegation in Mandarin and show them around our school,” St Mary’s College Principal Max Quirk said.

“The school visit was a tremendous success and Cr Chaffey spoke to the students about how exciting the initiative is between Gunnedah and Yinzhou and the possibility of a student exchange program between a school in China and St Mary’s College.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and they are excited to start writing letters to new found friends in China via the pen pal system, with the hopes to eventually be able to Skype classrooms in China and exchange language and ideas.”

During their stay, the delegation were invited to local orange farm “Gunnible” for an official dinner, as well as taking part in flights over Gunnedah and koala spotting before signing the official documents in a ceremony at Wolseley Park.

“Fate will bring us together even if we are thousands of miles away,” Deputy Director, The Standing Committee of Yinzhou District People’s Congress, Lyu Hongqin said.

The delegation was welcomed by Gomeroi Elders conducting a traditional Smoking Ceremony, before the Australian and Chinese National Anthems were played by the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music.

A Chinese Elm tree was planted at Wolseley Park to mark the beginning of the relationship and will grow as the relationship grows.

Photo caption – Sister City Agreement Official Photo: Members of the Yinzhou delegation with Gunnedah Shire Councillors and staff at an official dinner. Photo Credit: Paul Mathews.

Photo caption – Yinzhou Sister City Visit (5): Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Director, The Standing Committee of Yinzhou District People’s Congress, Lyu Hongqin sign the official agreement.

Photo caption – Yinzhou Sister City Visit (10): Yinzhou Delegation and representatives from Gunnedah Shire Council welcomed at St Mary’s College.

Photo caption – Yinzhou Sister City Visit (11): St Mary’s College students and official guests at the Sister City Ceremony.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Seven (7) local community and four (4) sports groups will benefit from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Section 356 Small Grants Program, with a total of $34,580 recently endorsed by Council for a range of projects and initiatives across the Shire.

“The financial assistance program has been in place for more than a decade, and to date has distributed more than $320,000,” Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The program is designed to support the work of local charitable and not-for- profit organisations in our community, through projects that meet the needs of our growing community. The level of funding available under the program is dependent on the project but can be up to $5,000.”

Members of the Section 356 Committee, Councillor Ann Luke, Councillor David Moses and Councillor John Campbell met recently to assess a total of 16 applications against the priorities and eligibility criteria outlined in the guidelines, and in the context of the funds available.

“Priority was given to those applications that not only benefited their organisation but also the broader community,” Cr Chaffey said.

Successful community organisations included the Gunnedah Basketball Association, Gunnedah Little Athletics Club, Gunnedah Rugby Union Club, Gunnedah Junior Cricket Club, Gunnedah Meals on Wheels, Gunnedah Toastmasters, Gunnedah Miners Support, Piallaway Progress Association, Rotary Club of Gunnedah 2380, Rotary Club of Gunnedah West and Tambar Springs Progress Association.

A presentation of the grants will take place at Council Chambers, 63 Elgin Street on Monday, 25 September at 4.00pm.

For more information contact Gunnedah Shire 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’s best practice water management has paid off after taking home top accolades at the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Water Management Conference Awards recently.

A conference dinner was held at Western Plains Zoo featuring awards for the most improved water and sewer business with less than 5000 connections and businesses with greater than 5000 connections. Gunnedah Shire Councillor John Campbell and Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan attended the annual conference in Dubbo on 4-6 September – accepting awards on Council’s behalf.

Gunnedah Shire Council was announced the winner of the Most Improved Small Sewerage Provider (less than 5000 connections) and the inaugural Overall Winner of the Sam Samra Award for 2017, for Most Improved Water and Sewerage Service Provider.

“It’s an honour to be recognised, especially with the inaugural Sam Samra Award. Sam was passionate about the Local Government water industry and worked tirelessly to improve water and sewer businesses with the introduction of best practice water management and benchmarking Councils’ performances with annual reporting,” Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan said.

