1 December, 2022

When the chains of COVID-19 lock-downs and restrictions fell over NSW, Louisa Riordan’s world stood still, but the stillness brought her art to life.

For the Gunnedah artist, ‘A Year at Home’ has been a year of discovery. As the world slowed, her paintbrushes captured the shadow of the days passing, awaiting the next day to come.

These works are ready to be discovered in Ms Riordan’s first local exhibition, opening at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, 9 December at 6pm.

“My paintings are an autobiographical rendering of moments, tasks, objects and feelings experienced during the past two years of intense home dwelling. Themes of domesticity and motherhood are as inescapable in them as the role itself,” she said.

“Surviving and growing through this time has inspired me to examine my every day. I have come to find joy and wonder in familiar scenes, practises and belongings – the sublime mundane.

“Working in acrylic paint allows me to be both messy and, occasionally, refined - a concept which happily summarises my brain, life and paintings.”

Ms Riordan’s “favourite pastime” as a child was drawing and she pursued this at university where she completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2007.

 “I had a large gap to pursue other career options and have a family,” she said.

“Having kids has reignited my interest in painting. I guess I needed to rediscover a part of my old self as matrescence is all-consuming.

“Painting and mark-making is my preferred medium. I love colour and oscillating between an illustrative style and using paint in a thick painterly manner.”

Local residents may also know Ms Riordan as a past owner of Bitter Suite Café, and the artist behind the colourful cockatoos created with sister Alice McLean for Council’s Vibrant Precincts Project in the alleyway between Conadilly and Little Conadilly streets in 2017.

What: A Year at Home exhibition

When: Opening at 6pm, Friday, 9 December 2022

Where:  Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, 81-83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.

Continues until: 3pm, Friday, 20 January, 2023

Caption: Louisa Riordan’s still-life paintings are an autobiographical rendering of moments, tasks, objects and feelings the artist experienced during COVID-19 lock-downs.

ENDS

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

November 30, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council has awarded a tender for work to upgrade the Gunnedah Airport tarmac to a standard that will allow commercial flights.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said like most projects throughout the country, construction costs had steeply escalated during the past turbulent time.

“Original costs for this project had been estimated at $3.86 million,” Cr Chaffey said. “That estimate now sits at something closer to $8.35 million.

“We have been fortunate to be allocated funding under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the NSW Resources for Regions Program, but it is no longer enough when the cost for the project has more than doubled.”

Cr Chaffey said upgrading the airport tarmac was a critical project for Gunnedah Shire, not only to ensure its ongoing safety, but to allow commercial flights to operate from the airport.

“It is almost 20 years since we have had commercial flights operate from Gunnedah,” he said.

“Our Shire and our economy are growing, and our population has never been bigger. Commercial flights directly to and from Gunnedah will allow business expansion, faster emergency health care, greater tourism opportunities – the list of benefits goes on and on.

“We are already having conversations with interested airlines. But we cannot do this without an upgraded airport.

“This project has been on our priority list as a Shire since 2017 and has been included in our publicly available Delivery Program and Operational Plan since that time.”

Gunnedah Shire Council resolved this month to award the tender to Airport Consulting Group subject to the additional $4,585,731 being made available.

Cr Chaffey said Council was actively seeking state and federal grant funding to meet the shortfall.

“This is a project that will deliver so much to Gunnedah Shire,” he said. “We will do our utmost to secure the funding to make it happen and if that proves impossible, Council will need to meet the remainder. This project is too important to delay any longer.

“We look forward to the day when we can fly directly to and from Gunnedah.”

ENDS

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

30 November, 2022

The time has come to nominate outstanding individuals and organisations for Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Awards.

Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Working Group is calling on the community to prepare their nominations for the annual awards which recognise and honour individuals and groups in the local community who have worked tirelessly to shape and enrich the Shire.

Working Group Chair and Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Hooke said the awards presented an exciting opportunity to recognise the valuable service and contributions of residents, some of which may have gone unnoticed.

 “Every day there are people in our community who are tirelessly giving back to our community,” he said.

“This year has contained many challenges for our Shire with the ongoing presence of COVID-19, and successive flood events that have tested our community’s limits. We have seen how people have stepped up to help their friends, neighbours and fellow residents in these trying times and we are proud that they are part of our community.

