Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
19 September, 2023
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey says the New South Wales Budget released today holds no pleasant surprises for Gunnedah Shire.
“This State Budget includes the big ticket items of $52 million for the Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment, $5.6 million for the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary and $2.5 million for an Early Childhood Education Centre at Gunnedah Campus,” Cr Chaffey said.
“This looks great on paper, but the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary was already committed by previous governments, and it appears there is no additional funding to include all the critical services originally promised as part of the Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment.
“In this case, no news is a long way from being good news.
“The real winner in this Budget is Western Sydney. The whole of regional New South Wales has $1.8 billion listed for new investment, while Western Sydney has in excess of $14 billion, including $7.9 billion for the Sydney Metro-Western Sydney Airport project.
“There are some encouraging commitments among the Budget documents. It is great to see funding going towards easing the cost of living in energy rebates and assistance for first home buyers.
“I’m also really pleased to see a commitment to additional paramedics and funding to transition part-time nursing staff to full-time positions.
“We are yet to know how some of these new initiatives – such as the Regional Development Trust Fund, the Working Regions Fund, Housing Infrastructure Fund and the Establishing Regional Future Jobs and Investment Authority – will work for Gunnedah Shire and for regional New South Wales. We will be looking for further details.
“We are also less than confident that roads funding will address the huge costs we face in our local government area, particularly given the recent flood events.
“This is a disappointing Budget that has not heard our concerns.”
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
19 September, 2023
Gunnedah Shire Council and NSW Police are working together to address rising crime in the Gunnedah Shire.
Gunnedah Shire Council met this week with police representatives in Gunnedah.
“Council has been advocating the need for additional policing measures for some time, most recently in discussions with the NSW Police Ministers office last week in Sydney,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.
“To have senior representatives from both the Western Region and the Oxley Police District, as well as our hardworking local police, here this week discussing the community’s concerns, current actions and the way forward is very encouraging.
“As a community, we have a very strong part to play in supporting our police. As a community leader, Council has urged ongoing vigilance from our community. The best way we can support our local police is to report all incidents and suspicious behaviour.
“If you have CCTV, we encourage you to consider registering it through with the NSW Police Force CCTV Register available on www.police.nsw.gov.au”
Officer in Charge of Gunnedah Police Station, Inspector Michael Wurth, said police were aware of, and were taking action to address crime in Gunnedah.
“Oxley Police District, along with resources from the greater Western Police Region and Sydney, have been deployed to Gunnedah to assist with investigations into the ongoing property crime that has also involved incidents where the alleged offenders are reported to have been armed with knives,” Inspector Wurth said.
“In fact, additional resources have been deployed now for some weeks under the auspices of Operation Mongoose and will continue to be deployed as long as is required. Resources have and will continue to include specialist police along with plainclothes officers in unmarked police vehicles who will be working anytime of the day and night.
“Police are very aware of the angst and fear in the general community and wish to reiterate the ongoing commitment to putting the alleged offenders before the Courts. To that end, police need the assistance of the community to provide timely information to Crimestoppers (1800 333 000), PoliceLink (131444) or if the incident is urgent, ring Triple 000. The information a member of the community holds may be the piece police are after.
“Despite the angst, police caution against vigilantism. It may result in good people getting into trouble or worse, being injured. It also has the potential to deflect those additional resources away from performing the duties they were deployed to carry out,” he said.
“If you see something, report it.”
Caption: Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree, Western Region Commander, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Superintendent Bruce Grassick, District Commander, Oxley Police District, Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke, and Inspector Mick Wurth, Officer in Charge, Gunnedah Police Station.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
September 18, 2023
Gunnedah Shire welcomed eight new Australian citizens on Australian Citizenship Day on Sunday.
Australian Citizenship Day, celebrated on September 17, is a day for Australians to reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship, and the responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens.
Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey welcomed the eight people who have chosen to make Australia their permanent home at a ceremony at the Civic.
“Gunnedah grew by eight Australian citizens on Sunday,” Cr Chaffey said.
“We have a thriving, growing community that is the sum of all the people who have lived here. We are proudly multicultural, and it is a great pleasure to see the happy faces of people who have chosen to make Gunnedah, and Australian their home.
“I welcome them and look forward to our journey together.”
Gunnedah’s newest Australian citizens are:
- Ying-Hsuan Hsieh, who came to Australia from Taiwan.
- Jean-Marc Kunda Mezieres, who has moved to Australia from Zambia.
