19 September 2022

Gunnedah Shire has welcomed 15 new citizens at a citizenship ceremony as part of Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.

The conferees from eight countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Ireland, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Philippines, Pakistan and the Netherlands, became Australian citizens at a ceremony at the Civic Theatre on Saturday. This year marks the 21st anniversary of Australian Citizenship Day.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Councillor Jamie Chaffey said Australian Citizenship Day was an opportunity for all Australians in their community, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on, and celebrate what’s great about being Australian.

“Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for us all to reflect on the contributions of citizens to our local communities. There is no greater privilege than our citizenship, and as Mayor it is always an honour to see these new Australians through the final stages of their citizenship journey.

“Gunnedah Shire is a culturally diverse community that is continually growing as more and more people from other nations make their homes here. Our community has a reputation as welcoming to all nations and it is important that we continue to diversify and grow as a community.

“I encourage everyone in the Gunnedah Shire to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship on September 17 as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.”

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

Caption: Gunnedah Shire welcomed 15 new citizens on Australian Citizenship Day on Saturday.

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

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September 7, 2022

Gunnedah Shire’s cats and dogs will now travel in greater safety and comfort, thanks to Council’s new specialised animal control vehicles.

The new vehicles for Council’s Regulatory Services feature a custom body that complies with contemporary animal welfare standards and legislation, and seized companion animals can now be transported in well-ventilated compartments, separating them safely and protecting them from the extremes of weather.

The vehicles also include a pull-out ramp so dogs can be walked into a compartment rather than putting staff and animal at risk of injury through lifting and jumping. 

The vehicles are fitted to carry a range of equipment and stores used by Council’s compliance officers in their other duties such as development compliance and investigating illegal dumping.

“The introduction of these fit-for-purpose vehicles reduces the risk of injury to staff and animals,” Council’s Regulatory Services Coordinator Wade Berryman said.

“Each vehicle is now complete with a range of equipment that can be safely stored and carried and increases the amount of time officers can deliver services to customers across the Shire.”   

The vehicles display images from Council’s Paws Up campaign, which encourages pet owners to desex, microchip and register their companion animals.   

Mr Berryman said this was a vital part of pet ownership and it would help to reduce the amount of dogs and cats in Council’s care if companion animals could be easily reunited with their owners.

“To date, more than 40 dogs and 15 cats have been seized or surrendered in this financial year,” he said.

“In the last financial year, there was a 100 per cent increase in the number of dogs seized and surrendered, and a 137 per cent increase in the number of cats.  These sorts of increases are being reported across the state and are attributed to a rapid uptake in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic and isolation regimes. With a return to post-COVID-19 normality, these same pets and litters are now being dumped or surrendered. 

“Favourable seasonable conditions have also contributed to an increase in the number of feral cat litters. Feral cats make up the majority of felines seized by Council.

“Ninety-eight per cent of dogs seized or surrendered in the last financial year were reunited with their owners or rehomed, but this requires considerable time and resources.”       

For more information on desexing, microchipping and registering companion animals, visit Council’s website: https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/environment/pets-animals

Caption:

Gunnedah Shire Council’s new animal control vehicles display images from Council’s Paws Up campaign, which encourages pet owners to desex, microchip and register their companion animals.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s new animal control vehicles feature a pull-out ramp so dogs can be walked into a compartment rather than putting staff and animal at risk of injury through lifting and jumping. 

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

September 2, 2022

Snow White gets a whole new spin when an interactive, educational and fun performance for children comes to The Civic in September.

Snow White and the Seven Cool Dudes, by A. J. Bailey will be performed at The Civic at 10.30am on Tuesday, September 20.

The show, aimed at children from three to 11 years, has been designed to help keep Aussie kids fit and healthy.

“This interactive production encourages kids to role play and become a variety of characters,” Acting Cultural Precinct Team Leader Madeline Buhagiar said.

“Children might even find themselves rapping as one of the Cool Dudes.

“This is a bright, fun performance with a great message for the young audience.”

In this fractured fairytale, Snow White is becoming more beautiful every day and the Wicked Queen is not happy, so she has decided to send Snow White away, to get rid of her once and for all.

