19 February, 2021

The new Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary has reached a major milestone with Gunnedah Shire Council lodging a development application with the NSW Government Regional Planning Panel for a state-of-the-art facility.

Gunnedah Shire Council has lodged plans for the 50-acre bush sanctuary which will include a wildlife centre and koala hospital, koala sanctuary and a petting zoo. The plans will now be made available for public comment as part of the State Government development approvals process.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the plans, in partnership with experienced tourism operator CaPTA, would bring to life a vision of a major tourist attraction with benefits for a much-loved Gunnedah resident.

“This wonderful project will not only provide a hospital to help address the health issues of our koalas and that of surrounding areas, but will give the world another reason to visit the Koala Capital of the World,” Cr Chaffey said.

“In conjunction with our proposed operator, the CaPTA Group, who operate very successful wildlife destinations in Far North Queensland, Gunnedah Shire Council is looking forward to this becoming something we can all be proud of.

“It will be a purpose-built koala sanctuary with a number of exciting innovations, including volunteers’ accommodation with backpacker-style housing for up to 16 people, allowing people from around the country and the world to experience working with Australia’s wildlife.”

CaPTA Group Operations and Projects Director Michael Woodward said CaPTA was “delighted” the development application was being lodged.

“Having operated several wildlife parks and a wildlife care centres in Far North Queensland, we have first-hand experience in the synergies of wildlife attractions and wildlife hospitals, particularly the potential for animal keepers to care for wildlife in need,” Mr Woodward said.

“When we heard about the vision of Gunnedah Shire Council to build a sanctuary to protect the vulnerable koala species – we were motivated by the prospect of saving the koala species whilst also increasing regional tourism.”

CaPTA Research and Development Manager Andrew Hearn said it had taken a lot of work to get to this stage.

“We are extremely pleased with the practical and aesthetic designs that the architect has master-planned in conjunction with us,” he said. “It is also pleasing that the degraded site is being rehabilitated to the benefit of both the environment, and the economy. We are eagerly anticipating the next stages of Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary.”

The plans designed by Dunn & Hillam Architects for the staged project include a large wildlife centre and hospital building to house the main entry, shop and café, education auditorium, aviary/animal enclosure and the hospital. A viewing deck will allow views into the koala clinic and the two larger intensive care units.

Also in the plans are a petting zoo, a nature playground, koala and other animal enclosures, a wildlife sanctuary walk, a caretaker’s residence, picnic areas, a cultural heritage display and demonstration area, bush-themed mini-golf and zipline, caravan sites and safari tent accommodation.

“Estimates have shown the koala sanctuary is likely to attract about 70,000 visitors each year and inject millions into our local economy,” Cr Chaffey said. “It is truly an exciting time for our Shire as we progress a project that could have significant conservation and economic benefits.”

The Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary project has secured $6.48 million through the NSW Government’s Regional Social Benefit Infrastructure Fund. Council also resolved this week to apply for $1.75 million through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund to allow both stages of the project to proceed as soon as possible.

Thousands of trees have already been planted at two plantation sites to provide food for the park’s koalas.

The DA will be available to view on the NSW Planning Portal in the coming days.

Fast facts:

10,000 trees are being planted for Gunnedah Koala Park koalas.

Adult koalas eat between 200 and 500g of leaves a day

The Koala Sanctuary hospital plans include: four small and two large intensive care units, up to 12 small animal enclosures, a large clinic, separate reception area, external rehabilitation enclosures and seven pre-release enclosures

Oxley Highway frontage with entry on Hunts Road to minimise impact on traffic flow

Wildlife such as emus and kangaroos will roam freely in the pond and picnic zone

The animals will be protected with predator-proof external fencing

The volunteers’ accommodation will house up to 16 people

The plans are green-friendly with extensive rainwater collection and solar systems.

Caption: An artist’s impression of the new Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

February 19, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has thanked Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson for supporting calls to address the lack of community consultation in the Clinical Services Plan (CSP) for the new Gunnedah Hospital.

In a Mayoral Minute at this week’s Council Meeting, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said he was pleased the local member was supporting Council’s position and making representations on behalf of the community.

