Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
The Gunnedah Shire Council recognised the invaluable contributions made by members of the local community at the annual Australia Day Awards ceremony held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Friday night.
Chair of the Australia Day Working Group, Councillor Juliana McArthur congratulated the 13 category winners:
“Well done to all recipients who have been recognised this year. Whether they are part of a sports team, individual, an environmentalist or even a good neighbour, each and every person has made a huge contribution to the Gunnedah community and should be very proud,” she said.
Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award - Coralie Howe
To a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community in a voluntary capacity.
Coralie Howe is a Life Member of Gunnedah CWA and is being recognised for her generosity and willingness to be involved in many aspects of our Gunnedah community. Coralie’s efforts to ensure members can attend meetings and functions are always appreciated. Coralie is always willing to offer assistance to those in need.
Community Achievement Award - CWA Gunnedah –Leonie Harley Hon. Sec.
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.
As leaders and advocates, members of Gunnedah CWA have been involved in our community since 1922. In recent years, coordinating practical support for drought, flood and education have been major projects, along with fundraising and lobbying government on important issues. CWA members have a ‘can do’ attitude and strive to bring women and families together to form a network of friendship and support. Congratulations Gunnedah CWA!
Cultural Achievement Award - Agnes Kin Thurston
To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through any means of cultural diversity.
Agnes Kin Thurston is passionate about being involved in the community, showcasing not only her own Polynesian and Melanesian cultural descendency, but all the multicultural opportunities presented in the Shire today. Agnes has been involved in the Multicultural Women’s Association, Multicultural Playgroup, Gunnedah Pre School, supporting Harmony Day, welcoming the Princess of Tonga, supporting Gunnedah Shire Library with language and cultural weeks and working for Gunnedah Family Support.
Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy - Edmund Heap
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.
Edd Heap has been integral in Gunnedah’s community chess club for over 36 years – at teaching level, competition level and social level. Edd has long been involved in teaching primary and high school students to play chess, encouraging them to play and compete in tournaments. The annual Australia Day chess competition (happening this Saturday) and the ‘Speed Chess’ competition during the Weeks of Speed are examples of his commitment and achievements. Edd has played a vital role in nurturing a sense of community amongst our Shire’s chess players.
Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award - Ian Franke
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.
Ian Franke has a happy, caring nature that stands out to his neighbours and he is always reliable. He demonstrates his pride in the community of Gunnedah through his assistance to neighbours. Ian was nominated as he takes the stress and worry about how things will be done from his neighbours’ lives. From mowing lawns, fixing leaky taps, small odd jobs, to looking after houses and gardens when people are away, Ian is generous with his time and is highly esteemed. Congratulations Ian on your contribution to a stress fee neighbourhood!
Junior Sports Person of the Year - Hugo Holmes
For a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months who has made a significant contribution to their sporting club
Hugo Holmes is 11 years old and attends St. Xavier’s primary school and is a proud member of Gunnedah Motorcycle Club. His 2023 achievements include traveling to Illinois in America to win their Flat Track Grand National Championship in the 65cc production class and being named the Motorcycling NSW Junior Dirt Track Rider of the year (17 years and under). Hugo has also competed successfully regionally, interstate and nationally over the last year, as well as being recognised as a valued member of his local club.
Sports Person of the Year – Ms Khobi Devine
For a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months who has made a significant contribution to their sporting club or chosen sporting field.
Khobi Devine is an advocate for the growth of women’s, girls and junior football in Gunnedah. She captained the Poochettes senior women’s AFL team to an exciting premiership win in a home grand final last year. Khobi was also named in the north-west team of the year and was recognised as one of the top 10 best and fairest players in the zone. Khobi is the first female to achieve the milestone of playing 50 games for the Gunnedah Bulldogs. Khobi is heavily involved in both touch football and AFL in Gunnedah and is recognised as a reliable team member who goes above and beyond both on and off the field.
Senior Sports Team of the Year - Gunnedah Bulldogs Women’s AFL Team – Poochettes
– (Captain Ms Khobi Devine)
Have been members of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months and made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
The Gunnedah Poochettes Senior Women’s AFL Team represent Gunnedah in the North-West Australian Football League, and proudly achieved the 2023 North-West Women’s Premiership. With a playing squad of about 30, the Poochettes provide a safe and inclusive place for women to come together and play AFL. Winning the premiership with a home grand final is a wonderful achievement and congratulations go to all involved!
Ivan Towns Memorial Award Coach of the Year - Andrew Frend
This award is in recognition of the work that is done by a coach. It recognises commitment to training and passing on knowledge.
Andrew Frend has a broad range of coaching accreditation and over 20 years experience coaching athletes at international, national, state, regional and local levels. Andrew is a successful professional coach and also contributes by volunteering his time to local schools and Little Athletics. He is being recognised tonight for his outstanding knowledge of athletics - specialising in sprints, hurdles and relays - and his ongoing efforts to share this knowledge with younger coaches and athletes.