“By nominating someone for an award, it will mean our community champions can be recognised for their efforts, and it also gives us the opportunity to say thank you for all they have done for our Shire.

 “If you know someone in our community who has done an amazing job for a charity or community organisation, supported fellow residents, or who should be recognised for their contributions to education, health, sports or the environment, please put them forward by completing a nomination form.”

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; and
• Environmental Citizen of the Year Award (open age category).

Nomination forms 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, 2023.

Winners will be announced during the Australia Day Awards Dinner, to be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

Caption: Nominations are now open for Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Awards. Pictured is 2022 Junior Sportsperson of the Year (20 and Under) Alice Edmunds with Australia Day Ambassador Fiona Simson. Photo: Gunnedah Times

ENDS

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

30 November, 2022

Grants of up to $500 to kick-start 2023 Australia Day activities in Gunnedah Shire villages are now available.

Progress associations, hall committees and community groups within Gunnedah Shire’s villages are invited to apply to Council to help fund their community celebrations.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor and Australia Day Working Group Chair Cr Rob Hooke said it was a great opportunity for villages to create and host family-friendly events and activities.

“Our Shire villages are active communities and we want to give them an opportunity to celebrate Australia Day in ways that are unique to their towns,” he said.

“Ideas for activities might include a classic Australian barbeque or picnic in the park, a sports event or live music.

“Australia Day is something our communities are passionate about and we’d love to see more great events taking place in January in Breeza, Carroll, Curlewis, Emerald Hill, Kelvin, Mullaley, Piallaway and Tambar Springs.

“The Australia Day Working Group is also planning the Australia Day program for next year’s festivities, so if you have an event you would like to promote, get in touch via council@infogunnedah.com.au or 6740 2100.”

Grant applications close on Tuesday, 13 December 2022. The online application form is available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/villagegrantaustraliaday

For more information on the grant funding, contact Council’s Economy and Growth team on (02) 6740 2100. 

Caption: Australia Day is always a fun, family-friendly affair in Gunnedah Shire.

ENDS

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

November 30, 2022

Gunnedah Shire is taking its next step in strengthening our Sister City partnership with Kolomotu’a in Tonga by hosting a workshop for employers who are interested in employing Tongan people.

Pacific Labour Facility will hold a workshop in Gunnedah on Friday, December 9 to talk about the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM).

The PALM scheme helps to fill labour gaps in rural and regional Australia by offering employers access to a pool of reliable, productive workers.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said employing people from Tonga and the Pacific Islands had huge benefits for both employers and the workers.

“Money sent home to Tonga by residents living and working overseas accounts for nearly half the country’s gross domestic product,” Cr Chaffey said. “Providing good jobs is one of the most important ways we can assist the economy of Pacific Islands.

“It is also a great solution to our own labour shortage problems. We have had Tongan nationals supporting Gunnedah for more than 10 years, and it has proven to be a wonderful partnership. We saw first-hand what a positive difference overseas work can make for a family when a Gunnedah delegation visited Kolomotu’a in October.

“I encourage employers across a range of businesses – from agriculture and horticulture, accommodation, aged care, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality – any number of areas, to come along and learn more.”

Pacific Labour Facility Regional Relationship Manager Fionnuala Dixon said that eligible businesses can recruit workers, through the PALM scheme, for seasonal jobs for up to 9 months or for longer-term roles for between one and 4 years in unskilled, low-skilled and semi-skilled positions.

“The scheme not only fills a need for labour, but creates positive connections between Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Timor-Leste”
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme workshop will be held:

• 9.30-10.30am on Friday, December 9, 2022
  • At the Gunnedah Shire Council Chambers in Elgin Street
  • Presented by Fionnuala Dixon from the Pacific Labour Facility

Please indicate your interest to Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater on 02 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au attention Manager Economy and Growth.

Caption: Tongan workers with Mayor Jamie Chaffey in Gunnedah this year.

ENDS

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

29 November, 2022

The Gunnedah Shire community is invited to the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree on Tuesday, 6 December at 7pm.

The lighting of the Community Christmas Tree in Brock’s Court is an annual tradition in Gunnedah and a festive occasion.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the tree was a symbol of brighter days for the Shire after months of successive flooding and a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus.

“Gunnedah Shire has been through a tremendous ordeal these past few months and now more than ever, we need symbols of hope and joy in our community,” he said.

