Director Corporate Services
   02 6740 2100
kellystidworthy@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
 

October 17, 2022

Delegates from Gunnedah Shire have returned from a successful visit to Tonga that has opened a huge range of opportunities for partnership between the two regions.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said at the invitation of Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, a delegation of 18 business, community and Council representatives visited to further the newly signed Sister City Agreement between Gunnedah Shire and Kolomotu’a in Tonga.

The five-day visit included an audience with the Acting Prime Minister, a function at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence, meetings with Kolomotu’a Council, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Rotary Tonga, the Tonga Institute of Science and Technology, the Australian Pacific Training Coalition and many more organisations.

“This is Tonga’s first Sister City Agreement and with this visit, we saw that Kolomotu’a is just as excited about the possibilities as we are,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We were absolutely blown away by the hospitality of not only Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, but everyone we met throughout Tonga, from the school children who lost part of their school in this year’s tsunami, to the amazing women of Kolomotu’a and Council and government officials. It was an incredible honour.

“Our delegation went with one key objective – to better understand how to progress this relationship and to achieve our joint vision in signing this agreement. I believe we have done that and are now on the pathway to a bright future for both Gunnedah and Kolomotu’a.

“We are looking at partnerships in four key areas – arts and culture, sports, education, and employment and the economy.

“I congratulate the members of our diverse delegation who committed their own time and resources to seize this opportunity and who made direct links in Tonga that will lead to real benefits. They were wonderful ambassadors for Gunnedah.

“We have made great connections at all levels - with our friend Her Royal Highness the Princess, with the Australian High Commission in Tonga, with the Tongan Government, Kolomotu’a Council, training facilities, schools, sporting and community organisations and businesses.

“There is still plenty of hard work to be done, but we have come back full of drive, full of knowledge, and ready to explore some very practical ways forward.

“We thank the people of Kolomotu’a and Tonga from the bottom of our hearts, and know the two regions will be stronger together.”

Caption: Members of the Gunnedah delegation pictured with Tongan representatives and community members following a church service.

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

11 October, 2022

Comedians Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs are preparing for their big return to Gunnedah on Saturday, 19 November.

The dynamic duo are bringing their stand-up show Women Like Us to the Gunnedah Town Hall and they guarantee a great night out. Nolan and Briggs debuted their show in Gunnedah in 2021 to great success, so they’re back for another round.

The pair grew up in country towns and have 40 years of stage time and seven children between them. Join in the hilarity 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 Acting Cultural Precinct Team Leader Madeline Buhagiar said their upcoming show was a great opportunity for locals to get together with their friends and enjoy a few belly-laughs.

“It’s been a tough few months in Gunnedah with numerous flood events and COVID-19 still making the rounds, so this is a good opportunity to set aside your worries for a few hours and soak up the comical atmosphere these two entertainers create,” she said.

“Check your calendar, text your friends and jump on The Civic website to book your tickets for this unforgettable show.”

When: Saturday, 19 November, 2022, 8pm.

Where: Gunnedah Town Hall, 144-152 Conadilly Street.

Tickets for 18+: https://augsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/79621

Price: $40 per person.

Caption: Comedians Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs are back with more rib-tickling tales.

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

Our community has connections far beyond our Shire.

As part of our place in the global community, Gunnedah Shire has four Sister City partnerships – with Lane Cove, New South Wales; the Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China; the Northern Beaches Council, New South Wales; and most recently, Kolomotu’a in the Kingdom of Tonga.

Forming partnerships can have amazing benefits for both regions, building our cultural ties, employment connections, tourism possibilities and sharing information and experiences.

Sister Cities & Friendly Relationships Grant Funding Program Now Open

The Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Grant Funding Program is for people or groups who have ideas to grow Gunnedah Shire’s Sister City partnerships.

Local organisations can access these funds to support new initiatives that help our partnerships to grow.

Gunnedah Shire has Sister City partnerships with Kolomotu’a, Tonga, and Lane Cove and Northern Beaches in Sydney, as well as an international agreement with the Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.

Grants are awarded for amounts up to $5,000, with additional funding available for organisations that make a 25 percent or greater co-contribution.

Applications opened Monday 19 February and close 12 April, 2024.

See guidelines and applicatoion form below: 

• Sister Cities - GUIDELINES - Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Program.pdf
• Sister Cities - 2023 2024 Application - Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Program.pdf

Find out more about our Sister City partnerships below.

28 September, 2022

Steel and stone will take centre stage in the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, October 14, when the new exhibition Down to the Wire opens at 6pm.

The exhibition, created by multi-award winning sculptor Shannon Stone, is an exploration of connection, movement and freedom told through raw materials.