The Magic Mirror has warned The Wicked Queen this is a huge mistake - Snow White is beautiful on the inside and the outside too - everyone likes her. The Queen isn’t listening, and she orders the Hunter from her palace to take Snow White into the forest and leave her there… forever!

Meanwhile, the Cool Dudes have decided it’s time they started making healthier food choices and doing some exercise – they can’t sit around eating junk food and playing video games for hours on end. It’s time to get outside and enjoy the day!

Tickets are $15 per person or $10 for groups of 10 or more. Book in for the 10.30am performance of Snow White and the Seven Cool Dudes on Tuesday, September 20 at the Civic Theatre at https://augsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/78302

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

September 1, 2022

The doors will open on a powerful mother and daughter exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday at 6pm.

Bulaarr Dhigaraa is a collective of works that reflect the creative journeys of Tess Reading and Jodie Herden as they explore intrinsic connections to country, and their unwavering connection as mother and daughter.

The exhibition showcases various mediums including paint, found objects, photography, digital media and ceramics and will also include an Arts North West project Miyaay Miyaay: The Seven Sisters, which will be exhibited for the first time.

The Seven Sisters songline is an epic narrative that spans from the West Coast through Central Australia to the North West of NSW and to Gamilaroi country.

Miyaay Miyaay celebrates the Gamilaroi version of this Aboriginal story and was developed by two key Gamilaroi artists – writer Cathy Craigie and dancer Katie Leslie - and a myriad of powerful women in community. The project is supported by the NSW Government’s Creative Koori Fund through Create NSW and the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund through Regional Arts NSW.

The exhibition officially opens at 6pm on Friday, September 2 and continues until 3pm on Sunday, October 9 at The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 81-83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.

Caption: Bulaarr Dhigaraa is a collective of works that reflect the creative journeys of Tess Reading and Jodie Herden.

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

August 26, 2022

Reconciliation Action Plan

Gunnedah Shire Council has endorsed the Terms of Reference for the Gunnedah Shire Council Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group.

The newly formed working group seeks to identify issues and topics of importance surrounding the development and implementation of a Reconciliation Action Plan to be adopted by Council.

The objective of the RAP Working Group is to make recommendations and agree on actions to be taken by Council in relation to:

• The development of a Gunnedah Shire Council “Innovate” Reconciliation Action Plan that aligns with both Reconciliation Australia’s minimum elements for endorsement and the Gunnedah Shire Community Strategic Plan;
• The establishment of collaborative/consultative processes to ensure community and staff remain engaged and focused on the importance of reconciliation;
• The implementation of specific actions and deliverables as identified within the Shire of Gunnedah “Innovate” Reconciliation Action Plan in accordance with agreed timelines; and
• The ongoing review and refresh of the Gunnedah Shire “Innovate” Reconciliation Action Plan based on learnings, challenges and achievements.

The working group includes both community and Council representatives.

Priorities for the Local Government Annual Conference

Gunnedah Shire Council has laid out its priorities for the 2022 Local Government Annual Conference to be held in October.

Councils are invited to submit motions for the annual conference to help determine the sector’s policy directions for the coming year.

Gunnedah Shire Council will submit seven motions, including:

• more police for regional, rural and remote regions;
• that Local Government NSW calls on the Australian Local Government Association to make representation to the Federal Government to review the Local Government (Financial Assistance Grant) Act 1995 and the basis on which grant funding for roads is allocated;
• a more appropriate replacement of the fuel excise tax arrangements;
• lobbying the federal government to exempt Councillor allowances from the income test for pensions;
• an increase in TAFE apprenticeship courses and greater funding transparency for TAFE funding;
• an overturn of the classification system for international doctors to be eligible for the Medicare rebate; and
• lobbying the federal government for permanent implementation of measures to prevent the entry of foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease at Australian entry points.

Working Group Memberships

Council has resolved to endorse the following new members for Council’s working groups:

• Lisa Warren will be a community representative on the Gunnedah Access Working Group.
• Vanessa Hodges-Schembri will be a community representative on the Gunnedah Housing Working Group.
• Vanessa Hodges-Schembri, Linda Newell, Rebecca Ryan, Katerina Haenga, Amelia Williams, Joe Miller and Sam Shipman will be representatives on the Social Wellbeing Working Group.

