11 July 2018

The recipient of the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Program Scholarship Mya McRae is celebrating her three month milestone as a school-based trainee at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct.

Miss McRae said she is happy and excited to continue her traineeship and enjoys the people she works with.

“I do it because I want to learn skills in business and work with people and customers,” Miss McRae said.

“Working at the Cultural Precinct is great. It’s right in the heart of town and you get to meet so many people, locals and visitors, and you are helping them, which I enjoy.”

The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Program provides funding to organisations to support Aboriginal education, employment and training.

Gunnedah Shire Council was successful in receiving the funding, which it extended to the community in the form of a scholarship for school-based trainees.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Human Resources Glenn Learmont said Council has a proud history of engaging trainees throughout a number of its functions.

“The facilitation of an alliance between our schools and Local Government will provide meaningful career paths to retain our youths in the community,” Mr Learmont said.

Gunnedah Shire Council HR Advisor and the co-ordinator of the scholarship, Fiona Ludlow, is thrilled for Miss McRae and is happy with her performance.

“Mya has embraced the job really well and it is nice to see her enjoying it,” Mrs Ludlow said.

“We made the application process similar to a job application. Applicants had to apply for the position and sit through an interview. After careful consideration we offered the position to Mya.”

Miss McRae is completing her Certificate II in Business and works one day a week at the Cultural Precinct as part of the HSC.

“The work I am doing at the Cultural Precinct is one step closer to figuring out what career I want when I leave school,” Miss McRae said.

“I would be happy to continue working here for a couple more years.”

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Human Resources Glenn Learmont, School-Based Trainee Mya McRae, Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley and HR Advisor Fiona Ludlow.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

11 July 2018

Business Administration Trainee at Gunnedah Shire Council, Breanna Green, is the 2018 Runner Up in the Trainee of the Year category at the NSW Training Awards.

Miss Green completes her duties and tasks with aplomb and enthusiasm, including the provision of internal customer service across the organisation, records management and completion of Certificate III in Business Administration through TAFE.

Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said Miss Green’s commitment to her work led to her being offered a second year’s traineeship with Council.

“Breanna is an integral part of the Governance and Administration team, and her recognition at the NSW Training Awards is another feather in her cap,” Mr Formann said.

“Due to her elevated understanding of the role, understanding of the services Council provides to the community and dedication to providing a superior service, Breanna’s responsibilities have been increased and she is deserving of this accolade.”

Mr Formann acknowledges the work from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Senior Governance and Administration Officer Donna Markey, who manages and trains the trainees that come through.

“Donna Markey does an excellent job preparing our trainees to achieve their best in their working career,” Mr Formann said.

A traineeship undertaken at Council is completed alongside a qualification through TAFE, ensuring skills are remaining in Gunnedah.

“Council is committed to training young people and giving them opportunities to stay and work in Gunnedah. It becomes a benefit for the Council business and the community to have skilled young people in our region,” Mr Formann said.

“Congratulations on this achievement to Breanna and Donna.”

Breanna is also the 2018 Winner of the NSW Government Women in Traineeships or Apprenticeships – Rural or Regional Council category of the 2018 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.

Gunnedah Shire Council is currently advertising for a Business Administration Trainee - 12 Months, and anyone interested in increasing their skills, knowledge and qualifications are encouraged to apply through Council’s website, www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

Photo Caption: Breanna Green receives recognition for her good work.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

04 July 2018

NAIDOC Week is nearly here, and Gunnedah has celebrations for the whole community to enjoy. From 9 July to 15 July there will be a range of activities sharing Aboriginal culture and honouring the rich heritage of the Gamilaroi people.

The official NAIDOC theme for 2018 is ‘Because of her, we can!’ which celebrates the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made – and continue to make - to our communities, our families, our rich history and our nation.

Gunnedah NAIDOC Committee Chairperson Cassy Aldridge hopes everyone will get involved in the weeks festivities.

“NAIDOC is a great celebration of Aboriginal culture, and the Gunnedah community coming together to honour the contribution of Aboriginal women to our heritage, history and community is really important” Ms Aldridge said.

NAIDOC Week will kick off Monday, 9 July with the official flag raising and morning tea at Hunter New England Health from 10.00am.

On Tuesday, 10 July at 5..00pm, The Civic is hosting a free screening of ‘Rites of Passage’, rated MA15+, which has been described as ‘a riveting social commentary about adolescence, life, and survival filmed in a meaningful and powerful way’.

