28 February 2025

Gunnedah’s popular annual Youth Expo is set to take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

This year the Youth Expo will feature different employers, organisations, and tertiary education providers, encouraging students to envision their futures and make informed decisions about their education and career paths.

The event, held at the Gunnedah Town Hall, is aimed at Year 10, 11, and 12 students and promises to be an engaging and informative experience, providing a platform for students to explore various opportunities, connect with industry professionals, and gain valuable insights into potential career paths.

“We look forward to welcoming students from around the region, including those that are home schooled, at the Youth Expo and fostering a day of inspiration and exploration,” said Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Colleen Fuller.

Stall holders at the expo will have the opportunity to connect with future talent by meeting and interacting with young individuals who are considering their future career paths.

Organisations and businesses will also be able to showcase their services and demonstrate their role in shaping the future workforce and highlight opportunities within their specific industry.

The expo is also a prime opportunity to strengthen community presence by supporting youth education and career development.

Anyone interested in having a stall at the expo can complete an application here: https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/rv91zua0mulouz/ .

For any further information schools should contact Nina Jordan, Events and Engagement Officer at Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

20 February 2025

Gunnedah Shire Council has approved nominations for three working groups and dissolved the Business Partner Program Advisory Group.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said all Council working groups and committees were dissolved in line with NSW local government election protocols in September 2024.

“Following the election, the local community, community organisations and business sector were invited to nominate for positions on the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group, the Access Working Group and the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group for a period of two years,” Cr Fuller said.

“We were very pleased to receive nominations from people who are passionate about making a difference in each of those three areas.”

At the February Ordinary Council Meeting this week, Councillors endorsed nominations of the following people in each working group:

• Access Working Group: Ingrid Allen Thomas, Ange Wilson, Amanda Cooper, Max Lee, Peter Jones and Sonya Lodge
• Crime Prevention Working Group: Inspector Michael Wurth, Caitlyn Butler, Jessica Blair/Dakota Durrant (alternate member), Joshua Launders, Sharon Aldridge/Sally Wilson (alternate member), Vanessa Hodges Schembri, Brett Daley, John Harford, Amanda Cooper, Kath Wilkinson and Tammy White.
• Gunnedah Shire Council Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group: Cassandra Aldridge and Troy Silver.

Following a Notice of Motion brought by Councillor Rob Hoddle, Council also voted to dissolve the Business Partner Program Advisory Group and the Business Partner Program.

Cr Hoddle said a report to Council last year showed the program was not as effective in supporting businesses as originally intended.

Councillors also endorsed a nomination for Cr Juliana McArthur to join the Rural Roads Working Group.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

February 20, 2025

Council approves funding for pool hoist

An allocation of $21,280 in funding (excluding GST) for a new pool hoist has been approved by Gunnedah Shire Councillors at the February Ordinary Meeting.

Council was approached by a disability carer in April 2024 to upgrade the disability hoist at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool’s indoor pool to a Pelican pool sling hoist. The carer later provided a petition to Council signed by more than 200 people. The petition noted the current hoist was not fit-for-purpose and should be replaced by a sling hoist.

The new hoist will benefit people with disability, the elderly and those requiring injury recovery therapy and will allow single person operation.

Council presents six-monthly progress report

Council’s six-monthly progress report on the Delivery Program 2022/23-2025/26 shows Council has successfully delivered a broad range of services and made significant progress on landmark projects in the past six months.
In addition to extensive community engagement on the need for a Special Rate Variation, local government elections were held with a new Council elected, and a high level of compliance was achieved in areas including aged care services, planning and regulatory services, roads, public facilities, water and wastewater, waste collection and disposal, governance and finance.

Significant Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement works were undertaken, the small grants program was provided, an upgrade to the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility Deposition Area was completed, the Off Leash Dog Park was opened and work on the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary and Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Development progressed.

The full report is available attached to the February Council Meeting agenda on www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Council considers revaluation of Shire land

Gunnedah Shire Council this week reviewed a report by the NSW Valuer General that showed total land value for all properties had increased 16.34% from $3,586,420,300 to $4,172,434,460 between 1 July 2022 and 18 November 2024.

