Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
May 1, 2024
Arts and cultural groups are invited to apply for a grant under the Section 356 Arts and Cultural Small Grants Program.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said the Section 356 Arts and Cultural Small Grants Program “assists in the delivery of existing and new projects or initiatives that strengthen cultural identity and connection to place”.
“The program has been operating for seven years and in that time has helped progress many exciting initiatives,” Ms Frater said. “Community art and photography exhibitions, cultural activities, shows, performances and festivals are just some of the projects funded in the past. We hope to see some great applications this year that will add to our already vibrant events calendar.”
The funding pool is limited and the level of funding for successful applicants is dependent on the project. Applicants are encouraged to consider applications that enhance local opportunities and experiences in the arts and cultural sector.
Application forms and grant guidelines are available from Council’s website at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
Further information is available here, or by contacting Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader, Danny Hankinson on 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
The 2024-2025 funding round closes at 5pm on Friday, May 31 2024.
Caption: Arts Gunnedah’s 2024 Arts & Ceramics Exhibition was held with the assistance of a Section 356 Arts and Cultural Small Grants Program grant.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
April 29, 2024
Gunnedah Shire is making its own preparations for this weekend’s Get Ready & Resilience Expo – a day for our community and businesses to help prepare for future emergencies or disasters.
Gunnedah Shire Council, with the support of the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network and sponsorship from Whitehaven Coal and the NSW State Emergency Service – North Western Zone, will host the free Get Ready & Resilience Expo this Saturday, 4 May, 2024.
The event will bring together emergency service organisations, government and nongovernment organisations, Council and local not-for-profit organisations for an Expo at Wolseley Park from 11am to 2pm. There will be plenty for families and organisations to learn and do.
The inspiring guest speakers at the free forum, starting at 5pm in the Gunnedah Town Hall, are retired Detective Senior Constable Allan Sparkes CV, OAM, VA FRSN, and noted Australian actor and philanthropist Samuel Johnson OAM who will talk about resilience.
The Expo will bring people together with all the organisations that not only respond to emergencies and disasters, but help the community prepare and recover from them.
To find out more, visit Gunnedah Shire Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or Facebook page.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
April 24, 2024
Community and sports groups are invited to apply for a grant in the 20th year of the Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program.
Gunnedah Shire Council Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton said the program recognised the valuable part community and sport groups played in the community, and supported existing local projects or helped fund projects that met the needs of our growing community.
“For 20 years, the Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program has helped our community and sporting groups, many of whom are run by volunteers, provide programs that help make our lifestyle so diverse,” Ms Hilton said.
“Our community includes people who enjoy and excel in a huge variety of areas, from the arts to cultural activities and many sports.
“Over that two decades, the program has awarded more than half a million dollars to groups, with $290,638.54 going to community projects, and $263,640.59 going to sports projects.
“We encourage our community groups to think about their continuing projects or new ideas that might benefit both their organisation and the wider community, and apply.”
The program includes separate grants for community and sports groups, with the level of funding dependent on the project, but with a maximum of $5000 available for individual projects.
Application forms and grant guidelines are available here, or more information is available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton on 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
The 2024-2025 funding round closes at 5pm on Friday, May 31 2024.
Caption: Representatives from successful applicants for the 2023-24 Section 356 Small Grants with Cr Kate McGrath (left) and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke (right).
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
April 24, 2024
Artwork that captures the heart of Gunnedah will be at the core of a new exhibition that also includes a fun interactive element.
Gunnedah Captured is an extension of the popular Gunnybalds exhibition that was last held in 2022, but builds on the theme of portraits to include works depicting events, sites or community groups the artist believes represents their local Shire.
Gunnedah Captured will open on Friday, May 3, and will include a pop-up installation where visitors to the gallery can dress themselves up with items that represent who they are for a portrait with a twist.
Participants will text their “portrait” to the gallery, where it will be printed and added to the exhibition. The free images can be picked up after the exhibition closes.
Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Danny Hankinson said exhibitions such as Gunnedah Captured were important in capturing the identity of a community.
“We all know that a community can mean many different things to different people,” Mr Hankinson said. “This exhibition takes a look at the people, the places, the events and the groups that help give Gunnedah Shire its meaning for these artists.
“Gunnedah Captured shows glimpses into what makes this a special place.”
An open gallery evening will be held as part of the exhibition on Thursday, May 23 when people can bring a picnic and enjoy interacting with the installation.
Gunnedah Captured will open at 6pm on Friday, May 3 and be on display at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery until Friday, June 7.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
April 24, 2024
Most people will undertake decluttering or clean out activities within their home at some point. However, when wanting to throw away unwanted items, it is important to stop and consider whether these items could be a valuable resource before opting to dispose of these items to landfill.
