7 July, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Continuity Management Team is continuing to keep a close eye on COVID-19 developments and is urging the community to remain vigilant despite easing restrictions.

All Council services have now reopened with some restrictions, with the exception of the Civic Cinema which is closed for renovations. Hand hygiene stations, social distancing markers, recording of details and capacity limits are in place at these facilities.

Visitors to Council facilities are reminded they should continue to:

• Stay home if you are feeling unwell, even with mild symptoms,
• Observe social distancing markers and capacity limits,
• Continue to practice safe hygiene and wash hands regularly, and
• Download the COVIDSafe app to assist contact tracing.

At this stage, Council will maintain current operational levels as no additional changes to services have been recommended by the NSW Government.

An overview of the current status of all Council services is available at https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/gunnedah-shire-covid-19-advice. To keep up to date with new service changes, follow Gunnedah Shire Council on Facebook.

COVID-19 Testing:

NSW Health is urging anyone with respiratory symptoms, including a cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath or fever to come forward to be tested. There are testing clinics available locally in Gunnedah, including:

• NSW Health COVID-19 Clinic at the Gunnedah Hospital located in the Education building. Open 1pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday. To book, call (02) 6741 8000.
• Ochre Health drive through Respiratory Clinic at the Gunnedah Showground. Available on Monday’s 12:30 to 4:30. Bookings can be made online at https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/boggabri-NSW-2382/gunnedah-boggabri-and-narrabri-respiratory-clinic/doctors

Additional Information:

• For further information about public health orders and COVID-19 visit www.health.nsw.gov.au
• To develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan for your business, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses
• To help reduce community transmission download COVIDSafe. This is now available in multiple languages. To find out more visit https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app
• Breaches of public health orders should be reported directly to police by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au 

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

7 July, 2020

Gunnedah cinema goers will be treated to an enhanced cinematic experience when curtains are planned to reopen at The Civic next month, following extensive refurbishments at the venue.

The Civic is currently undergoing renovations including new carpet, seats, curtains and overhead lighting, as well as a new look candy bar.

A commemorative photo montage will also be installed on the back wall behind the candy bar, featuring images provided by the community of their memories at the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the renovations have come at a good time, with new content currently limited due to the fluid COVID-19 situation.

“Release dates for most new films have been pushed back until at least later this year, so getting these refurbishments underway now means the community won’t miss out on any upcoming blockbusters,” Ms Mackley said.

“These renovations will help deliver a more comfortable, engaging cinema experience.

“The Civic Cinema has seen a lot of use and the well-worn seats and carpet is a good indication it is a much-loved community asset. There are a lot of people very enthusiastic to return.”

Renovations are scheduled to be completed during August, following which the cinema will reopen under COVIDSafe regulations.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

6 July, 2020

Art enthusiasts have until Wednesday July 15 to view Cat Long and Abby Jerrett’s collaborative exhibition Divine Voyeurism at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

Both originally from Gunnedah, Long and Jerrett’s interdisciplinary body of work explores their joint interest in the empowerment of women through the female form.

Long’s work utilises stippling, a technical process that begins and ends with a dot. Through the arrangement and repetition of thousands of these marks, each piece is a collection that celebrates women and their unique strengths.

Jerrett’s embroidered textile pieces appropriate religious iconography and take inspiration from stained glass windows, challenging preconceived notions of spirituality.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley is encouraging residents to visit the innovative exhibition before it closes next week.

“This exhibition has faced several setbacks, with COVID-19 restrictions resulting in the temporary closure of the gallery,” Ms Mackley said.

“Now that the gallery has reopened we have chosen to extend the exhibition to ensure everyone still has a chance to see this diverse range of works.

“Unfortunately COVID-19 restrictions also meant we couldn’t host an official opening to properly celebrate these unique local artists. Now that restrictions have eased we are inviting the community to attend an official exhibition closing celebration this Thursday evening, commencing at 6pm.”

What: Official Closing and Celebration of Divine Voyeurism
Where: Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, 81 Chandos Street.
When: Thursday 9th July 2020 from 6pm.

Those wishing to attend the official closing are asked to obtain their free ticket via Seat advisor to enable COVIDSafe practices.

Tickets are available from www.thecivic.com.au 

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

1 July, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is undertaking a new project to enhance and beautify the islands on Stock Road.

Several new garden beds will be established along the footpath of the Stock Road islands, between Links Road and Apex Road.

Native vegetation and drought tolerant species will be used to develop biodiversity and brighten the streetscape. Tree planting will also be conducted to create a succession for ageing trees along the islands.

Numerous native plants will provide cheerful spring colours, with plants of several species to be featured. Such plants include variations of grevillea, westringia, callistemon, scaevola, liriope muscari, and polygala.

