2 February, 2023

School has started for 2023 and Gunnedah Shire Council is reminding drivers to help keep our kids safe on their way to and from school.

Gunnedah Shire Council Regulatory Services Coordinator Wade Berryman said there was no better time for motorists to review their driving habits than the start of the school year.

“The start of school can be frantic, with little ones navigating their first days and lots of new students at every school,” Mr Berryman said.

“Road safety is up to all of us. Motorists need to ensure they are driving with care, and always on the lookout for hazards.

“It’s very important to follow the road rules and signs, to park safely, to consider other drivers and pedestrians, and to know where the school zones and parking zones are.

“Children and parents need to feel safe at all times on their journey to and from school.”

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 at a bus zone; or
  • Double park.

Fines for parking illegally can be as high as $481 and 2 demerit points.

Caption: With school back, it’s the ideal time for parents and carers to become familiar with where they can and can’t park.

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

February 1, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council has welcomed the announcement $2,679,377 has been allocated for 1470km of the Shire’s road network through the Regional and Local Roads Repair Program.

The NSW Government today announced funding of just under $11 million for the Gunnedah, Tamworth and Liverpool Plains shires as part of the $500 million program.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the funding was vital following the repeated flooding in 2022.

“Our share of the Regional and Local Roads Repair program is very welcome and is necessary to restore our road network,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Weather events in 2022 were disastrous across the state. The roads repair bills are enormous and we are hoping this funding will also be matched by the Federal Government.

“We need to have the ability to not only restore these roads, but improve their resilience for future weather events.

“Our roads are absolutely critical not only for our communities, our visitors and our economies, but to ensure we keep our city cousins supplied with all the food, fibre and other essential goods, services and products.”

Gunnedah Shire Council continues to assess both damage and repair costs, which have escalated dramatically following the pandemic.

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

February 1, 2023

Sixteen young Gunnedah people are on their way to exciting new careers with the help of a Gunnedah Community Scholarship.

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund is a partnership between Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah Shire community that provides scholarships for students starting on their tertiary education journey.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was important to provide support for young members of the community as they started this exciting step.

“The Gunnedah Community Scholarship is now in its 20th year, and this year close to $22,000 in scholarships were awarded,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is wonderful that Council and the community can provide some support for students as they begin their tertiary education. The funding can go towards moving expenses, living expenses or books. It’s a helping hand that shows their community supports them in their journey.

“This would not be possible without the support of businesses and the community, who sponsor these scholarships. It is a really practical partnership that works to help out our young people.

“I congratulate the recipients and wish them well in their studies.”

The recipients of the 2023 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund are:
• Lucy Merlehan (Bachelor of Nursing, University of Newcastle)
• Aimee Randall (Bachelor of Nursing, University of Newcastle)
• Lara Hewitt (Bachelor of Nursing, University of Canberra)
• Imogen Taylor (Bachelor of Nursing specialising in Midwifery, University of Notre Dame)
• Julia Jones (Bachelor of Psychological Science, University of Newcastle)
• Ashlyn Summers (Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science – Diagnostic Radiography, Charles Sturt University)
• Yasmin Thomas (Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Newcastle)
• Ellyn Blinman (Bachelor of Education – K6 – University of New England)
• Alice Dorrington (Bachelor of Education – Primary – University of Newcastle)
• Molly Houguet (Bachelor of Education – Primary – University of Newcastle)
• Callie Jeffrey (Bachelor of Education – Primary – University of Newcastle)
• Lachlan Moore (Bachelor of Education – Secondary – University of Newcastle)
• Annalise Martin (Bachelor of Law, University of New England)
• Annie Lyne (Bachelor of Criminology, University of New England)
• Cooper Bedggood (Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering – Honours – University of Newcastle)
• Harry Fairfull (Bachelor of Engineering – Mechanical – Honours – University of Southern Queensland).

The recipients were congratulated at a ceremony at the Civic this week.

