Gunnedah Shire Council and the local Chamber of Commerce will collaborate on preparing for a trade mission to China in the New Year. Council has previously developed an investment prospectus, translated into Mandarin, Japanese and Korean intending to promote the many investment opportunities in the Shire internationally.

These efforts have started to bear fruit, with interest having been expressed from the Mayors of two regions in China and an invitation having been extended from the Mayor of the QuFu region to receive a delegation from Gunnedah.

It is proposed that the trade delegation consist of local industry representatives, mostly from the agribusiness sector and three representatives from Gunnedah Shire Council. Industry representatives joining the trade mission will be required to cover their own costs.

The International Engagement Division of the Department of Primary Industries is also supporting the trade mission and has offered to conduct preparatory training seminars during January 2017 for all members of the delegation, free of charge.

“The Gunnedah Shire has huge investment potential and the strengthening of trade links between Gunnedah and China will unlock many opportunities for local business and ultimately lead to more jobs and an even brighter future for our local residents.”

“Council’s Economic Development Strategy seeks to ensure that Gunnedah develops a diversified economy and encourages a range of compatible businesses and industry. This trade mission is an important step towards achieving that aim and has the overwhelming support of the Council.” Mayor Chaffey said.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

At last night’s council meeting, it was resolved that Chandos Street will be reverted to a two way street after much careful deliberation. The decision was made after Councillors received briefings and background information on the history of the project and took into consideration the budget impacts of the works. Returning Chandos Street to two way traffic is expected to cost approximately $72,000 and Council staff will now move quickly to implement the decision in the first part of the New Year.

“Council also considered an option to return Chandos Street to two way traffic whilst creating a ‘pedestrian shared zone’ and street plaza, consistent with Council’s Open Space Strategy. That option was considered cost prohibitive at this time, but returning Chandos Street to two way traffic is the first step toward delivering that outcome.”

“Council took a measured and considered approach to making this decision and reviewed all the facts before last night’s outcome. I believe we’re working really well as a team and will continue to work together to achieve the best outcomes for the community.” Mayor Chaffey said.

#ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Officer, Lauren Mackley is calling for submissions from young artists between the ages of 5 to 25 years, within the Gunnedah Shire to explore their creative side and submit artworks for the 2017 Youth Week Exhibition.

The theme for Youth Week, 2017 is ‘Be here, Be heard!’ This is an opportunity for the youth of Gunnedah to express how they want to heard in the Gunnedah community, through their chosen artistic mediums.

"With the school holidays now in full swing, this is the wonderful opportunity for the young people of Gunnedah to discover, develop and demonstrate their artistic abilities. ‘Be here, Be heard’ is a platform for emerging artists within our Shire to exhibit their works in a professional setting, and could very well be a stepping stone for their future"

Participants and groups are urged to explore contemporary mediums such as film, photography and digital art as well as traditional mediums of painting, drawing and sculpture.

Submissions by individuals, collectives, groups and organisations will be accepted. ‘Artist Submission forms’ are available at Thecivic.com.au, The Visitor Information Centre or Gunnedah Shire Council office, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah. For any further information please call (02) 402 100.

Artworks and submissions are due at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 5:00 pm Friday, 31 March 2017. All entries are free.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

National Youth Week 2017 is fast approaching and Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for young people between the ages of 5 to 25 years to submit art works for the 2017 Youth Week Exhibition.

The theme for Youth Week, 2017 is ‘Be here, Be heard!’ and the exhibition is a chance for youth in Gunnedah to explore their creativity and demonstrate to the community just how creative, talented and imaginative our young people really are.

“This is an opportunity many artists dream of; to have artworks on exhibition in a professional gallery from a young age. I encourage any young people in the Gunnedah Shire to come along and contribute to a wonderful show that will boast the diverse talents of young people in our region,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Officer, Lauren Mackley said.

Submissions by individuals, collectives, groups and organisations are encouraged. ‘Artist Submission forms’ are available below, on our website www.thecivic.com.au or can be picked up from The Visitor Information Centre or Gunnedah Shire Council Office, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah. 

