24 May, 2023

Locals and visitors came together to enjoy a day in the sunshine at Harvest Gunnedah on Sunday.

The autumn-themed event featured live music, free children’s activities, and stalls of food and handmade and handcrafted wares from around the region.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was wonderful to see families setting up picnic rugs or gathering on hay bales and making the most of the day.

“Locals weren’t deterred by the chill in the air, instead browsing the stalls and catching up with friends,” he said.

 “The free children’s activities were a hit, especially the jumping castles and pony rides. Kids also enjoyed dancing to live music from Redneck Gentlemen, Savage Groove and Steve Druce.

“A big thank you to everyone who helped to make Harvest Gunnedah 2023 a success.”

The free community event at the Gunnedah and District Kennel Club grounds was supported by the NSW Reconnecting Regional Communities Fund. 

Caption: Harvest Gunnedah was a social affair at the Gunnedah and District Kennel Club grounds on Sunday.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

Updated 18 September, 2024

Gunnedah Shire Council is delivering some exciting community projects as part of the NSW Public Space Legacy Program.

On August 2020, the NSW Government launched the $250 million program and encouraged councils to submit a plan to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment on how they would accelerate local projects and include a brief project proposal to deliver an open and public space project.

In April 2021, $2 million in funding was allocated to Gunnedah Shire Council for three projects under the Gunnedah Public Spaces Activation Program - the Shared Pathways Connection Program, the Wandobah Road Open Space Enhancement Project and the Poetry Precinct Open Space Activation Project.

The Shared Pathways Connection Program will tie together four open space projects that augment the existing bicycle network in the Gunnedah township and create opportunities for locals to participate in active, healthy recreational activities. The combination of the project will result in the creation of a connected cycle ways 'loop' and 3,970 linear metres of cycle ways/shared pathways. This project is nearing completion.

As part of the already completed Wandobah Road Open Space Enhancement Project, low fencing, intergenerational seating and rubbish bins were installed along the 2.16 kilometres of popular footpath on Wandobah Road over June and July.

The project augments the existing shared pathway network, complements the Gunnedah Shared Pathway Connection Program and increases safety for user groups by discouraging  vehicular access to the Wandobah Reserve.

Over on South Street, The Poetry Precinct Open Space Activation Project realises the community's collective vision to create a unique destination and cultural asset that connects the Shire's love of poetry and music, respect for history and heritage, and outdoor lifestyles. The new path includes a mini-amphitheatre and gardens.

The Stock Road pathway between Links Road and Winder Place has had a facelift with new surfacing and is now open for use.

The Riverine Stormwater Precinct Shared Pathway is now open to the public. The project complements the existing pathways and runs from Cohen’s Bridge along Maitland Street to the Carroll Street end of Mullibah Lagoon, connecting to the existing pathway at the Namoi River. The Geoff Morgan Playing Fields are linked through Mullibah Lagoon. The pathway includes a stormwater bridge at the Osric Street stormwater head and is lined with solar lighting.

The project is funded by the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.

22 May, 2023

Gunnedah Shire businesses have the opportunity to apply for funding to help fuel their new and creative ideas through round one of Gunnedah Shire Council’s 2023-2024 Business Partner Program.

The latest round will open on Friday, 26 May and promotes economic activity in the Shire by encouraging business growth and innovation, and supporting employment.

The Business Partner Program has helped hundreds of local businesses over the years and Business Partner Advisory Group Chairperson Cr Colleen Fuller said she hoped many business owners would apply for the latest round.

“This program is an ideal avenue to launch new businesses, expand current businesses and implement fresh ideas in our growing and progressive business sector,” Cr Fuller said.

“Many exciting proposals have been submitted to the advisory group in previous rounds and we have watched these plans progress and stimulate our local economy.

“In our most recent round, grants were awarded for equipment upgrades, business set-up and promotions, rebranding and business expansions.

“We anticipate many more great ideas in this next round of Business Partner Program applications.”

Details about the Business Partner Program, including guidelines and application forms, are available on the Gunnedah Shire Council website: https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/business-support/business-grants-funding/item/959-business-partner-program

Applications for round one of 2023-24 open on Friday, 26 May, and close at 5pm on Friday, 30 June. Businesses can apply for up to 75% of the total project cost.

For further information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Economy and Growth team on (02) 6740 2100, or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Caption: Recent recipients of Council’s Business Partner Program include The Croft, The Hen House, Gunnedah Diagnostic Imaging, Li'l Achievers Early Learning Centre and Gunnedah Health and Fitness Co. Pictured are Warren Thomson and Amanda Jefferys (The Croft), Georgina Byriell (The Hen House), Lisa Mulherin (Gunnedah Diagnostic Imaging), Business Partner Advisory Group Chairperson Cr Colleen Fuller, Brooke Patriquin (Li'l Achievers) and Maryanne Perkins (Gunnedah Health and Fitness Co).

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

May 22, 2023

The deadline for applications under Gunnedah Shire Council’s annual Section 356 (Community and Sports) Small Grants Program and Section 356 (Arts and Cultural) Small Grants Program has been extended.