The total waste generation rate in New South Wales has increased by 17% since 2015, with the state generating 21.9 million tonnes of waste material per year. While this is a staggering figure, there are simple steps households can follow to better identify and manage resources and become more mindful consumers.
“The careful consideration of any unwanted items before sending them to landfill can not only help reduce overall waste generation figures for the state, but also assists the community by putting valuable resources back into rotation for others to use,” explains Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste Sheridan Cameron. “This is a key element of being a mindful consumer.”
‘Mindless consumption’ is the purchasing of products without considering their lifecycle and packaging outputs. This in turn places low value on things such as resource use, environmental impacts of production and ultimately disposal
As an example, at the beginning of the 21st century, people bought half as many clothes and kept them for twice as long. In more recent times, people now purchase 60% more items of clothing yet keep these items for half the amount of time.
Alternatively, ‘mindful consumption’ places value on resource use and shows an awareness of how certain purchases may impact our society and the environment.
“It is so important to be intentional with what we buy and make conscious decisions when purchasing that take into consideration the impacts our actions have on our society and the environment,” says Ms Cameron. “Choosing high-quality, durable items over cheap, disposable ones places higher value on these items which can save money and reduce waste as we are less likely to consider landfill as a suitable disposal option for higher value items.”
The waste industry regularly refers to the waste hierarchy as a set of priorities for the efficient use of resources: avoidance, reuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle with disposal being the least preferred option. Sustainable decluttering processes can be drawn from the waste hierarchy to declutter your space in the most sustainable and efficient ways.
The NSW EPA’s Circular Economy Policy highlights the importance of valuing resources by getting as much use out of products and materials as possible and reducing the amount of waste generated. In 2024, Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging the community to become more mindful of their consumption habits and value waste as a resource to reduce the social and environmental impacts of disposal to create a more sustainable future.
April 19, 2024
What is your vision for the street trees of Gunnedah Shire over the next 20 years?
Gunnedah Shire Council is updating its Street Tree Strategy, a strategy that will help grow a green and leafy future for Gunnedah Shire.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said an important part of the strategy was seeking the views of the community.
Street trees help shape the identity of any region,” Mr Bartlett said. “They can be a beautiful natural asset that adds to the character and amenity of towns and villages.
“But planting the wrong trees in the wrong locations can lead to all sorts of problems down the track, so it is critical to plan now. We need to take the ideas and views of our community and translate that into a practical guide to a greener and leafier Gunnedah.”
Community and business members are invited to have their say in a Street Tree Strategy survey that will be used to help shape the strategy. The survey asks people for their vision for Gunnedah shire, whether future street tree plantings should have a theme, what improvements they would like to see, and a range of other questions.
You can access the Gunnedah Shire Council Street Tree Strategy at https://shorturl.at/jwIR3
April 18,2024
Three businesses have joined the list of organisations that have benefitted from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.
This innovative program invites Gunnedah Shire businesses and organisations to apply for funding towards a project that will expand their business, or an initiative that will benefit the local economy through increased employment or innovative opportunities.
Business Partner Program Advisory Group Chair Cr Colleen Fuller said the program helped businesses take the next step.
“It has been wonderful to see new businesses get underway and existing businesses grow through the Business Partner Program,” Cr Fuller said.
“Gunnedah Shire businesses are very innovative, and the advisory group considers each application on its individual merits, with priority given to those who demonstrate benefit and economic growth. We congratulate the three businesses who have been successful in Round 3.”
The successful applicants are:
• The Hen House - $3000 towards a cool room (subject to conditions)
• The Tawny Nest - $2000 towards purchase of psychological testing kits (subject to conditions)
• 360 Health Clinic - $1000 towards advertising.
Gunnedah Shire Council will undertake a review of the Business Partner Program before any rounds open in the 2024-25 financial year.
April 5, 2024
Gunnedah’s Autumn school holiday program will run from April 15-26 and there’s a host of great activities on offer for young people living in the Shire.
Join the Gunnedah Shire Library for Book Buddies at 10:30am on Tuesday, 16 April, Wednesday, April 17 and Thursday, April 18. All sessions are free and include story time and creation of Possum Magic art.
TOTEM’s popular Learn to Skate workshop will take place on Tuesday, April 16 between 10am-1pm. Spots are limited so bookings are essential.
On Monday, April 15 the Lock Room Challenge will take place at Wolseley Park between 11:30am-12:30pm. Activities include Uno, board games, Kubb, badminton, Jenga, dominoes and frisbee.
There’s also a free movie session at The Civic on Tuesday, April 16, showing Ghostbusters Frozen Empire. Bookings are essential.
