Digital safety is one of the most important protection issues in communities across Australia and Gunnedah Shire Library is joining the fight with the unveiling of an eSmart Library plaque today in conjunction with National Child Protection Week (4-8 September) and eSmart Library Week.

eSmart Libraries is one of the most significant community cyber safety programs ever undertaken in Australia, with over one-third of all libraries in Australia currently involved in the program. The program recognises Gunnedah Shire Library as equipped to support its customers to use technology in a smart, safe and responsible way.

Councillor Ann Luke unveiled the eSmart plaque on behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council.

“The Library staff have worked hard to achieve this status and with technology readily available to everyone, including young people, I am glad we are able to provide this great service to our community. It is also a great example of what can be achieved by a smaller regional Library,” Cr Luke said.

“I’ll be taking a copy of the Little Black Book of Scams, because we can all do with being up-to-date with what is around. As part of the service these books are available free at the Library.”

eSmart is an initiative of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, a national charity which works to protect children from violence.

“eSmart Libraries is one of the most significant community cyber safety programs ever undertaken in Australia, with over one-third of all libraries in Australia currently involved in the program,” Gunnedah Shire Council Librarian Christiane Birkett said.

“Gunnedah Shire Library is the 1st library in the north east zone, 4th library in NSW, 6th regional library service in Australia, and the 26th library service in Australia to become recognised as an eSmart library.

Photo caption (1): Gunnedah Shire Library staff Christiane Birkett, Yvonne Reading, Fiona Sills, Robyn Draper, and Councillor Ann Luke at the unveiling of the eSmart plaque.

Photo caption (2): Members of Gunnedah Shire Library’s Brain Training group at the unveiling.

Photo caption (3): Gunnedah Shire Library has an information stand on ways to become eSmart.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund is an initiative of our local community and provides an opportunity for our local youth to succeed in their tertiary education by encouraging students to embark on a journey of lifelong learning by financially supporting those moving on to pursue tertiary studies.

Since the Fund’s inception fourteen years ago, over $300,000 across more than 332 scholarships has been awarded to local students. Scholarships have covered many disciplines including accounting, agriculture, allied health, animal science, law, architecture, arts/theatre, civil engineering, education, information technology, medicine, nursing and social work.

Applications for the Community Scholarship Fund opened on 1 September 2017 and close on 18 December 2017 for the 2018 round - complete your applications for the 2018 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund here.

Applications for the Community Scholarship Fund opened on 19 September 2016 and close on 19 December 2016 for the next scholarship year.

Application are to be completed online for the 2017 round. You can view and apply using the 2017 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Application Form here.

If you require further information or have any questions please view the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Fact Sheet below or contact Council’s Youth Officer on 02 6740 2275 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

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You can view the 2017 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Application Form here.

Recently, Gunnedah Shire Council planted garden beds in Brock’s Court as part of the Community Strategic Plan to create a vibrant CBD precinct.

Unfortunately, plant thieves struck on two occasions last week removing an estimated value of $150 worth of plants from the gardens.

“We are working hard to put in place collective aspirations of the community and council to beautify our parks and gardens and enhance our streetscapes,” Acting Director Infrastructure Services Edward Paas said.

“We know there are only one or two individuals involved and the rest of the community are proud of Gunnedah and their surroundings.

“We won’t be discouraged by this thoughtless incident and will continue to work towards the goals the community have identified – providing more beautified spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy.”

Council will be reviewing CCTV surveillance of the area.

If anyone has information regarding the incident, please contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey together with the Gunnedah Ministers Fraternal invites members of the community to the 2017 Mayoral Dinner.

This week is the last chance to purchase tickets to the event to be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Wednesday, 13 September from 6:30pm.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the whole community together, and have the chance to hear His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley, Governor of New South Wales speak on his life as a Christian,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“We are honoured to have been given this opportunity and want to share it with our community.”

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson will perform the Master of Ceremonies at the event.

Tickets are $30 per head and include a two-course meal. Tickets can be purchased online at www.thecivic.com.au or in person at Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Office or the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.

