26 January, 2023

Ten Gunnedah Shire citizens and organisations have been recognised in the 2023 Gunnedah Shire Australia Day Awards.

Deputy Mayor and Chair of Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Working Group Cr Rob Hooke said the Australia Day Awards Ceremony on Wednesday was a wonderful opportunity to thank those who do so much in our community.

“The Gunnedah Australia Day Awards Ceremony is held on the eve of Australia Day, and is a marvellous way to launch the Shire’s festivities,” Cr Hooke said.

“Last night, we announced that our Citizen of the Year (21 and Over) is Kamilaroi man Mitchum Neave. Mr Neave was chosen for this award because of his ongoing commitment to many volunteer community organisations including the NSW Rural Fire Service’s Piallaway brigade and Rural Fire Service Association Liverpool Plains Branch.

“Mr Neave is also part of the Breeza Progress Association, Min Min Aboriginal Corporation, Kamilaroi Gomeroi Gamilaraay Youth Trust and NSW’s regional Closing the Gap committee. Congratulations, Mitchum.

“Our Young Citizen of the Year is Ellyn Blinman. Ellyn is a former Captain of Gunnedah High School and has been awarded numerous accolades in her young life. She is known for her team work, leadership skills, and social and community contributions and it’s a pleasure to see this young person receive this award.

“The Australia Day Awards include categories as diverse as Environmental Citizen of the Year, Cultural Achievement Award and the Ivan Towns Memorial Award. I congratulate all of our awards winners who have made such valuable contributions to our Shire.”

The Gunnedah Shire Australia Day Award recipients for 2023 are:

• Citizen of the Year (21 and Over) – Mitchum Neave
• Young Citizen of the Year (20 and Under) – Ellyn Blinman
• Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award – Bruce Higham
• Community Achievement Award – Gunnedah Wood Workers Group
• Cultural Achievement Award - Katerina Haenga – Multicultural Women’s Association
• Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award – Nat and Kate Groves
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year (20 and Under) – Hugo Holmes
• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and Under) - U18’s Gunnedah Rugby League Football Club
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award - Coach of the Year – Daniel Martin
• Environmental Citizen of the Year Award – Robert Frend

Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Ambassador is John Anderson AC, a sixth-generation farmer and grazier from Mullaley who spent 19 years in Australian Parliament from 1989. 

Mr Anderson served as a senior Cabinet minister in the reformist government led by John Howard (1996 to 2005).  This included six years as Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire's 2023 Australia Day Awards recognise outstanding individuals and organisations.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

23 January, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council is preparing to host the inaugural Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference from 22-23 November.

The two-day conference is aimed at local government and practitioners in community safety and crime prevention and will feature key note speakers from a diverse range of backgrounds, both local and beyond, to discuss emerging trends in crime, and the latest developments and approaches in resolving and enhancing safety in local communities. 

The event is being organised by Gunnedah Shire’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Working Group, and Chair Cr Colleen Fuller said it would be of particular interest to community safety practitioners, criminal justice personnel, law and policymakers and students.

“While the program has not yet been finalised, we are looking to attract speakers that will share ideas around innovative approaches to crime and community safety, while offering practical examples of solutions that can be used in a variety of metropolitan, regional and rural settings.

“Topics could potentially include domestic and family violence, coercive control, child safety, crime and mental health, youth crime, community safety and the impact of natural disasters, crime prevention and the night time economy, terrorism and crowded places management, and graffiti management, to name a few.”

Cr Fuller said it would also provide a boost to the Shire’s economy as the working group seeks to attract more than 100 delegates.

“It’s an opportunity to showcase what our Shire has to offer, with the dates determined to encourage delegates to stay a little longer, to experience what the region has to offer.

“We are already working with local businesses and entertainment providers to create some unique experiences for delegates.”

The conference will be held in the Gunnedah Town Hall and Smithurst Theatre.

Council first voted to endorse the event in May 2019 but the project was put on hold due to the drought, COVID-19 pandemic and successive flooding.

The working group includes a range of elected representatives, Council staff and representatives from local support services, Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, business and industry, and interested community members.

For more information on the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference, contact Council’s Community and Social Planner on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Working Group Chair Colleen Fuller with Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton at the Gunnedah Town Hall where the inaugural Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference will be held in November.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

20 January, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council has been making the most of the fine weather to progress repair work on the Shire’s flood damaged roads.

Gunnedah Shire, like many other councils throughout New South Wales, sustained millions of dollars worth of damage to its road network in the flood events of 2022.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said Council had already undertaken more than $2.2 million in flood restoration works this financial year, and is continuing to progress the Flood Restoration Road Maintenance Program.