Caption: Some of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship recipients for 2023 (from left): Harry Fairfull, (behind) Molly Houguet, Alice Dorrington, (behind) Lara Hewitt, Lucy Merlehan, Ellyn Blinman, (behind) Cooper Bedggood, Annie Lyne, Callie Jeffrey, (behind) Lachlan Moore, Aimee Randall, Yasmin Thomas, Julia Jones and Annalise Martin. Image: Gunnedah Times.

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

31 January, 2023

As Gunnedah Shire eases into a new year, it’s the ideal time to remind residents about correct recycling practices and ways to reduce waste and improve recycling at home, in the workplace, at school and in our community.

In May 2022, Gunnedah Shire Council inspected recycling bins across the Shire to assist residents in understanding which items could and could not be recycled, and to enable Council to provide targeted waste education and improve the quality of Gunnedah’s recycling.

Inspectors checked the contents of the recycling bins and noted any contaminants (items that did not belong in recycling bins), leaving a tag to inform the household if improvements could be made, and thanking them for using the bin. 

All inspected recycling bins also received a sticker, to remind residents not to place plastic bags, wrappers or packets in the yellow lid recycling bins, as these items get caught in machinery during the sorting process. 

Council’s Manager of Waste Sheridan Cameron said the most common contaminants were soft plastics,­­­­ non-recyclable plastic and tissues. 

“Residents are reminded that these items cannot be recycled in the yellow lid recycling bin, and should instead be placed in the red lid general waste bins for disposal,” Ms Cameron said.

She said the bin inspections were a great way to pass on the message about  recycling to residents.

“The data collected during the bin inspections provided Council with valuable information about how residents use their recycling bin, and allowed educational messaging to target common mistakes and improve residents’ understanding of waste processes,” she said.

“We hope to see residents taking on the feedback, and a resulting increase in the quality of our recycling.”

 Yellow lid recycling bins are for clean paper and cardboard, hard plastic bottles, punnets and containers, glass jars and bottles, aluminium cans and foil, and steel tins.  All other items should be placed in red lid garbage bins to avoid contaminating recyclable materials.

Following the inspections in May, Council promoted the correct use of  recycling bins , the value of start a compost bin or worm farm to divert food scraps from landfill, and encouraged residents to report sightings of illegal dumping. 

Council’s waste educators also visit primary schools throughout the year to teach the students about worm farming, local biodiversity, recycling and littering, and other topics.

“This is a valuable part of Council’s activities and many students are excited to become the waste warriors of their households, which is encouraging to see,” Ms Cameron said.

The next week of excursions is scheduled for May 2023. Contact EnviroCom at gunnedahwasteprograms@envirocom.com.au for more information.

Residents can keep up to date with the latest waste-related information by following Gunnedah Shire Council on Facebook.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager of Waste Sheridan Cameron, right, and Mayor Jamie Chaffey, left, speaking to children at Gunnedah Baptist Community Preschool about which items belong in which bins.

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

30 January, 2023

Comedians Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs are bringing a barrel of laughs to The Civic Theatre on Saturday, 4 February.

The dynamite duo was deterred by flooding in November, but now they’re bringing their stand-up show Women Like Us back to Gunnedah for the first time since 2021.

Nolan and Briggs grew up in country towns and have 40 years of stage time and seven children between them. Come along for a hilarious, bumpy ride as they reflect on their ‘failure to parent’ moments, along with their thoughts on the beauty industry, getting older, getting fatter, strange surgeries, weird TV shows, obsessions, frustrations, and at the end of the day, who unpacks the dishwasher.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford said Women Like Us was a unique blend of raw honesty and real-life moments that was sure to be appreciated by locals.

“Unfortunately, Mandy and Ellen couldn’t make it to Gunnedah in November because of flooding but I’m happy to say that they rescheduled and can now bring this fantastic show to town,” he said.

“This is the ideal opportunity to get together with friends or family members and enjoy a night out with two of the funniest women in the business, so book your tickets online at The Civic and come along on Saturday.”

