Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
February 20, 2024
Fluoride will be introduced to Gunnedah Shire’s town water supply from Monday, March 11, 2024 following a comprehensive testing and training process.
Records show 96% of the population of New South Wales has access to fluoridated water, with New South Wales Health supporting fluoridation of drinking water as a safe and effective way to help prevent tooth decay in the community.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Water Services Michael Ludlow said Gunnedah’s new $8 million water treatment facility allowed the centralised treatment of town water for the first time.
“This modern centre has been designed and constructed to ensure consistent treatment of town water, and to allow for the introduction of fluoridation,” Mr Ludlow said.
“The new centre has undergone rigorous testing and a qualified contractor will supervise and monitor the initial implementation as Council staff complete their final ‘live’ training.
“Gunnedah Shire has the benefit of using the decades of experience of other water suppliers and is implementing a system that is already in place across most of the state and the country. Testing will be done daily in accordance with NSW Health regulations.”
Fluoride has no taste or smell, and will not have any noticeable impact on drinking water.
Fluoridation is supported by many dental and health organisations, including the National Health and Medical Research Council, the World Health Organization, the Australian Dental Association, the Australian Medical Association, the Public Health Association of Australia, and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
To find out more about fluoridation of drinking water, visit NSW Health at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/fluoridation.aspx
Residents with access to town water do not have to take any preparations ahead of this date.
Caption: Gunnedah’s new water treatment centre has been built to allow centralised treatment of the town water supply and to introduce fluoride as recommended by NSW Health.
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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
Questions and answers
Source: NSW Health (www.health.nsw.gov.au)
Why add fluoride to drinking water?
Water utilities add fluoride to drinking water to reduce tooth decay in children and adults. Good dental health is extremely important for people's overall health and wellbeing. Adding fluoride to drinking water keeps teeth healthy and reduces costs for everyone in our community. This is especially important for people who might not have regular access to dental services.
Most people get fluoride every day when they brush their teeth or drink tap water. Fluoride is a natural mineral found in soil, rocks, and water, but the water in the rivers and dams that provide our drinking water usually does not have enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay.
How does drinking fluoridated water help prevent tooth decay?
Fluoride helps to repair teeth with early signs of tooth decay before cavities form. It also helps children’s teeth be more resistant to tooth decay as they are forming – protecting them right from the start.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce acid after eating sugary foods. The acid strips away minerals from the tooth's surface, weakening teeth and increasing the chance of getting tooth decay. Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth's enamel surface to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can also help repair tooth enamel before serious decay occurs. Water fluoridation provides baby and adult teeth with frequent and consistent contact with low levels of fluoride.
Studies from NSW and Australia show that fluoridation reduces tooth decay across the whole community. Children living in towns with water fluoridation have significantly less tooth decay than those without. There are also more children with no tooth decay at all in communities with fluoride in their drinking water.
Is drinking fluoridated water safe?
Fluoridated drinking water is safe for children and adults of all ages. In 2017, Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) reviewed all the scientific research into fluoridated drinking water. It found that drinking fluoridated water does not cause any health problems and has the benefit of preventing tooth decay.
Some people claim that it is not safe to drink fluoridated water. They say it can cause cancer or reduce children's intelligence. Reliable scientific evidence does not support these claims.
What if I get too much fluoride?
Having too much fluoride can cause white lines to appear on people's teeth, known as dental fluorosis. Noticeable fluorosis is very uncommon in Australia.
Water utilities and NSW Health check the levels of fluoride in our water regularly to make sure it has enough to prevent tooth decay and avoid fluorosis.
How long have people been drinking fluoridated water?
Fluoride has been added to drinking water for more than 75 years. The first fluoridated water supply was in the USA in 1945. Tasmania was the first Australian state to begin fluoridation in 1953, followed by parts of NSW in 1956. Today almost all public drinking water supplies in NSW are fluoridated.
Who supports water fluoridation?
Water fluoridation is supported by many reputable health and dental associations across Australia and the world. The following organisations support and encourage water fluoridation as a public health measure to help prevent tooth decay:
- National Health and Medical Research Council
• World Health Organization
• Australian Dental Association
• Australian Medical Association
• Public Health Association of Australia
• Royal Australasian College of Physicians
What else can I do to protect my teeth?