Originally from Coonabarabran and Rocky Glen, Mr Stone is a contemporary, self-taught steel and stone sculptor who produces robust works that allow the viewer to observe the finer details of nature from a distance.

Now based in Diamond Beach, the artist’s works have been exhibited throughout the nation as indoor and outdoor installations.

Mr Stone draws inspiration from his adventures from country to coast and sums up his first solo exhibition in one word – “connection”.

“Connection to family, my past and many pasts before that, a deep sense of connection to, and yet distance from people, connection through traits and details, but a distance presented by time and space,” he said.

“A connection to place and this country, to the lands we tread upon and the beauty, difference and intricacy we can observe here. 

“A wondering of movement, the concept of flight, and the journey that can be for us all to experience, physically or metaphoric, and a connection to growth, unabated, uncontrolled expansion and growth; that is a big part of it!

“Down to the Wire is a story of freedom, of fractures, of flight and of family, told through metaphor and steel.”

What: Down to the Wire

When: opening on 6pm, Friday, 14 October 2022

Where:  Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, 81-83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.

Continues until: 3pm, Friday, 18 November, 2022

Caption: Shannon Stone’s first solo exhibition will open on October 14.

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

26 September, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program is now offering grants to new businesses or businesses with new ideas.

Round 2 of the 2022-23 Business Partner Program is now open to businesses and organisations that have come up with an initiative that will help Gunnedah grow.

Chair of the Business Partner Program Advisory Group Cr Ann Luke said the Business Partner Program aims to promote economic growth in Gunnedah.

“This funding is used to encourage new business and economic activity or to expand an existing business,” Cr Luke said.

“Gunnedah Shire is a vibrant, growing community, and Council continues to partner with local businesses to help them meet the needs and opportunities that this presents.

“In the past, the Business Partner Program has seen hundreds of projects come to fruition, new businesses established and employment grow. We would love to see businesses that have not yet benefited from this program to put their hands up.

“If you are looking to expand your business or innovate, this is a great chance to present your case to Council. We invite you to take a look at the guidelines and go through the simple application process.”

Gunnedah Shire Council is holding a complementary Business Partner Program workshop to answer any questions about the funding or the application. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 12 at 5.30pm at the Civic

To register your interest, please email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Council funding will be provided for up to 75% of the total project cost for successful applicants.

Applications for this round of the Business Partner Program will close at 12pm on Friday, October 28. Information is available on Council’s website: www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/business-support/business-grants-funding/item/959-business-partner-program

For further information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Economy and Growth team on 02 6740 2100.

Caption: Past recipients of Business Partner Program grants.

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

23 September, 2022

Spring is the time for school holiday fun, so check out Gunnedah Shire Council’s latest school holiday program!

The ever-popular Louis Tennis Academy will run its school holiday coaching clinic in the first week of the school holidays, Gunnedah Conservatorium is hosting free music workshops in Gunnedah and Curlewis, and the $10 movies are back!

One of the biggest blockbusters ever – Avatar – returns to the Civic with $10 screenings for all sessions. Paws of Fury will be the $10 Thursday movie at 10.30am on September 29, and DC League of Super-Pets will screen for $10 a ticket on October 6 at 10.30am.

Splash into Spring with free entry for children to the outdoor pool at Gunnedah Memorial Pool on Tuesday, October 4 – the perfect place to cool off!

Wednesday, October 5 is a big day with the bright and beautiful LizzieLand coming to Gunnedah Town Hall, thanks to Gunnedah Conservatorium. LizzieLand combines music, dancing, butterflies, stories, violin and a great time at 10.30am.

Also on Wednesday, Candle Making and Mosaic Art Workshops will be held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery with Bright Minds at 9.30am and 1pm.

Gunnedah Shire Library has school holiday fun that includes a Harry Potter Trivia Afternoon, Book Buddies for 0-7 years, and Crafty Creations for 8 years plus, including a session at Curlewis Library from 2-3pm on Monday, September 26. To find out more about the library’s activities, visit the Gunnedah Shire Library Facebook page.

Kids can also join the Great Spring School Holiday Treasure Hunt – just pick up a treasure map from the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre and crack the code and you could win great prizes including movie passes.

PCYC Gunnedah’s school holiday activities include squash, paint ‘n’ shake, dodgeball and futsal. Contact PCYC Gunnedah on 6742 1586 for more information about their activities.

To find out more and make bookings about Gunnedah Shire Council’s School Holiday Program, visit www.thecivic.com.au/youth

Caption: Tennis is just one of the many fun activities in the School Holiday Program.

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

23 September, 2022

Council to apply for grant funding for new Animal Impound Facility

Gunnedah Shire Council will apply for grant funding to upgrade the existing Animal Impound Facility on Quia Road.

