Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
3 March, 2023
Gunnedah Shire’s agricultural history will mix with the speed demons of 2023 as the Community Street Parade on Saturday kicks off the pace in the Weeks of Speed.
The street parade is traditionally a wild mix of vehicles new and old, from lovingly restored Massey Ferguson tractors to drag racers, speedway cars and vintage vehicles.
Gunnedah Shire Council Team Leader Nikki Robertson said the parade was a great way to begin the program of events.
“The Community Street Parade is a rare opportunity to see both our past and our present celebrated in Conadilly Street,” Mrs Robertson said.
“The parade will begin at 10am on Saturday, March 4 in Conadilly Street at Elgin Street, and continue down to Chandos Street.
“Not only will there be an exciting mix of vehicles, but the Memphis Moovers Roving Band will perform some of the biggest all-time music hits, and eight-foot kangaroos will be bouncing down the main street as part of the Roo’d performance. Roo’d has appeared at festivals and events around the world.”
The street parade is funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.
One of the organisers of the Community Street Parade, Ian Guest, said the parade would finish in the Woolworths car park at about 10.30am for the Show ‘n’ Shine and the official opening of the Weeks of Speed.
As well as a chance to see the tractors and cars up close, there will be a working steam engine.
Across the road in Wolseley Park, a Hot Rod Display will happen between 10.30am and 12pm.
“This is only the beginning of a huge program of events for Weeks of Speed,” Mrs Robertson said.
“The full program includes everything from the Motorkhana at the Gunnedah Showgrounds to the Boggabri Cup at Riverside Racecourse, and from the Multicultural Harmony Festival to the Mt Porcupine Hill Climb. There’s billy-boiling, whipcracking, speedway racing, fishing, clay target shooting, and the Clash of the Sirens.”
At the Gunnedah Rural Museum, volunteers are not only preparing for the Community Street Parade, but for the Rural Museum Demonstration Day and Tractor Pull on Sunday, March 26.
For the full Weeks of Speed events program, visit www.visitgunnedah.com.au or drop into the Visitor Information Centre at 83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.
Caption: Getting ready to hit the road: Gunnedah Rural Museum volunteers (from left) Bill O’Gorman, Jim Noon and Doug Wise.
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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
Updated 1 March, 2023
On June 24, 2022, Gunnedah Shire and Kolomotu’a, Tonga, signed a Sister City Agreement.
Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, the High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Tonga, to the Commonwealth of Australia, visited Gunnedah on that date to formalise the relationship. Gunnedah representatives visited Kolomotu’a in October 2022.
The agreement is the Kingdom of Tonga’s first Sister City relationship.
Gunnedah and Kolomotu’a continue to build on their strong partnership with the focus on four key areas: arts and culture; sports; education; and employment and the economy.
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Updated 1 March, 2023
Manly Council and Gunnedah Shire Council signed a Friendship Relationship agreement in September 2005. Manly amalgamated with Pittwater and Warringah councils to become the Northern Beaches Council in May 2006.
The partnership was formed to develop a close friendship and bilateral exchanges in culture, education, environment, sport and literature, including a common interest in our shared citizen, the famous poet Dorothea Mackellar.
In 2010, Manly Council hosted a group of Gunnedah students as part of the Bush to Beach student exchange program, and Gunnedah in turn hosted a group from Manly.Northern Beaches Council also hosted farming families for a beachside break during the difficult years of the drought, showing how practical and meaningful a Sister City partnership can be during tough times.
February 28, 2023
Gunnedah Shire Council has welcomed the NSW Government announcement a contractor has been appointed for construction of the Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the community had waited patiently for news of concrete progress on the $53 million project which was critical for the region.
“I congratulate Richard Crookes Construction who have been appointed to work alongside the project team to progress the detailed design,” Cr Chaffey said.
“This is good news.
“But it has taken almost four years to get to this point, and we are proud of our community for making their voices heard to ensure this new hospital includes the services we were promised, and the hospital beds and services we so badly need.
“We are calling on the NSW Government to ensure this hospital is delivered in a timely manner, and is delivered to the highest standard.
“Hunter New England Health senior management made an early commitment to create a workforce plan in tandem with the design and construction of the hospital. I can’t overstate how important it is to have the appropriately trained staff ready and waiting when the doors open. Our hospital needs to provide the standard of care our community deserves.”
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson announced yesterday that once final designs had been developed, the project team would seek feedback at consultation sessions in Gunnedah.
“I encourage our community members to continue to have their say on the development of our hospital,” Cr Chaffey said.
More information about the Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment is available at www.hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/gunnedah
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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
23 February, 2023
The Koala Tartan has woven its way into history with demand from around the world.
The tartan, which was launched by weavers Fred and Marie Lawson of The Crofters Weaving Mill at Spring Ridge alongside Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey in October 2021, has captured the hearts of both lovers and koala lovers.