Council General Manager Eric Groth said this increase in unimproved land valuations would not impact on Council’s total rate income, which does not change because of a revaluation. The way the total is allocated does change based on valuation changes within each rate category.

Council also noted any increase in general rate revenue would be limited to the approved rate peg of 4.7% for the 2025-26 financial year, or any approved Special Rate Variation.

Council supports alternative sewerage plan

Council has supported the preliminary design and investigations associated with a new Intermittent Decanted Extended Aeration Decanted (IDEA) process plant for sewerage treatment.

This will allow Council to pursue grant funding for the design and construction of a new (IDEA) process plant should it be required.

The process plant would provide an alternative option for wastewater treatment that could be necessary in the future, depending on the continuation of current reuse contracts and future methods of discharge of treated effluent.

Council will seek grants for project costs of up to $25 million for an IDEA process plant that, if approved, would be delivered over three-four years.

Submission to Office of Local Government

Gunnedah Shire Council will lodge a submission to the Office of Local Government with concerns about several proposed changes to the Model Code of Meeting Practice.

Council’s key concerns include the impacts of:
• The proposed removal of the need to consider resources when determining Notices of Motion, Mayoral Minutes and Amendments;
• The ability of Councillors to obtain information and make informed decisions should pre-meeting briefings be removed.
• The proposed removal of restrictions on asking questions with notice that imply complaints or alleged wrongdoing by staff.
• Proposed restrictions on the ability of Councillors and staff to attend meetings by audio-visual link.
• Proposed shifting of responsibility for determining staff attendance at meetings to Council and not the General Manager; and
• The proposed removal of foreshadowed motions.

Submissions on the Model Meeting Code Amendments are due to the Office of Local Government by 28 February 2025.

Conflict of Interest Policy on exhibition

Gunnedah Shire Council’s draft Conflict of Interest Policy is now on public exhibition.

The policy has been developed to provide guidance on identifying, disclosing, managing, recording, and resolving conflicts of interest. It is applicable to all Council Officials, including Council officers, administrators, members of staff, contractors, and delegates.

The policy is available on Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and feedback will be accepted for 28 days, closing at 5pm on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Burial Rights fees and charges change on exhibition

Following advice from the Australian Taxation Office, a change to Gunnedah Shire Council’s fees and charges schedule relating to burial rights is on public exhibition.

The amendments show GST is not payable on burial rights fees.

The amended fees and charges are available to view on Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and feedback will be accepted for 28 days, closing at 5pm on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Caption: The Off-Lease Dog Park was one of the projects completed in the past six months and included in the six-monthly progress report on the Delivery Program 2022/23-2025/26.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

19 February 2025

Gunnedah Shire will be paying tribute to International Women’s Day in March with an exhibition celebrating the diverse talent of artists in our community.

Artists have been asked to create something special to for the exhibition, which has proven to be a popular and diverse exhibition in past years.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Colleen Fuller said Gunnedah Shire was home to women from a huge range of backgrounds and cultures, with a great diversity of interests.

“The theme for International Women’s Day in 2025 is #AccelerateAction,” Cr Fuller said.
“Our community includes women who excel in all areas of life and who deserve to be recognised for all that they do. This exhibition is a way to celebrate the intrinsic role women play in our Shire, and everything they mean to each one of us.

“It will include a variety of mediums and has always proven to be a very colourful and interesting exhibition.”

In conjunction with the exhibition, a Self Love Workshop will be held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Sunday, 16 March from 1pm to 3pm with afternoon tea provided. Local artist Jade Punch will facilitate the gathering where participants will create a self portrait. Tickets are $20 and are limited to 14. Bookings can be made through www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1350520

There is still time for artists to take part in this exhibition. Ready-to-hang entries with a completed submission form are due to be delivered to the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Monday, 24 February, 2025.
The exhibition will open at the gallery at 6pm on Friday, 28 February and continue until Friday, 4 April, 2025.

