23 September, 2022

Spring is the time for school holiday fun, so check out Gunnedah Shire Council’s latest school holiday program!

The ever-popular Louis Tennis Academy will run its school holiday coaching clinic in the first week of the school holidays, Gunnedah Conservatorium is hosting free music workshops in Gunnedah and Curlewis, and the $10 movies are back!

One of the biggest blockbusters ever – Avatar – returns to the Civic with $10 screenings for all sessions. Paws of Fury will be the $10 Thursday movie at 10.30am on September 29, and DC League of Super-Pets will screen for $10 a ticket on October 6 at 10.30am.

Splash into Spring with free entry for children to the outdoor pool at Gunnedah Memorial Pool on Tuesday, October 4 – the perfect place to cool off!

Wednesday, October 5 is a big day with the bright and beautiful LizzieLand coming to Gunnedah Town Hall, thanks to Gunnedah Conservatorium. LizzieLand combines music, dancing, butterflies, stories, violin and a great time at 10.30am.

Also on Wednesday, Candle Making and Mosaic Art Workshops will be held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery with Bright Minds at 9.30am and 1pm.

Gunnedah Shire Library has school holiday fun that includes a Harry Potter Trivia Afternoon, Book Buddies for 0-7 years, and Crafty Creations for 8 years plus, including a session at Curlewis Library from 2-3pm on Monday, September 26. To find out more about the library’s activities, visit the Gunnedah Shire Library Facebook page.

Kids can also join the Great Spring School Holiday Treasure Hunt – just pick up a treasure map from the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre and crack the code and you could win great prizes including movie passes.

PCYC Gunnedah’s school holiday activities include squash, paint ‘n’ shake, dodgeball and futsal. Contact PCYC Gunnedah on 6742 1586 for more information about their activities.

To find out more and make bookings about Gunnedah Shire Council’s School Holiday Program, visit www.thecivic.com.au/youth

Caption: Tennis is just one of the many fun activities in the School Holiday Program.

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

23 September, 2022

Council to apply for grant funding for new Animal Impound Facility

Gunnedah Shire Council will apply for grant funding to upgrade the existing Animal Impound Facility on Quia Road.

At this week’s ordinary meeting, Council resolved to apply for funding under round five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund. The estimated cost of the new facility is $1.4 million.

Council endorsed a development application for the new and improved facility at the existing site adjacent to the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility in February. The existing facility is more than 20 years old.

The concept design includes shelter and exercise runs for 18 dogs, a dedicated cattery, office space, public reception area, veterinary treatment room and free range exercise yards.

Library refurbishment to go ahead after funding reallocation

Gunnedah Shire Library will be refurbished later this year after Council endorsed the reallocation of funds to allow the project to go ahead.

The refurbishment will include replacement of current fittings with new shelving, tables, chairs, computer desks, computer chairs, study desks, circulation desk, cupboards, and office desks.

Work will also include the addition of seating booths, extra computer terminal seating, extra tables and chairs, interior painting and new blinds.

The refurbishment is expected to cost approximately $95,000.

Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference Working Group members appointed

Council has endorsed the appointment of Jacki Scott and Deanna Fullwood to the Gunnedah Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference Working Group. Ms Fullwood will be an alternate representative.

The group has been established to deliver a crime prevention and community safety conference in in Gunnedah in 2023.

The working group membership consists of four elected representatives, one Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce representative, three community representatives and two Crime Prevention Working Group representatives.

Wandobah Reserve potential option for off-leash dog park in Gunnedah

Council voted to approve an area within the Wandobah Reserve - pending a Native Title check - for the future development of an enclosed off-leash dog park; and to actively seek full grant funding to deliver the project.

The space in the reserve was identified through Council’s Open Space Strategy and is opposite High Street on Wandobah Road. The area utilises the existing local footpath network for greater accessibility; is appropriately zoned for the construction of the park; and has an appropriate amount of space to accommodate off-street parking for vehicles.

The overall cost of the project is estimated to be between $120,000 and $144,000.

Caption: An off-leash dog park may be constructed in Wandobah Reserve pending a Native Title check and grant funding.

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

22 September, 2022

Five Gunnedah Shire businesses have had funding approved for new projects or initiatives through Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.

Council this week supported the Business Partner Program Advisory Group’s recommendation to award a total of $10,750 which will be distributed in coming weeks.