Ticket sales close at 5:00pm on Friday, 1 September. For more information or enquiries please phone (02) 6740 2100.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council supported local business at the Indian Consulate’s 70th anniversary of Indian Independence at a gala event hosted by the Indian Consul-General at Pier One on the Sydney Harbour.

Council was extended an invitation after an Indian trade delegation toured the Gunnedah district with NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager Joe Townsend.

Special guests at the anniversary celebrations included NSW Minister of Multiculturalism and Minister for Disability Ray Williams; Minister for Counter Terrorism, Corrections and Veterans Affairs David Elliot; Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello; other Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Council; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; NSW State Office; Consul Generals of Japan and Egypt; and representatives from Indian associations, business and community.

Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle accompanied by Mullaley export business owner, Jacqueline Donoghue of Lively Linseed, presented the consulate with a Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce investment prospectus and spent time discussing trade and investment opportunities in the Gunnedah Shire.

“India has huge export potential, being the fastest growing economy in the world,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Gunnedah is well-suited for such an opportunity, given India’s high demand for coal, cotton and chickpeas, along with other products produced in our region.”

Indian delegates expressed genuine interest and an openness to discuss trade opportunities.

“It was a great opportunity to build relationships with India to promote our area,” Mrs Donoghue said.

“The discussions that took place showed a high level of willingness and genuine interest in our numerous products.”

Photo captions:

1. Lively Linseed Director Jacqueline Donoghue and Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Manager Charlotte Hoddle.

2. Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Manager Charlotte Hoddle with Aust-India Business Council Chair Pallavi Sinha.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Administered by the Leards Forest Precinct Environmental Trust Inc.

The aim of the Environmental Grant Program is to facilitate projects that enhance the environment, protect the environment, or provide a sustainable environmental solution.

The criteria can be defined as follows:

Enhance - to raise to a higher degree, to intensify, to magnify.

Protect - to secure for future generations.

Sustainable - a system that maintains its own viability.

The Environmental Grant Program is derived from contributions made by Maules Creek Coal, Boggabri Coal and Tarrawonga Coal Mines under Voluntary Planning Agreements.

The program is administered by the Leards Forest Precinct Environmental Trust Inc. The Trust consists of representatives from the above mines, community and Gunnedah and Narrabri Shire Councils.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson today announced the NSW Government will contribute $13,681 towards important upgrades at Gunnedah Showground.

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s 2017-18 Public Reserves Management Fund program.

Mr Anderson said the funding will assist Gunnedah Shire Council to install electrical infrastructure to address power supply and work health safety issues.

“State-owned public reserves play an important role in our communities and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring these reserves continue to provide social and economic benefits to the people of NSW,” Mr Anderson said.

“This funding will directly benefit our community, boost our economy and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of Gunnedah.”

Gunnedah Show Society President Rob Witts said “The Gunnedah Show Society would like to thank the local Council and the State Government for the funding for the electricity for the new stable block.”

“This will also be a better power source for the Showground and allow for lights and power outlets in the new stables.”

Acting Director Infrastructure Services Ed Paas said “The project will deliver improved permanent and increased power supply to new and existing infrastructure, which will benefit all facility users, as well as addressing WHS issues, such as lighting.”

“The project is part of Council’s plan to manage infrastructure and other assets to optimise value to the community.”

Council is aiming to complete the upgrade in time for this year’s pony camp.

Photo Caption: Kevin Anderson, Deputy Mayor Gae Swain, Gunnedah Show Society President Rob Witts, Acting Director Infrastructure Services Edward Paas and Manager Public Facilities Geoff Phillips.

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Media Contact: Michael Hansen | 0405 167 861

Gunnedah’s premier event, 2017 AgQuip, attracted record exhibitors and was a huge economic boost for the region.

The local community has watched AgQuip grow from humble beginnings on Gunnedah’s Riverside Racecourse in 1973 to the major showcase of agricultural equipment, lifestyle and innovation that it is today. With agriculture one of the main industries in the Gunnedah region, AgQuip is a fantastic opportunity to showcase to visitors what the area has to offer.

“AgQuip is not only a success for the exhibitors, it is a huge economic boost for our region, with all of Gunnedah’s accommodation establishments full, and restaurants, cafes and hotels well-utilised over the week,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

“With record exhibitors at this year’s event, we are already looking forward to next year’s event and what it will bring to our community.”