The Youth Orchestral Camp will stage a concert featuring musicians from the Sydney Youth Orchestra, Western Sydney Youth Orchestra and regional guest musicians at the Gunnedah Shire Band Hall on Friday, April 19.
A three-day workshop on African drumming for beginners (aged 8 + years) will take place at the Gunnedah Conservatorium on Tuesday, April 16 between 10am-11am. Tickets cost $20.
“We are proud of our school holiday program and the diversity and quality of fun and engaging activities on offer. Anyone interested in taking part should book now so they don’t miss out,” said Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater.
The full school holiday program and booking information can be accessed at https://www.thecivic.com.au/youth .
April 3, 2024
Keeping the Village Green is the goal of Liverpool Plains Shire and Gunnedah Shire Councils’ Regional Drought Resilience Plan.
Round 2 of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning program is jointly funded by the Australian Government, and NSW Government under the Future Drought Fund.
The impacts of drought are felt and seen in every aspect of country life. Landscapes and waterways are exposed and potentially damaged, restricted business and work opportunities take an emotional and financial toll, flora and fauna can be lost to a region and restricted sporting and recreational opportunities fray the connections that define communities.
“The effects of drought are not contained within local or state government boundaries. Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah Shires are working together to strengthen our region’s resilience by improving our capacity to adapt to climatic challenges,” Liverpool Plains Mayor Doug Hawkins OAM said.
“Our Shires have contracted Seftons to develop a Regional Drought Resilience Plan that addresses the needs of community, agriculture, the landscape, waterways and the broader economy. Seftons are familiar with our region, the challenges we have faced in recent years and our region’s willingness to work together.”
Keeping the Village Green; Regional Drought Resilience Plan will draw on the experience and expertise of community members, traditional owners, farmers, business people, and service providers. During March and April, the Seftons’ team will be travelling across the region to meet with and learn from the people of the Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah Shires.
“Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains Shires were hit hard by the crippling drought that threatened the livelihoods of so many,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.
“Keeping the Village Green; Regional Drought Resilience Plan will help our region prepare for future drought.
“Working together on a regional approach, we plan to build our shared resilience through practical strategies that are achievable and effective in managing the challenges ahead. We want to meet the years ahead with confidence and certainty.”
Community members will have the opportunity to contribute in a number of ways.
- Attend a community meeting:
- Gunnedah, Smithurst Theatre:
9th April 2024, 12pm-2pm – for community members and NGO representatives
18th April 2024, 6pm-8pm – for business and industry representatives - Quirindi, Community Hub:
9th April 2024, 6pm-8pm – for business and industry representatives
15th April 2024, 9:30am-11:30am – for community members and NGO representatives
- Visit a community pop-up
- Have your say in our short online survey – you can complete the survey here
For more information, visit www.gunndedah.nsw.gov.au or www.liverpoolplains.nsw.gov.au. Check the websites for the most up-to-date information, pop-up locations and dates.
Caption: Ideas from the community are being sought to assist with drought resilience.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
2 April, 2024
Emergencies and disasters such as the 2021-22 floods show time and again that the way to build resilience is to work together and to be prepared.
Gunnedah Shire Council, with the support of the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network and sponsorship from Whitehaven Coal and the NSW State Emergency Service – North Western Zone, will host a free Get Ready & Resilience Expo on Saturday, 4 May, 2024.
The event will bring together emergency service organisations, government and non-government organisations, Council and local not-for-profit organisations for an Expo at Wolseley Park from 11am to 2pm, and a forum at Gunnedah Town Hall from 5pm to 8pm.
There will be plenty for families and organisations to learn and do, and the free forum will feature guest speakers retired Detective Senior Constable Allan Sparkes CV, OAM, VA FRSN, and noted Australian actor and philanthropist Samuel Johnson OAM who will talk about resilience.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Get Ready & Resilience Expo was a great community and services partnership in action.
“The floods brought home to us all just how much we need each other when something goes wrong,” Cr Chaffey said.
“This Expo is an opportunity to bring people together with all the organisations that works so hard to not only respond to emergencies and disasters, but that help a community prepare for events and recover from them. It’s great to see so many agencies working together to help build our resilience.”
Whitehaven Coal General Manager Community Engagement Darren Swain said the company was delighted to support such an important event.
“It’s great to see Gunnedah putting itself forward to host these types of events and bring the community together in partnership with a range of organisations and interested stakeholders,” Mr Swain said.
“At Whitehaven, we’re proud to be a part of this community and we recognise the important role we have to play as the largest employer in the region to support our local stakeholders.
“We look forward to contributing to the Expo and helping to build a more resilient Gunnedah for the future.”
To find out more, visit Gunnedah Shire Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or Facebook page.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