Business Partner Program Advisory Group chair Cr Ann Luke said the program had a strong history of helping make things happen for local businesses.

“This is a wonderful program for assisting Gunnedah Shire businesses and organisations to start something new or to expand,” Cr Luke said.

“We have seen grants go to everything from large businesses through to micro-businesses. Thriving businesses and organisations are at the heart of a diverse economy, and this is a very real way we can make a difference.

“Businesses that have been successful in their applications have met a range of criteria that ensure these projects will have a flow-on effect for our community, including the increase of employment. I congratulate these businesses for their initiatives.”

The successful recipients are:

• Focus on Function - $3,750 towards a business expansion project
• Liviana and Ty - $1,750 towards new business start-up and frontage upgrade
• The Luxe Lounge - $1,750 towards business rebranding
• Life Matters Counselling & Psychotherapy - $2,500 towards an infrastructure upgrade to assist business growth and employment
• Gunnedah Diagnostic Imaging - $1000 towards an upgrade to signage.

These applications are from round three of the 2021-22 Business Partner Program and round one of the 2022-23 Business Partner Program.

Round Two of the 2022-23 program opens on Monday, 26 September.

Caption: Recipients of a previous round of the Gunnedah Shire Council Business Partner Program.

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

September 20, 2022

As Year 12 students finish their final days of school, Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for people to put their hands up to register interest for the 2023 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Working Group chairman and Mayor Jamie Chaffey said expressions of interest for the Community Scholarship Fund have now opened.

“This wonderful initiative has become a Gunnedah tradition,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Over the years, it has helped many school leavers start their higher education journey with some support from their home town. About 400 scholarships have been given to young people since the scholarship fund began, worth close to $400,000.

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

“While people may not yet know what course they will be accepted into, they can register an expression of interest to begin the process.

“This scholarship is a wonderful kickstart for young people and can help with expenses like textbooks, relocation, living expenses, or a contribution towards tuition fees.”

Cr Chaffey said the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund had been a 20-year partnership between Council and the community.

“It is the community and business sponsors who make this initiative possible,” he said.

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

Those who register will be notified when applications open. Applications will open in early December and close in late January following the second round of university offers.

To find out more, contact Gunnedah Shire Council Economy and Growth team on 6740 2100.

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

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

19 September 2022

Gunnedah Shire has welcomed 15 new citizens at a citizenship ceremony as part of Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.

The conferees from eight countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Ireland, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Philippines, Pakistan and the Netherlands, became Australian citizens at a ceremony at the Civic Theatre on Saturday. This year marks the 21st anniversary of Australian Citizenship Day.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Councillor Jamie Chaffey said Australian Citizenship Day was an opportunity for all Australians in their community, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on, and celebrate what’s great about being Australian.

“Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for us all to reflect on the contributions of citizens to our local communities. There is no greater privilege than our citizenship, and as Mayor it is always an honour to see these new Australians through the final stages of their citizenship journey.

“Gunnedah Shire is a culturally diverse community that is continually growing as more and more people from other nations make their homes here. Our community has a reputation as welcoming to all nations and it is important that we continue to diversify and grow as a community.

“I encourage everyone in the Gunnedah Shire to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship on September 17 as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.”

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day and Australian citizenship, visit www.citizenship.gov.au.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire welcomed 15 new citizens on Australian Citizenship Day on Saturday.

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

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September 7, 2022

Gunnedah Shire’s cats and dogs will now travel in greater safety and comfort, thanks to Council’s new specialised animal control vehicles.

The new vehicles for Council’s Regulatory Services feature a custom body that complies with contemporary animal welfare standards and legislation, and seized companion animals can now be transported in well-ventilated compartments, separating them safely and protecting them from the extremes of weather.

The vehicles also include a pull-out ramp so dogs can be walked into a compartment rather than putting staff and animal at risk of injury through lifting and jumping. 

The vehicles are fitted to carry a range of equipment and stores used by Council’s compliance officers in their other duties such as development compliance and investigating illegal dumping.

“The introduction of these fit-for-purpose vehicles reduces the risk of injury to staff and animals,” Council’s Regulatory Services Coordinator Wade Berryman said.

“Each vehicle is now complete with a range of equipment that can be safely stored and carried and increases the amount of time officers can deliver services to customers across the Shire.”   

The vehicles display images from Council’s Paws Up campaign, which encourages pet owners to desex, microchip and register their companion animals.   

