November 7, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council has released a detailed program covering the next six weeks of unsealed road maintenance activities. This program will be updated on a weekly basis. It is a guide only, as Council continually assesses roads and prioritises activities for completion.

As a result of the recent flood events, we are in a reactive phase of scheduling to address the most severe defects in the unsealed road network first. Reactive works will take at least three months from 7 November 2022 based on the December 2021 flood experience. Activities will focus on gravel patching and grading works to address washouts where water has crossed roads.

The cyclic maintenance grading program will re-commence once Council has attended to the extensive list of reactive works required following the recent flood events.

We ask for your patience as we address flood damage to the roads. Please drive to the conditions and do not enter closed roads.

To view the latest program, click here: https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/community/community-alerts/road-works-closures

November 3, 2022

As Christmas approaches, it is time to think about helping out the children whose families have been through so much this year.

The Gunnedah Shire community can once again help make Christmas joyful by giving a gift to the annual Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal.

The Gunnedah Shire Council and the Salvation Army are joining hands to hold this appeal, now in its ninth year.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke said the Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal had made Christmas brighter for hundreds and hundreds of local children over the years.

“This is a simple and beautiful way we can all share some of our good fortune,” Cr Hooke said.

“Just by taking an unwrapped toy to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Elgin Street office or Gunnedah Shire Library and putting it under the tree, you are guaranteeing there is something special for a young person this Christmas.
“You can make a wonderful difference.

“This is a lovely, ongoing partnership with the Salvation Army that always shows just how generous our community is.”

Salvation Army soldier Peter Hall said initiatives such as the Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal helped families when they needed it most.

“It’s been a tough year here, as it has been across the state and the country,” he said. “This is a great practical way we can make this time special for the children.

“Every year, Gunnedah Shire Council and the Salvation Army are able to work together to bring the spirit of Christmas.”

Toys for all ages of children and young people are welcome, but for hygiene reasons and due to COVID-19, pre-loved toys, pre-loved clothing and food donations cannot be accepted. If you can help out, please bring the unwrapped toys to:

• Gunnedah Shire Council, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah,
  • or Gunnedah Shire Library, 291 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah.

Toys must be received by Friday, December 9.

Caption: (From left) Gunnedah Shire Library Librarian Christiane Birkett, Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke with Peter Hall and Sally Anne Hall from the Salvation Army with toys for the Gunnedah Shire Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal.

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

1 November, 2022

GoCo added a touch of glamour while tackling social isolation, by taking 80 clients to watch the recent local production of Chicago in Tamworth, as part of their social support program.

“Loneliness was a significant concern for us during the pandemic, particularly amongst our clientele who already experience reduced capacity to access the community,” GoCo Executive Manager Bruce Mercer said.

“The interest we have received to attend this event across our catchment highlights the impact the pandemic has had on the seniors in our community and their need to have access to social events.

“In addition to these factors, it’s just a great outing.”

GoCo believes in providing quality and connected care so people can enjoy the life of their choice in the community.

GoCo has offices in Gunnedah, Tamworth, Barraba and Quirindi.

To check if you’re eligible and how our service works, visit our website at ww.gococare.com.au or call us on (02) 6740 2240.

Caption: GoCo staff with clients enjoying lunch before Chicago.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2240

Gunnedah Disaster Recovery Information

Information and contacts for residents who need assistance following recent flooding can be found by clicking the link below:

Gunnedah Disaster Recovery Information.pdf

Businesses Affected by Floods and Storms

The NSW Government would like to know the financial impacts of the storms and floods on businesses in flood-affected areas in 2022.

If your business has been impacted, please complete this short 5-minute survey.

Your input will support ongoing disaster response and help get assistance to those who need it.

Click here to complete the survey: https://survey.pwc.com/jfe/form/SV_e2wqc5xlElPlxu6

Apply for the disaster recovery small business grant – storms and floods August and September 2022 onwards

If you're a small business or a not-for-profit organisation in NSW and you've been directly impacted by storms and floods from 4 August 2022 or 14 September 2022 onwards, you may be eligible for a storm and flood disaster recovery small business grant.

This disaster recovery grant of up to $50,000 is to help pay for the costs of clean-up and reinstatement of a small business or not-for-profit organisation’s operations.

You must be a small business or a not-for-profit organisation in a defined disaster area (AGRN 1030 or 1034) to be eligible.

If you're a primary producer, you may be eligible for financial assistance tailored to your industry. More information on assistance for primary producers is available on the Rural Assistance Authority website.

Covered costs could include, but are not limited to:

• payment for tradespeople to conduct safety inspections
• equipment and materials required for cleaning up
• equipment and materials essential for immediately resuming operations
• payment for a cleaner if the service would not have been needed, or exceeds ordinary cleaning costs, in the absence of the disaster
• the removal and disposal of debris, damaged materials or damaged stock
• repairing premises and internal fittings
• leasing temporary premises within the defined disaster area, replacing or repair of motor vehicles registered for business use, or replacing lost or damaged stock, if it’s essential for resuming operations.