The biannual NAIDOC Awards Night will be held at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club from 6.00pm on Wednesday, 11 July, with tickets available from Winanga-Li Aboriginal and Child Family Centre for $15. The NAIDOC awards are an opportunity to reflect on and acknowledge the contributions the award nominees and recipients have made to the Gunnedah community.

On Thursday, 12 July join the Red Chief Local Aboriginal Lands Council for a Cards Night and a shared meal.

‘Because of Her, We Can!’ NAIDOC Exhibition Opening will start at 1.00pm on Friday, 13 July at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, with refreshments provided. The NAIDOC Exhibition features local Aboriginal artists, with a focus on female artists.

Sunday, 15 July will be the highlight of NAIDOC Week. The NAIDOC March will start from the Red Chief Monument at 10.00am and will finish at Wolseley Park with the Official Flag Raising Ceremony.

The official proceedings are followed by the Annual NAIDOC Fun Day where families can enjoy free carnival rides, arts and craft, first responder demonstrations, ceramic animal painting, ball games, a lolly guessing competition and lolly bags, BBQ, slushies, tea and coffee, education sessions and information, scam protection devices, jewellery making, donuts, a gallery of Gunnedah women and other fun activities for all ages.

“The Community Fun Day at Wolseley Park will be amazing,” Ms Aldridge said.

“There are so many things to enjoy and something for everyone. All the first responders will be present and doing demonstrations, including police, ambulance, fire and SES. This is a first for Gunnedah and we are so excited that they have decided to come on board.”

For more information about NAIDOC community events please contact NAIDOC Committee Chairperson Cassy Aldridge on (02) 6743 0999.

Photo Caption: The community gets involved in NAIDOC Week.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

2 July 2018

The Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex Upgrade has reached a major milestone this week, with the new 8-lane outdoor pool filled with water for testing.

The contractors, Hines Constructions, filled the pool over the weekend and testing of the structure will take place over the next seven days.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure Services Daniel Noble said with the region currently experiencing drought conditions, Hines has made allowances in its construction program to make the water available to the community after the testing is complete.

“Being a regionally based company, Hines is aware of the issues people are experiencing with the drought conditions,” Mr Noble said.

“The company is allowing Council to set up a temporary stand pipe so community members are able to access the water free of charge.

“There will be approximately 2.2 mega litres of non-potable water available, which will be allocated to those who book in with Council and have appropriate means of collecting the water.”

Interested parties are asked to contact Council to request an amount and book in a time on Monday, 9 July 2018 to collect the water. The stand pipe will be manned from 7.00am to 5.00pm. A disclaimer will need to be signed noting the water is not for human consumption – non-potable only.

If you are interested in obtaining some of the non-potable water or have any questions, please call Council’s Infrastructure Services Department on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: The new 8-lane outdoor pool has been filled for testing.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

27 June 2018

We wish to advise the Gunnedah community of the temporary closure of the Eric Arnold Heated Pool (indoor pool) on Thursday, 5 July; Wednesday, 11 July; and Thursday, 12 July from 8.00am to 4.30pm. The pool will still be open from 5.30am to 8.00am and from 4.30pm to 8.00pm.

Essential Energy will be disconnecting the power to the Facility on those dates in preparation to install electrical infrastructure services to support the new complex as part of the major upgrades.

Should you have any questions relating to the changed conditions please contact Council’s Customer Service Team on 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au 

We apologise for any inconvenience experienced during this time and thank you for your co-operation.

One form, one number and a fast track to opening your business.

Gunnedah Shire Council has partnered with Service NSW to deliver the Easy to do Business Program.

Opening a café, restaurant or small bar just got easier. To get started, all you’ll need is to complete a single form. Then you’ll be partnered with a dedicated Business Concierge who will fast track your application through government and act as a one-stop-shop for the application process – meaning you can spend less time on the paperwork and more time on your business.

HOW YOU BENEFIT

With Easy to do Business, you’ll:

• Get a unique digital profile that can help you fast track the approval process across local, state and federal government
• Receive step by step guidance through the application process
• Have the support of a dedicated Business Concierge who can answer your questions, liaise with Council, and review your applications to ensure they are ‘decision ready’
• Know upfront the time, fees and effort involved

For more information visit Service NSW or phone 13 77 88.

22 June 2018

Councillors unanimously adopted Gunnedah Shire Council’s 2018/19 Operational Plan at Wednesdays Ordinary Meeting in Breeza.

