June 9, 2021

The community is invited to help Gunnedah Shire celebrate with artworks for the NAIDOC 2021 Heal Country exhibition.

NAIDOC Week 2021 will be held from Sunday, July 4 to Sunday, July 11, 2021 with more events planned to commemorate the week including a community celebration, and a movie screening.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Jacinta Cipolla said all community members were encouraged to get creative and come up with artworks with a Heal Country theme.

“The National NAIDOC Committee explains that ‘country’ is more than a place and is inherent to identity, sustaining lives spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and culturally,” Ms Cipolla said.

“The theme is very open to interpretation and allows for great creativity. It is a wonderful opportunity to be part of an exhibition that can celebrate NAIDOC Week in Gunnedah Shire.”

Submissions for artworks open on Monday, June 28 and will close at 5pm on Monday, July 5. Artist submission forms and ready to hang artworks are to be submitted to The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, 81 Chandos Street, Gunnedah NSW.

Entry forms are available here and from Council’s main administration office in Elgin Street, at the Gunnedah Shire Library and at The Civic counter.

Gunnedah’s NAIDOC 2021: Heal Country officially opens at 1pm on Friday, July 9, 2021 and will continue until Friday, August 6.

The Civic will also hold a screening of Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra on Friday, July 2 at 10.30am and Sunday, July 4 at 2pm. All tickets are $10. Find out more at https://thecivic.com.au/movie/firestarter

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@infogunnedah.com.au

June 9, 2021

The Animal Welfare League NSW’s Mobile Vet Truck (MVT) will be rolling into the Gunnedah Showground on June 22 and 23, offering free and discounted veterinary services to pensioners and concession card holders.

Gunnedah Shire residents can bring their pet along for free microchipping and health checks, with vaccinations also available at a discounted rate of $20.

Gunnedah Shire Council Coordinator of Regulatory Services Wade Berryman said Council had partnered with Animal Welfare League NSW to bring the Mobile Vet Truck to Gunnedah as part of the ‘Paws Up for Pet Registration’ campaign.

“During June we are celebrating our Shire’s pets and encouraging everyone to protect their bestie by keeping a watchful eye on their health and safety,” Mr Berryman said.

“After hearing our community’s concerns about roaming animals, we have partnered with Animal Welfare League NSW to help make microchipping and vaccination services more accessible.

“The Animal Welfare League NSW has a 60-year history of providing expert care to animals so pets will be in good hands. I encourage those eligible to jump on-board and take advantage of this great service.”

Derek Thompson, Mobile Vet Truck Coordinator at Animal Welfare League NSW said, “Animal Welfare League NSW strives to achieve the best welfare outcomes for all animals in the community. Through our community outreach programs, we hope to raise awareness around responsible pet ownership and provide crucial veterinary services to members of the public doing it tough.”

The Animal Welfare League Mobile Vet Truck will be at the Gunnedah Showground South Street entrance between 8am and 4pm on Tuesday, June 22 and Wednesday June 23. No appointments are necessary.

The service will be available to Gunnedah Shire pensioner and concession card holders. Owners are asked to ensure cats are transported in a carrier cage, with dogs to be kept on a lead. Litters are not permitted, and services will be limited to three pets per household.

For more information contact Animal Welfare League NSW on community@awlnsw.com.au or Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

Some Gunnedah Shire Council services will be closed or operating for reduced hours on Monday, June 14. Service changes include:

• Gunnedah Shire Council Elgin Street Administration Building - Closed,
• Gunnedah Shire Library – Closed,
• Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre – Open 10am to 3pm,
• Heated Pool – Open 9am to 6pm,
• Gunnedah Waste Management Facility – Open as normal.

Gunnedah and Curlewis residents may be impacted by changes to the kerbside recycling collection on Monday, June 14:

• If you live in Gunnedah and normally have your recycling collected on a Monday, this will take place on Tuesday, June 15.
• The recycling collection for Curlewis residents will occur on Wednesday, June 16.

There are no changes to the household waste and greenwaste collection. For more information about the recycling collection changes visit https://bit.ly/3itFozV 

For emergency requests please contact the out of hours line on (02) 6740 2100.

June 1, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has launched a new campaign encouraging pet owners to protect their pooches and feline friends by completing the two-step registration process.

The ‘register your bestie’ campaign features a competition to find Gunnedah’s cat and dog registration ambassadors and a visit from the NSW Animal Welfare League’s Mobile Veterinary Clinic.