Eligible groups now have until 5pm on Monday, June 5 to get their applications in for the 2023-24 Small Grants Program.

The grants are open to not-for-profit, charitable, community, sporting, arts and cultural groups for projects that support the long-term sustainability of the group and demonstrate wide community benefit. The Section 356 Small Grants Program has awarded close to $600,000 to local groups over the past 18 years.

Application forms and grant guidelines for each small grants round are available from Council’s website at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

The 2023-2024 funding round now closes at 5pm on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Further information is available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or here.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Section 356 Small Grants Program has helped many organisations over the last 18 years.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

18 May, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council’s blueprint for the year ahead is now on public exhibition and the community is invited to comment.

The Gunnedah Shire Council Draft Operational Plan for 2023-24 contains the draft budget including proposed capital works program, revenue policy and schedule of fees and charges.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the document detailed a practical way forward to continue the Shire’s vision for a prosperous, caring and proud community.

“The Operational Plan represents a clear and financially responsible way forward to deliver outcomes in the areas our community has told us are most important: engaging and supporting the community; building our economy; retaining our quality of life; and protecting and enjoying our beautiful surrounds,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have had substantial investment in major projects in partnership with the State and Federal governments and our capital works in the 2023-24 year will total $28.8 million. Among the significant projects under way or nearing completion are the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Redevelopment, Gunnedah Tarmac Upgrade, Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary, and the recovery of our road network following extensive flooding in late 2022.

“This is a document to be proud of in tough economic times, where local governments are bearing the increasing costs of inflation and the concerns that come with labour and skills shortages and costs increases for everything from energy to contractors. We are also feeling the brunt of cost-shifting from other levels of government, with moves such as the recent New South Wales government’s decision to significantly increase the State Emergency Services Levy.

“Despite this, Council is continuing to deliver the critical daily services our community deserves, such as waste and recycling services, animal services, road maintenance, cultural facilities, pool and library facilities, planning and development services, playgrounds, sporting facilities and economic services, and so much more.

“This will be another year in which we can achieve great things in partnership with our community.”

Fast facts from the Draft Operational Plan 2023/24:

• Gunnedah Shire Council’s total budget is $65,473,639
• 43% of the budget comes from rates and charges, with most of the remainder coming from grants and user charges and fees
• The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has determined the rate peg amount for Council is 3.8% for 2023-24
• Gunnedah Shire Council has four major rates categories: farmland, residential (Gunnedah, village, rural and ordinary), mining, and business (Gunnedah, power generation and ordinary).
• There are 6441 rates assessments in the Shire, with the majority in the residential rate category.
• Council’s Draft Fees and Charges Schedule (also on public exhibition) includes proposed fees and charges for the financial year ahead for everything from cemetery fees to cinema prices, and from waste management services to street trading charges.

The Gunnedah Shire Council Draft Operational Plan 2023/24 and Draft Fees and Charges Schedule 2023/24 have been placed on public exhibition until Thursday, June 15, 2023. The plans can be viewed in person at 63 Elgin Street or online at https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/the-future-of-gunnedah/draft-documents-exhibition.

You can submit feedback by:

• Emailing council@infogunnedah.com.au Please include your name and contact details.
• Completing an online form on Council’s website: www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
• Posting your submission to Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah 2380 or taking it to Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Councillors and staff visited the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards on Wednesday to view the progress of the redevelopment project. They are pictured with site manager Robert Carter from David Payne Constructions (right).

15 May, 2023

Harvest Gunnedah is fast approaching and promises a fun, family-friendly day out.

The free community event that urges people to eat good food and discover and celebrate our region, will be held on Sunday, May 21 from 10am to 2pm at the Gunnedah and District Kennel Club grounds on South Street.

Harvest is supported by the NSW Reconnecting Regional Communities Fund and will feature delicious food, handmade and handcrafted wares from around the region, and entertainment from local musicians.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was a fantastic way for locals to catch up with friends and family.

“Any opportunity for our community to get together is welcome, so I encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the sunshine and good company,” he said.

“Bring along a picnic or visit the food stalls for sweet treats, deluxe burgers, Italian and German street food, and locally sourced steak sandwiches to the sounds of local live music.

“Kids will have plenty to keep them busy with free face painting, jumping castles and pony rides. There are also free shuttle buses for Carroll and Curlewis.

“I look forward to seeing you all at Harvest Gunnedah on Sunday, May 21.”

Free shuttle buses

Carroll: departs Carroll Store at 9.45am, departs Harvest at 1.30pm.

Curlewis: departs opposite Curlewis General Store at 10.30am, departs Harvest at 12.45pm.

Caption: Harvest Gunnedah is an ideal event for families who want to enjoy a day out. Pictured are Emily Surman and her son Tommy at the debut event in 2021.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

28 April, 2023

What exhibitions would you like to see in Gunnedah’s Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre?

Gunnedah Shire Council is looking for new and exciting exhibitions to bring to the region and is seeking expressions of interest both from people who would like to participate or hold an exhibition, and those who have a great idea.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford said community input would help with forward planning for the gallery.

“We are seeking new and fresh ideas for the gallery for 2024,” Mr Cornford said.