“The Koala Tartan was used for an Australian wedding party in Scotland,” Marie said.
“It was our second or third wedding all in the tartan. They bought the kilt cloth and had the kilts made in Australia. I made the ties.”
The Koala Tartan has also made its way to Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and has attracted the attention of wildlife groups and sanctuaries. It has also proven to be a favourite at Gunnedah’s own Visitor Information Centre, where Australian-made cuddly koalas featuring tartan scarves have been popular, along with ties and scarves.
It has been The Crofters Weaving Mill’s bestselling tartan.
“The Lawsons have come up with something special with the Koala Tartan,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.
“These are two talented people who have created a beautiful and practical way to celebrate the koala, not only in Gunnedah - the Koala Capital of the World - but across the globe. The tartan has been registered through The Scottish Register of Tartans and is now recognised as the pattern that represents the koala worldwide.
“I congratulate them on this amazing achievement.”
Marie said The Crofters Weaving Mill had been working on expanding the range, with Fred recently successfully weaving a rug from 20-ply merino wool from Nundle. Marie is also working with a different material to make scarves and shawls.
The mill has also proven to be a drawcard for bus tours who stop to watch the world-recognised weavers at work.
To take a look at the Koala Tartan, drop into the Gunnedah Shire Council Visitor Information Centre at 83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.
Captions:
- Fred Lawson works on the Koala Tartan.
- Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey (middle) with Marie and Fred Lawson.
- Products featuring the Koala Tartan on sale at the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
20 February, 2023
Financial Assistance
At a Gunnedah Shire Council meeting last week, Council resolved to provide financial assistance to a number of community events and groups, pending feedback from public exhibitions.
Council endorsed the following recommendations:
- $2,256 of in-kind support for the Gunnedah Show Society’s Country Music Muster on March 21-26;
- In-kind support for the hire fee for Gunnedah Multiple Sclerosis’s recent annual Christmas Fair; and
- A contribution of $5,000 for operational costs and servicing of the Gunnedah Rural Museum for the next three years, and a contribution of $3,000 for the museum towards insurance costs for the next three years.
The above contributions are on public exhibition until Friday, 17 March and can be viewed in full here: https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/the-future-of-gunnedah/draft-documents-exhibition.
A co-contribution of up to $30,000 for the Gunnedah Jockey Club towards a grant application for a kitchen and dining upgrade project at Gunnedah Racecourse was also approved at the meeting.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
17 February, 2023
Gunnedah’s Weeks of Speed will be a race to the finish line with a heart-stopping line-up of events from March 4-26 March.
From the Mount Porcupine Hill Climb to the NSW Whipcracking Titles, speedway racing, Show ‘n’ Shine, and pig races, Weeks of Speed 2023 has something for everyone in one action-packed month.
The festival will kick off on Saturday, 4 March with the official opening and Community Street Parade in Conadilly Street. Come along and see tractors, drags and vintage cars and hear the tunes of the Memphis Moovers Roving Band and marvel at street performers Bouncing Roos between Elgin and Chandos streets.
The parade will finish up in the Woolworths car park with the official festival opening, Show ‘n’ Shine, and a Hot Rods display at Wolseley Park.
The street parade is funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.
The opening day will also include the Boggabri Cup at the Gunnedah Racecourse from 11am, and Speedway Racing from 5pm at the Gunnedah Speedway on Blue Vale Road.
The rest of the month promises events of all types such as Motorkhana featuring a mobility scooter race, pig races, Multicultural Harmony Festival, clay target shooting, and the NSW Whipcracking Titles.
A highlight of the festival is the iconic Mount Porcupine Hill Climb on Sunday, 26 March from 9.30am to 5pm. See drivers test their skills on the winding Apex Drive up to the summit of Mt Porcupine. The Rural Museum Demonstration Day and Tractor Pull will also be held on the same day.
Other unique events include Clash of the Sirens – come along and watch emergency services battle it out in timed competitions – and the Billy Boiling NSW title.
Gunnedah Shire Council Tourism Team Leader Nikki Robertson said Weeks of Speed was sure to be a cracker of a festival.
“The Weeks of Speed Committee has once again pulled together a fantastic program that is sure to excite and entertain,” she said.
“There are plenty of family-friendly events so make sure you get out and about and soak up the festival atmosphere.
“As always, a huge thank you to local Gunnedah businesses who have thrown their support behind Gunnedah’s Weeks of Speed.”
For the full Weeks of Speed events program, visit www.visitgunnedah.com.au or drop into the Visitor Information Centre at 83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.
Caption: Weeks of Speed promises to be an action-packed month in Gunnedah.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
17 February, 2023
Two businesses will get a helping hand with new initiatives, thanks to the latest round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.
Council this week approved two applications recommended by the Business Partner Program Advisory Group: $7000 for the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia towards drainage and works at the CMCA RV Park; and $3000 for Li’l Achievers Early Learning Centre towards renovations to allow a before and after-school education centre to operate.