At this week’s ordinary meeting, Council resolved to apply for funding under round five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund. The estimated cost of the new facility is $1.4 million.

Council endorsed a development application for the new and improved facility at the existing site adjacent to the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility in February. The existing facility is more than 20 years old.

The concept design includes shelter and exercise runs for 18 dogs, a dedicated cattery, office space, public reception area, veterinary treatment room and free range exercise yards.

Library refurbishment to go ahead after funding reallocation

Gunnedah Shire Library will be refurbished later this year after Council endorsed the reallocation of funds to allow the project to go ahead.

The refurbishment will include replacement of current fittings with new shelving, tables, chairs, computer desks, computer chairs, study desks, circulation desk, cupboards, and office desks.

Work will also include the addition of seating booths, extra computer terminal seating, extra tables and chairs, interior painting and new blinds.

The refurbishment is expected to cost approximately $95,000.

Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference Working Group members appointed

Council has endorsed the appointment of Jacki Scott and Deanna Fullwood to the Gunnedah Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference Working Group. Ms Fullwood will be an alternate representative.

The group has been established to deliver a crime prevention and community safety conference in in Gunnedah in 2023.

The working group membership consists of four elected representatives, one Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce representative, three community representatives and two Crime Prevention Working Group representatives.

Wandobah Reserve potential option for off-leash dog park in Gunnedah

Council voted to approve an area within the Wandobah Reserve - pending a Native Title check - for the future development of an enclosed off-leash dog park; and to actively seek full grant funding to deliver the project.

The space in the reserve was identified through Council’s Open Space Strategy and is opposite High Street on Wandobah Road. The area utilises the existing local footpath network for greater accessibility; is appropriately zoned for the construction of the park; and has an appropriate amount of space to accommodate off-street parking for vehicles.

The overall cost of the project is estimated to be between $120,000 and $144,000.

Caption: An off-leash dog park may be constructed in Wandobah Reserve pending a Native Title check and grant funding.

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

22 September, 2022

Five Gunnedah Shire businesses have had funding approved for new projects or initiatives through Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.

Council this week supported the Business Partner Program Advisory Group’s recommendation to award a total of $10,750 which will be distributed in coming weeks.

Business Partner Program Advisory Group chair Cr Ann Luke said the program had a strong history of helping make things happen for local businesses.

“This is a wonderful program for assisting Gunnedah Shire businesses and organisations to start something new or to expand,” Cr Luke said.

“We have seen grants go to everything from large businesses through to micro-businesses. Thriving businesses and organisations are at the heart of a diverse economy, and this is a very real way we can make a difference.

“Businesses that have been successful in their applications have met a range of criteria that ensure these projects will have a flow-on effect for our community, including the increase of employment. I congratulate these businesses for their initiatives.”

The successful recipients are:

• Focus on Function - $3,750 towards a business expansion project
• Liviana and Ty - $1,750 towards new business start-up and frontage upgrade
• The Luxe Lounge - $1,750 towards business rebranding
• Life Matters Counselling & Psychotherapy - $2,500 towards an infrastructure upgrade to assist business growth and employment
• Gunnedah Diagnostic Imaging - $1000 towards an upgrade to signage.

These applications are from round three of the 2021-22 Business Partner Program and round one of the 2022-23 Business Partner Program.

Round Two of the 2022-23 program opens on Monday, 26 September.

Caption: Recipients of a previous round of the Gunnedah Shire Council Business Partner Program.

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

September 20, 2022

As Year 12 students finish their final days of school, Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for people to put their hands up to register interest for the 2023 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Working Group chairman and Mayor Jamie Chaffey said expressions of interest for the Community Scholarship Fund have now opened.

“This wonderful initiative has become a Gunnedah tradition,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Over the years, it has helped many school leavers start their higher education journey with some support from their home town. About 400 scholarships have been given to young people since the scholarship fund began, worth close to $400,000.

“This year, 15 young people were successful in their applications for a scholarship in areas as diverse as medical engineering, education and the arts.

“While people may not yet know what course they will be accepted into, they can register an expression of interest to begin the process.

“This scholarship is a wonderful kickstart for young people and can help with expenses like textbooks, relocation, living expenses, or a contribution towards tuition fees.”

Cr Chaffey said the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund had been a 20-year partnership between Council and the community.

“It is the community and business sponsors who make this initiative possible,” he said.

Local students under the age of 25 who are intending to pursue tertiary education in 2023 can register an expression of interest at:
https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/eoi-2023-gunnedah-community-scholarship-fund/

Those who register will be notified when applications open. Applications will open in early December and close in late January following the second round of university offers.

To find out more, contact Gunnedah Shire Council Economy and Growth team on 6740 2100.

Caption: Some of the successful 2022 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund recipients.

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