“Our local member has recognised our concerns and asked the Health Minister and NSW Health to place the clinical services plan on public exhibition for two weeks,” Cr Chaffey said.

 “Public exhibition of the plan will help compensate for insufficient community input into the CSP. We will be closely monitoring developments in this space to ensure this consultation is conducted.”

During Wednesday’s meeting, Council moved to formally call on the NSW Health Minister to place the draft Clinical Services Plan on Public Exhibition for a period of two weeks and accept public feedback on the draft.

If there is no response from the Minister’s office within two weeks, Council resolved to initiate steps to lead a petition to the parliament on behalf of the Gunnedah community.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

February 18, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has heeded a community call for new gates to be installed at the popular Livvi’s Place Playground.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Council had been approached by community members to install gates with childproof latches at Livvi’s Place to improve security for parents with young children.

“Council also heard from two former members of the Livvi’s Place Working Group at the general meeting this week who presented a convincing case for the need for childproof gates at this playground,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We are very proud of this amazing park that has been created in partnership with the community. While there were arguments the open gates had value in creating a welcoming space and easy access, we have heard that some parents of young children have not been using Livvi’s Place because it is too hard to keep an eye on a number of small children at once.

“The added security is in line with our recent campaign to improve pedestrian safety in our CBD through the implementation of an extended 40km/h zone. Part of Livvi’s Place attraction is its leafy location in the centre of Gunnedah, but that also means it is in our busiest traffic area.

“The idea of Livvi’s Place is to provide an inclusive and secure playground. Council has listened to the views of the community and will be installing childproof gates at the three entrances to improve security. We hope this only enhances everything the playground already has to offer.

“The gates do not, of course, replace parental or carer supervision of children, which is necessary at all times.”

Caption: Three new gates with childproof locks will be installed at Livvi’s Place Playground.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

18 February, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has congratulated the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry on their successful Shop Local and Win Christmas Campaign.

The Chamber this week presented Council, a $12,000 sponsor of the event, with a report detailing the success of the event.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the report showed how far a partnership between the Chamber, the Council, local businesses and the community could go.

“Gunnedah Shire Council was a major supporter of this initiative as part of our Invigorate Gunnedah campaign,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Council saw it as a way we could assist our local businesses and economy during the very important Christmas period, and this report shows the 2020 Shop Local and Win Christmas Campaign really achieved that.

“We congratulate the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their initiative and enthusiasm in this campaign. Their figures show it contributed more than $4 million in revenue for Gunnedah – that is well above their target of $1 million.”

The campaign included 80 participating Gunnedah Shire businesses with a sample of the entries for a new car and other prizes showing an average spend of $134.82 per person. There were 30,000 entries, with each person required to spend at least $20 with a participating business.

The report also noted many retailers had commented 2020 was their most successful trading period in years.

Caption: Shopping local proved a big winner in the Shop Local and Win Christmas Campaign.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

17 February, 2021

Two Rivers Arts Council and Gunnedah Shire Council are working together to celebrate our vibrant and diverse community at the Gunnedah’s Autumn Markets on Saturday, March 20, as part of Harmony Day celebrations.

The day will host live music funded by the NSW Government’s Festival of Place Summer Fund, including performances from local funk bands, Huckleberry and The Conadilly Street Band, The Gunnedah Conservatorium, The Fabulasses as well as Sarah Lette and Cuban and Brazilian drummers and dancers.

The Harmony Day celebrations at the markets will also include international food stalls and community groups, sporting groups, community service providers and local stall holders. If you are interested in hosting a stall for a fundraiser, membership drive or to sell your local products and produce, please contact Kyle Smith, Two Rivers Arts Council Market Coordinator on 0439 609 502 to secure a site for the day.

This could be a great opportunity to spread the word about your organisation, do a membership drive, host a fun activity and showcase what you can do or launch a business venture.

The markets is also a great day to hand out the new Gunnedah Welcome Pack to new residents, and it is an opportunity for you to get the message out about your organisation to people who have just moved to the Shire.

If you have information or a special offer (e.g. printed flyer or voucher) that might be useful in extending a warm welcome to a new resident, we would love to hear from you. We will be including flyers from local organisations in the welcome pack to be given out at the New Residents tent at the Gunnedah Autumn Markets on Saturday, March 20.

