13 May 2025

Gunnedah Shire Council will hold a number of community pop-up sessions and workshops throughout the Shire to consult with people ahead of development of a new 10-year Waste Management Strategy.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste, Sheridan Cameron, said community input was key to understanding people’s needs when it came to managing waste.

“The management of waste is a key role for any Council,” Mrs Sheridan said. “Our Shire covers nearly 5000 square kilometres, including beautiful natural areas and towns.

“At the moment, we are looking at Rural Waste Management Services and how we can address waste challenges into the future. It is critical to get this right, not only to provide the right services at an affordable rate for our community, but to do so in a responsible way that won’t leave problems for future generations.

“We are talking to people across the Shire, particularly in the villages, to find out how they use services and determine the best way forward for our rural waste management.”

The community pop-ups will last for two hours and residents are able to come along at any time during that session. The community workshops will last for an hour and will include light refreshments. Both types of sessions are free.

Rural Waste Management Services Community Pop-Ups will be held at:
• Carroll Showground on Monday, 2 June at 9-11am
• Kelvin Hall on Monday, 2 June at 1-3pm
• Emerald Hill Hall on Monday, 2 June at 1-3pm
• Tambar Springs Hall on Tuesday, 3 June at 9-11am
• Breeza Hall on Tuesday, 3 June at 12-2pm.

 Rural Waste Management Community Workshops will be held at:
• Mullaley Hall on Monday, 2 June at 6-7pm
• Curlewis Hall on Tuesday, 3 June at 5-6pm
• The Civic meeting room, Gunnedah, on Tuesday, 3 June at 7-8pm.

Gunnedah Shire Council held a series of waste education and composting sessions in March and April, and a Gunnedah Rural Waste Services Survey in March to help inform the development of the Waste Management Strategy.
To find out more, call Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

ENDS

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

12 May 2025

Ten years ago, the Gunnedah Shire Library was approached with the idea of running sessions to exercise the brain through puzzles and games - and Brain Training was born!

The program, originally proposed by Jenni Carlin who worked for GoCo at the time, has gone on to win awards including: the 2016 Voice of the Customer Award for Outstanding Performance to the Brain Training Team; short-listed for NSW Local Government Excellence Awards in 2016; and Highly Commended in the Local Government Excellence Awards in 2020.
The program has also been adopted at libraries, nursing homes and retirement villages across Australia.

Gunnedah Shire Council Librarian Christiane Birkett said the library was celebrating the 10th anniversary of Brain Training in May with a presentation to the people who have been training their brains at the Library for a decade!

“There are many proven benefits of brain training – it keeps you problem-solving, keeps you thinking, it’s a social activity, and it is great fun,” Mrs Birkett said.

“We are really proud to have pioneered this program in conjunction with GoCo, and are happy to be celebrating a whole decade of Brain Training.

“We thank the many, many people who have joined us for sessions during those 10 years, including the people who have been with us from the first day. It has been a true success story for the Gunnedah Shire Library and the Gunnedah community.”

A total of about 50 people a week currently take part in sessions that are held at Gunnedah Shire Library, Oak Tree Retirement Village, Lundie House and Alkira. It is also delivered to some house-bound participants.

Over the decade, Gunnedah Shire Library has presented workshops and talks about Brain Training and staff from other facilities have visited Gunnedah to “shadow” a session with a view to implementing it themselves.

The program is adapted for different purposes, but includes brain activities such as visual, non-dominant hand activity that assists with fine motor skills, creativity, memory, vocabulary, word association, number skills, concentration, number skills, general knowledge, teamwork, brain health, cyber safety, logic, pattern recognition, physical health, mental health. Activities include puzzles such as mazes, join-the-dots, find-the-objects, word games, number pyramids, colouring-in with the non-dominant hand, trivia questions, spot-the-difference, and more.

Once a month, the sessions feature Senior Engagement Talks with a guest speaker presenting on issues of special interest to seniors such as Meals on Wheels, Fire Safety, winter health, dealing with ageing and grief, documentation necessary as people get older such as power of attorney, enduring health care, etc. This activity was awarded the 2024 Innovations in Outreach Services Award through the NSW Public Libraries Association.

Captions:

(From left) Jenni Carlin, Librarian Christiane Birkett, Marg Harwood, Mayor Colleen Fuller, Jean Clark, Jude Appleyard, Fiona Mac Dougall, Annette Marshall and (front) Library staff Fiona Sills and Gina Torrens celebrate 10 years of Brain Training with certificates presented to those who have been attending for 10 years.

ENDS

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

7 May 2025

Gunnedah Shire’s popular gift card program is now digital, and just in time for Mother’s Day.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said going digital was a welcome step forward for the long-running program, making it easier than ever to support local businesses.