Environmental Citizen of the Year - Sandy Thomson
This award supports efforts to preserve the environment, including demonstrating the ability to foster partnerships that achieve litter reduction and recycling outcomes.
Sandy Thomson has been an active member of Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group for nearly 20 years and Treasurer for nearly 10 years. As a resident of Gunnedah and neighbour of Porcupine Reserve, Sandy has a passion for the management of this reserve and personally makes a considerable effort with weed control and rubbish removal. Sandy is always keen to lend a hand, planting trees, helping out at the plant stand at the markets and fully supporting the work of Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group. In her role as Treasurer she has had to manage significant funding applications which will have long term benefits for our environment.
Young Citizen of the Year - Lewis Donaldson
This award goes to someone 20 years of age and under who has demonstrated commitment to the community, shown a high level of achievement and is involved in extra-curricular activities
Community focused, Lewis Donaldson exhibited a high level of dedication to the role of Captain at St. Marys College in 2023. Lewis initiated change regarding the school’s waste management program, was involved in the organisation of numerous school fundraisers and inspires his peers and younger students. Lewis advanced in both the Lions and Rotary public speaking competitions and, outside of school, coached tennis. Lewis’ leadership and mentoring qualities are recognised in his achievement of this award.
Citizen of the Year Award - Marie Hobson
This award goes to a Gunnedah local over 21 years of age who has made an outstanding contribution to the residents or community. It recognises significant contribution in a voluntary capacity along with the values of citizenship and ethical leadership.
Marie Hobson is passionate about the Gunnedah community and has made an outstanding contribution as both a highly respected professional journalist as well as a valued volunteer. Marie helped to launch the Gunnedah Times, is a member of the View Club, a swimming coach and has strongly supported the Historical Society. Marie has also served on St Josephs Parish Council and St Marys Board of Management.
Marie believes in making everyone welcome to our Shire - she says this is a great community and she cannot think of a reason to live anywhere else! Congratulations Marie!
There will be plenty to celebrate this coming Australia Day in the Gunnedah community.
A host of activities are set to take place throughout the Shire to reflect, respect and celebrate on Friday, January 26 including open days at the Dorothea Mackellar Centre and Gunnedah Rural Museum and the Great Australia Day Cake-Off at the Gunnedah CWA Room.
Gunnedah’s newest Australian citizens will be welcomed at a ceremony underneath the gums at ANZAC Park and community barbecues will be held at Tambar Springs and Emerald Hill.
As part of the Australia Day Splash promotion, free entry will be offered at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex plus a complementary barbecue.
On Australia Day Eve, the annual Australia Day Awards Ceremony will take centre stage at the Gunnedah Town Hall from 6.30pm.
The 13 categories in Gunnedah Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards are:
Citizen of the Year Award (21 and over)
Young Citizen of the Year Award (20 and under)
Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award
Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy
Community Achievement Award
Cultural Achievement Award
Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
Sports Person of the Year Award (21 and over)
Junior Sports Person of the Year Award (20 and under)
Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under)
Sports Team of the Year Award
Ivan Towns Memorial Award
Environmental Citizen of the Year Award (any age).
Special guests on the night will include award-winning and critically acclaimed Australian dancer, performer, TV personality and 2024 Australia Day Ambassador Todd McKenney who played a starring role in the hit musical The Boy from Oz, as well as fun-loving Australian poet Murray Hartin.
Chair of the Australia Day Working Group, Councillor Juliana McArthur, said this year’s national day of celebration is shaping up to be one of the best yet in Gunnedah.
“We have an array of fantastic events taking place throughout our Shire. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and feel part of to celebrate all the things we love about Australia.
“And, importantly we will acknowledge the wonderful contribution people living in our local community make to our dynamic nation at our Australia Day Awards Ceremony. We are really looking forward to having Todd McKenney along on the night to entertain the audience and make it especially memorable,” said Cr McArthur.
To view the full schedule of Australia Day events taking place in Gunnedah, or, to book a ticket to the Australia Day Awards Ceremony go to: https://www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
Residents, commercial users, school buses and the travelling public are advised that Bulunbulun Road (at causeway crossing 10.9km from Kamilaroi Highway, Breeza) will be closed to ALL traffic from 29 January until 23 February, 2024 (weather dependent).
The damaged concrete causeway 10.9km east of the Kamilaroi Highway at Breeza/16.4 km west of Currabubula will be removed and a new concrete causeway installed.
During construction, there will be no vehicle access for any type of vehicle. Alternative access to the east and west will be available via Barnbrook Road between Bulunbulun Road and Werris Creek Road, Cana Road between Bulunbulun Road and Gap Road and Taylors Lane (Quirindi heavy vehicle bypass route).