When: Saturday, 4 February, 2023. Doors open at 7.30pm. Show starts at 8pm.

Where: The Civic Theatre, 83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah

Tickets for 18+:  https://augsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/94188

Price: $45 per person.

Beverages: Kiosk open for non-alcoholic beverages. Limited BYO allowed - no glass allowed inside cinema.

Caption: Comedians Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs are bringing their unique humour and compelling chemistry to Gunnedah on Saturday.

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

27 January, 2023

Gunnedah Shire welcomed two new citizens on Australia Day.

Francisco Carreno Duarte (originally from Mexico) and Noel Chalibbulaca (originally from Zambia) officially became citizens of Australia in a ceremony under the gum trees in ANZAC Park on Thursday.

The ceremony was held as part of the full day of events across the Shire and was officiated by Mayor Cr Jamie Chaffey and attended by community members and supporting family members.

The two new citizens received their Citizenship Certificates from The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC and took the Australian citizenship pledge of commitment, making them officially Australian citizens.

Cr Chaffey said it was exciting to welcome the Shire’s first new citizens for 2023.

“I’d like to congratulate Francisco Carreno Duarte and Noel Chalibbulaca on becoming our newest citizens,” he said.

“As the Shire continues to grow, it’s wonderful to see our multicultural ties strengthened and our community becoming more inclusive as we celebrate those who are choosing to make Australia and Gunnedah Shire home.”

Gunnedah Shire welcomed 25 new citizens in 2022.  

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day, visit www.citizenship.gov.au.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire’s newest Australian citizens Noel Chalibbulaca (Zambia) and Francisco Carreno Duarte (Mexico) with Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Ambassador John Anderson AC, Cr Kate McGrath and The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC (Minister for Education and Early Learning) on Australia Day.

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

26 January, 2023

Ten Gunnedah Shire citizens and organisations have been recognised in the 2023 Gunnedah Shire Australia Day Awards.

Deputy Mayor and Chair of Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Working Group Cr Rob Hooke said the Australia Day Awards Ceremony on Wednesday was a wonderful opportunity to thank those who do so much in our community.

“The Gunnedah Australia Day Awards Ceremony is held on the eve of Australia Day, and is a marvellous way to launch the Shire’s festivities,” Cr Hooke said.

“Last night, we announced that our Citizen of the Year (21 and Over) is Kamilaroi man Mitchum Neave. Mr Neave was chosen for this award because of his ongoing commitment to many volunteer community organisations including the NSW Rural Fire Service’s Piallaway brigade and Rural Fire Service Association Liverpool Plains Branch.

“Mr Neave is also part of the Breeza Progress Association, Min Min Aboriginal Corporation, Kamilaroi Gomeroi Gamilaraay Youth Trust and NSW’s regional Closing the Gap committee. Congratulations, Mitchum.

“Our Young Citizen of the Year is Ellyn Blinman. Ellyn is a former Captain of Gunnedah High School and has been awarded numerous accolades in her young life. She is known for her team work, leadership skills, and social and community contributions and it’s a pleasure to see this young person receive this award.

“The Australia Day Awards include categories as diverse as Environmental Citizen of the Year, Cultural Achievement Award and the Ivan Towns Memorial Award. I congratulate all of our awards winners who have made such valuable contributions to our Shire.”

The Gunnedah Shire Australia Day Award recipients for 2023 are:

• Citizen of the Year (21 and Over) – Mitchum Neave
• Young Citizen of the Year (20 and Under) – Ellyn Blinman
• Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award – Bruce Higham
• Community Achievement Award – Gunnedah Wood Workers Group
• Cultural Achievement Award - Katerina Haenga – Multicultural Women’s Association
• Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award – Nat and Kate Groves
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year (20 and Under) – Hugo Holmes
• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and Under) - U18’s Gunnedah Rugby League Football Club
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award - Coach of the Year – Daniel Martin
• Environmental Citizen of the Year Award – Robert Frend

Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Ambassador is John Anderson AC, a sixth-generation farmer and grazier from Mullaley who spent 19 years in Australian Parliament from 1989. 