If you're a home-based business and intend to reinstate your business, you cannot claim the costs for leasing a temporary business premises, as this expense is typically not paid by the business. You may be eligible for support under the flood recovery back home grant, or rental support payment.

Available funding

The maximum grant amount available is $50,000.

• Funds of up to $25,000 will be provided to eligible, approved applicants based on a list of the storm or flood-related damage and photographic evidence.
• Evidence, including valid tax invoices, will be required in relation to the first $25,000 if you are seeking funding from $25,000 to $50,000.
• To receive funds of between $25,000 to $50,000, you'll need to submit evidence of payment of the relevant costs at the time of application.

If your initial grant application is for an amount less than $50,000, you can submit further applications if you require additional funds to complete eligible clean-up and reinstatement activities.

Applications close on 30 June 2023. To apply, visit Service NSW: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-disaster-recovery-small-business-grant-storms-floods-august-september-2022-onwards

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

If you've been affected by floods, you might be eligible for disaster recovery payments through Services Australia. This support is administered by the Australian Government.  

You may be eligible if you were affected by floods during: 

• September 2022 (AGRN 1034)
• July 2022 (AGRN 1025)
• February 2022 (AGRN 1012).

Visit the list of natural disaster declarations to determine if you’re in an eligible local government area (LGA). For more information, call Services Australia on 180 22 66launch. 

• Disaster Recovery Payment – $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child if your home has been severely damaged or destroyed, or you've been seriously injured. 
• Disaster Recovery Allowance – short-term income assistance (up to 13 weeks) if you've lost income as a result of the floods.
• New Zealand Disaster Recovery Payment – support for New Zealanders living in areas adversely affected by the floods. 
• New Zealand Disaster Recovery Allowance – support for New Zealanders who have lost income as a result of the floods. 

Find out more and apply on the Services Australia website.

Carers NSW Flood Recovery Project

Ready for referrals now.

The Flood Recovery Packages Project will focus on service coordination, trauma-informed counselling and one-off financial packages to assist carers affected by floods and severe storms. Carers may choose to access one or more of these supports.

Specialist Flood Relief Navigators will provide service coordination to assist carers to navigate the many local, state and national recovery initiatives and supports (e.g. financial support, housing, mental health services) and will work with other service providers delivering support to maximise assistance and avoid any duplication. A maximum of six sessions of trauma-informed counselling will also be offered to flood-affected carers under the project, provided by a specialist Carer Gateway counsellor.

The value and use of each package will be determined based on the assessed need of each carer and will be used flexibly to support carers and care recipients maintain health and safety and support ongoing economic participation. For example, Flood Recovery Packages could be used to replace damaged household goods or clothing, for assistance with temporary accommodation, for transport services for the care recipient to access school, day program or respite or for the carer to get to work.

The Flood Recovery Project is a short-term project available until the end of June 2023.

To access Flood Recovery support, just ask carers to sign the consent script available here, and email it along with their name and contact information to cgfloodrecovery@carersnsw.org.au

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

Director Corporate Services
   02 6740 2100
kellystidworthy@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
 

October 17, 2022

Delegates from Gunnedah Shire have returned from a successful visit to Tonga that has opened a huge range of opportunities for partnership between the two regions.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said at the invitation of Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, a delegation of 18 business, community and Council representatives visited to further the newly signed Sister City Agreement between Gunnedah Shire and Kolomotu’a in Tonga.

The five-day visit included an audience with the Acting Prime Minister, a function at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence, meetings with Kolomotu’a Council, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Rotary Tonga, the Tonga Institute of Science and Technology, the Australian Pacific Training Coalition and many more organisations.

“This is Tonga’s first Sister City Agreement and with this visit, we saw that Kolomotu’a is just as excited about the possibilities as we are,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We were absolutely blown away by the hospitality of not only Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, but everyone we met throughout Tonga, from the school children who lost part of their school in this year’s tsunami, to the amazing women of Kolomotu’a and Council and government officials. It was an incredible honour.

“Our delegation went with one key objective – to better understand how to progress this relationship and to achieve our joint vision in signing this agreement. I believe we have done that and are now on the pathway to a bright future for both Gunnedah and Kolomotu’a.

“We are looking at partnerships in four key areas – arts and culture, sports, education, and employment and the economy.

“I congratulate the members of our diverse delegation who committed their own time and resources to seize this opportunity and who made direct links in Tonga that will lead to real benefits. They were wonderful ambassadors for Gunnedah.

“We have made great connections at all levels - with our friend Her Royal Highness the Princess, with the Australian High Commission in Tonga, with the Tongan Government, Kolomotu’a Council, training facilities, schools, sporting and community organisations and businesses.

“There is still plenty of hard work to be done, but we have come back full of drive, full of knowledge, and ready to explore some very practical ways forward.

“We thank the people of Kolomotu’a and Tonga from the bottom of our hearts, and know the two regions will be stronger together.”

Caption: Members of the Gunnedah delegation pictured with Tongan representatives and community members following a church service.

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

11 October, 2022

Comedians Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs are preparing for their big return to Gunnedah on Saturday, 19 November.

The dynamic duo are bringing their stand-up show Women Like Us to the Gunnedah Town Hall and they guarantee a great night out. Nolan and Briggs debuted their show in Gunnedah in 2021 to great success, so they’re back for another round.