{rsfiles path="GunnedahShireCouncil/COUNCIL/KEEP-IN-TOUCH/News-and-Media/News-Slideshow/Youth Art Exhibition 2017 Artist Submission Form.pdf"}

For any further information please call (02) 67 402 100. Artworks and submissions are due at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 5:00 pm Friday, 31 March 2017. All entries are free. See you there. WARNING:Young people being creative!

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

The Gunndah Shire Council Administration Building will be closed from 12.00pm, Friday 20 December 2019 and will reopen again at 8.00am on Monday, 6 January 2020.

For more detailed closure information for other areas of Council please see our 2019/2020 Christmas Closure Calendar.

From all of us at Gunnedah Shire Council we’d like to wish you, your family and friends an amazing Christmas and New Year break. We look forward to seeing you in 2020.

Should you need urgent assistance on the days we are closed, please phone our afterhours service on (02) 6740 2100.

Alterations to Waste Management Services Christmas and New Year

Waste Management Facilities

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

Gunnedah Waste Management Facility

Curlewis Waste Facility

Carroll Waste Facility

Mullaley Transfer Station

Kelvin Mobile Collection Service

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH

Monday 26 December 2016

Collection will be on Wednesday 28 December 2016.

Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Tuesday 27 December 2016

Collection will be on Wednesday 28 December 2016.

Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Wednesday 28 December 2016

Collection will be on Thursday 29 December 2016.

Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Wednesday evening as collection will begin early on Thursday.

Monday 2 January 2017

Collection will be on Tuesday 3 January 2017.

Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION – CURLEWIS

Monday 26 December 2016

Collection will be on Wednesday 28 December 2016.

Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Monday 2 January 2017

Collection will be on Wednesday 4 January 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 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

It was the widespread concern of the declining numbers of koalas in the Gunnedah region that prompted North West Local Land Services to contract an independent ecologist to prepare a koala conservation plan. It focusses on what people and communities can do ‘on the ground’ to assist the survival of koalas in and around Gunnedah.

The plan includes a straight forward list of actions for Government departments and authorities, Landcare and community groups and the general public; and therefore these activities can be undertaken by all people who live and work around Gunnedah.

If you wish to be part of the efforts to protect koalas in the Gunnedah region in town or on private property, please contact Angela Baker from North West Local Land Services or contact Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group via email: gulg2380@gmail.com or through the Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group Facebook page.

For more information or comments on the report, please contact Angela Baker from North West Local Land Services by phone: 02 6742 9209 or email: angela.baker@lls.nsw.gov.au 

A higher resolution copy is available upon request.

Funding for this report was provided by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and NSW Government’s Catchment Action NSW.

Gunnedah Shire Council is again calling out to the community to give generously to the Community Christmas Tree Appeal.

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 Christmas.

{rsfiles path="GunnedahShireCouncil/COUNCIL/KEEP-IN-TOUCH/News-and-Media/Media-Releases/Connecting Our Community Through Compassion Poster.pdf"}

This appeal will be boosted by Gunnedah Shire Library’s Food For Fines initiative, which encourages payment of library fines with donations non-perishable food items to the value of the fine.

Mayor Jaimie Chaffey said, “I am excited to get behind these great initiatives which are now in their third year. Residents throughout the Gunnedah Shire have always proven to be extremely compassionate and generous, and both of these Appeals provide a great way for all of us to reach out and help others at what is such a special time of year.”

“The Appeal will complement the wonderful work of the Salvation Army and other local emergency relief and support services during what is normally their busiest time of the year, and I encourage everyone to get involved,” Mayor Chaffey continued.

Residents can show support and give to a child in need this Christmas by placing an unwrapped toy under one of the Christmas trees located at:

• Council’s Customer Service Centre, 63 Elgin Street
• The Civic, 83 Chandos Street
• Gunnedah Shire Library, 291 Conadilly Street

For health and hygiene reasons, pre-loved toys cannot be accepted and only in-date canned and/or non-perishable food can be accepted for donation. To ensure that items are delivered to appropriate recipients, donations should not be gift wrapped.

The final collection date will be Tuesday, 20th December 2016.

For more information on how you can get involved contact Gunnedah Shire Council Community & Social Planner Debra Hilton on 02 6740 2100.