The project will be undertaken by Gunnedah Shire Council’s Farmer Army. Originally started to offer paid, temporary work for primary producers during the drought, the Farmer Army has recently been expanded to include locals struggling to find paid employment due to COVID-19.

Council’s Manager of Public Facilities Ashley Gardner said improving open spaces throughout the Shire was a priority for Council, and is thrilled to have the Farmer Army on board to help get these projects up and running.

“The Farmer Army Program is a great initiative that will see a number of exciting projects that are in the pipeline come to life,” Mrs Gardner said.

“The Stock Road islands are a popular walking track and this particular project will result in a better experience for those using the area and will develop a sustainable, attractive, low maintenance landscape for the long term.”

Garden work at Stock Road will commence shortly, and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

26 June, 2020

Dog and cat owners in the Gunnedah Shire are being urged to check new de-sexing and registration requirements, with changes to the Companion Animal Act coming into effect next month.

From 1 July 2020 the NSW Government will introduce annual permits for owners of non-desexed cats, restricted dog breeds, and dogs declared to be dangerous.

Under the changes, owners of cats not desexed by four months of age will be required to obtain an $80 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.

Exemptions will be in place for cats kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies, and cats which cannot be desexed for medical reasons.

The new permit system will also apply to owners of dogs of a restricted breed or declared to be dangerous. The $195 annual permit will be in addition to the registration fee and applies to dogs that are already registered.

Restricted dog breeds include the pit bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, Argentinian fighting dog, Brazilian fighting dog, and canary mastiff.

Dogs of any breed can be formally declared dangerous by a council or court if without provocation the dog attacks or repeatedly threatens to attack a person or animal.

Council Coordinator of Regulatory Services Wade Berryman said the changes are designed to promote responsible pet ownership and improve animal welfare standards.

“Improving desexing rates will help keep our cats healthy, ease the burden on pounds and shelters, reduce euthanasia rates and address concerns about stray and roaming cats and their effect on wildlife,” Mr Berryman said.

“Most of the community are already proactive, responsible pet owners. These new regulations will act as an extra reminder to book the cat in to be desexed, which also entitles you to a discount on your registration fee.

“Permits for restricted and dangerous dogs will encourage owners to better manage the behaviour of their animal and reassure the community that these animals are monitored closely.”

Annual permit fees will go directly to the Companion Animals Fund which pays for companion animal management by local councils including pounds and shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.

From 1 July 2020, pet owners will be able to apply for annual permits at https://www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 June, 2020

Eight Gunnedah Shire community groups will benefit from a total of more than $20,000 in grants in the latest round of Gunnedah Shire Council Arts and Cultural Grants Fund.

Gunnedah Shire Council this week approved funding for projects as diverse as a jazz afternoon, to workshops and resources for a youth choir.

Chair of the Arts and Cultural Grants Fund selection panel Councillor Owen Hasler said Council was pleased to be able to support the projects of eight important arts and cultural groups.

“Arts and culture plays an important part in our lives,” Cr Hasler said. “In Gunnedah, we are lucky enough to have a number of very strong groups that encourage community involvement across a range of areas.

“We had eight good submissions for the Arts and Cultural Grants Fund and we are proud to be able to assist each of them to further their initiatives.

“We look forward to the results of their efforts, including being able to attend the events they have organised, when the COVID-19 restrictions are eased. In the meantime, we congratulate them on their commitment to ensuring that Gunnedah has a strong arts and cultural sector.”

The following groups were successful in their applications:

• Arts Gunnedah - $4920 towards the 50th Annual Art and Ceramics Exhibition
• Gunnedah Conservatorium - $4368 for youth projects including the youth choir and video and sound recording equipment
• Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre - $1224 for a mural installation
• Gunnedah Eisteddfod Society - $2000 for the Eisteddfod Enrichment Program bringing teachers to remote villages
• Two Rivers Arts Council - $2000 for a jazz afternoon with markets and food
• Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation - $3805 for arts and cultural activities
• Blackjack Camera Club - $1067 for a transportable projector and screen
• Gunnedah Pottery Club - $1000 for workshops.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

23 June, 2020

Gunnedah’s tourism industry has received a boost with a concept plan for a new Recreational Vehicle Park close to the CBD supported at last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) plans to erect a Recreational Vehicle Park by the river at 107-109 Chandos Street and 65-67 Maitland Street.

The park will form part of a network of low-cost commercial RV parks across Australia, available to members of the CMCA and other RV users.

The recreational facility is specifically for self contained vehicles and with the exception of a single caretaker site there are no formal sites, helping cater to a wider range of vehicles.

The CMCA plans to undertake landscaping and will plant several new trees. Common facilities include dump points, electricity, water and a communal shelter for barbeques and gatherings.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council Jamie Chaffey said the park will add to the region’s tourist credentials and draw a new visitor demographic to the Shire.