The registration reminder comes as local figures show an increasing gap in the number of animal’s microchipped but not registered, and follows changes to the Local Government Act introducing annual permits for non-desexed cats and dangerous dogs.

Council Coordinator of Regulatory Services Wade Berryman said the campaign was centred on helping lost animals find their way home.

“There are so many reasons to register your bestie. Our pets are an important part of our community, and we need to keep a watchful eye on their welfare and have a good idea of how many animals are in our Shire,” Mr Berryman said.

“Registering your pet is a two-step process. First they need to be microchipped before twelve weeks of age, and then registered within six months. Registration lasts a lifetime and can be completed at Council’s administration office or online through NSW pet registry.

“We are also encouraging residents to consider desexing their animal. Discounted registration fees apply to desexed pets and it has proven health and behaviour benefits. It is also the best way to safeguard against unwanted litters.

“Registration fees are used for providing animal management services to the community, including things like off-leash areas, pound facilities and our staff who help manage stray cats and dogs, look after complaints about barking dogs or stray or dangerous animals. Our officers work closely with the RSPCA and animal carers to find the best outcome for each animal.”

Council has partnered with the NSW Animal Welfare League to bring a mobile veterinary clinic to the Gunnedah Showground on June 22 and 23 between 8am and 4pm. Discounted micro-chipping, health checks and vaccination services will be available to eligible pensioners. Bookings are not required.

To nominate your pet cat or dog to become Gunnedah’s registration ambassadors, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2Y3L73H. Entries close Sunday, June 20 and the winners will be decided through a community survey. Each winner will receive a $100 Gunny Money voucher.

To learn more about pet owner obligations click here or visit www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

May 31, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is inviting community members considering nominating in the upcoming local government election to attend a free candidate briefing session.

Facilitated by former Lismore City Council Mayor Jenny Dowell OAM, the session is open to any community member interested in learning about standing for Council and the role and responsibilities of elected Councillors.

The session will be held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, June 18 from 6-9pm, with light refreshments provided.

Council General Manager Eric Groth is encouraging anyone who may have an interest in running for Gunnedah Shire Council this September to attend.

“Our nine elected Councillors play an important role in advocating for the community and leading and shaping our Shire,” Mr Groth said.

“This session will provide an opportunity for potential candidates to learn more about the role and purpose of local government and the responsibilities and expectations that come with being a Councillor.”

Ms Dowell, who served as Lismore City Council’s mayor for eight years, said the session will allow prospective candidates to learn more about what’s expected from a councillor and mayor on a day-to-day basis.

“I’m delighted to be travelling to Gunnedah to facilitate this information session for those members of the community considering putting up their hand to contest the upcoming local elections,” Ms Dowell said.

“The sessions are designed to be very practical and informative and there will be ample opportunities for questions and answers.

“The best way to ensure all voices in any community are heard is to have a diverse range of candidates stand for election, and we want to encourage people from all walks of life, backgrounds, abilities, ages and gender to come along to one of the sessions and learn more about what’s involved in standing for election and serving on Council.

“Being a Councillor requires a substantial time commitment, but there’s nothing more rewarding than serving in the level of government closest to the local community.”

Bookings for the session are essential. To register, RSVP via email council@infogunnedah.com.au or phone (02) 6740 2100 by Wednesday, June 16.

For more information about the upcoming 2021 local government election and to register as a candidate, visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au.

ENDS

Media Contacts:          

Gunnedah Shire Council: (02) 6740 2100.

Jenny Dowell OAM: 0402 651 394

May 28, 2021

The winners of 2021 Waste Into Art competition have been announced, with 59 innovative entries across seven categories wowing judges.

The biennial competition has been running regionally for more than 20 years, challenging schools, community groups and individuals to transform waste into art and design.

Deputy Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Rob Hooke opened the exhibition and was impressed by the diverse interpretations of the theme “Metal Reimagined.”

“I was so impressed by the variety of art we received this year. It takes a great deal of creativity and a high degree of technique to work with these materials,” Cr Hooke said.

“Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to those who took out prizes in this year’s competition.

“I encourage the community to come along and view these works at the gallery. The theme really lends itself to sculpture and these three-dimensional works are worth viewing in person.”