Mr Berryman said this was a vital part of pet ownership and it would help to reduce the amount of dogs and cats in Council’s care if companion animals could be easily reunited with their owners.

“To date, more than 40 dogs and 15 cats have been seized or surrendered in this financial year,” he said.

“In the last financial year, there was a 100 per cent increase in the number of dogs seized and surrendered, and a 137 per cent increase in the number of cats.  These sorts of increases are being reported across the state and are attributed to a rapid uptake in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic and isolation regimes. With a return to post-COVID-19 normality, these same pets and litters are now being dumped or surrendered. 

“Favourable seasonable conditions have also contributed to an increase in the number of feral cat litters. Feral cats make up the majority of felines seized by Council.

“Ninety-eight per cent of dogs seized or surrendered in the last financial year were reunited with their owners or rehomed, but this requires considerable time and resources.”       

For more information on desexing, microchipping and registering companion animals, visit Council’s website: https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/environment/pets-animals

Caption:

Gunnedah Shire Council’s new animal control vehicles display images from Council’s Paws Up campaign, which encourages pet owners to desex, microchip and register their companion animals.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s new animal control vehicles feature a pull-out ramp so dogs can be walked into a compartment rather than putting staff and animal at risk of injury through lifting and jumping. 

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

September 2, 2022

Snow White gets a whole new spin when an interactive, educational and fun performance for children comes to The Civic in September.

Snow White and the Seven Cool Dudes, by A. J. Bailey will be performed at The Civic at 10.30am on Tuesday, September 20.

The show, aimed at children from three to 11 years, has been designed to help keep Aussie kids fit and healthy.

“This interactive production encourages kids to role play and become a variety of characters,” Acting Cultural Precinct Team Leader Madeline Buhagiar said.

“Children might even find themselves rapping as one of the Cool Dudes.

“This is a bright, fun performance with a great message for the young audience.”

In this fractured fairytale, Snow White is becoming more beautiful every day and the Wicked Queen is not happy, so she has decided to send Snow White away, to get rid of her once and for all.

The Magic Mirror has warned The Wicked Queen this is a huge mistake - Snow White is beautiful on the inside and the outside too - everyone likes her. The Queen isn’t listening, and she orders the Hunter from her palace to take Snow White into the forest and leave her there… forever!

Meanwhile, the Cool Dudes have decided it’s time they started making healthier food choices and doing some exercise – they can’t sit around eating junk food and playing video games for hours on end. It’s time to get outside and enjoy the day!

Tickets are $15 per person or $10 for groups of 10 or more. Book in for the 10.30am performance of Snow White and the Seven Cool Dudes on Tuesday, September 20 at the Civic Theatre at https://augsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/78302

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

September 1, 2022

The doors will open on a powerful mother and daughter exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday at 6pm.

Bulaarr Dhigaraa is a collective of works that reflect the creative journeys of Tess Reading and Jodie Herden as they explore intrinsic connections to country, and their unwavering connection as mother and daughter.

The exhibition showcases various mediums including paint, found objects, photography, digital media and ceramics and will also include an Arts North West project Miyaay Miyaay: The Seven Sisters, which will be exhibited for the first time.

The Seven Sisters songline is an epic narrative that spans from the West Coast through Central Australia to the North West of NSW and to Gamilaroi country.

Miyaay Miyaay celebrates the Gamilaroi version of this Aboriginal story and was developed by two key Gamilaroi artists – writer Cathy Craigie and dancer Katie Leslie - and a myriad of powerful women in community. The project is supported by the NSW Government’s Creative Koori Fund through Create NSW and the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund through Regional Arts NSW.

The exhibition officially opens at 6pm on Friday, September 2 and continues until 3pm on Sunday, October 9 at The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 81-83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.

Caption: Bulaarr Dhigaraa is a collective of works that reflect the creative journeys of Tess Reading and Jodie Herden.

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

August 26, 2022

Reconciliation Action Plan

Gunnedah Shire Council has endorsed the Terms of Reference for the Gunnedah Shire Council Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group.

The newly formed working group seeks to identify issues and topics of importance surrounding the development and implementation of a Reconciliation Action Plan to be adopted by Council.

