Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
May 16, 2024
The Gunnedah Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Operational Plan and Fees & Charges are now on public exhibition.
The Operational Plan details the works and services Council intends to undertake during the next financial year through responsible fiscal management of Council’s $56 million total operating expenditure and a capital works program of $25 million.
“While Gunnedah Shire is in the enviable position of population growth, our Council is facing the same challenges local government is struggling with statewide and nationwide,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.
“The continued financial impacts of cost-shifting from the state and federal levels of government, unworkable rate pegs and increasing inflationary pressures are putting a burden on local government that is becoming unsustainable.”
“Our budgeted financial position is being negatively impacted by these things, but we still need to meet the needs of a growing community and provide a multitude of services. In addition, we need to plan for the future to ensure Gunnedah Shire remains a great place to live and to do business."
Gunnedah Shire Council, along with many councils across New South Wales, is actively exploring options to secure long-term financial sustainability, including efficiency reviews, project prioritisation and a possible Special Rate Variation application.
This Operational Plan includes nearly $25 million of capital works, including progress towards the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary and the continued recovery of the road network following the 2022 floods.
“This is a time of challenge for local government, but this Operational Plan supports our long-term vision to build on the already attractive liveability of Gunnedah Shire, to retain future generations and attract new residents.”
The Gunnedah Shire Council Draft Operational Plan 2024/25 and Draft Fees and Charges 2024/25 are on public exhibition until Thursday, June 13, 2024. To take a look, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or at the Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.
Caption: The Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary takes shape.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
15 May, 2024
Gunnedah Shire Council wishes to advise residents that due to the reduction in night and daytime temperatures, this year’s urban reseal program will not be completed.
Works will recommence in October/November 2024, when temperatures increase again.
Council has previously notified affected residents of imminent reseal works via a letter drop and apologizes for any inconvenience.
To date, the pre reseal maintenance and reseal works program has been successful in ensuring a better standard of roads in Gunnedah.
May 8, 2024
You might have heard the phrase “there’s a day for that”.
There truly are hundreds, possibly thousands of commemorative “days” in the international calendar, and the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery will celebrate a month of days in June, with the innovative exhibition A Day for Everything.
Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Danny Hankinson is calling on Gunnedah Shire residents to think outside the box and bring in items that relate to a special commemorative day in June.
“We are sending out the call to people to bring in a photograph or an item – it could be an old letter for National Pen Pal Day or a VW keyring for International Volkswagen Bus Day – that relates to a special day in June,” Mr Hankinson said.
“We want to build an installation that reflects the wonderfully eclectic world of June commemorative days and the importance they might hold for our community. No artistic talent is required for this exhibition!”
People are asked to have a look at the commemorative days for June (some of them are listed below!) and bring something that relates to that day into the gallery by Monday, June 10. It could be a photo of you and your best friend at for Best Friends Day, or a pair of shoes or glasses for Go Barefoot Day or National Eyewear Day – think outside the box! Artworks are also encouraged.
Items will not be for sale. Attach your name and contact details. Businesses are welcome to bring in an item. Items can be collected from the gallery on Friday, June 28.
“This is an exhibition everyone can contribute to,” Mr Hankinson said. “And we are hoping it will be a lot of fun.”
Ideas for June commemorative days (there are many more!):
- Rotisserie Chicken Day (June 2)
- International Day of Yoga (June 21)
- World Environment Day (June 5)
- National Go Barefoot Day (June 1)
- National Game Show Day (June 1)
- Winter Solstice (June 21)
- National Pen Pal Day (June 1)
- Say Something Nice Day (June 1)
- Cancer Survivors’ Day (First Sunday in June)
- Hug Your Cat Day (June 4)
- National Cheese Day (June 4)
- National Eyewear Day (June 6)
- National Doughnut Day (First Friday in June)
- Corn on the Cob Day (June 11)
- Red Rose Day (June 12)
- Megalodon Day (June 15)
- Pink Day (June 23)
- Nature Photography Day (June 15)
Caption: National Eyewear Day is one of the many commemorative days celebrated across the world in June.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
May 1, 2024
Artists across Gunnedah Shire are being called on to get creative ahead of NAIDOC Week 2024.