- Tomasi Matakitoga, who is originally from Zambia.
- Maida Macarubbo Smyth, originally from the Philippines.
- Divine Faith Alog, originally from the Philippines.
- Bruce Jiminez Vinarta, who was born in the Philippines.
- Mary Jane Cruz Vinarta, originally from the Philippines.
- Nicolas Andrei Silos Vinarta, originally from the Philippines.
This year, more than 19,000 people from over 140 countries were welcomed as new citizens on Australian Citizenship Day. The Gunnedah Shire citizenship ceremony held at the Civic and catered by Red Cross was one of more than 420 ceremonies across the country.
Caption: (From left) Ying-Hsuan Hsieh, Jean-Marc Kunda Mezieres, Tomasi Matakitoga, Maida Macarubbo Smyth, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Divine Faith Alog, Bruce Jiminez Vinarta, Mary Jane Cruz Vinarta, Nicolas Andrei Silos Vinarta and Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke at the citizenship ceremony.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
Gunnedah Shire Council has released its Spring school holidays program that offers a diverse and engaging range of activities for children of all ages.
Free activities being staged include ‘Splat & Snack’ which challenges children to create something as a group for the Waste into Art exhibition as well as individual pieces they can take home.
There are also free movies being shown at The Civic Theatre, Book Buddies storytelling and craft with a magical theme at the Gunnedah Shire Library, and a free skate workshop at the Gunnedah Skatepark.
And at Curlewis Hall, ‘Crafty Creations’ - activities and handicrafts all about the magic of books and reading - will take place on Monday 25 September.
The program, which contains all events and activities being held throughout the shire during the school holiday period (25 September – 6 October) can be accessed at; https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/community/community-care-support/youth-services/item/949-school-holiday-program . Activities are funded by the NSW State Government Regional Youth Department.
Council encourages carers and parents to check out the full program. To book go to www.thecivic.com.au .
Gunnedah Shire Council is now calling on nominations for its 2024 Australia Day Awards.
Chair of the Australia Day Working Group, Councillor Juliana McArthur, encouraged locals to start thinking of who they would like to see recognised for their valuable contributions to the community.
“Now is the time to consider who you would like to nominate for the 2024 Australia Day Awards. We have so many wonderful people living in our Shire doing amazing things. While I respect there may be a wish to stay anonymous, it’s so important to celebrate them. These awards officially recognise them and also serve to inspire others,” she said.
The 13 categories in Gunnedah Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards are:
1. Citizen of the Year Award (21 and over)
2. Young Citizen of the Year Award (20 and under)
3. Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award
4. Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy
5. Community Achievement Award
6. Cultural Achievement Award
7. Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
8. Sports Person of the Year Award (21 and over)
9. Junior Sports Person of the Year Award (20 and under)
10. Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under)
11. Sports Team of the Year Award
12. Ivan Towns Memorial Award
13. Environmental Citizen of the Year Award (any age).
The 2024 Australia Day Awards Ceremony will be held at 6:30PM at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Thursday 25 January. Special guests will include Australian dancer, performer, TV personality and 2024 Australia Day Ambassador Todd McKenney as well as fun-loving Australian poet Murray Hartin.
Nominations are open at https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/economic-development/australia-day and will close at 5PM on Friday, 24 November 2023.
Gunnedah Shire Council's Community Safety team is currently investigating the illegal dumping of asbestos on Grain Valley Way, Goolhi.
Sometime between late afternoon on Monday 4, September, and the early morning of Tuesday 5, September, a person or persons have dumped several hundred kilograms of asbestos containing material on the side of Grain Valley Road, north of Goolhi Road.
Council is now appealing for witnesses who travelled this road between these times and may have seen a light to heavy rigid vehicle in this area, or have dash cam footage.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Council's Community Safety Team on 02 67402100, or online at www.ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au .
The Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging local businesses to apply for funding through its Business Partner Program Round Two 2023/24.
The popular program aims to support projects that stimulate economic activity in the Gunnedah Shire with all applications considered on individual merits and priority given to those demonstrating they can help generate employment and grow population in the region.
Councillor Colleen Fuller urged local businesses to be proactive about securing themselves a slice of the funding available.
“This is wonderful opportunity for locals to potentially expand their business or bring to life an idea that requires financial support. It is well worth going through the simple process of applying, especially during these tough economic times,” she said.
Applications are open until October 31, 2023 and the Program Guidelines and Application Form can be found at https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/business-support/business-grants-funding/item/959-business-partner-program .
