18 October 2024

Finding and applying for the right grant to assist your community or not-for-profit organisation can be tricky.

Gunnedah Shire Council will hold a free Getting Grant Ready Workshop for local community and not-for-profit groups at 9.30am on Tuesday, 26 November.

“Grants are an important way for our local groups to expand and explore new initiatives,” Gunnedah Shire Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton said.

“This Getting Grant Ready Workshop, which is an initiative of Gunnedah Shire Council supported by NSW Government, is specially designed to make the process of grant writing easier, and ultimately more successful.

“Council already has a Funding Finder (available at https://grantguru.com/au/gunnedah ) to help identify relevant grants. This workshop will help equip attendees with the skills to maximise their opportunities to access funding for projects that build their organisation’s long-term sustainability and build on our Shire’s liveability and community amenity.”

The workshop would be ideal for volunteers who are often the grant writers for their clubs, village associations, hall committees or sporting groups. It is being supported by the NSW Reconstruction Authority as a project that works towards community-focused recovery under the National Principles for Disaster Recovery.

Participants will help empower groups to identify future needs and challenges, and source funding to deliver solutions.

The session, which will run from 9.30am until 2.30pm at Gunnedah Town Hall, will be hosted by seasoned and successful grant writer Trudi Bartlett.

This workshop is free, but places are limited and bookings are essential.

The Getting Grant Ready Workshop will be held at 9.30am to 2.30pm on Tuesday, 26 November, 2024 at Gunnedah Town Hall in Conadilly Street.

Bookings can be made through www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1302627

October 16, 2024

At the first Gunnedah Shire Council meeting following the NSW Local Government Election in September, Councillors have elected Cr Colleen Fuller as Mayor and Cr Kate McGrath as Deputy Mayor.

In Gunnedah Shire, Councillors vote to elect the Mayor every two years, and have elected to vote in the Deputy Mayor for 12 months.

Cr Fuller said she was delighted to take on the role of Mayor.

“It’s an honour to be declared as the Mayor of Gunnedah Shire after 21 years as a Councillor in this wonderful Shire,” she said.

“I look forward to working with Deputy Mayor Kate McGrath and our fellow Councillors to deliver great things for Gunnedah. Thank you to our Gunnedah Shire Councillors and to the community for putting your faith in me. This is truly an amazing place to live and to work, and it we know it will continue to get even better.”

Cr McGrath said it was the first time Gunnedah Shire Council had elected a female leadership team of Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

“It’s a historic day and I think it is quite fitting given we have a Council with a majority of female Councillors,” she said.

“Our goal will be to put the community’s priorities front and centre. I think we will work exceptionally well together. We have shared aspirations and will work towards moving forward with our functional and productive Shire.
“I would also like to say how very proud I am of Colleen Fuller and how happy I am to see her in this role after 21 years as a Councillor.”

Gunnedah Shire Council welcomed Councillors Colleen Fuller, Robert Hoddle, Robert Hooke, Ann Luke, Tammey McAllan, Juliana McArthur, Kate McGrath, Cameron Moore and Linda Newell.

All Councillors took either the oath or affirmation that they would undertake the duties of the office of councillor in the best interests of the people of Gunnedah and Gunnedah Shire Council, and faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act 1993 or any other Act to the best of their ability and judgment.

The first Gunnedah Shire Council Ordinary Meeting of the term will be held at 4.30pm on Wednesday, 30 October.

The following meetings will be held on Wednesday, 20 November 2024 and Wednesday, 11 December 2024 at 4.30pm before the meetings return in 2025 to the regular date and time of the third Wednesday in the month at 4.30pm. All Ordinary Council meetings are open to the public and are held in the Gunnedah Shire Council Chambers on Elgin Street, other than the March and September meeting which will be held in one of the villages.

Council will seek expressions of interest from village hall committees and progress associations to host one of these meetings.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Councillors, (from left) Juliana McArthur, Cameron Moore, Deputy Mayor Kate McGrath, Linda Newell, Mayor Colleen Fuller, Robert Hoddle, Ann Luke, Tammey McAllan and Rob Hooke.