If you would like to add something to the welcome pack, please deliver a maximum of 50 flyers to the Council building in Elgin St before March 12.

The New Residents tent will be a place for people to come and speak with our friendly team about what Gunnedah Shire has to offer. The stall will also be hosting free face painting and balloon twisting for the kids to enjoy.

If you or your community organisation are hosting an event as part of Harmony Week (March 15-21, 2021), send through the below information to council@infogunnedah.com.au so your event can be included on the program.

Name of Event:

Organisation:

Time & date:

Location:

Ticket and cost Information:

Caption: There will be fun for people of all ages at the Harmony Day Markets.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

February 10, 2021

Gunnedah’s Rainbow Serpent Water Feature has been shortlisted for the 2020 Australian Street Art Awards in the category of Best Rural Art.

The Awards showcase public art and recognise regions that are using outdoor, publicly-accessible art to promote their destination and engage their community.

Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said Council is honoured to be recognised for this cultural initiative, and acknowledged the efforts of local Kamilaroi artists.

“Shirley Long, Janet Wanless, L. Delma Jones, L. Ellen Draper, Gloria Foley, June Cox, Alison Cox, Rita Long and Cindy Foley persisted for almost 20 years to bring this project to life,” Ms Mackley said.

“This sculpture celebrates and preserves the culture, history and experiences of these strong and determined women.”

Judges commented the sculpture was “a wonderful example of the strong Indigenous community and women inspiring the next generations, while sharing their culture with tourists and the rest of the community”.

The Rainbow Serpent Water Feature is permanently installed at the entrance to the Cultural Precinct in Chandos Street and is open for the community to visit.

Last year the water feature received the Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture NSW Local Government Award, which celebrates outstanding achievement by local government organisations in strategic planning for arts and culture.

Winners of the 2020 Australian Street Art Awards will be announced on Tuesday, March 2 2021.

The Story of the Rainbow Serpent

As told by the late Elder Ellen Draper

In traditional Aboriginal storytelling, the Rainbow Serpent was not always a snake but a man who, by deception and lies, attempted to turn the people against their God, Baiame.

The Elders in the Dreamtime went to Baiame and told him what Rainbow was doing. Baiame punished Rainbow for his treachery by causing him to slither along the ground and sending him from the Dreamtime, never to return.

He was ordered to place all of the heavenly bodies and earthly objects in this land in such a way that balance was maintained. When he laid his head on the ground to rest from his labours, a waterhole or billabong was created; and where he travelled, rivers formed.

When his creation work was finished, the Rainbow Serpent transported all living creatures, including the people, to the land he had made for them and deposited them in their rightful places.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

February 10, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council this week congratulated 17 students who will get a headstart on their learning journey through the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

The students will start their tertiary studies in a range of areas with the support of the scholarship to assist with costs including textbooks, relocation and travel, living expenses or a contribution towards tuition fees.

Gunnedah Shire Councillor Gae Swain, who was instrumental in starting the fund 18 years ago, said it was wonderful to be able to help a group of fresh faces starting on their lifetime adventures.

“The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund is a one-of-a-kind program that brings Council and local businesses and groups together to ensure our young people have every opportunity to make a difference in their chosen profession,” Cr Swain said.

“Our country kids have achieved many goals over the years. We would love to see some of these students return as doctors or nurses, or to work in a whole range of areas in the Gunnedah Shire.

“Over the years, more than 365 scholarships have been awarded, worth a total of more than $320,000. It shows the genuine support the community has for our young people.”

The guest speaker for the presentation was Chelsea Mitchell, a previous scholarship recipient who graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. Chelsea is now a vet at Gunnedah Veterinary Hospital.

This year, the successful applicants receive a total of $22,250. The successful applicants for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund in 2021 are:

• Zachary Bower, Leah Broekman, Edwina Carrigan, Lacey Davis, Paige Gainsford, Tyson Hubbard, Grace Jaeger, Ineke Jones, Holly Miller, Ashleigh Mills, Lucy Moore, Paige Murray, Kaitlin Newbery, Eliza Perkins, Chelsea Willey, Bayley Williams, and Arielle Worthington.