- Brush your teeth, gums and tongue with fluoride toothpaste every morning and night
• Have regular meals and less snacks during the day
• Choose water as your main drink
• Have dental check-ups and see a dental practitioner if you have any sore teeth or bleeding gums
More information
• NSW Health – Fluoridation - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/fluoridation.aspx
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) - https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/fluoridation
February 19, 2024
The floods of 2021-2022 left behind scars in Gunnedah Shire and beyond – and lasting memories that are now the basis for an exhibition that will open on Friday, March 15 in Gunnedah.
The Arts North West exhibition To My Returning is a creative response by local artists from flood-affected communities.
It includes heart-felt letters written to the river by people across the region who were impacted by the repeated floods - those who were displaced, isolated or watched the water rise with disbelief.
“As the peak arts organisation for the New England North West, Arts North West knew that a creative response to life-changing events can be cathartic and assist with the process of recovery,” Arts North West Executive Director Lauren Mackley said.
“We knew that a creative project was needed to help our communities to explore their regional identities and how they are sculpted by our natural environment, increase resilience and provide space and opportunities for community to gather, reflect and connect post flood events.”
Arts North West also engaged artists from flood-affected communities to create artwork from their own experience and in response to the communities’ letters.
To My Returning features letters from numerous Gunnedah Shire residents, and work from artists across the region, including Gunnedah’s Maree Kelly, Jade Punch and Helen Stanley, photographs by Christiane Birkett, Alyssa Barwick and Marie Low, who also has a creative writing piece.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said To My Returning was an important exhibition that explored a critical time in Gunnedah Shire’s history.
“Not only is To My Returning a significant exhibition in its own right, it shows the heart of our community, and our ability to recover,” Ms Frater said.
“Anyone who wants to understand what the floods meant to Gunnedah Shire needs to visit this exhibition.”
An open gallery night will be held on Thursday, March 28 during the exhibition to allow people to bring a picnic and either engage in a provided themed activity or bring their own project along to work on in the gallery.
To My Returning is a touring exhibition that will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre on Friday, March 15 and continue until Friday, April 26. It has been on display at the Bank Art Museum in Moree, and will go to the Wee Waa Arts and Cultural Centre after Gunnedah.
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Caption: Items from the To My Returning exhibition are arranged ahead of the Moree opening earlier this month.
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@infogunnedah.com.au.
Employment and business play a huge role in any economy, and in Gunnedah Shire, the outlook is good.
The latest opportunity to access a helping hand for new business initiatives has opened with Round Three of the Business Partner Program.
The Business Partner Program has helped hundreds of people and organisations over the years achieve their goal of new businesses or new initiatives for their businesses.
“Gunnedah Shire Council knows that a thriving community and a great economy needs a great diversity of innovative businesses,” Business Partner Advisory Group Chairperson Cr Colleen Fuller said.
“The Business Partner Program has proven to be a very successful way of supporting meaningful new projects or businesses, and increasing employment opportunities.
“The program offers financial support for business ideas that show a solid potential with flow-on benefits for the community. It has helped achieve many exciting projects in the past, and we know this round will prove to be no exception.”
The Business Partner Program provides up to 75% of the total project cost for successful applicants. Applications for Round 3 will close on February 28, 2024.
To find out more, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/business-support/business-grants-funding
February 7, 2024
Gunnedah Shire is sending 28 young local people off on their education adventure with the support of a Gunnedah Community Scholarship.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said he was proud to present scholarships to one of the largest numbers of students in the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund’s 21-year history.
“This is one of Council’s highlights of the year, making tertiary education just a little bit more accessible to our young people,” Cr Chaffey said.
“This is a big time in their lives and, in partnership with the local community, the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance that eases the way and shows the recipients their home town supports their further learning.
“More than 20 years ago, former Gunnedah Shire Mayor Gae Swain OAM founded this fund to encourage young people to pursue further education – and to possibly return home with a whole new set of valuable skills.
“In that time, we have seen hundreds of people head off to study in a huge range of areas – from medicine to occupational therapy, and engineering to teaching. It has made a difference to many young people, and many families.”
Community and business sponsors – including Whitehaven Coal, Santos, Forsyths Accounting and Financial Services, Club Gunnedah, Rotary Club of Gunnedah West and Gunnedah Rotary Club - partnered with Gunnedah Shire Council to award 28 scholarships. Many of these sponsors invest in our community’s future by contributing financially each and every year.