ENDS

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

14 October, 2024

What is just as Australian as helping out a mate? Recognising a mate who makes Gunnedah Shire a better place!

Nominations for the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards 2025 have now opened and we are relying on you to let us know about someone who makes an outstanding contribution to our Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater says the Australia Day Awards are an important part of our Australia Day program.

“Over the years, Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Awards have allowed us to honour and pay tribute to some of our most amazing citizens,” Ms Frater says.

“Take a look at some of our recent Citizens of the Year – Marie Hobson in 2024, Mitchum Neave in 2023, Tracey Reid in 2022 and Ray Williams in 2021, alongside our Young Citizens for those years – Lewis Donaldson, Ellyn Blinman, Steven Hopwood and Aidan R de Luzuriaga. These are people who have each brought something unique to what it means to live in Gunnedah.

“Even being nominated for one of these awards shows how much we value those people who go the extra mile. And those who go on to win an award become a permanent part of Gunnedah Shire’s story.

“Please take a few minutes to think about the people you come across in Gunnedah Shire who make a difference, and nominate them for an Australia Day Award.”

There are 13 categories in the 2025 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards:

• Citizen of the Year (21 and over) – To a person who: has made an outstanding contribution to the residents or community; has made a significant contribution in a voluntary capacity; has shown care and compassion to others in the community; and/or displays citizenship and ethical leadership.
• Young Citizen of the Year (20 and under) – To a young person 20 years or under on 31 December 2024 who: has demonstrated commitment to the community through involvement in sporting, social or community issues; has shown a high level of achievement in their education, sporting, social, hobbies and community activities; and/or demonstrates involvement in extra-curricular activities (i.e. assisting others in the community).
• Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year – To a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community in a voluntary capacity.
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy – To a retired person who has continued to dedicate their time and efforts to impart their knowledge and skills to others in the community, and to assist people to attain higher goals in life.
• Community Achievement – To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through their dedication and efforts in a specific organisation, community initiative or civic duty.
• Cultural Achievement – To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through any means of cultural diversity.
• Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award – To a person who is a quiet achiever, lives quietly out of the public eye but is well known to family, friends and neighbours as someone who gives freely of their time to lend a neighbourly hand, without looking for anything in return. For example, feeding animals while neighbours are away, taking soup to a sick neighbour, providing transport for housebound people etc
• Sports Person of the Year (21 and over) – To a person who: has been a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah shire for the last 12 months; and has made a significant contribution to their sporting club or chosen sporting field.
• Junior Sports Person of the Year (20 and under) – To a person who: has been a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months; and has made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
• Sports Team of the Year – To a team who: have been members of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months; and have made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
• Junior Sports Team of the Year (20 and under) – To a team who: Have been members of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months, and have made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award – This award is in recognition of the work that is done by a coach, someone who is committed to training and passing on their knowledge.
• Environmental Citizens of the Year – Nominees may be recognised for work such as: efforts to preserve the environment within their local community; ability to foster partnerships that achieve litter reduction and recycling outcomes; use of the Return and Earn scheme to help fundraise for a meaningful cause. Individuals and organisations including schools, local businesses and community groups are eligible to receive this award. Winners of this award can go in the running for the state winner title.

For application forms and to find out more, visit:
• www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/economic-development/australia-day, or
• www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events

Copies of the form can be picked up from Council in Elgin St from Thursday, 17 October. Nomination forms must be returned by 5pm on Monday, 9 December 2024.

Caption: Todd McKenney performs at the 2024 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards.

ENDS

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

2 October, 2024

The NSW Electoral Commission has issued the official declaration of results of the NSW Local Government Election.

The nine Councillors for this term of Gunnedah Shire Council (in order of the ballot paper) will be:

• Colleen Fuller (2375 total votes)
• Cameron Moore (676 total votes)
• Linda Newell (739 total votes)
• Ann Luke (850 total votes)
• Juliana McArthur (741 total votes)
• Kate McGrath (731 total votes)
• Robert Hooke (900 total votes)
• Robert Hoddle (779 total votes)
• Tammey McAllan (830 total votes).