“To be acknowledged on this scale is a huge credit to our entire team and the Council as a whole. There is a lot of work from different departments to achieve the final result.”

The winners were selected following an investigation by a panel of Department of Primary Industries Water staff evaluating 10 years of data from annual performance reports, returns and compliance with best practice management requirements.

“The Sam Samra Awards are seen as very prestigious in the water and sewer industry. The recognition of Kevin and his team being selected for two of these awards across all Councils in NSW reflects well on over 10 years of diligent effort and best practice in delivering and improving the services for the community of Gunnedah,” Acting Director of Infrastructure Services Edward Paas said.

Sam Samra was a NSW Government public servant, working in the water industry for 50 years before he retired in July 2016. Sam was killed in a tragic accident just two weeks later.

Photo caption: Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan and Acting Director Infrastructure Services Edward Paas with the awards.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

The GYC Dessert Bar is the first initiative of its kind for Gunnedah Youth Council and we really appreciate your support!

HOW IT WORKS

The GYC Dessert Bar is designed to be a takeaway dining experience. You can drop by and choose from our delicious menu before going out into the night to enjoy your desserts wherever you like!

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN EVEN PRE-ORDER?

For those who want to get in early, you can pick up an Order Form from the Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building or the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre. You can also check out our menu and a copy of the Order Form below.

Orders must be placed by 5.00pm Friday, 29 September 2017 and it is recommended that you complete payment for your order when you hand in your Order Form.

ON THE NIGHT

On arrival at the GYC Dessert Bar, you will be greeted by a member of the GYC Team who will provide you with a menu and take your order, before directing you to the seating area to await your dessert. When complete, your order will be brought to you and you can head off and enjoy your dessert wherever takes your fancy!

For those who can't wait to devour their desserts we will have seating available in the Creative Arts Courtyard in Little Conadilly Street. Dine-in seating is 'first in, best dressed' and we are unable to take any reservations due to the limited space available.

If you have pre-ordered, just come on down to the GYC Dessert Bar during your selected pick-up window and simply give your name. You will then be asked to wait briefly in the seating area while we add the finishing touches to your order.

To promote sustainability and support the environment at our event, we invite those who order a Hot Chocolate or Ginger beer float to bring their own coffee cup or travel mug.

We invite everyone to join in on the deliciousness and we can't wait to see you at the GYC Dessert Bar!

Event Contact - Gunnedah Shire Council Youth Development Officer:

Sewa Emojong | P: 02 6740 2100 | E: council@infogunnedah.com.au

The past 12 months were a successful and defining year of significant achievements for the Gunnedah Shire and its residents.

Gunnedah Shire Council highlights a number of key initiatives as it looks back on a year in review, before Councillors move into the second year of their term.
“Looking back over the past 12 months, I’m very proud of our achievements, both large and small for the people of our growing area and delighted that we have commenced planning for many more great things to come,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“I want to congratulate every Councillor on the way in which they have worked to ensure that as elected members our focus is to work together as a strong team to guarantee success for our community.

The development of the 10-year Community Strategic Plan (CSP) has set the future blueprint for the Gunnedah Shire. Engaging with the community and building on their ideas has formed the direction for the next 10 years and has resulted in the commencement of many projects that are underway.

“It has been exciting for Council to see the roll-out of initiatives that originated from community suggestions and feedback we received when developing the CSP,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have a strong focus on tourism, economic development, increasing the livability of our Shire, maintaining infrastructure and services to suit our growing community and looking at ways to attract more people to Gunnedah.”