Gunnedah Shire Council requests that all road users adhere to the road closure as access through the worksite will not be possible and there will be limited turnaround areas in the vicinity of the worksite, especially for large vehicles.
Signage will be erected at both ends of the Bulunbulun Road detailing the road closure.
January 9, 2024
Checklist for young people heading off on their tertiary education adventure in 2024:
Study hard
Find a course and successfully enrol
Apply for a Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund scholarship
Set off on the first step of the rest of your life.
As Gunnedah Shire’s young people pack their bags for university or TAFE, there are still a few days left to apply for a helping hand through the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.
The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund has been helping young people achieve their tertiary education dreams for more than 20 years, and has awarded more than 400 scholarships.
Through a partnership with local community and businesses, Gunnedah Shire Council offers scholarships to local students under 25 who are looking to further their training and education at university, TAFE, or an accredited training organisation – whether it be in engineering, education, the arts, law, health, or any one of a myriad of exciting futures.
The scholarship can help with expenses including:
- Purchasing textbooks
• Relocation and other travel costs
• Living expenses, and
• Contribution towards tuition fees.
Applications for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund will close at 5pm on Friday, 12 January, 2024.
Applications can be submitted via
https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/2024-gunnedah-community-scholarship-fund/?fbclid=IwAR1Tx3fcqJhPAsIXrozhe1iFZ7oAdB742NVclxR-CVI-PB7TPCxMdVNivXs
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
Once again, Gunnedah Shire’s Christmas enthusiasts have taken the judges of the Gunnedah Shire Council Christmas Lights Competition to twinkletown with dazzling displays.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said from Christmas trees to dancing reindeers, and snowmen to nativity scenes, the Shire switched on the festive fever.
“It is wonderful to see so many people lighting up their homes and businesses with displays that celebrate the season,” Ms Frater said.
“The three judges were amazed at the amount of work people had put into their displays, with very diverse themes and decorations, and a special mention for Curlewis for their entries.
“Congratulations to the winners and to all who entered this annual competition. The whole Shire is brighter for your dedication to Christmas.”
The coveted Santa Street award again went to Kurrajong Road where house after house went to town on their lights and decorations.
The full list of winners is:
Santa Street – Kurrajong Road
Best Decorated House – 2 Hopedale Avenue
Judges’ Choice Award – 24 Reservoir Street
Best Christmas Theme in a Village – 23 Poole Street, Curlewis
Best Dressed Shopfront Window – Second Edition Bookstore
Best Nativity Scene – 4 King Street.
The winners were recognised at an event at the Community Christmas Tree in Gunnedah last night.
December 18, 2023
Gunnedah Shire Council’s administration building will be closed for the Christmas-New Year period from Friday, December 22 at 12pm and will reopen on Monday, January 8 at 9am.
GoCo and the Gunnedah Shire Library will also be closed during this time (the Library will open at the regular time of 9.30am on January 8).
Your general waste, recycling and green waste pick-up days will remain the same over Christmas and New Year.
Other Gunnedah Shire Council Christmas closures:
• The Civic Theatre – Open throughout the break except for Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Monday, January 8.
• Gunnedah Memorial Pool – Open throughout the break except for the reduced hours of 9am to 5pm on Christmas Eve, and closed on Christmas Day.
• Gunnedah Waste Facility – Open throughout the break except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
• Rural Waste Facilities – Open throughout the break except for Friday, December 22, Christmas Day, Friday December 29 and New Year’s Day.
• The Visitor Information Centre and Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery – Open throughout the break except for Christmas Day.
• The Gunnedah Saleyards – final sale for 2023 is on Tuesday, 19 December (weather permitting), and the first sale for 2024 will be on Tuesday, 9 January.
If you are in need of urgent assistance on the days we are closed, please phone our after hours service on 02 6740 2100.
Gunnedah Shire Council wishes you, your family and friends a safe and wonderful Christmas and New Year break. We look forward to seeing you in 2024.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.
Seven businesses have been successful in their applications for funding through the latest round of the Business Partner Program.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program encourages new businesses or expanding businesses with financial support towards new initiatives.
Business Partner Program Advisory Group chair Cr Colleen Fuller said $31,538.25 had been approved across seven local businesses and organisations.
“Each year, Council helps our economy grow through this program that encourages business expansion and targets new businesses and economic activity,” Cr Fuller said.
“We have seen some amazing ideas come to fruition with the help of the Business Partner Program.
“In this round, the advisory group considered applications from businesses as diverse as pet grooming and electrical services to a psychologist and tutoring. We are proud to help applications that meet the guidelines to take the next step.”
