Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
26 May, 2022
Gunnedah Shire Council is inviting community members to submit expressions of interest for its Housing Working Group.
Council’s Director of Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the working group was newly established and would benefit from the valuable input of the community.
“The Housing Working Group is a unique opportunity for representatives to become actively involved in improving housing availability and affordability in the Gunnedah Shire,” he said.
“The group has a clear mandate to advocate for facilitating growth in Gunnedah by focusing on the key impediments our Shire currently faces with housing stock supply and affordability.”
Council is seeking specific community representatives including the following:
- Real Estate Sales Manager
- Real Estate Property Manager
- Community Housing Provider
- Chamber of Commerce
- Extractive Industries
- Commercial/Industrial Business
- Training Provider
Expression of Interest forms can be obtained from Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street Gunnedah, or downloaded from www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/council-information/tenders-quotations-eoi.
Completed forms can be dropped off at the Administration Building, submitted via post to PO Box 63, Gunnedah, NSW, 2380, or emailed to council@infogunnedah.com.au.
Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, June 10, 2022. For more information, contact Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Housing Working Group will seek to improve housing availability and affordability in the Gunnedah Shire.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
May 25, 2022
Fifteen properties are expected to be auctioned on behalf of Gunnedah Shire this Friday to recover rates and charges that have remained unpaid for more than five years in the case of occupied land, or one year in the case of vacant land.
The auction comes following a lengthy process of contacting owners for payment, and public advertising.
Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said it was necessary to take the action in cases where every attempt to secure payment, including payment plans, had been unsuccessful.
“It is not something that is undertaken lightly, and is carried out in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 which stipulates Council may sell land on which a rate or charge has remained unpaid for more than five years,” Mr Groth said.
“This auction is being held to clear the total outstanding amount of $166,541.51 that is owed by the various property owners. Nearly all of these properties are vacant land.”
One of the properties originally listed for the auction has been withdrawn from the auction after rates and charges were paid in full. A number of others will be auctioned together as parcels of land.
Property owners have until the time of the sale to make arrangements satisfactory to the Council for payment of all outstanding rates and charges, otherwise the land will be sold by public auction by Lakeford Real Estate at the Civic, 83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah on Friday, May 27 at 11am.
The properties are in Tambar Springs, Breeza, Curlewis and Gunnedah.
The Local Government Act 1993 states surplus funds from the auction of properties with outstanding debts are held with Council’s Trust Fund pending discharge to persons having interest in the properties. Where no claim is forthcoming, the balance of sale proceeds is remitted to the State Government in accordance with the Unclaimed Moneys Act.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
25 May, 2022
Lovers of dance will be in stitches when 100 Years of the History of Dance foxtrots into town on Sunday, June 5.
100 Years of the History of Dance as Told by One Man in 60 Minutes is a comedic, physical theatre performance blending dance and theatre in an unusual, charming and funny way.
The performance tells the story of schoolboy Jacob, who is presenting a report on the history of dance. What ensues is a rollercoaster of dance moves exploring the most influential choreographers since the 1920s, from Martha Graham to Bob Fosse to Paula Abdul.
The high-energy, interactive show is described as “fabulous, funny and fascinating” and a “production driven by infectious joy”.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said it was fantastic to host yet another live theatre show at The Civic.
“This is the perfect crash course for any dance mums and dads and dance and drama students,” she said.
“This is a really unique theatre production, so come along and witness the marvel of 100 Years of Dance summed up in just one hour.”
100 Years of the History of Dance is coming to The Civic on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and can be booked online at https://www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events.
NSW Discover Vouchers can be used in person at The Visitors Information Centre or The Civic.
Caption: 100 Years of Dance is a vibrant and interactive live theatre production.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
25 May, 2022
Gunnedah Shire Council’s updated Asset Management Policy is now available for public comment.
The draft Asset Management Policy sets out the principles and guidelines by which Council will manage its assets so current and future local community needs can be met in an affordable way.
The document sits under the Resourcing Strategy and aids Council in resourcing its strategic priorities as identified through the Integrated Planning and Reporting framework.
The policy also sets out the roles and responsibilities for Council in asset management.
“The Asset Management Policy is a vital document and makes clear the roles and responsibilities of the Mayor, Councillors and Council staff,” Council’s Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said.
The draft document can be viewed online at gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or in person at Council’s Administration Centre at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, The Civic in Chandos Street, or Gunnedah Shire Library in Conadilly Street.