“As more and more people use smart devices to pay for purchases, it made sense to ensure Gunny Money can be used wherever and whenever people choose,” she said.

“Physical cards can still be purchased, but digital cards will give people freedom to purchase online and receive an SMS directly to their phone or the person they are gifting the card to.”

With more than 100 outlets signed up to the program, Ms Frater said there were plenty of places for mums, grans, nans, grandmas and the special people in your life to use the gift cards.

“The beauty of Gunny Money is that it can be used at a wide variety of businesses, from cafes to florists to boutiques to hardware stores, so it’s the ideal gift for Mother’s Day, and other special occasions,” Ms Frater said.

The gift cards are also a popular choice for teacher presents, staff bonuses and incentives, staff Christmas presents and raffle prizes.

Gunny Money has already injected more than $750,000 into the Gunnedah Shire economy, ensuring the money is spent at local businesses that are registered with the card. For a list of participating businesses, visit www.whyleavetown.com/community/gunny-money-gunnedah

Digital gift cards incur a small fee. They can be purchased online at www.whyleavetown.com/product/gunnedah-digital-gift-card

Physical Gunny Money gift cards can be purchased at:

• Why Leave Town: whyleavetown.com/purchase-online
• Gunnedah Shire Council
• Visitor Information Centre

Caption: Posies’ Jess Kelly is now set up for the new digital Gunny Money gift cards.

ENDS

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

7 May, 2025

Gunnedah Shire Council has been named as a finalist in two categories of the 2025 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

The awards, run by Local Government Professionals Australian NSW, celebrate outstanding achievements and promote innovation and continuous improvement within NSW local government.

Gunnedah Shire Council Governance Officer Sienna Miller has been named as a finalist for the Emerging Leader Award, a highly competitive category recognising a rising star aged 35 or under who is working in local government.

Sienna, 20, joined Gunnedah Shire Council in late 2022 after completing high school at St Mary’s College. She began as a Trainee and quickly became a Business Support Officer in Customer Service, then Governance, and is now a Governance Officer.

Her nomination recognises Sienna’s professionalism, her capability and the valuable role she plays within Gunnedah Shire Council.

Gunnedah Shire is also a finalist in the Borderless Communities Award for the Kamilaroi Highway Group: Seven Councils, One Remarkable Journey. This award recognises councils who have established collaborative agreements with neighbouring areas to implement practical actions to improve social, economic and wellbeing outcomes for their community.

The Kamilaroi Highway Group is a collaboration of seven local government areas to promote the adventure that comes from travelling the Kamilaroi Highway from the mountains to the plains. The councils have partnered to not only make this journey a seamless one for travellers, but to ensure people know just what each Shire has to offer as they make their way along the highway.

Gunnedah Shire General Manager Eric Groth said Council was honoured to be included among the finalists for the prestigious awards.

“We have a Shire with so much to offer, and staff who are dedicated and passionate about sharing their knowledge with other people and other Councils,” Mr Groth said.

“The Kamilaroi Highway Group is a great example of how a number of local government bodies can work together to produce a great experience for people who don’t need to know where one boundary meets another – they just want to enjoy the journey.

“It is wonderful to see these seven Councils working so well together.
“I would also like to congratulate Sienna Miller, who is an inspiring young staff member. She is a very worthy finalist in the Emerging Leader Award and also a very valuable member of our Council team.”

The winners of the 2025 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards will be announced at a dinner on Thursday, 5 June, 2025.

ENDS

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

6 May 2025

Fresh comedy will be served up in Gunnedah when the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow returns in its 27th year.

Quick-witted host Jake Howie and comedians Ben Kochan, Janty Blair, Ting Lim and Zack Dyer will take to the stage at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Thursday, 12 June from 7:30pm.

Ben Kochan loves a bit of silliness and has supported the likes of Dave Hughes, Tom Gleeson and Wil Anderson, while Ting Lim is known for her dry, sarcastic observations and has starred on Kitty Flanagan’s comedy series Fisk.

Meanwhile, Butchulla, Mununjali and Woppaburra woman Janty Blair will bring her unique flair to the stage, and self-confessed bogan Zack Dyer will entertain with his absurd observations and stories about growing up in a working class family in North Queensland.

Team Leader Cultural Precinct Danny Hankinson said the roadshow always guaranteed a great night out and encouraged locals to save the date.

“The Roadshow allows locals to hear the best of Aussie and international humour right here in our own Shire,” he said.

“If you’re looking for an excuse to meet up with your mates, or a relaxed evening of light-hearted entertainment, get online and book your tickets now.”