Gunnedah Shire Council Acting General Manager Andrew Johns congratulated the nine Councillors who will represent Gunnedah Shire for the next four years.

An extraordinary Gunnedah Shire Council meeting will be held on a date to be determined this month to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and determine future meeting dates and times.

ENDS

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

1 October, 2024

An eclectic collection from the Nimbin Artists Gallery will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at an event at 6pm on Friday, 18 October.

The exhibition, titled Nimbin Diversity, will include the works of 21 artists from the Rainbow Region of New South Wales, with a huge variety of works from Japanese print blocks to ceramics, and wildly colourful acrylics to timber artworks, mixed fibre birdbaths and felted textiles.

Nimbin Artists Gallery president Karen Welsh said the exhibition represented very different genres.

“Nimbin Diversity will feature some really bold artists,” Ms Welsh said. “We have Donna Sharam and her beautiful colourful work and Leigh Arnold who creates 3D work that is quite planetary and geometrical. We will have 3D glasses available to view his work.

“The exhibition also includes the work of Melissa Hume, who creates felted textile jackets.

“Paul Roguszka’s work is next level – finely crafted woodwork – and Nathan Dawson’s Mad Magazine-style art has a big following among younger artists.”

The exhibition will also include the books Unique: Creative Homes of Nimbin and Surrounds, by Mandie Hale, and Dying, Death and Beyond by Saskia Kouwenberg.

Ms Welsh said many of the artists were hoping to be in Gunnedah for the opening night, and most of the works would be for sale. The full list of artists included in the exhibition is: Pauline Ahern, Peter Aland, Leigh Arnold, Heather Bedell, Amanda Bragg, Nathan Dawson, Marty de Weerd, John Hosking, Melissa Hume, Claire L’Arrivee, Jenny Mac, Naomi Malone, Jasmine O’Shea, Paul Roguszka, Shannamay, Donna Sharam, Christine Spedding, John Storey, Yoko Tsushima, Ali Walker and Maureen Whittaker.

On Sunday, 20 October, exhibition artist Donna Sharam will hold a free artist’s talk at 10am at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery,
followed by a Picasso My Face art workshop between 1pm and 3pm for $60. Bookings are essential through www.thecivic.com.au

Key dates of the Nimbin Diversity exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery in Chandos Street, Gunnedah:

• 6pm, Friday, 18 October: Nimbin Diversity opens. The exhibition will continue until Friday, 22 November.
• 10am-12pm, Sunday, 20 October: Free artist’s talk with Donna Sharam. Listen and engage with Donna as she speaks about her creative practice. Donna will also have some of her artworks at the Gunnedah Country Markets at Wolseley Park on Saturday, 19 October.
• 1-3pm, Sunday, 20 October: Picasso My Face art workshop with Donna Sharam. Embark on a journey of self expression through the creation of your own artwork. Tickets $60, available through www.thecivic.com.au

Caption: A section of the colourful Temple Earth by Donna Sharam.

ENDS

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

30 September 2024

Gunnedah Shire has about 1500 small businesses with less than 20 employees, making the small business sector a vibrant part of our economy.

October is NSW Small Business Month, and Gunnedah Shire Council will celebrate our Shire’s small businesses by offering a number of events where owners and employees can network, develop skills and gain knowledge.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Community and Development Andrew Johns said small businesses added to every aspect of life in Gunnedah Shire and covered a huge range of industries and interests.

“We’re very lucky in Gunnedah Shire to have such a variety of small businesses, from coffee shops to electricians, and property agents to gift shops,” Mr Johns said.

“Each one brings something unique to the economy and makes it just that little bit better to live in what is already a great place.

“In NSW Small Business Month, Gunnedah Shire Council will partner with other agencies to help people build on their networks and their knowledge. Events such as these can take a business to the next level of sales or services, or help make a business more sustainable.”