• Improving vibrancy of the Shire was a priority for the community, a number of projects have begun including beautification to town entrances, roundabouts and villages, murals, planter boxes in the main street and improved traffic conditions to Chandos Street.
• The design was finalised for the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex upgrade and a contractor selected to commence construction in October. Council has also lodged an expression of interest with the State Government’s Resources for Regions fund to support construction of additional elements of the master plan.
• The Blackjack Creek Mitigation Project has moved to the next stage with a design concept finalised and contractor engaged. The Project is aimed at reducing the impact of flooding from Blackjack Creek to properties and residences in the Wandobah Road area. Works on the project are expected to begin in November.
• Council was successful in obtaining $1.8million from Restart NSW towards the completion of the Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade.
• The concept plan for the Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground was accepted and Council has applied for funding through the Stronger Country Communities Program, as well as allocating seed funding to the project.
• Council was awarded $2.6 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund for the Curlewis Pipeline Project. The project will enable Curlewis to connect to Gunnedah’s town water supply.
• Council has continued to work in conjunction with the State Government to ensure the biggest infrastructure project in Gunnedah’s history goes ahead – the second road over rail pass. Council has also continued to work closely with the State on the police station upgrades.
• Council was successful with an expression of interest to Restart NSW for $6.5 million to invest in creating a world class koala park in Gunnedah as a tourist attraction and significant boost for the Shire. A detailed application will follow and is expected to be finished by October.
• An Economic Development Manager was appointed to reflect Council’s focus on further developing and diversifying Gunnedah’s economy.
• Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program was reviewed, which resulted in bolstering the program to see increased support and access for thriving local businesses.

“The Gunnedah Shire Council has a very strong focus on economic development and ensuring we remain sustainable, diversify our economy and are able to provide many job opportunities in our community for years to come,” Cr Chaffey said.

Moving forward, Council will also be focusing on roads, including seeking funding for Bloomfield Street and Grain Valley Way, as well as working in conjunction with national and international partners to see a multi-species abattoir built in the Gunnedah Shire.

“A very special thank you must go to our State Member of Parliament, the Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson for his efforts to support our direction, and our Federal Member of Parliament, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton for his dedication and support on many projects throughout the last 12 months,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have some great projects underway that are not only a benefit to our community now, but into the future, and we are looking forward to working with the community on many more.”

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Councillors, back from left, Cr David Moses, Cr Rob Hooke, Cr Owen Hasler, Cr Murray O’Keefe, Cr John Campbell and Cr Ann Luke. Front: Deputy Mayor Gae Swain, Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Cr Colleen Fuller.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council welcomed six new Australian Citizens at naturalisation ceremonies this week.

Richard Patriquin, of Canada; Charlotte Wright, of United Kingdom; and Ric Rendall of Philippines were naturalised in a ceremony performed by Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Gae Swain on Australian Citizenship Day (Sunday, 17 September) at the Creative Arts Centre.

Cherry-Lyn De Guzman, Mary Ann Estilo and Garry Estilo, all of Philippines made the pledge at another ceremony on Wednesday afternoon in the Council Chambers.

Cr Chaffey outlined the responsibilities that follow embracing Australian values.

“Citizenship brings responsibilities and duties – to obey the laws, to register on the Electoral Roll and vote, to serve on a jury if called to do so, and to defend Australia should the need arise,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Citizenship also brings civil and social rights – the right to express your cultural heritage and beliefs coupled with a responsibility to accept the rights of others to express their heritage and beliefs.

“Since 2012, Gunnedah Shire has welcomed 48 adults and eight children to become Australian Citizens and I am proud to congratulate our six newest and wish them and their families well in their future endeavours.”

All citizens were gifted with native trees to mark the occasion.

Photo Caption “Citizenship Ceremony 170917”: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Richard Patriquin, Charlotte Wright and Ric Rendall.

Photo Caption “ Citizenship Ceremony 200917”: Cherry-Lyn De Guzman, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Garry Estilo, Mary Ann Estilo and their daughter.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council appointed Bathurst-based construction company Hines Constructions to undertake the multi-million dollar upgrade works at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex.

This newsletter is the first in a series to keep the community, key stakeholders and user groups updated throughout the construction phase.

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RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH
Monday 2 October 2017
Collection will be on Tuesday 3 October 2017.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CURLEWIS
Monday 2 October 2017
Collection will be on Wednesday 4 October 2017.
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 long weekend 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