Caption: Members of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group.

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

August 25, 2022

Five Gunnedah Shire Council policies are on public exhibition following the August ordinary Council meeting.

The following policies will be open to public comment until Friday, 23 September 2022:

• the draft Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy;
• the draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy;
• the draft Investment Policy; and
• the draft Leasing and Licensing Council-owned and Managed Land and Property Policy.

The draft updated Code of Meeting Practice is also on public exhibition and will be open to public comment until Friday, 7 October 2022.

The draft updated Code of Meeting Practice has been revised to reflect changes made to the Council meeting practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a requirement to retain recordings of meetings on websites for at least 12 months.

The new Model Code of Meeting Practice allows meetings to be held by audio-visual link in the event of a natural disaster or a public health emergency, and for Councillors to attend via audio-visual link when approved by the Council or relevant committee.

It also has a new requirement, as per the Office of Local Government, for business papers for all ordinary and extraordinary meetings of the council and committees of the council to contain a statement reminding councillors of their oath or affirmation of office made under Section 233A of the Act and their obligations under the council’s code of conduct to disclose and appropriately manage conflicts of interest.

The draft Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy has been based on the Office of Local Government’s Model Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy released earlier this year. The policy provides direction on interactions between Councillors and staff to assist both parties in carrying out their day-to-day duties professionally, ethically and respectfully.

It reinforces the statutory role of the Councillor as being to set the strategic direction for the Council, and the role of the staff being to advise the governing body, implement the Council’s decisions and to oversee service delivery under the leadership of the General Manager.

The draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy covers payment of expenses and provision of facilities to Councillors. The policy has been based on the Office of Local Government better practice Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy template that is consistent with the relevant act and regulations.

The draft Investment Policy has been developed in accordance with Investment Policy Guidelines published by the Office of Local Government and aims to provide assistance with the prudent and appropriate management of Council’s investment portfolio.

Council manages an extensive investment portfolio on behalf of the community.

The draft Leasing and Licensing Council-owned and Managed Land and Property Policy supersedes Leasing and Licensing of Council Land and Property 2012 and now incorporates more information on leasing and licensing community land and Crown Land, as well as updated legislation.

These policies are available for review at the Council Administration Building in Elgin Street, the Gunnedah Shire Library and the Civic, or on www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au under Council (what we do), Draft Documents and Exhibition. You can respond via email at council@infogunnedah.com.au with the policy name as a subject.

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

A final report of the Community Resilience Program has detailed how the program helped Gunnedah Shire weather difficult times.

The Gunnedah Shire Council Community Resilience Program won the Local Government award in the NSW 2020 Resilient Australia Awards.

“This wonderful recognition of the combined efforts of Council and our community showcased the efforts taken over a very challenging time to strengthen our Shire into the future,” the Community Resilience Program Final Report notes.

The report shows the program included 21 community-led resilience, drought and visitor economy projects with a total of $3.2 million funding in 2020-21.

The funding included $1.2m from Gunnedah Shire Council, $1 million from the Commonwealth Drought Communities Extension Program, and $1 million from the NSW Government Drought Stimulus Program.

“This was an exceptional program,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“It made it possible, during the most difficult days of the drought, to not only encourage our community in their endeavours, but to build a better Gunnedah for better times ahead.

“The Community Resilience Program saw projects such as the Dorothea Mackellar silo mural, the upgrade of facilities at organisations like Ooranga Curlewis Preschool and Balcary Park, and a better canteen for Gunnedah Rugby Club.

“This report shows that these projects supported an estimated 40 jobs in 2020-21 and created 10 new jobs. There are also immeasurable benefits in the ongoing amenity and pride these projects bring with them, alongside the direct expenditure of more than $3 million into a drought-impacted economy. That’s a remarkable achievement.”