Submission forms are available on the Civic website www.thecivic.com.au

Caption: Visitors enjoy the opening of the International Women’s Day Exhibition in 2023.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

19 February 2025

Gunnedah Shire has recognised its strong connection with Sister City Kolomotu’a, in the Kingdom of Tonga, with a new street name.

The roadway that runs along the Namoi River from Maitland Street has been named “Kolomotu’a Drive” in a gesture of respect for our friends in Kolomotu’a.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said the Shire’s relationship with the Tongan region had only grown since the signing of the Sister City Agreement in June 2022.

“At a recent quiet ceremony attended by the Acting High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia and several representatives from the Kingdom of Tonga, including a number of people working in Gunnedah Shire, we celebrated the naming of Kolomotu’a Drive,” Cr Fuller said.

“This is wonderful recognition of the many good things that are a result of this great relationship.”

Acting High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia Curtis Tu’ihalangingie said the naming of the road was testament to the relationship between Gunnedah and Kolomotu’a, and confirmed Kolomotu’a held a “special place in the hearts of the people of Gunnedah, just as Gunnedah is cherished in Kolomotu’a”.

He said members of the Tongan community from Sydney had visited the newly named road to express their love and appreciation for the kindness shown by Gunnedah Shire Council and Gunnedah residents.

“During the event, I had the privilege of representing Her Royal Highness The Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho, the Patron of Sister City relations, as well as the Kolomotu'a Council and the people of Kolomotu'a,” Mr Tu’ihalangingie said.

“It was a profound honour for me to represent such esteemed individuals and organisations. I felt a great sense of pride and humility in honouring Kolomotu'a in Gunnedah and Australia alongside Mayor Cr Fuller, her esteemed council, and the people of Gunnedah.

“I hope that Gunnedah will serve as a beacon for the rest of Australia, fostering and enhancing relationships between our two countries.

“Tonga and Australia share a long history of partnership and mutual support. For instance, this year, Tonga will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its Constitution, which was inspired by the New South Wales Constitution of 1875. Additionally, we will mark the 55th anniversary of our formal diplomatic relations between Tonga and Australia and the 50th anniversary of the Consul-General Office of Tonga in Sydney, NSW.

“These milestones exemplify the extraordinary relationship shared between Australia and Tonga, which Gunnedah has joined in building through outstanding diplomatic and people-to-people connections.

“I hope that Kolomotu'a Drive will be a safe passage and a refuge for those seeking shelter from harm.”

The Gunnedah Shire-Kolomotu’a Sister City Relationship has seen a number of visits between the two regions, with two visits to Gunnedah by Sister City patron Her Royal Highness The Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho.

Kolomotu’a surprised Gunnedah Shire delegates in the Kingdom of Tonga with the naming of Gunnedah Avenue in October 2023.

Caption: Kolomotua’n and Gunnedah Shire representatives at the newly named Kolomotu’a Drive in Gunnedah.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

5 February, 2025

Part of resilience is good mental health, and Gunnedah Shire Council will offer the community another fun and effective way to support mental health through two Words for Wellbeing – Journalling workshops.

On Wednesday, 19 February and Thursday, 20, March, facilitator Lucy Gallagher, who is a farmer and a writer, and has experience as a counsellor/registered nurse in rural mental health, will lead two FREE interactive and evidence-based six-hour workshops at the Gunnedah CWA rooms. The workshops will empower participants to develop a journalling habit that helps to strengthen skills in gratitude, empathy and forgiveness, and promote overall mental wellbeing.

“I want to share these skills with others, giving them accessible tools to support their mental health,” Lucy says.

“While not a replacement for professional mental health services, journaling is a simple and effective practice that anyone can incorporate into their daily lives.

“Mental health services are often difficult to access in rural and remote areas. These workshops aim to fill a gap by offering tools and strategies that are practical, affordable, and accessible to individuals in the bush.”

Lucy says the workshops emphasise the importance of social connection, offering a supportive space for participants to share experiences and connect with others in their community.

“The goal is for participants to leave the workshops feeling ‘lighter’ and better equipped to handle life’s challenges,” she says.