Doors open at 6.30pm and the show starts at 7.30pm. Full bar facilities and hot food will be available for purchase at the event. Tickets for the show are $45 per seat.

To book tickets, visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1379835
Performances may contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 16 years or older.

ENDS

Caption: Comedian Jake Howie will host the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow in Gunnedah.

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

At an Ordinary Gunnedah Shire Council meeting on Wednesday, 19 March, 2025, Council resolved the following Council resolution:

“Council enter into a funding agreement with Swimming Gunnedah Inc and Gunnedah Triathlon Club providing financial assistance pertaining to use of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex. The funding agreement shall provide:

1. An allocation of three (3) lanes to Swimming Gunnedah Inc for the purpose of swimming training

2. An allocation of one (1) lane to Gunnedah Triathlon Club for the purpose of swimming training

3. The Dan Killick Room be made available to Swimming Gunnedah Inc for the purpose of swimming training but, if it is not in use by Swimming Gunnedah Inc for this purpose, to be available to other user groups upon written notice to Council

4. A fee waiver of $1000 per annum of total costs associated with lane hire and usage fees for the Dan Killick Room

5. That this funding agreement be for a period of three (3) years and reviewed annually

6. That this funding agreement be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and return to Council for endorsement.

The draft funding agreements that give effect to this resolution have subsequently been developed and are now on public exhibition in accordance with Council’s resolution.

If you have feedback on the funding agreements on exhibition, please submit via the following methods:

• Email council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Please include your name and contact details.
• Complete an online form via the Contact Us section of Council’s website.
• Post your submission to Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah, 2380 or hand it over the counter at Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Please be aware that if you make a submission, other people may have access to your comments. This may be as a result of a report to a Council meeting or as part of an application under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. Further details are available on request from Council.

You can view the agreements by clicking here.

Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Thursday, 29 May, 2025.

Submissions will be included in the report to Council following the public exhibition period.

For further information, contact Council on (02) 6740 2100.

Eric Groth

GENERAL MANAGER

23 April 2025

The Draft Gunnedah Shire Development Control Plan 2025 (DCP) is now on public exhibition.

The document provides detailed guidelines for development to complement the objectives and provisions in the Gunnedah Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Community and Development Andrew Johns said the new plan was the first major review in 13 years.

“Council was successful in its application for grant funding under Round 2 of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund to develop a new Development Control Plan,” Mr Johns said.

“There are a number of aims of the new simplified plan, including to: define development standards and design guidelines that deliver the right outcomes; to provide clear and concise development guidelines for various forms of development, and to promote high standards of development that provide great planning outcomes.

“The plan also aims to encourage ecologically sustainable development and reduce the impacts of development on the environment, and promote the functional commercial and business area of Gunnedah CBD.

“It will also help ensure growth and development in Gunnedah is inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, and support economic sustainability in the future.”

The Draft Gunnedah Shire Development Control Plan will be on public exhibition until 5pm on Thursday, 22 May, 2025. The draft plan can be viewed here or at the Council Administration Building in Elgin Street.

ENDS

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

17 April 2025

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking community feedback on four key documents that detail Council activities for the current term and the 2025/26 financial year.

The Draft 2017-2027 Community Strategic Plan, the Draft 2025/26-2028/29 Delivery Program, the Draft 2025/26 Operational Plan, and the Draft 2025/26 Fees and Charges are now on public exhibition.

Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said these important documents provided a framework for Council to establish priorities and make sure these priorities were reflected in Council’s day-to-day operations and programs.

“The Community Strategic Plan identifies our main priorities and aspiration for the Shire for at least 10 years,” Mr Groth said. “These are in line with our four overall themes, developed in consultation with the community, of: engaging and supporting the community; building our Shire’s economy; retaining our quality of life; and protecting and enjoying our beautiful surrounds.

“Council has elected to endorse the existing plan with a new Community Strategic Plan to be developed next financial year, allowing Council to factor in the results of the Special Rate Variation application once they are known.

“The Delivery Program includes the main activities to be undertaken by Council – with 132 actions. We look forward to working on these actions with our community to help build the future of our Shire.

“The Draft Operational Plan includes the budget and revenue policy for the 2025/26  financial year, and the Draft Fees and Charges contains user charges and fees that are separate to the rates and charges.”

These documents are available for review at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. If you have feedback on the documents on exhibition, please make a submission via the following methods:

• Email council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au with the name of the plan, policy or item in the subject line. Please include your name and contact details.
• Complete an online form via the Contact Us section of Council’s website.
• Post your submission to Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah, 2380 or hand it over the counter at Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Submissions will close at 5pm on Friday, 23 May, 2025.

ENDS

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