The pair grew up in country towns and have 40 years of stage time and seven children between them. Join in the hilarity as they reflect on their ‘failure to parent’ moments, along with their thoughts on the beauty industry, getting older, getting fatter, strange surgeries, weird TV shows, obsessions, frustrations, and at the end of the day, who unpacks the dishwasher.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Team Leader Madeline Buhagiar said their upcoming show was a great opportunity for locals to get together with their friends and enjoy a few belly-laughs.

“It’s been a tough few months in Gunnedah with numerous flood events and COVID-19 still making the rounds, so this is a good opportunity to set aside your worries for a few hours and soak up the comical atmosphere these two entertainers create,” she said.

“Check your calendar, text your friends and jump on The Civic website to book your tickets for this unforgettable show.”

When: Saturday, 19 November, 2022, 8pm.

Where: Gunnedah Town Hall, 144-152 Conadilly Street.

Tickets for 18+: https://augsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/79621

Price: $40 per person.

Caption: Comedians Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs are back with more rib-tickling tales.

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

Our community has connections far beyond our Shire.

As part of our place in the global community, Gunnedah Shire has four Sister City partnerships – with Lane Cove, New South Wales; the Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China; the Northern Beaches Council, New South Wales; and most recently, Kolomotu’a in the Kingdom of Tonga.

Forming partnerships can have amazing benefits for both regions, building our cultural ties, employment connections, tourism possibilities and sharing information and experiences.

Sister Cities & Friendly Relationships Grant Funding Program Now Open

The Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Grant Funding Program is for people or groups who have ideas to grow Gunnedah Shire’s Sister City partnerships.

Local organisations can access these funds to support new initiatives that help our partnerships to grow.

Gunnedah Shire has Sister City partnerships with Kolomotu’a, Tonga, and Lane Cove and Northern Beaches in Sydney, as well as an international agreement with the Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.

Grants are awarded for amounts up to $5,000, with additional funding available for organisations that make a 25 percent or greater co-contribution.

Applications opened Monday 19 February and close 12 April, 2024.

See guidelines and applicatoion form below: 

• Sister Cities - GUIDELINES - Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Program.pdf
• Sister Cities - 2023 2024 Application - Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Program.pdf

Find out more about our Sister City partnerships below.

28 September, 2022

Steel and stone will take centre stage in the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, October 14, when the new exhibition Down to the Wire opens at 6pm.

The exhibition, created by multi-award winning sculptor Shannon Stone, is an exploration of connection, movement and freedom told through raw materials.

Originally from Coonabarabran and Rocky Glen, Mr Stone is a contemporary, self-taught steel and stone sculptor who produces robust works that allow the viewer to observe the finer details of nature from a distance.

Now based in Diamond Beach, the artist’s works have been exhibited throughout the nation as indoor and outdoor installations.

Mr Stone draws inspiration from his adventures from country to coast and sums up his first solo exhibition in one word – “connection”.

“Connection to family, my past and many pasts before that, a deep sense of connection to, and yet distance from people, connection through traits and details, but a distance presented by time and space,” he said.

“A connection to place and this country, to the lands we tread upon and the beauty, difference and intricacy we can observe here. 

“A wondering of movement, the concept of flight, and the journey that can be for us all to experience, physically or metaphoric, and a connection to growth, unabated, uncontrolled expansion and growth; that is a big part of it!

“Down to the Wire is a story of freedom, of fractures, of flight and of family, told through metaphor and steel.”

What: Down to the Wire

When: opening on 6pm, Friday, 14 October 2022

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

Continues until: 3pm, Friday, 18 November, 2022

Caption: Shannon Stone’s first solo exhibition will open on October 14.

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

26 September, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program is now offering grants to new businesses or businesses with new ideas.

Round 2 of the 2022-23 Business Partner Program is now open to businesses and organisations that have come up with an initiative that will help Gunnedah grow.

Chair of the Business Partner Program Advisory Group Cr Ann Luke said the Business Partner Program aims to promote economic growth in Gunnedah.

“This funding is used to encourage new business and economic activity or to expand an existing business,” Cr Luke said.

“Gunnedah Shire is a vibrant, growing community, and Council continues to partner with local businesses to help them meet the needs and opportunities that this presents.

“In the past, the Business Partner Program has seen hundreds of projects come to fruition, new businesses established and employment grow. We would love to see businesses that have not yet benefited from this program to put their hands up.

“If you are looking to expand your business or innovate, this is a great chance to present your case to Council. We invite you to take a look at the guidelines and go through the simple application process.”

Gunnedah Shire Council is holding a complementary Business Partner Program workshop to answer any questions about the funding or the application. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 12 at 5.30pm at the Civic

To register your interest, please email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Council funding will be provided for up to 75% of the total project cost for successful applicants.

Applications for this round of the Business Partner Program will close at 12pm on Friday, October 28. Information is available on Council’s website: www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/business-support/business-grants-funding/item/959-business-partner-program

For further information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Economy and Growth team on 02 6740 2100.

Caption: Past recipients of Business Partner Program grants.

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