Business Partner Program Advisory Group chair Ann Luke said both applications met the program’s criteria of encouraging business expansion and targeting economic activity.
“We’re encouraged to see Gunnedah Shire businesses coming up with initiatives that support our growing economy,” Cr Luke said.
“One supports our visitor economy and the other will allow before and after-school care, supporting parents’ ability to work, creating flow-on benefits for our community.
“Over the years, the Business Partner Program has helped hundreds of businesses achieve something new to broaden our economic base and help Gunnedah to grow. This round adds another $10,000 to the total that will, where possible, employ local people and businesses to do the work that will generate more opportunities for our Shire.”
Applications are also now open for Round 3 of the Business Partner Program.
Businesses with fresh ideas to assist in local employment are encouraged to apply. Details are available on Council’s website at https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/business-support/business-grants-funding/item/959-business-partner-program
Applications close at 12pm on Tuesday, February 28. Businesses can apply for up to 75% of the total project cost.
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Economy and Growth team on (02) 6740 2100, or email council@infogunnedah.com.au.
Caption: Li’l Achievers will launch a before and after-school care program in March. Back, from left, Li’l Achievers Oosh coordinator Braie Devine and Li’l Achievers co-owner Richard Patriquin. Front, from left, Annika and Emmesyn Patriquin.
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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
16 February, 2023
Land values in Gunnedah Shire have increased more than 76% over the past three years, according to valuations recently released by the NSW Valuer-General.
Gunnedah Shire General Manager Eric Groth said the Valuer-General’s office had informed Gunnedah Shire Council the total land value for properties across the Shire was more than $3.5 billion at November 2022.
“That is an increase of 76.7% compared to the current total land value of $2.02 billion base that was set by the Valuer-General in July 2019,” Mr Groth said.
“The NSW Valuer-General is responsible for providing independent and impartial land values for use by the State Government and local government for taxes and rates. Those values don’t include the value of a home or other structures on the land.
“Landholders will receive a Notice of Valuation showing their land value before it is used by Council for rating. The new valuations will apply to rates that are levied over the next three financial years, commencing in the 2023/24 financial year.
“While this will impact on rates, the total amount of rates collected by Council is subject to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) rate peg limit, which is set for 3.8% for Gunnedah Shire in the 2023-24 year.
“The impact on individual rate assessments will depend on the change in land value relative to the change in land value of all other assessments in the same rates category or sub-category.”
Mr Groth said the increase in land valuations was good news for Gunnedah Shire, showing the region was not only holding its own, but had shown its growing appeal.
The NSW Valuer-General’s office has released a statement that says residential land values had increased by 33.7% across the North-West region, with the strongest residential value increases in Liverpool Plains (69.9%) and Tamworth Regional (37.5%). The statement said the increases had been largely driven by the demand from metropolitan and coastal buyers.
Gunnedah Shire had among the highest increases in the North West Region in commercial land values at 19.9%. Rural values increased 32.5%.
In Gunnedah Shire, land value trends for each category between July 1, 2021 and July 1, 2022 were:
- Residential 12% increase
- Commercial 19.9% increase
- Industrial 8.3% increase
- Rural 32.5% increase
- Other 86.4% increase
- Overall increase in the 2021-2022 financial year – 30.1%.
The latest land values for all properties in New South Wales are available on the Valuer-General NSW website (www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au), along with information on trends, medians and typical land values for each local government area.
Anyone with questions about how the change in land valuation may affect their rates, can contact Council’s Revenue Team on (02) 6740 2100, or email council@infogunnedah.com.au
Caption: Land values in Gunnedah Shire have increased more than 76% over the past three years, according to valuations recently released by the NSW Valuer-General.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
6 February, 2023
Gunnedah Shire businesses with a fresh idea are encouraged to apply for Round 3 of the Business Partner Program.
The Business Partner Program is a Gunnedah Shire Council initiative that has helped hundreds of local businesses over the years with grants to encourage business growth and innovation, and to support employment.
Chair of the Business Partner Advisory Group Cr Ann Luke said the program was a great opportunity for Gunnedah Shire businesses.
“The aim of the Business Partner Program is to support new and expanding businesses with partial funding for their project,” Cr Luke said.
“It has helped a huge range of diverse initiatives over the years, from websites to new projects for existing businesses, from beauty to diagnostics, and accounting to engineering.
“Through helping businesses to achieve their goals, we are also helping the Gunnedah Shire economy.
“We encourage business owners with fresh ideas that will assist in local employment to apply.”
Details about the Business Partner Program, including guidelines and expression of interest 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 open on Wednesday, February 1, and close at 12pm on Tuesday, February 28. 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: Numerous Gunnedah Shire businesses have benefited from the Business Partner Program including Goodness and Gracious.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