“Our three maintenance grading crews, two construction crews and contractors, where available, are working to restore the Shire’s 1615km network that includes 145km of State Roads,” Mr Bartlett said.

“Significant emergency works have already been undertaken at Orange Grove Bridge, Grain Valley Road causeway, Goolhi Road, and Clifton Road causeways.

“Unfortunately, repeated flood events and roads are not a good mix. As well as the existing problems, damage sometimes continues under the surface of the roads for some time after the flood event, and it can take some time before the full extent of the damage is apparent and known.

“Transport for NSW administers the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) on behalf of the Commonwealth Government. They administer the rules in place regarding funding, including reviewing Council-submitted solutions and designs for Essential Public Asset Restoration.

“We are working with consulting engineers and contractors to accelerate the repair process. Where there is large-scale damage, designs for the work must be approved by Transport for New South Wales before they can be implemented, or the costs of the works may not be reimbursed to Council. The process for this can take some time.

“We know delays caused by closures, roadworks and damaged roads are frustrating, and we ask for your patience while we continue to work towards getting our road network back in good shape.”

Updates on specific road projects:

• Bulunbulun Road was closed for the safety of the travelling public recently due to damage at a causeway near the boundary with Liverpool Plains Shire. Significant creek flows undermined the concrete slab of this causeway and, with the heavy traffic that has been traversing this road, the slab has failed, and the causeway has sunk into the void.

Unfortunately, there is no simple or short-term repair that can be implemented to safely keep the road open.

Council’s works staff and a consulting engineer have inspected the site and are liaising with Transport for New South Wales to have the causeway reconstructed.  This process will take time, and the road is likely to be closed for some months.

• Maitland Street Bridge, Breeza – Council is working with consulting engineers on a design for the approaches that will need to be approved by Transport for New South Wales. The bridge will remain closed for some months.
• Simson Bridge, Breeza - Due to significant scouring behind the abutment at the northern end, Council will restrict the bridge to one lane with a 40k/h speed limit. Further analysis is being undertaken by a consulting engineer regarding the operation of the bridge, and the repairs required.
• Hunts Road, Gunnedah – this work will proceed after Transport for New South Wales’ approval for the proposed repairs is received by Council.

Mr Bartlett said Gunnedah Shire Council also regularly released its schedule of planned works for the upcoming six week period for Flood Restoration and Unsealed Road Maintenance on social media and its website: www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/community/community-alerts/road-works-closures

Caption: Flood damage at Maitland Street bridge, Breeza, in November last year.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

20 January, 2023

Australia Day is inching closer and preparations are in full swing in Gunnedah Shire.

Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Working Group Chair Cr Rob Hooke said it was exciting to see the 2023 program packed full of fun, family-friendly activities.

“We’re gearing up for a fantastic few days of Australia Day festivities in Gunnedah Shire,” he said.

“Events include everything from touch football to a free pool day, chess competitions, cricket, a cake-off, open days and a free movie screening.

“We’re looking forward to seeing families and friends getting together and enjoying everything this year’s program has to offer in Gunnedah and our villages.”

The shire’s events will kick off at The Civic on Wednesday, 25 January with the Australia Day Awards Ceremony which will recognise and honour individuals and groups in the local community who have worked to shape and enrich the Shire.

Canapes and refreshments will be served from 6.30pm and the ceremony will start at 7.15am.

This year’s ambassador is John Anderson AC, a sixth-generation farmer and grazier who spent 19 years in Australian Parliament from 1989. 

Mr Anderson served as a senior Cabinet minister in the reformist government led by John Howard (1996 to 2005).  This included six years as Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister.

Mr Anderson was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2011, and a Companion (AC) in 2022. He has been published on topics such as civic freedoms, global food security, modern slavery and the economy and farms on the family property at Mullaley whilst also being active through various directorships, in public speaking and in the not-for-profit sector.

The ambassador will attend the ceremony and Australia Day events, including the church service under the gums near the Dorothea Mackellar statue in ANZAC Park at 9.30am, followed by a citizenship ceremony at 10am.

Australia Day Splash launches at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex from 9am, with free entry. From 9am-1pm, there will be a free jumping castle, snow cones and barbecue from 11am. A DJ will amp up the vibe in the 50m pool from 1pm-6pm.

There will be free bus services running from Curlewis and Carroll for the pool event. Jump on the bus at 10am at the Carroll Store or 10.40am at the bus stop opposite Curlewis General Store. The bus will depart the pool at 2.20pm for Curlewis and 3.20pm for Carroll.

The Australia Day Splash event is funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.

Aussie Fest is back once again at Donnelly Fields, featuring the popular women’s and men’s Indigenous versus Rest touch football games. There will also be touch shoot-outs and Dash for Cash.