The projects completed under the Commonwealth funding requirements were:

• Facilities upgrades at Ooranga Curlewis Preschool, Gunnedah Motorcycle Club’s Balcary Park, the Gunnedah Rural Museum, Carroll Sports Ground and Gunnedah Rural Fire Service Headquarters;
• Drought resilience projects at Porcupine Reserve and Pensioners Hill including water supply upgrades at Yallambee Gunnedah Homes for the Aged and Kelvin Hall along with the completion of the Adverse Event Plan;
• Tourism-focused projects with a Dorothea Mackellar-inspired silo art painting, and protection of the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum Vietnam War Memorial mural;
• Support for sporting associations, especially to host more events in future, through an upgrade of the Black and Blue Boxing Gym, upgrading lighting at the Tennis Courts and upgrading the canteen for Gunnedah Senior and Junior Rugby; and
• Culturally targeted projects with an Arts Gunnedah mural in the CBD and new musical and theatrical events developed by the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music.

The projects undertaken with State funding were:

• Replacing old amenities with accessible bathrooms and new audio-visual equipment at the Gunnedah Shire Band Hall;
• Approvals, bores and standpipe installations in Carroll, Emerald Hill and Kelvin;
• Solar panel installations at two key sites, with a 100kW solar array at the sewerage treatment plant and a 40kW array at the sewer pump station better utilising council land and contributing to reduced energy costs for the next 25 years; and
• Installation of automatic watering and monitoring systems at two sites – Pensioners Hill and the Showground precinct, supporting drought resilience and volunteers.

The projects undertaken with Council funding were:

• $600,000 was re-directed to support Invigorate Gunnedah, a COVID-19 recovery plan;
• $200,000 directly engaged the resources to design, support and administer the Community Resilience Program;
• Around $300,000 was directed towards the Farmer Army, paying locals whose income had been impacted by the drought for such projects as the Stock Road beautification; and
• Just under $30,000 supported the Riding for the Disabled project, covering the acquisition of a horse float and three-seater wheelchair compatible carriage.

Caption: One of the most recognisable projects achieved under Council’s Community Resilience Program is the award-winning Dorothea Mackellar mural on the Gunnedah Maize Mill.

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

August 23, 2022

A contract has been awarded for construction of Stage 2 of the new Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary.

The successful tenderer, David Payne Constructions, is expected to finalise designs before beginning construction later this year.

Gunnedah Shire Council voted at its July meeting to renew its commitment to the koala sanctuary despite a funding shortfall caused by skyrocketing supply and labour costs following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council agreed to seek additional grant funding to cover the shortfall or, should that not be successful, to utilise loan funding to ensure this important project goes ahead.

“Times have changed since we were awarded $6.48 million towards the establishment of the Koala Sanctuary and Education Centre through the NSW Government’s Regional Communities Development Fund in June 2018,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“We were right on the brink of a pandemic that has had ramifications across the world in every industry, and construction has been hit hard by escalating costs.

“I’m pleased to say that Gunnedah Shire Council remains committed to this truly exciting project and are making it sure it proceeds.

“The Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary will be a world-class koala park including an educational centre and a learning auditorium, a dedicated centre for sick and injured koalas and native animals for treatment and rehabilitation and will support koala conservation, providing access for the study of native species.

“It will also showcase Gunnedah as the Koala Capital of the World and help ensure koalas remain a part of our lives into the future.

“We are thrilled to be proceeding with the Koala Sanctuary and congratulate David Payne Constructions on being awarded the tender. We look forward to working with them to make this a reality.”

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson welcomed the news that ground would soon be broken on one of the most exciting projects in the Gunnedah Shire.

“This latest development in the Gunnedah Koala Park project is a welcome next step on a project that will significantly grow the region’s economy,” Mr Anderson said.

“You can’t carry the title of Koala Capital of the World without the facilities to match and Gunnedah’s world-class Koala Park will reflect the region’s commitment to preserving our most iconic native species.”

Gunnedah Shire Council is in active discussions with potential operators for the park.

The Koala Sanctuary will include a wildlife centre and hospital building which will house the main entry, shop and café, an education auditorium and animal enclosures. It will be built in a bushland setting with Oxley Highway frontage and entry through Hunts Road.

Stage 1 of the project has included site identification, design, development approval and expressions of interest for construction.