The successful applicants were:
• Many Fabrication & Engineering Pty Ltd - $25,000 towards their workshop facility expansion
• Dries Electrical - $1,538.25 towards solar cleaning and safety equipment
• Bubbles & Bones Pet Grooming - $1,000 towards pet show equipment
• Business in Alignment - $1,000 towards shopfront signage
• Plains of Plenty - $1,000 towards shopfront signage
• The Plains Psychology - $1,000 towards a website
• The Rural Tutor - $1,000 towards a website and transition to business premises.
As we hurtle quickly towards Christmas, it’s time to dive into the world of fun that is Gunnedah Shire Council’s Summer School Holiday Program for 2023-24.
The School Holiday Program includes a diverse range of activities to appeal to young people whatever their hobbies and interests might be.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said there was plenty to keep young people amused over the Christmas-New Year holidays.
“From free movies to Crafty Creations at Gunnedah Shire Library, PCYC Ball Sports and Dinners, and a free skate workshop, it’s a fast-paced, action-packed program this holidays,” Ms Frater said.
“Some of these activities have been made possible by funding made available through the NSW Government.
“So whether your child enjoys swimming, gaming, drawing, singing, skateboarding, reading, ball sports and so much more, there’s something on this program for them, and many activities are free.”
To find out more about the activities and to book, visit https://www.thecivic.com.au/youth
and get in quickly, places are limited for many activities.
The Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on the local community to exercise better care with recycling after 24KG of fibro sheeting suspected to contain asbestos was found within material from residents’ kerbside recycling collection in one of the bunkers and on the conveyor belt used for hand sorting at the Material Recycling Facility (MRF).
As a result of the discovery, the MRF was immediately shut down and all workers were removed from the area.
The site was inspected by an appropriately qualified contractor to determine visually if the product was suspected asbestos and upon inspection it was identified that the fibro sheeting was highly likely to be asbestos.
The contractor taped off the bunker, hopper and loading area and all Recyclit workers within the MRF were sent home.
Council notified the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) of the incident, as well as its Work Health and Safety (WHS) business partner and kerbside collection contractor JR Richards who sent representatives to the site to conduct their own investigation. This investigation will include a review of footage provided by the in truck camera to identify the alleged offender.
The asbestos contractor hand picked all the visual fibro sheeting and removed the material from within the bunker and on the conveyor belt. The recycling material within the bunker and hopper was also treated as contaminated material and appropriately disposed at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility designated asbestos area.
The areas that were exposed to the fibro sheeting contamination were cleaned by the asbestos contractor to allow normal operations to resume on Tuesday.
The areas within the MRF were cleared of all fibro sheeting and contaminated material at 7.05pm on Monday night and a sample of the sheeting will be sent for testing to confirm the product is asbestos.
The MRF workers that were placed at risk exposure to this material are from the Gunnedah Workshop, a non-profit organisation providing NDIS services and supported employment opportunities to around 40 people with disabilities in Gunnedah.
In response to the incident, Jasmine Alloway, the General Manager of Gunnedah Workshop Enterprises, said;
“This beautiful community is incredibly supportive of our mission and of our people, which makes the thoughtless actions of one person so much more heartbreaking.
“They have endangered the health of some of Gunnedah’s most vulnerable people, and probably their own as well. I hope that this is a case of ignorance, rather than malice: that they were somehow unaware that Gunnedah’s recycling is sorted by hand, and not that they just didn’t care.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind our community that after our yellow bins are collected, the contents are hand-sorted by our amazing team. The team works incredibly hard, in difficult conditions, and tolerate a lot of contamination that is sent with the recyclables.”
Safe Work has cleared the site for operation, and advised that in this instance, the risk to the health of workers was well-mitigated.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director of Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said members of the local community should be mindful of the processes Council has in place for the removal and disposal of asbestos.
“If this material had been disposed correctly at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility it would have cost the resident(s) responsible of placing this material in their recycling bin just $5. That’s a small price to pay for doing the right thing not only by their own safety but that of our workers and the general community,” said Mr Johns.
Legal action may be pursued as a result of the investigation.
Council has an Asbestos disposal procedure that can be viewed at: https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/environment/public-environmental-health/asbestos or further information can be obtained by contacting the Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.
December 8, 2023
Work to upgrade the Gunnedah Airport tarmac has now been completed.
The $8.35 million project included complete refurbishment of the tarmac, taxiway and apron to bring it into line with Australian Civil Aviation Regulation requirements for certified facilities.
Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke said it was good to see this important project reach completion.
“Airports are critical infrastructure for the community,” Cr Hooke said. “They are important in times of emergency, for tourism, business purposes and for recreational use.
“Gunnedah Airport’s tarmac was nearing the end of its serviceable life and needed significant work.
“With the assistance of funding from the New South Wales government through the Resources for Regions Program, and the Federal Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, Gunnedah Shire Council has been able to ensure the tarmac is in good shape for many years to come. It also opens the door to the possibility of a commercial passenger service in the future.”