“There is extensive evidence showing that intentional journaling can be a highly effective tool to support mental health. These workshops are based on my personal experience and the proven benefits of reflective writing to improve wellbeing.”

The sessions, to be held from 9am – 3pm, include a journal, pen and workbook. Tea and coffee is provided, and participants are asked to bring along a plate to share for morning tea.

Tickets are available through https://www.trybooking.com/CWUWN

This is a free community event supported by the Australian Government and the NSW Government, through the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Caption: Lucy Gallagher.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

February 3, 2024

It’s back to school time, and time to remember to drive carefully around school zones.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Community Safety Wade Berryman said the start of the school year was a busy time on the roads as students and parents navigated new schools or returned to school.

“Many children are starting at a new school, and there will be confusion about where to go and how to get there,” 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 should allow plenty of time, familiarise themselves with the parking and school zones, and accept they may not be able to park right outside the school. The first priority is safety.”

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:
  - Park across driveways;
  - Park within 3m of a double centre line;
  - Park on a path or nature strip;
  - Park within 10m of an intersection;
  - Stop at a no stopping or no parking area;
  - Park or stop in a bus or taxi zone; or
  - 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

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@infogunnedah.com.au.

26 January, 2025

Nine amazing community members and organisations have been recognised at the 2025 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards.

The annual awards presentation was held yesterday and featured this year’s Australia Day Ambassador to Gunnedah, Patrick Warmoll.

Mr Warmoll is the Managing Director of Jack’s Creek, the local premium Wagyu and Black Angus beef producer that has been internationally recognised as the World’s Best Steak Producer four times over the past decade.

Chair of the Australia Day Working Group Cr Ann Luke said the awards paid tribute to those who had contributed a great deal to the Gunnedah Shire community.

“Congratulations to our Citizen of the Year for 2025, Leonie Harley, who has supported so many organisations for many years, including Gunnedah Meals on Wheels, the Gunnedah Eisteddfod Society, Gunnedah CWA, Namoi Group CWA, the Gunnedah Show Society, Gunnedah Show Ladies Auxiliary, Westpac Helicopter Support Group, the Northern Branch Australian Stock Horse Society, the ‘Pink Up’ Committee and Gunnedah Junior Rugby League,” Cr Luke said.

“Leonie has been a volunteer delivering meals for Gunnedah Meals on Wheels for more than 50 years.

“Her commitment to helping others makes her a role model in our Shire.
“A big thank you to Leonie Harley and congratulations to not only those who received recognition at these awards, but all those who were nominated.”

The 2025 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Award recipients are:

• Citizen of the Year: Leonie Harley
• Ozzie & Beryl Campbell Volunteer of the Year: Rosemary Flett
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy: Moana Gurewitz [ Shoobert]
• Community Achievement Award: Linda Lee and Kate Knight
• Cultural Achievement Award: Multicultural Women’s Association
• Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award: Vince Tydd
• Junior Sportsperson: Jayla Suey
• Sports Team of the Year: Gunnedah Motorcycle Club
• Environmental Citizen of the Year: McLean Care Alkira

The Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards are presented by the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Working Group assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Australia Day Award winners at the ceremony yesterday. Picture courtesy of Gunnedah Times.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

26 January, 2025

Four people became our newest Australian citizens on Saturday, 25 January at an Australia Day weekend Citizenship Ceremony.

Gunnedah Shire Council hosted the Citizenship Ceremony at The Civic ahead of the Australia Day Awards.

Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Working Group Chair Cr Ann Luke welcomed the new citizens.

“It is a great tradition to hold Citizenship Ceremonies across the country as part of Australia Day celebrations,” Cr Luke said. “The Gunnedah Shire community includes a vibrant mix of cultures and backgrounds that add to the wonderful cultural richness of our region.

“This week, we celebrated the decision of four Gunnedah people to join us as Australian citizens and call Australia home.”

Gunnedah’s newest Australian citizens include Ammar Qaiser Choudhary – originally from Pakistan, and Lynette Ann Chivers – originally from the United Kingdom. (Two new citizens requested their names not be included.)