The recipients of the Dr Grahame Deane Scholarship for Medical-related Studies were Kaitlin Newbery and Arielle Worthington, and Paige Gainsford was awarded the PRAMS Award for Nursing or Midwifery.

The sponsors who have made the scholarship possible are:

• Whitehaven Coal, Gunnedah West Rotary Club, PRAMS, Forsyths and Gunnedah Shire Council.

The fund is open to local students under 25 who want to further their training and education at university, TAFE, or an accredited training organisation.

Caption: Mayor Jamie Chaffey (left), Cr Gae Swain (right) and guest speaker Chelsea Mitchell (second right) with some of the recipients of the 2021 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

February 10, 2020

Local service providers are encouraged to join the new Gunnedah Community Directory, an online tool that makes it easy for residents to find and connect with Gunnedah based services.

Gunnedah Shire Council has partnered with My Community Directory for the creation of the new platform which showcases the Shire’s many local services and community groups.

The directory is still in the development phase; with health services, community groups, child services, employment and training and disability support providers encouraged to register and list their information. 

Once established, directory users can also access the My Community Diary; a free online calendar providing up-to-date information about community events.

Gunnedah Shire Council Social and Community Planner Debra Hilton said the new directory will be a handy reference point for locals, connecting them to a range of community services, events, programs and activities.

“There are great things happening in Gunnedah every day and this resource will help people explore what’s right here in the local community,” Ms Hilton said.

“The new platform is also accessible through a free app, keeping information at resident’s fingertips.

“I encourage local service providers to register for the directory and update their listing. It’s free to add events and feature your organisation on the platform.”

To register a service or organisation visit https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/Register

To download the 'Access My Community' app, visit the app store or text 'Gunnedah' to 0488884151 to receive a download link.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

February 8, 2021

Flickerfest is on its way to Gunnedah Shire with an exceptional line-up of short films to delight local movie buffs.

Flickerfest is Australia’s largest short film competition dedicated to showcasing the very best short films from Australia and around the world; featuring everything from live action to documentaries and animation.

Gunnedah’s Civic Cinema is one of 56 theatres premiering the event across Australia, before it travels to 36 international locations.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said she was thrilled to be hosting the 30^th official Flickerfest, with the cinema celebrating its own anniversary of 20 years of operation in Gunnedah.

“Over the past three decades Flickerfest has become Australia’s leading Academy qualifying and BAFTA recognised short film festival,” Ms Mackley said.

“The films are selected from more than 100 countries, with more than 50 per cent female directors represented in the Australian competition.

“The Gunnedah Civic Cinema is hosting winning shorts from 2 categories: Best of Australian Shorts and Best of International Comedy.

“Flickerfest is a chance to see amazing short films on the big screen before they continue their journey around the world. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the passion and creativity of filmmakers during what has been a challenging time for the industry.”

Flickerfest shorts will be screened later this month over two Sunday sessions:

• Best of Australian Shorts: 3pm  Sunday, February 21, and
• Best of International Comedy: 3pm Sunday, February 28.

Tickets are $15 per session and are available via www.thecivic.com.au. Tickets can be purchased in person from the Civic Cinema in Chandos Street between 10am and 5pm Tuesday to Sunday.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

February 5, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council received correspondence from Hunter New England Health yesterday to advise they have received a number of expressions of interest from potential operators of the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre.

While we welcome this news, Council questions the projected six month timeframe provided by Hunter New England Health in assessing these applications and commencement of a successful operator.

The Gunnedah community is in desperate need of doctors and another six months is not good enough.

Council have recently outlined our concerns about the local GP shortage in the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Health Outcomes and Access to Health and Hospital Services in Rural, Regional and Remote New South Wales.

The situation on the ground in Gunnedah is at a crisis level. The proposed six month time frame in addressing this health crisis is simply unacceptable and leaves our residents at risk.  

I request that Hunter New England Health expedite this process as a matter of urgency and move a GP service into the vacant Gunnedah Rural Health Centre as soon as practically possible.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications team (02) 6740 2100.