Last year the Salvation Army helped over 300,000 Australians in need at Christmas time. In 2015, Salvation Army figures revealed that 55% of disadvantaged people were not able to give gifts to their family and friends at least once a year.

ENDS

Media Contact: Tom Plevey 02 6740 2100

Gunnedah Shire Council has tonight resolved to offer up to $100,000 funding over the next twelve months for the Gunnedah Waterways Wildlife Park. The funds are proposed to cover up to $75,000 for the appointment of a Wildlife Park Manager, and up to $25,000 for the accommodation of the manager who will be instituted at the park as part of a wider strategic plan to enable the park to remain open now and into the future.

The proposal comes as the park has been facing closure for some time, as they have been unable to comply with requirements set by the Department of Primary Industries.
In a bid to stop the looming closure, Councillor Owen Hasler contacted the DPI in September prior to the council elections in order to assert Gunnedah Shire Council’s support for owners Nancy and Col Small and the Waterways Wildlife Park. Since that time, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Deputy Mayor Gae Swain and General Manager Eric Groth have worked tirelessly with numerous groups including Nancy and Col Small, Peter Long, other wildlife industry stakeholders and the DPI to help find a solution that will allow the park to continue to remain open.

The Wildlife Park Manager is proposed to come from Featherdale Wildlife Park, a respected park within the industry, and will provide expert advice in order to

Resolve concerns about the Park’s current operation;

Meet animal welfare obligations now and into the future;

Ensure appropriate resourcing forth the operation now and into the future.

The park has faced closure before, and the Gunnedah Shire Council and community rallied behind owners Col and Nancy Small to keep the much loved local tourist attraction open.
“Firstly, we really want to recognize the significant work that Nancy and Col and Friends of Waterways have undertaken for decades. They have made a huge commitment- not only to the community, but to the wildlife in the area” Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The Waterways Wildlife Park is such an important asset to our community, from both an educational and a tourism standpoint. We are really lucky to have the facility in the area and we’re doing everything we can to assist the Smalls to keep the park open. We’re pleased to have been able to work with all parties to come up with a plan to enable to park to remain open for the benefit of the community” Mayor Chaffey concluded.

ENDS

Media Contact: Tom Plevey 6740 2100

Time is fast running out to nominate that ‘special person’ for an Australia Day Award, with event organisers calling for all entries to be submitted no later than Friday, 16th December, 2016.

“I would encourage anyone wishing to nominate a person or group that they believe is a deserving nominee for an Australia Day Award to do so sooner rather than later”, Australia Day Committee Chair, Councillor Colleen Fuller said.

“Nominations do not have to be lengthy and can include a simple one page letter explaining why they believe the person or group is a deserving nominee. Often the best nominations are written from the heart and become a real tribute to the nominee by documenting their amazing influence within the community” Councillor Fuller continued.

The working group will be hosting a drop in session on Thursday, 1st December to answer any questions and offer assistance to anyone who may like some help filling the nomination form out. They will also be accepting nomination forms on the day, so feel free to pop into the Creative Arts Gallery between 11.00am and 1.00pm.

The 2017 Australia Day Awards for the Gunnedah Shire include fifteen (15) categories with winners announced at the Annual Australia Day Dinner on Wednesday, 25th January, 2017.

Categories include:

• Citizen of the Year Award
• Young Citizen of the Year Award
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy
• Community Achievement Award
• Cultural Award
• Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year
  Award
• Max and Mikkie Maas Good Neighbour Award
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award – Coach of the Year
• Male Sportsperson of the Year
• Female Sportsperson of the Year
• Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year
• Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year
• Junior Sports team of the Year
• Senior Sports Team of the Year

All community members are encouraged to attend the Australia Day Dinner which includes a special address from Gunnedah’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2017.

Award winners will be announced on Wednesday 25th January 2017 during the Australia Day Awards Dinner at the Gunnedah Town Hall.

For table bookings please contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Events Officer, Laurieann Boag on 6740 2100.

Nomination forms can be found here, or can be collected from The Civic in Chandos Street, Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Office in Elgin Street, or the Gunnedah Shire Library in Conadilly Street and must be submitted by Friday, 16th December 2016. Unfortunately, no entries will be accepted after this date.

ENDS

Media Contact: Tom Plevey 6740 2100.