Submissions are due by 5pm on Wednesday, June 22 and can be sent via email to council@infogunnedah.com.au or posted to PO Box 63, Gunnedah, NSW, 2380.
If no submissions are received in the 28-day period, the policy will be adopted.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
May 23, 2022
Gunnedah’s CBD will be transformed into a magical marketplace when the popular NightQuip markets return on Tuesday, August 16.
NightQuip, a Gunnedah Shire Council-run event, is a vibrant evening festival that fills Gunnedah’s main street with music, market stalls, lights, food and late-night shopping on the first night of AgQuip, Australia’s biggest agricultural field days.
An estimated $250,000 flowed into the Gunnedah economy through the inaugural NightQuip in 2019, and now the event is returning after a forced hiatus in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 cancellation of AgQuip.
Council’s Director of Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said it was great news that NightQuip would be coming back to the CBD in August.
“We are excited to confirm that the very popular event will go ahead this year,” he said.
“NightQuip is a highlight for Gunnedah businesses during the town’s busiest time of year – AgQuip. It’s a fantastic opportunity to draw people into our main street so they can see all we have to offer.
“The event activates our CBD and provides our businesses with a dynamic platform to showcase their wares and services to locals and visitors from all over Australia.
“More than 100,000 visitors flock to Gunnedah over the three-day period of AgQuip, so I encourage our businesses to take advantage of the potential for new customers to come into the CBD for this night-time event. Businesses can benefit by extending their trading hours, and planning street displays, and special deals or promotions.”
NightQuip 2022 will be held on Tuesday, August 16, along Conadilly Street and is just one of the activities planned in Gunnedah during the AgQuip week.
For more information about NightQuip 2022, contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
Caption: NightQuip is a vibrant showcase of Gunnedah’s CBD.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
May 19, 2022
Close to 300 allotments of Gunnedah Shire land will be rezoned to better meet the needs of primary producers.
Gunnedah Shire Council yesterday approved the rezoning of privately owned land greater than a 5km radius of the town of Gunnedah from C3 environmental management to RU1 primary production.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the change better represented the existing primary production land use of approximately 300 allotments.
“Council has had, for some time, representations from the owners of C3 environmental management land who have been frustrated by a change in zoning which was undertaken in 2012 that restricted what could be done with their land,” Mr Johns said.
“That change came about following recommendations through the Gunnedah Rural Strategy that identified the need to protect our scenic hills, including Blackjack Mountain. The independent strategy recommended the implementation of a special zone for this purpose at the 450m contour line and above.
“This change will return that land to a zone that better reflects the land use and the zoning that was in place before 2012. It has been a long process that resulted in approval of the zoning change planning proposal by the Department of Planning and Environment last year, and then public consultation, along with consultation with public authorities.
“It’s a good result. Environmental protection is always important to Gunnedah Shire, but this zoning restricted certain development on lands that have traditionally been cultivated or grazed. This change will allow additional permitted uses subject to development consent and will also now allow some uses to be undertaken without consent, and unlock economic benefits in this area.”
Council has endorsed the amendment to the Gunnedah Local Environmental Plan 2012 to reflect the zoning change.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
May 19, 2022
The reviewed version of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community Strategic Plan, “Together We Achieve Great Things” is now available for public comment.
This reviewed version of the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is a 10-year document that sets the direction for Gunnedah between 2017 and 2027, and is part of a suite of documents within Integrated Planning and Reporting including a delivery program, operational plan and long-term financial plan that are also open to public submissions.
Gunnedah Shire Acting Mayor Rob Hooke said the plan was a vision statement for the future.
“The Reviewed CSP is based on the priorities of our community, and it is important that it is revised to keep pace with what is important to the Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Hooke said.
“This updated version considers extensive community engagement over the past two years, including seven separate community engagement processes with more than 1500 individual responses.
“What we found is that people’s priorities remain largely the same – they care about supporting local business, improving education and vocational skills training, medical services and doctors, and they care about the environment.
“They love the great people and the friendly community, our natural environment and country living. And they think Council should be focussing on community facilities, local business, community engagement and crime.
“This plan encompasses far more than falls within Council’s power, and there is definitely a role for both the state and federal governments to play in realising Gunnedah Shire’s vision.
“This is our road map for the future, and by working together with our community, we can work together to achieve great things.”
