Gunnedah Shire Council, is a registered affiliate with the NSW Companion Card and accepts the Companion Card at the Memorial Swimming Pool and The Civic cinema. As a participating affiliate, Council will issue Companion Cardholders with a second ticket for their companion, at no charge.

The Companion Card was developed to remove the financial barrier for people with disability who have a significant, lifelong need for high level of care to participate in community based activities. The card issued contains a photograph of the cardholder which can be presented when booking or purchasing a ticket at Council events and venues, provided the cardholder requires attendant care support in order to participate at that particular activity.

There is no National Card however under the scheme, a cardholder may use their card in any State or Territory when on holidays or travelling. If a cardholder permanently moves to reside in another state or territory then they will need to apply for a new Companion Card from the State/Territory in which they now reside.

Additional affiliates within the Shire include:

• Gunnedah Greyhounds
• Gunnedah Rural Museum

For more information contact https://www.nsw.gov.au/community-services/companion-card

Welcome to the 2017 Australia Day in Gunnedah Events Program!

We’ve got plenty of great events going on this year, including the famous Raft and Craft Race, heaps of sporting events and new addition, Aussie Day Bake Off!

We're on the hunt for Gunnedah's best Novelty cake and Australia Day themed cake. All entries will be auctioned with proceeds raised going to the Gunnedah Scholarship Fund and the G.S Kidd School Bus Fund.
Join us on Australia Day, 26th January 2017, at the Smithurst Theatre from 11:30am. Entry forms can be found below or are available from the Council Administration Building or The Civic.
For additional information contact council on 02 6740 2100.

View the full 2017 Australia Day Program below as well as more information on our main events of the day. You can also view the full listing of Nominees for the 2017 Australia Day Awards below.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre is set to receive an upgrade thanks to an Arts NSW Grant aimed at improving regional cultural facilities.
Fifteen regional organisations across the state will receive funding for infrastructure projects or equipment to develop arts and cultural facilities for their local community.

“A little bit of money goes a very long way in local communities and I know the projects we are supporting will see a significant boost to arts and culture in these towns” said Minister for the Arts Troy Grant
“Across NSW, the Government is helping to revitalise arts and cultural facilities, including Performing Arts Centres, Galleries, Museums and Community Centres, ensuring people can enjoy diverse activities regardless of where they live” he said.

The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre will receive $16,020 with a further $17,000 contributed by Council from its 2016/17 Operational Budget. Funds will go towards revitalising The Gallery with new lighting and painting as well as new floor coverings in the art studio space. This money will also help with the purchase of exhibition equipment and drying racks within the Creative Arts Centre.

“This financial contribution by Arts NSW, under their 10 year policy framework, Create in NSW, will be an investment that our community will truly benefit from and will improve the functionality and the prestige of The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre” Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“We’re very excited, this will be a wonderful project for The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre. The renovations are due to commence in early January and should be completed by May, 2017.” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Officer, Lauren Mackley said.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery has the pleasure exhibiting one of regional NSW’s rising contemporary Artist’s, Gavin Coote. Gavin has freshly developed a playful exhibition titled, (Non) Humans of the North West especially for his exhibition in Gunnedah.
Gavin’s quirky depictions of people and places from throughout the North West as iconic Australian animals brings a playful and entertaining insight into our regions own style of ‘Australiana’.

Gavin’s collection of expressive child-like and spontaneous paintings and ink drawings are reminiscent of Australian art world greats such as: Reg Mombassa, Pro Hart and the notorious Adam Cullen. A series of charismatic short films Gavin has created will also be available for viewing throughout the duration of the exhibition.

“I want to reflect the diversity, vibrancy and quirkiness of The Northwest. This project draws parallels with the Humans of New York photography project, that sheds light on different people and places of New York but I have developed a fictional and expressive representation of the people and places of the North West. My vibrant animated characters reflect a side of regional Australia that is often forgotten; our lively assortment of spirited people” said artist Gavin Coote.

Gavin will also be hosting painting and drawing workshops at the Gunnedah Creative Arts Studio room from 11:00 am Saturday the 18 and Sunday 19 of February 2017. Enrolments for the Workshop are available through www.thecivic.com.au . Alternatively, enrolments are available at the Visitor Information Centre, 81 Chandos Street, Gunnedah or at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Office, 63 Elgin Street Gunnedah.
The Official Opening will be held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 6:00 pm on Friday the 3 February, 2017. The exhibition will continue until the Sunday 5 March 2017.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Gunnedah is helping Flickerfest celebrate 26 years as Australia’s biggest short film competition, screening the best of shorts from Australia and around the world, hand-picked from over 2,400 entries.

Flickerfest remains a platform for celebrating innovative short filmmaking from Australia and around the world. Flickerfest returns to the Civic Theatre with 6 of the Best of Australian Shorts and 5 Short Laughs Comedy films that will fill your night with a hilarious off-kilter selection of funny shorts from across the world.

“Flickerfest at The Civic will be a wonderful afternoon celebrating Australian and International short films and a great way to spend your Sunday”.

“This year’s five Short Laughs Comedy films are said to be some of the best works to date. “Said Cultural Officer, Lauren Mackley.

Gunnedah’s Flickerfest red carpet will be rolled out at The Civic Theatre from 4:00 pm, Sunday 26 February 2017 with canapes and drinks on arrival.

To purchase tickets to see all that Flickerfest has to offer, including both the Best of Australian Short films and the Short Laughs Comedy films, full session tickets are available for $35. To view either the Best Australian Shorts or the Short Laughs Comedy films, single session tickets are $25. Both ticket types have concessions available.

This is a one-off chance to see these amazing short films before they continue their journey around the world.