 “The lighting of the tree is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together after months of isolation and challenges due to the multiple flood events.

“I look forward to seeing many residents at this special occasion.”

Gunnedah Conservatorium will perform Christmas carols at the lighting event.

What: Community Christmas Tree lighting

When: 7pm, Tuesday, 6 December

Where: Brock’s Court, cnr of Conadilly and Chandos streets

Bring: Chair or picnic mat

Caption: The lighting of Gunnedah’s Community Christmas Tree is a festive affair.

ENDS

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

28 November, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council is inviting local families, people with disability, and carers to attend a free community fun day on Saturday, 3 December.

The event will be held at Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground in Conadilly Street from 4pm to 6pm to celebrate International Day for People with Disability, which is held annually on 3 December. The event is an initiative of the Gunnedah Shire Access Working Group.

 “We have chosen Livvi’s Place so there is an additional focus on inclusivity through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for people with disability,” Working Group Chair Cr Colleen Fuller said.

“Through events such as these, the Access Working Group wants to increase understanding and awareness of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

“Through the development and implementation of its Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), Council has been a long-standing champion for access and this upcoming event supports the actions embedded in the Plan which is under review.

“We look forward to continuing our conversations with the community, and in particular, people with disability and their carers, in order to maximise the potential that this Plan provides.” 

The day will include a free community sausage sizzle, live music by The Uke-Alypts, games, face painting, and stalls staffed by a number of local disability support organisations.

“We hope the new event will mark the beginning of a bigger International Day for People with Disability celebration next year,” Cr Fuller said.  

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

Caption: The free community fun day will be held at Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground in Conadilly Street from 4pm to 6pm. Photo: Stewart Surveys

ENDS

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

28 November, 2022

A new state-of-the-art truck wash is now in operation at the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards.

The drive-through facility on the Kamilaroi Highway is capable of accommodating vehicles as large as road trains and B-triples and opened on 21 November.

The $1.8 million-dollar project was funded by Regional NSW, Restart NSW Fixing Country Truck Washes Program and Gunnedah Shire Council, and has been completed as part of the multi-million-dollar Saleyards’ redevelopment.

Launched as a single round in 2016, the Fixing Country Truck Washes Program is a $10 million program joint-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. The program has funded truck wash projects, improving access and efficiency across NSW.

The realignment and modification of Gunnedah’s truck wash allows trucks to move forward into the wash bays and exit from the same direction, making it safer and easier for livestock transporters.

The truck wash was designed following consultation with operators and industry organisations. The feedback and practical ideas received through this process will ensure it meets the needs of the changing industry.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the project highlighted the important role truck washes played in vehicle productivity and maintenance, and in protecting NSW’s biosecurity.

“The upgraded truck wash facility at Gunnedah Regional Saleyards will provide access for all truck operators, including livestock carriers, and has capacity to cater for modern road trains as well,” he said.

“The new truck wash means drivers no longer need to reverse their vehicle to access and use the facility, creating a safer and more efficient wash-down process. Truck washes are essential to reducing the spread of weeds and disease across NSW and I’m pleased to see the new facility opened.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the completion of the truck wash was great news for the livestock industry.

“It’s fantastic to see this new facility now made available to livestock transporters who rely on truck washes to clean their vehicles,” he said.

“This modern and efficient truck wash is a critical piece of infrastructure for those who come from around the region to use our Saleyards.

“Since the introduction of road trains into this region, it’s great to see that transporters now have the ability to wash their vehicles, no matter the size.

“It also means Council can continue to ensure animal effluent is managed in accordance with NSW Environment Protection Authority licensing requirements.

“The new truck wash is just one part of the Saleyards’ redevelopment and we look forward to seeing the rest of the project unfold.”

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government were supporting freight and agriculture by providing the infrastructure needed to allow industry to grow.

“Saleyards are the economic engine room of regional communities, bringing millions into country towns while supporting a protein industry that feeds the nation,” Mr Anderson said.

“Gunnedah Saleyards have sold up to $80 million worth of cattle annually in the past few years and carrying all that livestock can be a dirty business which is why it is great that the redevelopment includes a brand new truck wash.

“Speaking to local freight operators, one of their key priorities for Government is upgraded facilities to better support their operation and this new truck wash delivers on that goal.”