NSW Small Business Month will begin in Gunnedah with a Launch Breakfast on Tuesday, 1 October at the Railway Hotel hosted by the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Gunnedah Shire Council. As well as a buffet breakfast, the event will a panel of knowledgeable speakers. The panel will include owner/director for Blush & Bloom Skin and Beauty Caity Byrnes, Namoi Valley Plumbing owner/director Jake Dawson, Whitehaven Coal General Manager, Community Engagement Darren Swain, and Reverence Road owner Renee Neale.

Tickets are $20 and are available through www.gunnedah.org.au
On Tuesday, 15 October at 4-6pm, a free Communicating with Customers for Connection and Growth session will be held at the Courthouse Hotel with Keira Gifford of Raw Confetti.

Keira will help unlock market leading strategies for effective customer communication, and help you take a deep dive into your digital presence. Attendees are asked to bring their questions and their laptop.
The event is free, but bookings are required through www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1294893

There will be a Future Forward – Services NSW event in partnership with NORTEC from 9.20am to 12.30pm at the Smithurst Theatre on Wednesday, 23 October. During this interactive workshop, attendees can gain an understanding of the transformative power of AI and how it can drive innovation in your business.

This event is free, but bookings can be made through https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/business-connect/event/qxew9xe6zj
The final event is Beyond the Fields: Women in Ag Morning Tea at the Carroll Gap Farmhouse from 9.30am to 11.30am on Wednesday, 30 October.

This free event will include morning tea, networking and information dedicated to empowering women in agriculture. Guest facilitators will be Julia Pursehouse from The Farmer’s Florist, Stewart Michel from Michel & White Lawyers, Melissa Bowman from Farm Business Resilience Program and Karen Grimm from Gunnedah Shire Council.

The event is free, but bookings are required through www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1294808

The list of events is:

•  7.30-9am Tuesday, 1 October, 2024: Launch breakfast at the Railway Hotel, Gunnedah
  • $20. Bookings www.gunnedah.org.au/event-details
• 4-6pm Tuesday, 15 October, 2024: Communicating with Customers for Connection & Growth at the Courthouse Hotel, Gunnedah
  • Free. Bookings www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1294893
• 9.30am-12.30pm Wednesday, 23 October, 2024: Future Forward – Services NSW at the Smithurst Theatre, Gunnedah
  • Free. Bookings https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/business-connect/event/qxew9xe6zj
• 9.30-11.30am Wednesday, 30 October, 2024: Beyond the Fields: Women in Ag Morning Tea at Carroll Gap Farmhouse
  • Free. Bookings www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1294808

 Caption: The crowd enjoys the Small Business Month 2023 Launch Breakfast.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or (02) 6740 2100.

September 30, 2024

A new Deposition Centre has opened at Gunnedah’s Waste Management Facility, making it easier and safer for people to deposit their waste.

The new centre, located on the site of the Waste Management Facility and accessed through the Quia Road entry, has been constructed to allow everyday users of the facility to deposit their waste away from the main landfill area.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste Sheridan Cameron said the new centre went a long way towards avoiding many of the hazards associated with the operation of a landfill site.

“Depositing waste at a landfill site can be an unpleasant experience, and too often brings residents into contact with landfill machinery and commercial users who may have large vehicles,” Mrs Cameron said.

“This new Deposition Centre, funded through Gunnedah Shire Council’s Domestic Waste Management budget, makes depositing your rubbish a safer, cleaner and more pleasant experience.

“People can come in and deposit their waste away from the main landfill. It allows enhanced waste screening making it easier for Council to ensure recyclables are separated and no hazardous waste is mixed in with household waste.

“This is a significant improvement for Gunnedah Shire’s waste management services.”

The waste deposited at the Deposition Centre will be removed and processed by Gunnedah Waste Management Facility staff.

Fees for use of the facility will not change.

Gunnedah Shire Council asks people to be patient while they navigate the new system for the first time.

Caption: Gunnedah’s new Deposition Centre has now opened.

ENDS

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