Council have already planted more than 5000 eucalyptus fodder trees that will be used as a food source and perching for the care facility. The development application for the sanctuary was approved by the NSW Government in late 2021 and works will commence on site within the next few months.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson at the Koala Sanctuary site last year.

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

August 18, 2022

Thousands of locals and AgQuip visitors filled Gunnedah’s CBD for the return of NightQuip on Tuesday.

The heart of Gunnedah was alive with music, markets and merriment for the community night markets on the first night of AgQuip, which has returned to Gunnedah after a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NightQuip – a Council-run event - was first held in 2019 and was back bigger and better than ever this year, thanks to funding from the Reconnecting Regional NSW - Community Events Program.

The event aimed to reconnect the community after years of COVID-19 cancellations and lockdowns and draw neighbours, friends and families to the heart of Gunnedah for a festival of fun.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey was part of the action at NightQuip and said it was fantastic to see the main street thriving in Gunnedah’s busiest week of the year.

“AgQuip is the biggest event on the Gunnedah calendar and NightQuip is a marvellous way of reconnecting our community while also celebrating Australia’s biggest premier agricultural field days,” he said.

“NightQuip was an opportunity for locals to come together and catch up with friends and family and also gave visitors a chance to see what our town has to offer.

“There was an incredible atmosphere at the night markets and it was wonderful to see so many families enjoying an evening out under the fairy lights.

“I’d like to thank the stallholders and local businesses for supporting this important community event and making NightQuip a success.

“I’d also like to thank the remarkable staff at Council who made this vibrant event a reality. 

“Over the coming weeks, we will be surveying stallholders and businesses to gain their valuable feedback on how we can make NightQuip even better in 2023.”

Caption: NightQuip returned to the Gunnedah CBD with a bang on Tuesday after a two-year hiatus.

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

August 11, 2022

Gunnedah is gearing up for the return of AgQuip – Australia’s largest premier agricultural field days.

The ACM Rural Events field days are a highlight in the Shire’s calendar, drawing 100,000 visitors from across Australia to see the latest in innovations, browse 1000 exhibits and enjoy three days in beautiful Gunnedah.

 “The event is celebrating its 49^th anniversary and has battled its way back after two years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“I’d like to congratulate Rural Events on getting AgQuip under way once again amid difficult circumstances, and I encourage the Gunnedah community to head out and take a look around. After a two-year hiatus, the crowds are sure to be big.

“I’ll be out there, as will our Council team members, at site K-L/25, and I look forward to watching the crowds flood in again.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for locals to see the latest and greatest in innovation, technology and agricultural advances.

“It’s also a chance to catch up with old friends, grab a steak sandwich, and browse 1000 exhibits.”

Councillor Chaffey said AgQuip was also the ideal platform for Gunnedah’s retail and hospitality industries.

“I look forward to seeing our main street buzzing with activity as visitors eat in our cafes and restaurants and enjoy the country hospitality of our many hotels and motels,” he said. 

“Another reason I’m excited about AgQuip is the return of Council’s NightQuip event on Tuesday, August 16. NightQuip is a vibrant evening festival that will fill Gunnedah’s main street with music, market stalls, food and late-night shopping from 5.30-8.30pm.

“It’s a great opportunity to get some of the AgQuip atmosphere into town to see all that the Shire has on offer.”

NightQuip is just one of the events planned during the week. Other events include:

• Monday, August 15, 11am-5pm: Gunnedah Jockey Club AgQuip Race Day
• Tuesday, August 16, 5:30pm-10pm: National Billy Boiling Competition at The Railway Hotel
• Wednesday, August 17, 5:30pm-10pm: AgQuip Xtreme Broncs at Gunnedah Showground

For more information about events in the Gunnedah Shire, visitgunnedah.com.au  

AgQuip will be open from 8.30am-4.30pm on Tuesday, August 16 and Wednesday, August 17. On Thursday, the gates will be open from 8.30am-4pm.

“Don’t forget to pre-purchase your tickets on the AgQuip website and keep in mind that there will be traffic disruptions throughout the week,” Cr Chaffey said.

For more information about AgQuip, visit www.acmruralevents.com.au

Caption: AgQuip draws up to 100,000 visitors to Gunnedah for Rural Events’ premier agricultural field days.

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