The three-day event attracts a consistent 100,000 visitors each year – a testament to its resilience.

“As the organisers pack away AgQuip for another year I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the AgQuip team of Fairfax Rural Events, capably led by Kate Nugent, on another successful event and thank them for their continued faith in the agricultural sector, AgQuip itself, and the Gunnedah community,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“AgQuip has once again remained industry relevant, evolving and demonstrating new technology and information for the agricultural sector each year, as well as acknowledging the influence and worth of international companies in providing emerging technology to the Australian Market.”

“We are so proud to showcase Gunnedah and our region to the many visitors to the area. We have this one opportunity a year to get this great exposure and I am proud we are able to share it with the many local, state, interstate and international guests to Gunnedah.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in making AgQuip another success. We are looking forward to an even bigger and better event next year.”

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Fairfax Regional Events Manager Kate Nugent and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and the Telstra Foundation have acknowledged Gunnedah Shire Council as an eSmart Library Service/ Network, recognising it is equipped to support its customers to use technology in a smart, safe and responsible way.

eSmart Libraries is one of the most significant community cyber safety programs ever undertaken in Australia, with over one-third of all libraries in Australia currently involved in the program.

“Council is excited and proud to be an eSmart library service, this has been the culmination of hard work by our Library staff to integrate cyber safety in our daily operations, staff development and organisational culture,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“It is a great example of what can be achieved by a smaller regional library.”

Gunnedah Shire Library will unveil its eSmart Library plaque during eSmart Library Week on 4 September at 10:00am.

Telstra Foundation General Manager, Jackie Coates said Telstra was thrilled to be able to celebrate the achievement.

“We know that libraries play a vital role in bridging the digital divide across the country in metropolitan, regional and rural Australia," Ms Coates said.

Lesley Podesta, CEO of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation said this achievement was a significant milestone in the Foundation’s journey towards creating an eSmart Australia, where all Australians are safe, smart and responsible online.

“In fact, nearly 60 per cent of Australian public libraries are now becoming eSmart,” Ms Podesta said.
“Being eSmart means knowing how to guard against security and privacy risks online, download content in a legal and ethical way, research and reference information, and manage reputation and relationships in cyberspace,” she said.

“Gunnedah Shire Library’s continuous dedication and enthusiasm for the eSmart program, shows that local communities are as committed to promoting cyber safety as we are.”

“This is important given almost half the Australian population is a member of their local library and there were 114 million visits in the past year, libraries are a great environment for sharing the best tips to equip Australians from all walks of life with the skills to be safe online. This is a big leap forward towards creating an eSmart Australia.”

By making the online library experience safer for everyone, eSmart Libraries will give more Australians the opportunity to experience the social and economic benefits of new digital technologies.

Launched in August 2012 this $8 million, multi-year partnership with the Telstra Foundation is delivering eSmart Libraries in collaboration with Australia’s library network to all 1,500 public libraries in Australia.

Gunnedah Shire Library is the 1st library in the north east zone, 4th library in NSW, 6th regional library service in Australia, and the 26th library service in Australia to become recognized as an eSmart library.

Photo: Some of Gunnedah’s eSmart Library Team, from left, Robyn Draper, Christiane Birkett, Yvonne Reading, Liz Ironmonger and Fiona Sills.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Want to be a part of Australia’s biggest free festival of garage sales? Gunnedah Shire Council's Garage Sale is a community initiative ran in conjunction with the National Garage Sale Trail to promote waste management and recycling. Now is the time to start thinking about gathering those unwanted items!

It will be held on Saturday, 21 October at the Gunnedah Showground from 9am to 2pm.

This event is truly the way to find the treasure in your neighbourhood!

The event is fast becoming a national movement and is aimed at bringing communities together and promoting reuse. Garage Sale Trail’s two major goals are to see 2 million items nationwide listed for reuse on one big weekend, and to enable 120,000 new neighbourly connections.

Households, community groups, charities, local businesses and schools are invited to get involved! Simply show up on the day around 7.30am with your car boot filled with your pre-loved goods and join in or register at www.garagesaletrail.com.au

For more information phone (02) 6740 2100.