Mr Anderson served as a senior Cabinet minister in the reformist government led by John Howard (1996 to 2005).  This included six years as Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire's 2023 Australia Day Awards recognise outstanding individuals and organisations.

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

23 January, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council is preparing to host the inaugural Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference from 22-23 November.

The two-day conference is aimed at local government and practitioners in community safety and crime prevention and will feature key note speakers from a diverse range of backgrounds, both local and beyond, to discuss emerging trends in crime, and the latest developments and approaches in resolving and enhancing safety in local communities. 

The event is being organised by Gunnedah Shire’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Working Group, and Chair Cr Colleen Fuller said it would be of particular interest to community safety practitioners, criminal justice personnel, law and policymakers and students.

“While the program has not yet been finalised, we are looking to attract speakers that will share ideas around innovative approaches to crime and community safety, while offering practical examples of solutions that can be used in a variety of metropolitan, regional and rural settings.

“Topics could potentially include domestic and family violence, coercive control, child safety, crime and mental health, youth crime, community safety and the impact of natural disasters, crime prevention and the night time economy, terrorism and crowded places management, and graffiti management, to name a few.”

Cr Fuller said it would also provide a boost to the Shire’s economy as the working group seeks to attract more than 100 delegates.

“It’s an opportunity to showcase what our Shire has to offer, with the dates determined to encourage delegates to stay a little longer, to experience what the region has to offer.

“We are already working with local businesses and entertainment providers to create some unique experiences for delegates.”

The conference will be held in the Gunnedah Town Hall and Smithurst Theatre.

Council first voted to endorse the event in May 2019 but the project was put on hold due to the drought, COVID-19 pandemic and successive flooding.

The working group includes a range of elected representatives, Council staff and representatives from local support services, Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, business and industry, and interested community members.

For more information on the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference, contact Council’s Community and Social Planner on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Working Group Chair Colleen Fuller with Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton at the Gunnedah Town Hall where the inaugural Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference will be held in November.

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

20 January, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council has been making the most of the fine weather to progress repair work on the Shire’s flood damaged roads.

Gunnedah Shire, like many other councils throughout New South Wales, sustained millions of dollars worth of damage to its road network in the flood events of 2022.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said Council had already undertaken more than $2.2 million in flood restoration works this financial year, and is continuing to progress the Flood Restoration Road Maintenance Program.

“Our three maintenance grading crews, two construction crews and contractors, where available, are working to restore the Shire’s 1615km network that includes 145km of State Roads,” Mr Bartlett said.

“Significant emergency works have already been undertaken at Orange Grove Bridge, Grain Valley Road causeway, Goolhi Road, and Clifton Road causeways.

“Unfortunately, repeated flood events and roads are not a good mix. As well as the existing problems, damage sometimes continues under the surface of the roads for some time after the flood event, and it can take some time before the full extent of the damage is apparent and known.

“Transport for NSW administers the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) on behalf of the Commonwealth Government. They administer the rules in place regarding funding, including reviewing Council-submitted solutions and designs for Essential Public Asset Restoration.

“We are working with consulting engineers and contractors to accelerate the repair process. Where there is large-scale damage, designs for the work must be approved by Transport for New South Wales before they can be implemented, or the costs of the works may not be reimbursed to Council. The process for this can take some time.

“We know delays caused by closures, roadworks and damaged roads are frustrating, and we ask for your patience while we continue to work towards getting our road network back in good shape.”

Updates on specific road projects:

• Bulunbulun Road was closed for the safety of the travelling public recently due to damage at a causeway near the boundary with Liverpool Plains Shire. Significant creek flows undermined the concrete slab of this causeway and, with the heavy traffic that has been traversing this road, the slab has failed, and the causeway has sunk into the void.