“While we currently have parks with great amenities and facilities, there are groups of self-sufficient travellers looking for low cost spots to pull up,” Cr Chaffey said.

“These tourists are currently setting up at free camping spots on our town’s periphery. The new location only 400 metres from the Gunnedah CBD will allow visitors to spend more time in town where they can take advantage of local shopping and dining.

“The parks location on flood zoning also means it is unsuitable for other commercial development, so this is an opportune way to utilise this land and enhance the Riverine Precinct.

“This new Recreational Vehicle Park will see Gunnedah become a preferred stop for travellers.”

Now that Council has agreed to concept, the project will be subject to a Development Application to be lodged in the coming weeks.

The proposal is in line with Gunnedah Shire Council’s destination plan, which focusses on supporting infrastructure and services that grow the tourism sector and improve the accommodation base of the Shire.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

23 June, 2020

Gunnedah focuses on building skills for the future

Gunnedah Shire Council has drafted the Gunnedah Shire Workforce Plan (2020-24) to help ensure a skilled workforce and local educational opportusnities into the future.

The Gunnedah Shire Workforce Plan has been developed in conjunction with workforce and education stakeholders to pinpoint the areas where there are labour shortages and find solutions.

The plan is now on public exhibition. Click here to take a look.

A report to Council this week stated Gunnedah Shire, like many places in regional Australia, was facing a skilled labour shortage.

The plan sets objectives to ensure Gunnedah Shire has high quality local skills that are accessible and responsive to the needs of employers and employees. It aims to assist in diversifying the economy by providing training opportunities to diversify the skill set of residents.

The plan recognises the critical role employment plays in growth and productivity of the Shire.

Council applies for funds for new Orange Grove Road Bridge

Gunnedah Shire Council is applying for funding through the federal government’s Bridges Renewal Program to replace the Shire’s last remaining timber bridge – the Orange Grove Road Bridge.

Council voted this week to seek 50 per cent of the estimated $1.25 million to replace the bridge that was originally built in 1929. The remaining 50 per cent would be met by Council.

A 20-tonne load limit of was recently placed on the bridge which is about 30km along Orange Grove Road from the Kelvin Road turn-off.

A report to Council noted a structural inspection had found the bridge was in poor condition due to its age, but remained safe for lighter vehicles.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 June, 2020

Twenty two local businesses will be given a helping hand to build their online presence in the latest round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.

Last night Councillors approved more than $32,000 in funding under the special COVID-19 round of the program, focussed on helping develop digital capacity and online trading platforms.

Successful applicants represented a range of industries, including some of those hit hardest by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Applicants from local hospitality, fitness, beauty and retail sectors have been allocated funding to develop new websites, online stores and digital marketing campaigns.

Gunnedah Business Partner Program advisory group chair Cr Ann Luke said while the COVID-19 pandemic forced many local businesses to close their doors and move online, they have continued to adapt and offer valuable services to the community.

“This funding will assist these local businesses become strong players in the digital sphere and build resilience,” Cr Luke said.

“A digital presence means businesses and products can be seen 24 hours a day and is a helpful marketing platform.

“A strong online business community in Gunnedah will not only benefit local consumers by offering greater flexibility and convenience, but will also create opportunities to reach new customers outside our Shire.

“A further underlying outcome is maintenance of employment in the Shire.”

Applications that did not meet the criteria for the COVID-19 round of the Business Partner Program have been encouraged to reapply under the general round, which is designed for new business initiatives that support local employment and growth.

Since its inception the Business Partner Program has assisted more than 65 local businesses with over $240,000 in funding.

Applications for round one of the ordinary program are currently open and businesses have until June 30 to apply. For further information visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

17 June, 2020

The Gunnedah Shire loves its opens spaces, and Gunnedah Shire Council is asking for your ideas to ensure this love affair only grows in the years ahead.

Council is conducting the Open Space Strategy Community Survey to learn more about how residents use our open spaces and their ideas for improving them.

Open space land is land that is set aside for public recreation and can include recreation parks and playgrounds, sports fields and courts and green corridors with pathways or trails.

Council Public Facilities Manager Ashley Gardner said parks, sporting fields and playgrounds played an important role in people’s lives.

“Our open space land is where people play sport, kids play, people exercise their dogs and go for bushwalks,” Mrs Gardner said.

“They provide important social, health, economic and environmental benefits to people of all ages.

“We are inviting people to help us to put together a shared vision for the future that will ensure our sport and recreation areas are the best that they can be. We really need to know how people are using these spaces so we can plan for the years ahead.”

The survey is part of Gunnedah Shire Council’s community consultation to provide information towards developing the Open Space Strategy, a 10-year blueprint for the Shire’s parks, gardens, sporting fields, reserves and other open spaces.

To take part in the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OpenSpaceStrategy_CommunitySurvey

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.