The 2017 to 2027 Gunnedah Shire Community Strategic Plan and supporting documents also within the Integrated Planning and Reporting suite include;
- Draft 2022-2026 Delivery Program;
- Draft 2022/23 Operational Plan;
- Draft 2023-32 Long Term Financial Plan; and
- Draft 2017-2027 Community Strategic Plan.
You can view the documents on exhibition here.
The plans can also be viewed at the Council Administration Centre in Elgin Street, Gunnedah Shire Library or the Civic in Chandos Street.
Submissions can be sent via email to council@infogunnedah.com.au with the subject line “Community Strategic Plan”.
All documents will be on exhibition for a period of 28 days and submissions close at 5pm on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
18 May, 2022
It’s time to book your tickets for Australia’s rib-tickling roadshow, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Mark Thursday, June 23, on your calendar and come along to the Gunnedah Town Hall to hear from some of the nation’s funniest comedians.
The festival is in its 24th year and tours nationally, pulling up everywhere from Ballarat to Bega to Bundaberg to Broome.
“The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been visiting Gunnedah for more than five years, and it never disappoints,” Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said.
“COVID-19 meant that many life shows were cancelled over the last couple of years, so we are excited to see Gunnedah get behind this event and celebrate great live entertainment back at the Cultural Precinct.
“This is also an ideal opportunity to use your NSW Dine and Discover vouchers before they expire on June 30.
“Tickets for the comedy festival are already selling fast, so grab some friends, jump on the booking link and come along to the Town Hall on June 23 for a few laughs and a great night out.”
Performances often contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 16 years or older.
NSW Dine and Discover vouchers are accepted and can be redeemed against the purchase at the Gunnedah Visitors’ Information Centre at the The Civic, Gunnedah. Full bar facilities will be available at the event and tickets are $35.
Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.
To book, visit https://AUGSC.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/51826.
Caption: The Melbourne Comedy Festival is a guaranteed great night out.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
12 May, 2022
Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking a suitably qualified community member for appointment to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee’s role is to provide independent assurance and assistance to Council on risk management, control frameworks and internal audit.
The committee has a minimum of two independent external members (the chair and a member) and one councillor.
The Committee meets a minimum of four times a year in the Council Chambers.
The vacant position is for a four-year term and Council is seeking a candidate with one or more of the following categories of skills and experience in:
- Accounting or related strong financial management experience and an understanding of accounting and auditing in a public sector environment; and/or
- Legal qualifications and experience; and/or
- Risk management qualification and experience.
Applications close at 4pm on Monday, 30 May, 2022. Expressions of Interest can be emailed to council@infogunnedah.com.au or mailed to:
Private and Confidential
Expression of Interest – Audit Committee External Member
Gunnedah Shire Council
PO Box 63
GUNNEDAH NSW 2380
The information pack outlining required skills and experience for external Audit Committee members is available on Council’s website at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/the-future-of-gunnedah/draft-documents-exhibition.
For more information, contact Council’s Manager Governance and Legal Alice McLean on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
11 May, 2022
Multi-talented performer Laura Zarb is bringing her cabaret magic to Gunnedah on Wednesday, May 25, at 7pm.
The intimate one-hour cabaret show, The Soul Express, is filled with original songs, humour, and plenty of sequins.
The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery is hosting this journey as Laura shares her penchant for procrastination, silent battles with anxiety, and her love of shimmies and sing-a-longs.
The debut cabaret show highlights the need for self-love and acceptance, as Laura addresses the pressures of perfection, anxiety and life in our modern-day, technologically-fuelled world.
Laura grew up singing with her dad, Matt Zarb, who shares her love of entertainment. A self-professed “goof-ball”, Laura grew up in Penrith, but moved between Australia and America for a number of years. Her resume includes stints as a travel agent and belly-dancer.
Her versatility has even extended to performing in a 50th anniversary Rolling Stones show at The Vanguard, despite not knowing much of their music before she was invited to play.
In 2020, when COVID-19 was really hitting home, Laura put a call-out on social media, to anyone who would like to have a chat and be “serenaded” over Zoom.
“Laura shares stories that are relatable and she really lifts the lid on mental health,” Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Team Leader Lauren Mackley said.
“If you need a laugh, grab some friends and head along to The Soul Express. It’s guaranteed to lighten up your evening. Tickets are limited, so don’t delay.”
The Soul Express is for ages 16 and up. To book, visit https://AUGSC.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/54310.
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
Caption: A multi-talented Australian performer, Laura Zarb, will light up Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery with catchy songs and her unique sense of humour.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.