This year’s winners are:

• Early Childhood/Preschool section - “Metal Art” by Gunnedah Family Day Care
• Primary School Section - ‘Uluru’s Flying Shadows’ by Jeffrey Barr
• Secondary School Section - “Sustainable Flowers” by Claudia Cobb
• Most Creative Category - “Chief” by Elizabeth Emmerson
• Best Suits Theme of  “Metal Reimagined” category -  “Jimmy” by Warren Thomson
• Functional Art Category - “Table and Chair” by Robert Witts

The winner of the Open Community category is people’s choice, with visitors to the exhibition encouraged to cast their vote.

Waste Into Art will be on display at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery until Sunday, July 4.

Caption: Jeffery Barr was the winner of the Primary School Section with the artwork ‘Uluru’s Flying Shadows’.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100

May 27, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is reminding motorists to be mindful when parking outside schools and in the CBD.

Parking time limits ensure all community members and visitors have a reasonable chance of finding a park. It also makes the CBD more accessible for people who rely on parking close to public facilities.

Council Coordinator of Regulatory Services Wade Berryman said parking regulations are state laws which are designed to maintain safety and turnover of parking spaces.

“Council is committed to improving safety on our roads and access to parking for all community members,” Mr Berryman said.

“Council regularly patrols high traffic areas including the CBD and schools, where unsafe parking blocks the line of vision for other drivers and pedestrians.

“We encourage residents to park safely and observe restrictions so that parking spaces are shared and rotated fairly.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and we need to work together to ensure children have a safe journey to and from school. In particular, observing no stopping signage in school zones helps maintain visibility of children at all times.

“It only takes a split second for an accident to occur, so it’s important to stick to the rules. Sometimes that means parking a little further away and walking.”

Council conducts patrols in the CBD and at schools across the Gunnedah Shire to ensure motorists comply with parking restrictions and road safety regulations.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

May 26, 2021

One of Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery’s most anticipated exhibitions – Waste Into Art 2021 – will open on Friday.

Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Jacinta Cipolla said entries had been rolling in for the exhibition, which is held in partnership with Northern Inland Regional Waste to promote the reduction of waste.

“Entries include some absolutely amazing ventures into the imagination,” Ms Cipolla said. “People have taken everyday objects that would go to landfill, like fence caps, wire and aluminium cans, and turned them into artworks.

“There is everything from functional art to quirky animals, from whimsical sculptures to wall hangings.

“Waste Into Art opens on Friday at 1pm and will continue until Sunday, July 4, with artworks across seven categories, including youth categories, open community categories and a People’s Choice Award.”

The theme for 2021 is “Metal Reimagined”.

Caption: Metal Reimagined – an artwork from a previous Waste Into Art exhibition.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

May 26, 2021

Experienced tourism manager Nikki Robertson has joined the Gunnedah Shire Council team to help bring Gunnedah to the rest of the world.

As one of her first tasks in the role, Nikki has been invited to speak about Agritourism and the pilot project between the Liverpool Plains and the Office of the Small Business Commissioner at the Local Government Destination and Visitor Economy Conference this week.

Nikki brings a lot of experience to the role. Before taking up her appointment as Gunnedah Shire’s Tourism Team Leader, she managed the Liverpool Plains Visitor Information Centre for eight years, helping build the Liverpool Plains as a destination, including the success story of sunflower tourism.

“This is a fresh challenge,” Nikki says. “I can put to use everything I have learnt in the Liverpool Plains and expand it.

“Gunnedah has huge potential in tourism, particularly during this time when people are looking to holiday within Australia, and we have new attractions including the Dorothea Mackellar silo and the Rainbow Serpent.

“I am really passionate about tourism. I have travelled all over Australia, I love the country, and we have got so much to share here. I want the world to come and visit Gunnedah.”

Nikki was born in Switzerland, she has now lived in for over 26 years and is happy to call this area home.

Caption: Nikki Robertson has joined the Gunnedah Shire Council team and Tourism Team Leader.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH

 Monday 14 June 2021

Collection will be on Tuesday 15 June 2021.

Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CURLEWIS

Monday 14 June 2021

Collection will be on Wednesday 16 June 2021.

Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Should you have any enquiries regarding the Recycling collection on Easter Weekend please contact RECYCLIT on 67421522.

THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND GREENWASTE COLLECTION

Please ensure bins are placed out the night before collection date, as contractors are not obliged to accept late bins

If you have any enquiries regarding these changes please contact Council’s Customer Services Team on 6740 2100

Eric Groth

General Manager