In September 2020, the NSW Government announced $14 million for the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Redevelopment. This has been supported by a Gunnedah Shire Council co-contribution of $3.56 million.

Plans for the precinct include a range of upgrades and innovations:

• Construction of a multi-purpose administration building, comprising of office and administration spaces, a café and outdoor dining area and amenities;
• Construction of new workshop sheds;
• Improvements to infrastructure including gates, fencing, gantries and watering systems;
• Internal lighting upgrades;
• Construction of off-street car parking for light vehicles and a parking/queuing area for heavy vehicles;
• Technological improvements including Wi-Fi and high-speed internet to facilitate future online sales and other smart technology applications;
• Fenced containment of the site and major security upgrades;
• Upgrades of cattle loading/unloading ramps; and
• Making the site more self-sufficient through the installation of up to a 50kW solar system and installation of water tanks with the capacity to hold 1,324kl through major stormwater harvesting and reuse facilities.

Caption: A new truck wash capable of accommodating road trains and B-triples is in operation at Gunnedah Regional Saleyards.

25 November, 2022

Local students who want to further their training and education at university, TAFE or an accredited training organisation can now apply for financial assistance.

Gunnedah Shire Council has opened the 2023 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund and is calling for applications from local students under 25 years of age. Expressions of interest opened in September.

Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Working Group Chairman and Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the fund provided a fantastic opportunity for local students and would give them a kick-start on their educational journey.

“There are countless costs involved in study and training, especially if students are moving away from home and setting up for the first time,” he said.

“A scholarship such as this can help with expenses including the purchase of textbooks, relocation and other travel costs, living expenses, and tuition fees.

“Earlier this year, 15 young people were successful in their applications for a scholarship in areas as diverse as medical, engineering, education and the arts.”

Cr Chaffey said community and business sponsors were vital to the longevity of the Scholarship.

“Over the 20 years since the Scholarship’s inception, about 400 scholarships have been given to young people, equating to close to $400,000,” he said.

“Without the support of local businesses and residents, we could not continue to offer a helping hand to our young people as they make their way in the world.”

Local students under the age of 25 who are intending to pursue tertiary education in 2023 can apply at:
https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/2023-gunnedah-community-scholarship-fund/

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 13 January 2023.

To find out more, or to donate to the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Economy and Growth team on 6740 2100.

Caption: Some of the successful 2022 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund recipients.

ENDS

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

November 23, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council staff have commenced work on reinstating the flood-damaged approaches to the new Orange Grove Bridge now that weather conditions and dam releases allow, with a view to opening it as soon as possible.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Works Peter Smith said the bridge had been close to completion when the Shire was hit by the recent flood events.

“Orange Grove Bridge construction had been carefully timed to take planned releases from Keepit Dam into account,” Mr Smith said.

“The bridge had been completed and was close to opening to traffic when these floods occurred. It has been designed and constructed to withstand significant water flows over the top of the bridge and the new bridge remains undamaged. The new bridge has a larger waterway area underneath it than the old bridge and features a clear single-span design that means it does not require pier supports along its length.

“Unfortunately, the road approaches had not yet been sealed when the flood event occurred, and we will need about two weeks of clear weather to ensure the bridge is safe for traffic. We have been co-ordinating with Water NSW to identify a window of time that will work outside scheduled water releases.

“We are aware of the importance of this bridge to residents of the area and are working to ensure it is open as soon as possible. At this stage, we expect to be able to undertake this work and have the bridge open to traffic within the next two weeks. If there are any changes to that we will keep the community informed.”

In March 2021, Gunnedah Shire Council was allocated around $1.1 million in funding through the NSW Fixing Country Bridges Program funding and the Federal Bridge Renewal Program to replace the bridge. The remainder of the project cost is being met by Gunnedah Shire Council.

“The current bridge has been designed and constructed to current standards considering the budget available for the project at the time of delivery,” Mr Smith said.

“Discussions are occurring with Transport for NSW to see what improvements can be made to the bridge approaches and guardrail within Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to make it more resilient. Any major improvements from the review will be undertaken sometime after the bridge is reopened.”

The bridge will initially be limited to one lane with no other vehicle restrictions. Please drive with care and obey traffic signs.

Caption: Orange Grove Bridge from the air in the days following a recent flood event.

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