Gunnedah Rural Museum, The Mackellar Centre and Gunnedah Water Tower Museum will also be open on the day.

Pubs in and around Gunnedah will be hosting a variety of activities including an Australia Day Eve cocktail party, car park cricket, live local music, face painting, slip and slide, and family-friendly games.

Other Australia Day activities in Gunnedah will include a trivia quiz, cake-off, table tennis and chess competitions and free screening of Australia at The Civic Theatre.

Council has received funding from the National Australia Day Council to support Australia Day activities.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day festivities will be packed with fun.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

Updated 1 March, 2023

Gunnedah Shire signed a Sister City Agreement with the Yinzhou District of Ningbo in the Zhejiang Province in China in September 2017.

Six delegates from the Yinzhou Government visited Gunnedah Shire to sign official documents and experience a taste of Gunnedah during their stay.

St Mary’s College Year 8 students welcomed Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and the Yinzhou.

“The students were able to officially welcome the delegation in Mandarin and show them around our school,” St Mary’s College Principal Max Quirk said.

“The school visit was a tremendous success and Cr Chaffey spoke to the students about how exciting the initiative is between Gunnedah and Yinzhou.”

During their stay, the delegation were invited to local orange farm “Gunnible” for an official dinner, as well as taking part in flights over Gunnedah and koala spotting before signing the official documents in a ceremony at Wolseley Park.

“Fate will bring us together even if we are thousands of miles away,” Deputy Director, The Standing Committee of Yinzhou District People’s Congress, Lyu Hongqin said.

The delegation was welcomed by Gomeroi Elders conducting a traditional Smoking Ceremony, before the Australian and Chinese National Anthems were played by the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music.

A Chinese Elm tree was planted at Wolseley Park to mark the beginning of the relationship and will grow as the relationship grows.

Updated 1 March, 2023

Gunnedah Shire has a long history with the Sydney suburb of Lane Cove. In November 2001, Lane Cove adopted Gunnedah as its Friendship Town under the Green Hands initiative which aimed to link metropolitan and country councils where tree planting and other environmental works were needed.

As a result, a delegation of Lane Cove Councillors and Council staff visited Gunnedah and after the visit, it was agreed that the two Councils would work together to develop Gunnedah's Wandobah Reserve Wetlands. The project reached the design stage but drought conditions delayed further works.

By late 2002, the Gunnedah Shire was experiencing the worst drought in living memory and the two councils joined forces to hold a Drought Breaker concert. The drought aid concert was held at St Ignatius College Riverview Hall on Friday, December 6, 2002 and featured performances by about 60 talented Gunnedah's youth including musicians, dancers, singers, whip-crackers and gymnasts. Proceeds from the concert were given to the Red Cross Farmhand Drought Relief Appeal.

Gunnedah Shire and Lane Cover announced a formal Sister City relationship at the concert and have been building on the relationship since through reciprocal visits and communications.

Lane Cove has continued to be a friend to Gunnedah during times of drought, with the Rain Bringer concert in 2020, and other generations donations from the community.

Lane Cove also hosted the photographic exhibition Sirens of Gunnedah in 2020.

18 January, 2023

Work has started on a shared pathway extension that will connect the Namoi River to Mullibah Lagoon.

The Riverine Stormwater Precinct Shared Pathway project will complement the existing pathways and is funded by the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.

Contractor Daracon is working its way from Cohen’s Bridge along Maitland Street, to the Carroll Street end of Mullibah Lagoon to connect to the existing pathway at the Namoi River. The Geoff Morgan Playing Fields will be linked through Mullibah Lagoon.

The pathway will include a stormwater bridge - designed and constructed by Central Industries - at the Osric Street stormwater head, and will be lit with solar lighting.

On August 2020, the NSW Government launched the $250 million program and encouraged councils to submit a plan to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment on how they would accelerate local projects and include a brief project proposal to deliver an open and public space project.

In April 2021, $2 million in funding was allocated to Gunnedah Shire Council for projects under the Gunnedah Public Spaces Activation Program, including the Shared Pathways Connection Program, Wandobah Road Open Space Enhancement Project and the Poetry Precinct Enhancement Project.

As part of the already completed Wandobah Road Open Space Enhancement Project, low fencing, intergenerational seating and rubbish bins were installed along the 2.16 kilometres of popular footpath on Wandobah Road over June and July.

The project augments the existing shared pathway network, complements the Gunnedah Shared Pathway Connection Program and increases safety for user groups by discouraging vehicular access to the Wandobah Reserve.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was exciting for Council to have the opportunity to enhance the Shire’s open spaces for present and also future generations.

“One of the things residents love most about the Gunnedah Shire is its open spaces, so we, at Council, have taken that on board and are looking forward to delivering these projects in spaces that are already well-loved and well-used by our community,” he said.