The presentation took place this week (February 6) at the Civic Theatre, with guest speaker, teacher and past Scholarship Fund recipient Oliver Neader.
The recipients for the 2024 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund are:
- Hollie Bennett, Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Radiation Therapy), University of Newcastle
• Paul Cabanas, Bachelor of Software Engineering, University of Newcastle
• Maddison Coombs, Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, University of New England
• Lewis Donaldson, Bachelor of Communication, Charles Sturt University
• Alice Donnelly, Diploma in Science including Bachelor of Psychological Science (Advanced), University of Newcastle
• Emma Doyle, Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Newcastle
• Harry Fairfull, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours), University of Southern Queensland
• Lucy Gainsford, Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, University of New England
• Josie Gallagher, Bachelor of Education K-12, Charles Sturt University
• Maya Gallagher, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), University of Newcastle
• Lara Hewitt, Bachelor of Nursing, University of Canberra
• Molly Houguet, Bachelor of Education (Primary), University of Newcastle
• Callie Jeffrey, Bachelor of Primary Education, University of Newcastle
• Henry Johns, Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle
• Goran Kelly, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern Queensland
• Mackenzie Leader, Bachelor of Education (Secondary), University of Newcastle
• Annalise Martin, Bachelor of Laws, University of New England
• Lillian McNamara, Bachelor of Primary Education, University of Wollongong
• Lucy Moore, Bachelor of Accounting, Charles Sturt University
• Chloe Newman, Bachelor of Educational Studies and Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), Swinburne University of Technology
• Aimee Randall, Bachelor of Nursing, University of Newcastle
• Samantha Randall, Bachelor of Nursing, University of New England
• Ashlyn Summers, Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic), Charles Sturt University
• Chloe Sumpter, Bachelor of Nursing, University of Wollongong
• Imogen Taylor, Bachelor of Secondary Education, University of Notre Dame
• Millie Taylor, Bachelor of Exercise Science/Master of Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology, University of New South Wales
• Yasmin Thomas, Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours), University of Newcastle
• Leisel Torrens, Bachelor of Agriculture, University of New England
Caption: Some of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund recipients.
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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
February 6, 2024
Gunnedah Shire Council has had a recent increase in inquiries and interest about roaming cats.
Dogs and cats are treated differently under the Companion Animals Act 1998. Under NSW Government legislation, dogs in public places:
- Must wear a collar and tag
• must be under effective control of a competent person by means of a leash, chain or cord
• are not allowed in certain places
• and importantly, must be micro-chipped and registered (with limited exception).
Cats, however, must have a form of identification such as a collar or tag with the owner’s address or phone number, a microchip, or other form of identification but only when not on the property that is owned or occupied by the cat owner, or when being exhibited.
Cats are not restricted in their movement or control. They are able to roam freely and without a form of control or supervision. Private trapping of a cat is not encouraged.
Anyone who does seize a roaming cat or dog must deliver it back to its owner, to a council pound, or an approved premises.
“There are many responsible cat owners who keep their much-loved pets contained in their home or yard,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Community Safety Wade Berryman said. “But there are also some who allow and even encourage their cat to roam freely.
“Invasive Species Council research suggests that pet cats kill 546 million animals per year in Australia. Cats that are allowed to roam and are not confined within their own yard or home not only threaten the ecosystem, but they cause great frustration and consternation to many residents.
“Climbing on doors and windows, walking over cars, defecating in gardens, and uncontrolled breeding impacts on the amenity of people’s lives and neighbourhoods.
“Council recommends that cat owners desex their pet to stop unwanted litters, and make sure their cat is micro-chipped so it can always be returned home safely. Where a cat has not been spayed or desexed and is older than four months, the owner must obtain an annual permit at a cost of $92 per annum.”
Council’s authorised officers are able to issue a Notice of Intent to Issue a Nuisance Cat Order, and a Nuisance Cat Order to the owner of a cat in circumstances that are clearly set out in the legislation.
However, it is typically very difficult to prove ownership of a cat or even the identity of a nuisance cat. Residents complaining about the noise or behaviour of a cat may be required to give evidence in a court.