The objective of the RAP Working Group is to make recommendations and agree on actions to be taken by Council in relation to:

• The development of a Gunnedah Shire Council “Innovate” Reconciliation Action Plan that aligns with both Reconciliation Australia’s minimum elements for endorsement and the Gunnedah Shire Community Strategic Plan;
• The establishment of collaborative/consultative processes to ensure community and staff remain engaged and focused on the importance of reconciliation;
• The implementation of specific actions and deliverables as identified within the Shire of Gunnedah “Innovate” Reconciliation Action Plan in accordance with agreed timelines; and
• The ongoing review and refresh of the Gunnedah Shire “Innovate” Reconciliation Action Plan based on learnings, challenges and achievements.

The working group includes both community and Council representatives.

Priorities for the Local Government Annual Conference

Gunnedah Shire Council has laid out its priorities for the 2022 Local Government Annual Conference to be held in October.

Councils are invited to submit motions for the annual conference to help determine the sector’s policy directions for the coming year.

Gunnedah Shire Council will submit seven motions, including:

• more police for regional, rural and remote regions;
• that Local Government NSW calls on the Australian Local Government Association to make representation to the Federal Government to review the Local Government (Financial Assistance Grant) Act 1995 and the basis on which grant funding for roads is allocated;
• a more appropriate replacement of the fuel excise tax arrangements;
• lobbying the federal government to exempt Councillor allowances from the income test for pensions;
• an increase in TAFE apprenticeship courses and greater funding transparency for TAFE funding;
• an overturn of the classification system for international doctors to be eligible for the Medicare rebate; and
• lobbying the federal government for permanent implementation of measures to prevent the entry of foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease at Australian entry points.

Working Group Memberships

Council has resolved to endorse the following new members for Council’s working groups:

• Lisa Warren will be a community representative on the Gunnedah Access Working Group.
• Vanessa Hodges-Schembri will be a community representative on the Gunnedah Housing Working Group.
• Vanessa Hodges-Schembri, Linda Newell, Rebecca Ryan, Katerina Haenga, Amelia Williams, Joe Miller and Sam Shipman will be representatives on the Social Wellbeing Working Group.

Caption: Members of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group.

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

August 25, 2022

Five Gunnedah Shire Council policies are on public exhibition following the August ordinary Council meeting.

The following policies will be open to public comment until Friday, 23 September 2022:

• the draft Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy;
• the draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy;
• the draft Investment Policy; and
• the draft Leasing and Licensing Council-owned and Managed Land and Property Policy.

The draft updated Code of Meeting Practice is also on public exhibition and will be open to public comment until Friday, 7 October 2022.

The draft updated Code of Meeting Practice has been revised to reflect changes made to the Council meeting practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a requirement to retain recordings of meetings on websites for at least 12 months.

The new Model Code of Meeting Practice allows meetings to be held by audio-visual link in the event of a natural disaster or a public health emergency, and for Councillors to attend via audio-visual link when approved by the Council or relevant committee.

It also has a new requirement, as per the Office of Local Government, for business papers for all ordinary and extraordinary meetings of the council and committees of the council to contain a statement reminding councillors of their oath or affirmation of office made under Section 233A of the Act and their obligations under the council’s code of conduct to disclose and appropriately manage conflicts of interest.

The draft Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy has been based on the Office of Local Government’s Model Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy released earlier this year. The policy provides direction on interactions between Councillors and staff to assist both parties in carrying out their day-to-day duties professionally, ethically and respectfully.

It reinforces the statutory role of the Councillor as being to set the strategic direction for the Council, and the role of the staff being to advise the governing body, implement the Council’s decisions and to oversee service delivery under the leadership of the General Manager.

The draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy covers payment of expenses and provision of facilities to Councillors. The policy has been based on the Office of Local Government better practice Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy template that is consistent with the relevant act and regulations.

The draft Investment Policy has been developed in accordance with Investment Policy Guidelines published by the Office of Local Government and aims to provide assistance with the prudent and appropriate management of Council’s investment portfolio.

Council manages an extensive investment portfolio on behalf of the community.

The draft Leasing and Licensing Council-owned and Managed Land and Property Policy supersedes Leasing and Licensing of Council Land and Property 2012 and now incorporates more information on leasing and licensing community land and Crown Land, as well as updated legislation.

These policies are available for review at the Council Administration Building in Elgin Street, the Gunnedah Shire Library and the Civic, or on www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au under Council (what we do), Draft Documents and Exhibition. You can respond via email at council@infogunnedah.com.au with the policy name as a subject.

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