Held across Australia from 7-14 July, 2024, NAIDOC Week will celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme is “Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud!” and artists are invited to create an artwork – whether it is sculpture, painting or another form of art – to be included in the annual Gunnedah NAIDOC Exhibition.
Submissions can be dropped off at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery between 9am, Monday, 24 June and 3pm, Sunday, 30 June.
Submission forms are available on the Civic website – www.thecivic.com.au – and the exhibition will open at 1pm on Friday, 5 July.
The exhibition will continue until 9am, Friday, August 9, when artists can collect their works.
Caption: Visitors to the gallery enjoy a past NAIDOC Week Exhibition in Gunnedah.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
May 1, 2024
Arts and cultural groups are invited to apply for a grant under the Section 356 Arts and Cultural Small Grants Program.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said the Section 356 Arts and Cultural Small Grants Program “assists in the delivery of existing and new projects or initiatives that strengthen cultural identity and connection to place”.
“The program has been operating for seven years and in that time has helped progress many exciting initiatives,” Ms Frater said. “Community art and photography exhibitions, cultural activities, shows, performances and festivals are just some of the projects funded in the past. We hope to see some great applications this year that will add to our already vibrant events calendar.”
The funding pool is limited and the level of funding for successful applicants is dependent on the project. Applicants are encouraged to consider applications that enhance local opportunities and experiences in the arts and cultural sector.
Application forms and grant guidelines are available from Council’s website at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
Further information is available here, or by contacting Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader, Danny Hankinson on 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
The 2024-2025 funding round closes at 5pm on Friday, May 31 2024.
Caption: Arts Gunnedah’s 2024 Arts & Ceramics Exhibition was held with the assistance of a Section 356 Arts and Cultural Small Grants Program grant.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
April 29, 2024
Gunnedah Shire is making its own preparations for this weekend’s Get Ready & Resilience Expo – a day for our community and businesses to help prepare for future emergencies or disasters.
Gunnedah Shire Council, with the support of the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network and sponsorship from Whitehaven Coal and the NSW State Emergency Service – North Western Zone, will host the free Get Ready & Resilience Expo this Saturday, 4 May, 2024.
The event will bring together emergency service organisations, government and nongovernment organisations, Council and local not-for-profit organisations for an Expo at Wolseley Park from 11am to 2pm. There will be plenty for families and organisations to learn and do.
The inspiring guest speakers at the free forum, starting at 5pm in the Gunnedah Town Hall, are retired Detective Senior Constable Allan Sparkes CV, OAM, VA FRSN, and noted Australian actor and philanthropist Samuel Johnson OAM who will talk about resilience.
The Expo will bring people together with all the organisations that not only respond to emergencies and disasters, but help the community prepare and recover from them.
To find out more, visit Gunnedah Shire Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or Facebook page.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
April 24, 2024
Community and sports groups are invited to apply for a grant in the 20th year of the Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program.
Gunnedah Shire Council Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton said the program recognised the valuable part community and sport groups played in the community, and supported existing local projects or helped fund projects that met the needs of our growing community.
“For 20 years, the Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program has helped our community and sporting groups, many of whom are run by volunteers, provide programs that help make our lifestyle so diverse,” Ms Hilton said.
“Our community includes people who enjoy and excel in a huge variety of areas, from the arts to cultural activities and many sports.
“Over that two decades, the program has awarded more than half a million dollars to groups, with $290,638.54 going to community projects, and $263,640.59 going to sports projects.
“We encourage our community groups to think about their continuing projects or new ideas that might benefit both their organisation and the wider community, and apply.”
The program includes separate grants for community and sports groups, with the level of funding dependent on the project, but with a maximum of $5000 available for individual projects.
Application forms and grant guidelines are available here, or more information is available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton on 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
The 2024-2025 funding round closes at 5pm on Friday, May 31 2024.
Caption: Representatives from successful applicants for the 2023-24 Section 356 Small Grants with Cr Kate McGrath (left) and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke (right).
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
April 24, 2024
Artwork that captures the heart of Gunnedah will be at the core of a new exhibition that also includes a fun interactive element.