Council’s authorised officers require evidence before taking any sort of enforcement action that might end up in court. There are a range of fines that can be issued to the owners of both cats and dogs under the Companion Animals Act 1998.
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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
February 5, 2024
During the next three months (until the end of April 2024), large-scale maintenance works and pavement reseals will be undertaken as part of Gunnedah Shire Council’s 2023/2024 Roads Program.
These works will improve road surfaces and protect the road asset for future years to come.
Maintenance works will take place in 28 blocks (between intersections) on 20 Gunnedah roads throughout the urban area. These roads were selected based on current condition and priority need for the protection of road surfaces.
Traffic control management will be in place at all worksites. Residents are asked to follow directions provided by Council staff and engaged contractors. Letterbox drops will take place prior to maintenance works in each street.
It is imperative that residents remove all vehicles, trailers etc. from the road pavement to allow necessary works to proceed. Any obstacle will impede progress and lengthen the time taken to undertake the works. It will also increase costs.
Every endeavour will be made to ensure the impact on residents is limited, however the road works will cause some inconvenience. Council asks that all residents remain patient and support the necessary works.
Adverse weather will delay works progress. Reseal works are not carried out after April as the temperature generally falls below the desirable minimum and can cause defects to occur to the newly surfaced road pavement.
As well, new sealed surfaces can take a while to harden especially in hot conditions. Residents are asked to treat the new sealed surfaces with care.
Caption: Roadworks are underway on 20 Gunnedah roads throughout the urban area.
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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
The playground at Kitchener Park in Gunnedah has received an upgrade to include new play equipment with accessible ramps, an inclusive swing set, new connecting pathways to the amenities block, BBQ and a shaded seating area.
The project was jointly funded by Gunnedah Shire Council and the NSW Government through the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Everyone Can Play Grant Program that aims to assist Councils in designing and constructing or upgrading existing play spaces to be more inclusive and accessible.
Everyone Can Play is a $20 million commitment to inclusive play spaces. Together with the NSW Government, Gunnedah Shire Council is delivering infrastructure that is essential for communities, increasing access to open space with the NSW Government contributing $68,000 to the Kitchener Park Everyone Can Play program.
The new playground at Kitchener Park creates a welcoming, safe and accessible space for the community to enjoy. The playground also complements the Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground in Wolseley Park.
The new playground was designed by Stewart Surveys and was constructed by Daracon Group.
Council would like to urge users to be mindful of the freshly laid turf surrounding the playground and allow it time to establish.
On Saturday 27 January 2024, three women were walking two male dogs (on leads) along Beulah Street, Gunnedah when three dogs escaped the yard of a nearby home.
One of the escapees attacked one of the dogs on a lead and inflicted minor injuries to it. Two of the women received minor injuries from falls whilst trying to fend off the attacking dog.
This dog attack was reported to Gunnedah Shire Council on Monday 29 January and Compliance Officers commenced an investigation. On the morning of Wednesday 31 January, a further report was received about a dog escaping from the same yard and attacking a dog that was being walked on a lead along Beulah Street.
Council’s Compliance Officers later that day seized a three-year-old Sharpei x Cattle Dog from a Gunnedah home. The owner of the attacking dog was issued with a fine of $1320 and the owner has elected to have the dog humanely euthanised by a veterinarian. Had the dog owner not chosen this option, Council may have issued a Notice of Declaration of a Dangerous Dog which carries very onerous conditions including a fully enclosed yard built to prescribed conditions, muzzling, annual inspections, and property signage.
The owner of two dogs that escaped the yard at the same time as each attack (but were not involved) was issued with fines totalling $440 and is subject to an Order from Council to erect fencing that prevents the dogs escaping the property.
In response to the incident, Council’s Manager of Community Safety Wade Berryman said;
“It is imperative that all dog owners take responsibility for ensuring that their pets cannot escape their yard by jumping, climbing, or digging out.”
“Any dog is capable of attacking, biting, or harassing other animals and people that are going about their business in public places. Similarly, dog owners should not deliberately release their dogs from their yard at any time of the day or night to roam uncontrolled and unsupervised defecating, knocking over bins, and generally disturbing the neighbourhood. Dogs that are not under control in public places, will be seized and as well as any Council fees and charges applicable, fines may be issued,” he said.