“There is so much potential to improve these shared spaces and this is a great start.”

Work on the Riverine Stormwater Precinct Shared Pathway project is expected to be complete by early March.

Caption: Work is under way on the Riverine Stormwater Precinct Shared Pathway project in Maitland Street.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

18 January, 2023

It’s time to mark International Women’s Day by creating something special for the Gunnedah International Women’s Day Exhibition 2023.

Gunnedah Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford said March 8 was an important day in the global calendar, and Gunnedah had plenty of reason to celebrate.

“While the 2023 theme for the day is #EmbraceEquity, this is an opportunity to create amazing art – whether it is a painting, drawing, sculpture or another form of art – to symbolise any aspect of women,” Mr Cornford said.

“In the past, this has been a very popular exhibition in Gunnedah.
“Maybe it’s because there are so many directions this theme can take us. It can be an opportunity to pay tribute to women's achievement, to raise awareness about discrimination, or just to have fun with the theme.

“We hope to see many submissions to make this a really vibrant and exciting exhibition.”

Submissions are due at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery by 5pm on Thursday, March 2.

The International Women’s Day Exhibition 2023 will officially open at 6pm on Friday, March 10, with a black and white theme, and continue until Sunday, April 16. For entry forms and more information, visit www.thecivic.com.au, or contact Gunnedah Shire Council on 6740 2100.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for people to start work on submissions for the International Women’s Day Exhibition 2023.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

January 11, 2023

An exhibition celebrating the journey of the Blackjack Camera Club Inc will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, January 27.

Through the Lens Photography Exhibition is a selection of highlights taken by members of the Blackjack Camera Club Inc, which is based in Gunnedah.

Blackjack Camera Club president Wendy Carpenter said the exhibition was as diverse as the club’s members.

“In the past seven years, we have seen membership change, but the passion remains the same,” Wendy said.

“This collection of photographs is a reflection of the path we have travelled, the excursions, the travels, the everyday moments of magic, the workshops and the quest to learn more. It captures how we all see moments in so many different ways.

“There are some beautiful artworks in Through the Lens. Seeing the exhibition come together is really exciting. There is a phenomenal wealth of talent among the members and we are thrilled to be able to share the skill of our own local photographers.

“There are 44 photographers represented in the exhibition of more than 90 photographs.

“Through the Lens exhibition has been made possible by the support of Gunnedah Shire Council through a Section 356 Arts and Cultural Grant, and we hope that all members of our community and visitors to our town over the summer have the opportunity to come to the gallery and enjoy these spectacular photographs.”

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford said the exhibition had something for everyone.

“Through the Lens captures an era in Gunnedah and beyond,” he said. “There are a wide spectrum of life-filled moments captured at local events such as the Gunnedah Show, through to portraits, landscapes and wildlife.

“This is an exhibition worth seeing – it will provide a glimpse into life through the eyes and lenses of these talented local photographers.”

Through the Lens Photography Exhibition opens on the evening of Friday, January 27, 2023, and closes on Saturday, February 25. For more information, visit www.thecivic.com.au

Caption: Blackjack Camera Club members pictured against the sunset. Image: Paul Williams.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

10 January, 2023

Time is running out to nominate outstanding individuals and organisations for Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Australia Day Awards.

Nominations are due by Monday, January 16 for the annual awards which recognise and honour individuals and groups in the local community who have worked to shape and enrich the Shire.

Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Working Group Chair and Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Hooke said the AustraliAusta Day Awards were an important way to highlight the Shire’s community champions.

“Our community is the sum of the people within it, and we have some amazing people in our shire who contribute their time and talents to many worthwhile endeavours,” Cr Hooke said.  

“We would love to see locals recognised in all areas of the community, from sport, to volunteering, to cultural and community achievements, and environmental contributions.

“If you know someone who deserves to be acknowledged for their valuable input in our community, I urge you to fill out a nomination form by 5pm on Monday.”

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 recognising a retired person who has continued to dedicate time and effort to the community;
• Community Achievement Award for a person or group who has made a significant contribution;
• Cultural Achievement Award recognising a person or group celebrating cultural diversity;
• 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 recognising the work of a coach; and
• Environmental Citizen of the Year Award (open age category).

Nomination forms, with more details about these categories, are available at https://thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events. Hard copies are available at Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street and Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre in Chandos Street.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday, January 16.

Winners will be announced during the Australia Day Awards Dinner on Wednesday, January 25.

Caption: It’s time to get nominations in for Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Awards. Pictured is Philippa Murray receiving the 2022 Community and Cultural Achievement Award from Cr Rob Hooke on behalf of the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society. Photo: Gunnedah Times

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.