Gunnedah Captured is an extension of the popular Gunnybalds exhibition that was last held in 2022, but builds on the theme of portraits to include works depicting events, sites or community groups the artist believes represents their local Shire.
Gunnedah Captured will open on Friday, May 3, and will include a pop-up installation where visitors to the gallery can dress themselves up with items that represent who they are for a portrait with a twist.
Participants will text their “portrait” to the gallery, where it will be printed and added to the exhibition. The free images can be picked up after the exhibition closes.
Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Danny Hankinson said exhibitions such as Gunnedah Captured were important in capturing the identity of a community.
“We all know that a community can mean many different things to different people,” Mr Hankinson said. “This exhibition takes a look at the people, the places, the events and the groups that help give Gunnedah Shire its meaning for these artists.
“Gunnedah Captured shows glimpses into what makes this a special place.”
An open gallery evening will be held as part of the exhibition on Thursday, May 23 when people can bring a picnic and enjoy interacting with the installation.
Gunnedah Captured will open at 6pm on Friday, May 3 and be on display at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery until Friday, June 7.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
April 24, 2024
Most people will undertake decluttering or clean out activities within their home at some point. However, when wanting to throw away unwanted items, it is important to stop and consider whether these items could be a valuable resource before opting to dispose of these items to landfill.
The total waste generation rate in New South Wales has increased by 17% since 2015, with the state generating 21.9 million tonnes of waste material per year. While this is a staggering figure, there are simple steps households can follow to better identify and manage resources and become more mindful consumers.
“The careful consideration of any unwanted items before sending them to landfill can not only help reduce overall waste generation figures for the state, but also assists the community by putting valuable resources back into rotation for others to use,” explains Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste Sheridan Cameron. “This is a key element of being a mindful consumer.”
‘Mindless consumption’ is the purchasing of products without considering their lifecycle and packaging outputs. This in turn places low value on things such as resource use, environmental impacts of production and ultimately disposal
As an example, at the beginning of the 21st century, people bought half as many clothes and kept them for twice as long. In more recent times, people now purchase 60% more items of clothing yet keep these items for half the amount of time.
Alternatively, ‘mindful consumption’ places value on resource use and shows an awareness of how certain purchases may impact our society and the environment.
“It is so important to be intentional with what we buy and make conscious decisions when purchasing that take into consideration the impacts our actions have on our society and the environment,” says Ms Cameron. “Choosing high-quality, durable items over cheap, disposable ones places higher value on these items which can save money and reduce waste as we are less likely to consider landfill as a suitable disposal option for higher value items.”
The waste industry regularly refers to the waste hierarchy as a set of priorities for the efficient use of resources: avoidance, reuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle with disposal being the least preferred option. Sustainable decluttering processes can be drawn from the waste hierarchy to declutter your space in the most sustainable and efficient ways.
The NSW EPA’s Circular Economy Policy highlights the importance of valuing resources by getting as much use out of products and materials as possible and reducing the amount of waste generated. In 2024, Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging the community to become more mindful of their consumption habits and value waste as a resource to reduce the social and environmental impacts of disposal to create a more sustainable future.
April 19, 2024
What is your vision for the street trees of Gunnedah Shire over the next 20 years?
Gunnedah Shire Council is updating its Street Tree Strategy, a strategy that will help grow a green and leafy future for Gunnedah Shire.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said an important part of the strategy was seeking the views of the community.
Street trees help shape the identity of any region,” Mr Bartlett said. “They can be a beautiful natural asset that adds to the character and amenity of towns and villages.
“But planting the wrong trees in the wrong locations can lead to all sorts of problems down the track, so it is critical to plan now. We need to take the ideas and views of our community and translate that into a practical guide to a greener and leafier Gunnedah.”
Community and business members are invited to have their say in a Street Tree Strategy survey that will be used to help shape the strategy. The survey asks people for their vision for Gunnedah shire, whether future street tree plantings should have a theme, what improvements they would like to see, and a range of other questions.
You can access the Gunnedah Shire Council Street Tree Strategy at https://shorturl.at/jwIR3