You may purchase tickets online at www.thecivic.com.au or in person at the Civic Theater and Council Offices in Elgin Street. For any enquiries call (02) 67 402 100.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking quotations from suitably qualified, licenced and insured companies for the Fire Equipment/System Maintenance Pressure Test/Tag and Inspection Service of Council’s key assets.

The scope of works document can be found in the Tenders, Quotations and Expressions of Interest section of our website, or obtained from Council’s Elgin Street Office. Quotations should be addressed to the General Manager, Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah NSW 2380, and will be received until 11.00am Friday, 3 February 2017.

For more information regarding this position, please contact Council’s Manager Public Facilities, Mr Geoff Phillips on 02 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

Earlier today Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Mayor, Jamie Chaffey announced that Council had been successful in their application to receive $ 1.98 million dollars in funding under the NSW Govt. Resources for Regions Grant Program. The money will be spent on a planned upgrade to the Gunnedah Sewage Treatment Plant.

The grant program is designed to help communities build infrastructure to support mining related growth in Regional NSW. Gunnedah had been excluded from the grant program in previous years, being unable to meet the criteria to be considered ‘mining affected’.

Both Mr Kevin Anderson and Gunnedah Shire Council had lobbied heavily to have the criteria changed. This is the first year that Gunnedah had been eligible to apply for the program. Mr Anderson said he was pleased to see that the criteria which had unfairly excluded Gunnedah from the program had been adjusted as Gunnedah is quite clearly affected by mining.

“Gunnedah is in a unique position as one of the few towns with a population around 10,000 that is seeing strong growth.”

“We are focussed on ensuring that Gunnedah has the capacity to grow, has the industry to grow and has the right level of investment to support that growth. The future is bright for Gunnedah and for 2017 what a fantastic way to kick it off.” Mr Anderson said.

The upgrade of the Sewage Treatment Plant will support the projected growth of Gunnedah through to 2038 and is expected to cost $8.11 million. The State will now fund $1.98 million of that project with the remainder being funded by Council. Planning for the project is already at an advanced stage and is expected to commence in the first half of 2017.

Gunnedah Mayor, Jamie Chaffey was delighted by the announcement and said that an upgrade of the facility was critical in supporting the ongoing growth of the town.

“With the growth that we have already seen and are continuing to see in Gunnedah, this project just needs to be done. Some of the equipment that is being replaced in this upgrade is nearing 100 years of age.”

“The $1.98 million dollars which has been committed by the State will take some of the burden off us.” Mayor Chaffey said.

The economic analysis of the project shows that approximately 24 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project and Mayor Chaffey pointed out that the Council will be working with the successful contractor to ensure that where possible, these jobs stay local.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Have you got what it takes to take out the (very prestigious) title ‘Gunnedah’s Best Cake Maker’?
You’ll just have to enter our cake competition to find out!

So what’s this all about?!
The 2017 Australia Day program will see the inclusion of a new and exciting event, the ‘Aussie Day Bake Off’. The ‘Aussie Day Bake Off’ is a competition to find Gunnedah’s best Australia Day themed and decorated cakes.
Be as creative as you like – all you have to do is make sure your cake is Aussie Day themed.

If you’re keen for some baking competition, why not nominate, or nominate someone you know? The boys aren’t getting out of this one either! The Australia Day Chair has put the challenge out to our male Councillors and Senior Management, who have been asked to nominate in the men’s section.

The categories are listed below and the competition is open to all ages and abilities:

• Best Lamington
• Australia Day Biscuits
• Patty Cakes
• Men’s section - Red White & Blue themed Cake
• Men’s section - Green & Gold themed cake
• Open section - Red White & Blue themed Cake
• Open section - Green & Gold themed cake

All baking entries will be judged and auctioned off to the highest bidder, with all monies raised being donated to two local groups, the GS Kidd School Bus fund and the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

The Aussie Bake off will be held at the Smithurst Theatre on January 26, from 11.30am and all entries required by 12.00 noon. Judging will commence at 12.30pm and will be auctioned from 1.00pm.

Entry forms are now available on the Council website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or the Gunnedah Shire Library Conadilly Street, The Civic Centre on Chandos Street or the Gunnedah Shire Customers Service Centre on Elgin Street.

At last night’s council meeting, it was resolved that Council will help the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) seek grant funding from alternate sources to provide for the costs of the Barber Street Offtake portion of the Second Road Over Rail Project. This portion of the project is valued at approximately $6.5 million dollars and support will be provided by the RMS in putting forward the case for funding. Council resolved to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the NSW Government to formalise the partnership.

“Council is thrilled with the commitment to the project shown by the Hon. Duncan Gay, NSW Minister for Roads and Maritime Services and by our local State Member, Kevin Anderson.”

“It is reasonable, that with the cost of the project being higher than expected that the Council assists the State in getting the project over the line by applying for alternative grant funds but ultimately the project will still be funded by the State.”

“This decision is consistent with the commitment between Council and the Minister to work in partnership on the project and the agreement formed during the meeting with the Minister last month. I’m delighted with the decision taken by Council last night and look forward to seeing the Overpass delivered to the revised project timeline.” Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

#ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

At last night’s Council meeting, Council unanimously determined to approve a development application which will allow the Li’l Achievers Childcare facility to be significantly expanded. The proposed development will increase the capacity of the Childcare Centre from 24 children to a maximum of 80 children.

Council considered a number of public submissions in relation to the proposed development and worked with the developer to ensure that any concerns were addressed as part of the approval.

“We are fortunate to see much needed childcare places are becoming available as our Community grows and I’m delighted to see this development go forward.”

“There is an identified need for increased childcare facilities in Gunnedah and this kind of development will help attract and retain young working families and improve the skill capacity of the local workforce.” Mayor Chaffey said.

#ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.