January 30, 2024
As a new group of children join the school community and hundreds of other students return to school, it’s time to ensure we are all driving safely.
Gunnedah Shire Council has been fortunate to receive NSW Government Transport for NSW funding to deliver a road safety program – Gunnedah Safer Schools.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Community Safety Wade Berryman said the start of the school year was a perfect time for motorists to review their driving habits.
“There can be confusion at the start of the school year, both on the roads and in the car parks,” Mr Berryman said.
“It is important for all of us to remember to be patient with other drivers, always be on the lookout for pedestrians, and to follow the road and parking rules.
“Drivers can familiarise themselves with the school and parking zones, allow plenty of time, and accept they may not be able to park right outside the school. Safety for children, parents and the whole community is very important.”
Some tips for safe driving and parking when travelling to and from school:
- Always follow the road rules and signs
• Do not expect to park close to your school – drop-off and pick-up times are busy. You might need to park further away and walk your child to school
• Know where the school speed zones are and where parking is available around the school - Remember not to:
o Park across driveways;
o Park within 3m of a double centre line;
o Park on a path or nature strip;
o Park within 10m of an intersection;
o Stop at a no stopping or no parking area;
o Park at a bus or taxi zone; or
o Double park.
To find out more about parking rules in New South Wales, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/roads-safety-and-rules/parking/parking-rules
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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
The Gunnedah Shire Council recognised the invaluable contributions made by members of the local community at the annual Australia Day Awards ceremony held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Friday night.
Chair of the Australia Day Working Group, Councillor Juliana McArthur congratulated the 13 category winners:
“Well done to all recipients who have been recognised this year. Whether they are part of a sports team, individual, an environmentalist or even a good neighbour, each and every person has made a huge contribution to the Gunnedah community and should be very proud,” she said.
Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award - Coralie Howe
To a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community in a voluntary capacity.
Coralie Howe is a Life Member of Gunnedah CWA and is being recognised for her generosity and willingness to be involved in many aspects of our Gunnedah community. Coralie’s efforts to ensure members can attend meetings and functions are always appreciated. Coralie is always willing to offer assistance to those in need.
Community Achievement Award - CWA Gunnedah –Leonie Harley Hon. Sec.
To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through their dedication and efforts in a specific organisation, community initiative or civic duty.
As leaders and advocates, members of Gunnedah CWA have been involved in our community since 1922. In recent years, coordinating practical support for drought, flood and education have been major projects, along with fundraising and lobbying government on important issues. CWA members have a ‘can do’ attitude and strive to bring women and families together to form a network of friendship and support. Congratulations Gunnedah CWA!
Cultural Achievement Award - Agnes Kin Thurston
To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through any means of cultural diversity.
Agnes Kin Thurston is passionate about being involved in the community, showcasing not only her own Polynesian and Melanesian cultural descendency, but all the multicultural opportunities presented in the Shire today. Agnes has been involved in the Multicultural Women’s Association, Multicultural Playgroup, Gunnedah Pre School, supporting Harmony Day, welcoming the Princess of Tonga, supporting Gunnedah Shire Library with language and cultural weeks and working for Gunnedah Family Support.
Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy - Edmund Heap
To a retired person who has continued to dedicate their time and efforts to impart their knowledge and skills to others in the community, and to assist people to attain higher goals in life.
Edd Heap has been integral in Gunnedah’s community chess club for over 36 years – at teaching level, competition level and social level. Edd has long been involved in teaching primary and high school students to play chess, encouraging them to play and compete in tournaments. The annual Australia Day chess competition (happening this Saturday) and the ‘Speed Chess’ competition during the Weeks of Speed are examples of his commitment and achievements. Edd has played a vital role in nurturing a sense of community amongst our Shire’s chess players.
Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award - Ian Franke
To a person who is a quiet achiever, lives quietly out of the public eye but is well known to family, friends and neighbours as someone who gives freely of their time to lend a neighbourly hand, without looking for anything in return.
Ian Franke has a happy, caring nature that stands out to his neighbours and he is always reliable. He demonstrates his pride in the community of Gunnedah through his assistance to neighbours. Ian was nominated as he takes the stress and worry about how things will be done from his neighbours’ lives. From mowing lawns, fixing leaky taps, small odd jobs, to looking after houses and gardens when people are away, Ian is generous with his time and is highly esteemed. Congratulations Ian on your contribution to a stress fee neighbourhood!