“We already have an exciting program booked for this year, but it is time to think about some great exhibitions for the future.

“Gunnedah Shire has talented and experienced artists, but we are also looking to seek ideas about artists and exhibitions from outside our region to ensure we always have something different to offer.”

The Gallery Exhibition Proposal form is available on both Gunnedah Shire Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and The Civic’s website www.thecivic.com.au.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council is looking for the community’s ideas for exhibitions to be featured in the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery. Pictured is Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford in the gallery.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

27 April, 2023

A royal delegation from Gunnedah Shire’s Sister City of Kolomotu’a is planning a return visit to Gunnedah in July, featuring the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce’s Gala Business House Dinner as a highlight.

Gunnedah Shire and Kolomotu’a, Tonga, signed a Sister City Agreement when Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, the High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Commonwealth of Australia, visited in June 2022.

The visit is being organised by Gunnedah Shire Council in partnership with Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and community representatives.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said he was pleased to announce the Princess would return to Gunnedah to mark the anniversary of the partnership.

“What we have with Kolomotu’a is more like family than a friendship,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We will be delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness and the delegation back to Gunnedah and show them more of our wonderful shire.

“We are also looking forward to the Gala Business House Dinner, which will be a true celebration of our vibrant Business Community. It will be a pleasure to welcome the Tongan royal delegation as guests of honour and to raise money for a new library for the Kolomotu’a Middle School which was hit by the tsunami in January 2022. Delegates from Gunnedah visited the school in October and witnessed the problems the school was having following the tsunami.

“This is a way we can celebrate our local Business and Industry and to lend a hand to our friends in Tonga.”

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce President Ben Hennessy said:  “We are excited that the royal delegation’s visit coincides with our Gala Business House Dinner which will be a fantastic night out for our local business community to network and celebrate our strong, diverse and vibrant community.

“It’s exciting that we will be hosting the Princess and raising funds for their library destroyed in the tsunami. It will also be great to showcase the benefits our relationship has already had on the Gunnedah community through employment pathways for our thriving local businesses.” 

The delegation is expected to visit between 7 and 9 July. The Gala Dinner will be held in the Town Hall on Saturday, 8 July to celebrate and showcase our local business sector.

Preparation is also under way for a return visit to Tonga in October to showcase career opportunities. Gunnedah Shire businesses will be invited to participate.

Caption: Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, the High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Commonwealth of Australia, will return to Gunnedah Shire in July.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

27 April, 2023

Work will begin in May on the complete refurbishment of the Gunnedah Airport tarmac.

The tarmac is nearing the end of its serviceable life, and is being upgraded to enable larger aircraft to use the facility. 

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said work would begin in early May.

Work is being completed in two phases, with phase 1 being the pavement works between May and June, and phase 2 being the surfacing in September. The aerodrome will be open to limited air traffic between the end of June and September.

“The aerodrome will be closed to all air traffic whilst work is being undertaken,” Mr Bartlett said.

“The project will include complete refurbishment of the tarmac, taxiway and apron to bring it into line with Australian Civil Aviation Regulation requirements for certified facilities.  It will also allow the possibility of a commercial passenger service for Gunnedah.

“Like any asset, a tarmac suffers wear and tear over time, and eventually needs to be renewed.  This work is necessary to not only allow new flights, but to ensure safe conditions for our existing airport users into the future.”

 The $8.35 million project has been funded by the State and Federal governments in partnership with Gunnedah Shire Council.

Caption: The aerodrome will be closed to all air traffic while refurbishment works are carried out.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

22 May, 2023

UPDATE: Closing date extended to COB on Monday, 5 June 2023.

24 April, 2023

Arts and cultural groups can submit applications for Gunnedah Shire Council’s 2023-24 Section 356 (Arts and Cultural) Small Grants Fund from now until Monday, 22 May 2023.

The annual fund aims to assist in the continuation of existing local projects or to support new projects and initiatives that help meet the needs of the growing community, while strengthening cultural identity and connection to place.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader, Michael Cornford, said it was a fantastic opportunity for arts and cultural groups to gain financial support for their creative ideas.

“Council is committed to enhancing local cultural opportunities and experiences by assisting in building the capacity of arts and cultural community organisations and groups to remain vibrant and sustainable in the long term,” he said.

“This fund is an important stepping stone in that process.”

Past successful applications have included cultural workshops, concerts, exhibitions, media equipment and cultural markets and festivals.

The arts and cultural project, program or event must have broad community benefit and align with the following general arts categories: acting, announcing, fine art and craft, directing, animation, dancing and choreography, entertainment and performance, music and singing, photography, production, and writing.

Guidelines and application forms can be downloaded from Council’s website: https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/community/community-services/grants-sponsorship/item/1401-section-356-arts-and-cultural-grants

Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 22 May, 2023.

For more information on the 2023-24 Arts and Cultural Small Grants Fund, contact Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Madeline Buhagiar with Gunnedah and District Spinners and Weavers members Vanessa Hodges-Schembri and Bec Thompson at the presentation of the 2022-23 356 Arts and Cultural Small Grants Fund.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.