For any questions regarding the Program and application process please contact the Economic Development Team on (02) 6740 2100.
5 September, 2023
Gunnedah Shire Council will host a number of free workshops in September.
They are:
The Gunnedah Shire Demographic Workshop
Join Glenn Capuano from .id for an informative and engaging demographic workshop.
.id stands for “informed decisions” and id’s work is to provide decision-makers within government, industry and the community with accurate, accessible, easy-to-use information about communities and how they are changing.
When: Friday, September 8, 2023 at the Smithurst Theatre in Conadilly Street.
Session 1: 9am-10am Gunnedah Shire Demographic Snapshot:
- An overview of statewide trends in population during and after the pandemic.
• How the Census played out in Gunnedah and northern New South Wales.
• How is Gunnedah’s population changing, which age groups are moving in and out, and where from and to?
• Changing socio-economic and cultural diversity characteristics.
• Who is working from home – who moved in for the tree change but works elsewhere?
• Housing – how affordable is it, who is in housing stress and where?
• Economic characteristics of Gunnedah – main industries and value of the economy.
Friday, September 8, 2023.
Session 2: 10.30am-12pm Profile .id Tools Made Easy:
- How to use the .id toolkit (profile, atlas ad economy.id) to tell the changing story of Gunnedah Shire.
• Dominant-emerging analysis, how to use it to tell the story.
• Using datasets like migration data and SEIFA data to pinpoint locations within Gunnedah which are different from the main trend.
• Using the economic impact and event tools to look at how the economy would change if industry changes happened.
• Mapping changing characteristics in atlas.id.
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1109640
The DisABILITY Planning Workshop
Gunnedah Shire Council and Carers NSW have partnered to present a unique opportunity for the community to have their say on how to enhance access in the Gunnedah Shire.
A free three-hour workshop is aimed at support services, carers, people with disability and any interested community members and organisations.
With an additional focus on disaster-preparedness, attendees will explore concepts of community attitudes and behaviours, liveability and employment, and work to identify ways to remove barriers, improve access opportunities and celebrate an inclusive, welcoming and resilient community.
Ideas will directly inform Gunnedah Shire Council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan and Carers NSW Care 2 Prepare Project.
When: Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the Smithurst Theatre in Conadilly Street.
9.30am-12.30pm
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council will host two workshops in September for business people and community members.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
29 August, 2023
This Friday, art will take on human form with the opening of Body of Work at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.
This vibrant exhibition features a collection of 14 mannequins, each reimagined by a talented artist from the New England North-West region.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said Body of Work brought something modern and colourful to the gallery.
“The Body of Work exhibition is testament to the creativity we have in this region,” Ms Frater said.
“The artists have each taken a mannequin and made it distinctly their own work. From the inspiration of nature, to cultural creativity and drama, and from textiles to glass mosaic work and digital projection – this exhibition is truly something different.
“Come along to see this adventure into art.”
The exhibiting artists are:
• Lisa Almagro
• Karen Balsar
• Waabii Chapman-Burgess
• Kathy Creamer
• Awan Eveleigh
• Amanda Gwalter
• Tania Hartigan
• Jodie Herden
• Tess Reading
• Joanne Stead
• Emma Stilts
• Wendy Thompson
• Jessica Tribe
• Jody White
Body of Work opens at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 6pm on Friday, September 1, and will continue until Friday, September 29.
To find out more, visit https://www.thecivic.com.au/art--exhibitions
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
Aladdin and his Magic Smartwatch will entertain Gunnedah families at The Civic during the month of October.
Written by A.J Bailey and staged by Jally Entertainment, Aladdin and his Magic Smartwatch is a 50-minute live theatre show suitable for audiences aged 3 to 11 years old.
In this story, Aladdin trades his old lamp for a new Smartwatch but things start to go awry and strange things happen.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater is encouraging families to come and see the show which has enjoyed plenty of acclaim throughout regional Australia.
“Aladdin is a character that has captured the imagination of generations for many years and this quirky and entertaining take on the original is a fun show that I’m sure young families in our community will really enjoy,” Ms Frater said.
Aladdin and his Magic Smartwatch will take the stage at The Civic on Thursday, October 12 at 10.30am and 1pm.
Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased online - http://2hqy76getc80ta4ca79kr1gc0g.live.abccinema.co.nz/movie/aladdin-and-his-magic-smart-watch