“Welcome to our new Australian citizens,” Cr Luke said. “We hope you enjoy being Australian citizens and all of the responsibilities and privileges it brings with it.”

Caption: Shadow Minister for Western NSW Sarah Mitchell, Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Kate McGrath, Ammar Qaiser Choudhary, Lynette Chivers, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton at the citizenship ceremony.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

January 23, 2025 

It’s been going for more than 20 years, has awarded 516 scholarships and is a hugely successful partnership between the community and Gunnedah Shire Council.

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund celebrated another year of community support for the Shire’s young people at the annual presentation yesterday afternoon.

Eighteen students from Gunnedah Shire were awarded scholarships in areas ranging from agriculture to law.

Gunnedah Shire Council Community Scholarship Fund Working Group Chair Cr Linda Newell said the fund was an innovative initiative.

“We know that many of our young people have to move away to pursue their chosen study area,” Cr Newell said. “The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund gives people not only encouragement, but some practical financial support to meet the costs of moving, books and other expenses.

“Over the years, we have seen many young people successfully pursue a huge range of careers, from medicine to teaching, from law to science, and from trades to sports studies. Many of those young people have come back to the area with their qualifications, skills and talents to enrich the lives of those in our region and our Shire.

“One of them is our guest speaker at this year’s presentation, Dr Sarah Woodford, who has returned to the region as a general practitioner registrar. Sarah was a recipient of a Gunnedah Community Scholarship in 2015 and 2016.

“Sarah is a great example of how a little support for students can be repaid over and over again when they return to our community.”

The fund would not be possible without the support of sponsors, including Whitehaven Coal, Santos, Boggabri Coal, PRAMS (Paediatric and Maternity Support), Forsyths Accounting and Financial Services, Rotary Club of Gunnedah, Rotary Club of Gunnedah West, Club Gunnedah, Discount Drug Store, Orica, Barber St Practice, McArthur Legal, Namoi Valley Bricks, Gunnedah Vet Clinic and Daracon.

This year, a new scholarship was added, "The Pamela Helen Rickard Scholarship".

Very generous sponsors, who have asked to remain anonymous, have donated a substantial amount of funds for this scholarship, which are to be disbursed as $2,500 per student, per year, with a maximum of three full-time students per scholarship year, to attend the Australian National University in Canberra.

The sponsors have created the scholarship in honour of Pamela Helen Rickard, who was the Dux of Gunnedah High School in 1969. Pamela attended the Australian National University from 1970 to 1972, undertaking a combined Asian Studies/Economics degree and was a prize-winner in Economic History.

This year, the inaugural Pamela Helen Rickard Scholarship went to Clare Canham, who will study a Bachelor of Political Science at the Australian National University.

The 2025 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund recipients are:
• Eszter Apro – Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business at Macquarie University
• Zara Bartlett – Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood at University of Sydney
• Hollie Bennett – Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours)(Radiation Therapy) at University of Newcastle
• Clare Canham – Bachelor of Political Science at Australian National University
• Emma Doyle – Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Criminology (Honours) at University of Newcastle
• Lewis Donaldson – Bachelor of Communication at Charles Sturt University
• Rachel Fairfull – Bachelor of Nursing at University of New England
• Josie Gallagher – Bachelor of Education K-12 at Charles Sturt University
• Maya Gallagher – Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at University of Newcastle
• Courtney Hobden – Bachelor of Rural Science at University of New England
• Henry Johns – Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics at University of Newcastle
• Amelia Lush – Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science/Bachelor of Psychological Science at Griffith University, Gold Coast
• Madison McDonald – Bachelor of Agriculture at University of New England
• Kaleb McIlveen – Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) at Marcus Oldham College, Victoria
• Cameron Neader – Diploma of Engineering at University of Newcastle
• Rosie Snape – Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Human Rights at Australian Catholic University Brisbane
• Chloe Sumpter – Bachelor of Nursing at University of Wollongong
• John Mark Villegas – Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) at University of Newcastle