Junior Sports Person of the Year - Hugo Holmes
For a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months who has made a significant contribution to their sporting club
Hugo Holmes is 11 years old and attends St. Xavier’s primary school and is a proud member of Gunnedah Motorcycle Club. His 2023 achievements include traveling to Illinois in America to win their Flat Track Grand National Championship in the 65cc production class and being named the Motorcycling NSW Junior Dirt Track Rider of the year (17 years and under). Hugo has also competed successfully regionally, interstate and nationally over the last year, as well as being recognised as a valued member of his local club.
Sports Person of the Year – Ms Khobi Devine
For a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months who has made a significant contribution to their sporting club or chosen sporting field.
Khobi Devine is an advocate for the growth of women’s, girls and junior football in Gunnedah. She captained the Poochettes senior women’s AFL team to an exciting premiership win in a home grand final last year. Khobi was also named in the north-west team of the year and was recognised as one of the top 10 best and fairest players in the zone. Khobi is the first female to achieve the milestone of playing 50 games for the Gunnedah Bulldogs. Khobi is heavily involved in both touch football and AFL in Gunnedah and is recognised as a reliable team member who goes above and beyond both on and off the field.
Senior Sports Team of the Year - Gunnedah Bulldogs Women’s AFL Team – Poochettes
– (Captain Ms Khobi Devine)
Have been members of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months and made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
The Gunnedah Poochettes Senior Women’s AFL Team represent Gunnedah in the North-West Australian Football League, and proudly achieved the 2023 North-West Women’s Premiership. With a playing squad of about 30, the Poochettes provide a safe and inclusive place for women to come together and play AFL. Winning the premiership with a home grand final is a wonderful achievement and congratulations go to all involved!
Ivan Towns Memorial Award Coach of the Year - Andrew Frend
This award is in recognition of the work that is done by a coach. It recognises commitment to training and passing on knowledge.
Andrew Frend has a broad range of coaching accreditation and over 20 years experience coaching athletes at international, national, state, regional and local levels. Andrew is a successful professional coach and also contributes by volunteering his time to local schools and Little Athletics. He is being recognised tonight for his outstanding knowledge of athletics - specialising in sprints, hurdles and relays - and his ongoing efforts to share this knowledge with younger coaches and athletes.
Environmental Citizen of the Year - Sandy Thomson
This award supports efforts to preserve the environment, including demonstrating the ability to foster partnerships that achieve litter reduction and recycling outcomes.
Sandy Thomson has been an active member of Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group for nearly 20 years and Treasurer for nearly 10 years. As a resident of Gunnedah and neighbour of Porcupine Reserve, Sandy has a passion for the management of this reserve and personally makes a considerable effort with weed control and rubbish removal. Sandy is always keen to lend a hand, planting trees, helping out at the plant stand at the markets and fully supporting the work of Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group. In her role as Treasurer she has had to manage significant funding applications which will have long term benefits for our environment.
Young Citizen of the Year - Lewis Donaldson
This award goes to someone 20 years of age and under who has demonstrated commitment to the community, shown a high level of achievement and is involved in extra-curricular activities
Community focused, Lewis Donaldson exhibited a high level of dedication to the role of Captain at St. Marys College in 2023. Lewis initiated change regarding the school’s waste management program, was involved in the organisation of numerous school fundraisers and inspires his peers and younger students. Lewis advanced in both the Lions and Rotary public speaking competitions and, outside of school, coached tennis. Lewis’ leadership and mentoring qualities are recognised in his achievement of this award.
Citizen of the Year Award - Marie Hobson
This award goes to a Gunnedah local over 21 years of age who has made an outstanding contribution to the residents or community. It recognises significant contribution in a voluntary capacity along with the values of citizenship and ethical leadership.
Marie Hobson is passionate about the Gunnedah community and has made an outstanding contribution as both a highly respected professional journalist as well as a valued volunteer. Marie helped to launch the Gunnedah Times, is a member of the View Club, a swimming coach and has strongly supported the Historical Society. Marie has also served on St Josephs Parish Council and St Marys Board of Management.
Marie believes in making everyone welcome to our Shire - she says this is a great community and she cannot think of a reason to live anywhere else! Congratulations Marie!