Unfortunately, there is no simple or short-term repair that can be implemented to safely keep the road open.

Council’s works staff and a consulting engineer have inspected the site and are liaising with Transport for New South Wales to have the causeway reconstructed.  This process will take time, and the road is likely to be closed for some months.

• Maitland Street Bridge, Breeza – Council is working with consulting engineers on a design for the approaches that will need to be approved by Transport for New South Wales. The bridge will remain closed for some months.
• Simson Bridge, Breeza - Due to significant scouring behind the abutment at the northern end, Council will restrict the bridge to one lane with a 40k/h speed limit. Further analysis is being undertaken by a consulting engineer regarding the operation of the bridge, and the repairs required.
• Hunts Road, Gunnedah – this work will proceed after Transport for New South Wales’ approval for the proposed repairs is received by Council.

Mr Bartlett said Gunnedah Shire Council also regularly released its schedule of planned works for the upcoming six week period for Flood Restoration and Unsealed Road Maintenance on social media and its website: www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/community/community-alerts/road-works-closures

Caption: Flood damage at Maitland Street bridge, Breeza, in November last year.

ENDS

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

20 January, 2023

Australia Day is inching closer and preparations are in full swing in Gunnedah Shire.

Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Working Group Chair Cr Rob Hooke said it was exciting to see the 2023 program packed full of fun, family-friendly activities.

“We’re gearing up for a fantastic few days of Australia Day festivities in Gunnedah Shire,” he said.

“Events include everything from touch football to a free pool day, chess competitions, cricket, a cake-off, open days and a free movie screening.

“We’re looking forward to seeing families and friends getting together and enjoying everything this year’s program has to offer in Gunnedah and our villages.”

The shire’s events will kick off at The Civic on Wednesday, 25 January with the Australia Day Awards Ceremony which will recognise and honour individuals and groups in the local community who have worked to shape and enrich the Shire.

Canapes and refreshments will be served from 6.30pm and the ceremony will start at 7.15am.

This year’s ambassador is John Anderson AC, a sixth-generation farmer and grazier who spent 19 years in Australian Parliament from 1989. 

Mr Anderson served as a senior Cabinet minister in the reformist government led by John Howard (1996 to 2005).  This included six years as Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister.

Mr Anderson was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2011, and a Companion (AC) in 2022. He has been published on topics such as civic freedoms, global food security, modern slavery and the economy and farms on the family property at Mullaley whilst also being active through various directorships, in public speaking and in the not-for-profit sector.

The ambassador will attend the ceremony and Australia Day events, including the church service under the gums near the Dorothea Mackellar statue in ANZAC Park at 9.30am, followed by a citizenship ceremony at 10am.

Australia Day Splash launches at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex from 9am, with free entry. From 9am-1pm, there will be a free jumping castle, snow cones and barbecue from 11am. A DJ will amp up the vibe in the 50m pool from 1pm-6pm.

There will be free bus services running from Curlewis and Carroll for the pool event. Jump on the bus at 10am at the Carroll Store or 10.40am at the bus stop opposite Curlewis General Store. The bus will depart the pool at 2.20pm for Curlewis and 3.20pm for Carroll.

The Australia Day Splash event is funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.

Aussie Fest is back once again at Donnelly Fields, featuring the popular women’s and men’s Indigenous versus Rest touch football games. There will also be touch shoot-outs and Dash for Cash.

Gunnedah Rural Museum, The Mackellar Centre and Gunnedah Water Tower Museum will also be open on the day.

Pubs in and around Gunnedah will be hosting a variety of activities including an Australia Day Eve cocktail party, car park cricket, live local music, face painting, slip and slide, and family-friendly games.

Other Australia Day activities in Gunnedah will include a trivia quiz, cake-off, table tennis and chess competitions and free screening of Australia at The Civic Theatre.

Council has received funding from the National Australia Day Council to support Australia Day activities.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day festivities will be packed with fun.

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