The Operational Plan forms part of the ten-year Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and identifies the services and activities that are to be carried out by council over 12 months in the Gunnedah Shire.

Included in the Operational Plan is the annual budget and Fees and Charges.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey looks forward to delivering on the community’s vision for the Gunnedah Shire.

“We continue to deliver a number of significant and positive outcomes for our community and we are confident that in the year ahead, we will complete this work and realise our community’s vision for the Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The past 12 months were a successful and defining year of significant achievements for the Gunnedah Shire and its residents and 2018/19 is shaping up to be another year full of substantial delivery.”

Significant activities in the 2018/19 Operational Plan include the Memorial Pool Complex Upgrade, the completion of the Curlewis Pipeline Project, Gunnedah’s Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground and a range of infrastructure projects.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s General Manager Eric Groth said it is important to have an Operational Plan that ensures Council can maintain services and renew existing assets, including future infrastructure projects.

“The revised Delivery Program and this year’s Operational Plan again demonstrates our ongoing commitment to getting value for money and delivering quality services for the community of the Gunnedah Shire,” Mr Groth said.
 
Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey and General Manager Eric Groth look forward to delivering on the 2018/19 Operational Plan.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

22 June 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council received a project update at Wednesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting at the Breeza Hall, outlining key milestones on the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex Upgrade, with the dates set for the heated pool enclosure refurbishment.

Improvements to the Eric Arnold Heated Pool enclosure will commence from 23 July 2018 as part of the scheduled works. The work will involve a complete refurbishment of the existing amenities and replacement of the sanitation and filtration plant that services the 25-metres heated pool.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Special Projects Manager Michael Silver said patrons are still encouraged to use the facility as the heated pool will remain open for much of this period, while the male, female and access amenities are refurbished.

“The heated pool will be closed for installation and commissioning of the new filtration plant from Monday, 12 September until Friday, 5 October, with final works completed by October 8,” Mr Silver said.

The modernisation of the existing change facilities will bring a fresh look for regular users and visitors. 

“Upgrading the heated pool enclosure forms parts of stage 1a of the overall master plan for the complex and was identified by the community as an area needing improvement. The upgrade works will significantly improve the heated pool water quality and the amenities for patrons,” Mr Silver said.

The update also noted challenges with retention of the existing basement structure of the Main Pavilion that have led to a revised contract completion date of 22 November 2018.

Mr Silver said despite this delay, significant progress is being made on the Main Pavilion with the concrete floors being poured this week and preparations for the floor slab for the new Plant Room well advanced.

“We will continue to keep the community informed on the progress of the pool with regular updates and we are hoping to host an Open Day soon where community members can see the development first hand,” Mr Silver said.

Photo caption: Eric Arnold Heated Pool enclosure is receiving a facelift.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

19 June 2018

Gunnedah’s title as Koala Capital of the world will be cemented for the future as $6.48 million for a world-class Koala Park and Education Centre was earmarked for the project in the state budget.

The news was announced today by Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, on the back of the state budget for 2018/19 through the Regional Social Benefit Infrastructure Fund.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the funding success comes as welcome news for the tourism, economic development and education sectors.

“During consultation for the 10-year Community Strategic Plan (2017-2027), the community and Council identified the need to look forward and plan for the future,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Council put a strong case forward for this project and today’s announcement is not only a relief but an exciting opportunity, with the Koala Park and Education Centre to provide jobs and a positive economic impact on the community.

“Thank you to the Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson for backing this project - it is a testament to what we can achieve when levels of government work together.”

Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said Council began the process for applying for grants through the NSW Government in August 2017.

“This announcement is significant for our Shire and will be the birth of a new industry in Gunnedah, bringing both jobs and conservation to the Koala Capital,” Mr Formann said.

“Gunnedah has created a brand as the Koala Capital of the World and it will be exciting to retain this status into the future.”

Photo caption: Gunnedah on the way to a Koala Park and Education Centre.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey (02) 6740 2100.

18 June 2018

Community members, businesses and organisations are invited to share ideas about the future of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund (GCSF).

The ‘Big Ideas Session’ run by the GCSF Working Group will ask people to bring forward ideas on how to fundraise effectively to ensure the continuation of the Fund.

GSCF is a community-run initiative that is designed to give financial aid to students in Gunnedah that are looking to further their tertiary education after the HSC.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong said the Fund has been an integral part of many students’ lives for over 14 years, giving them a financial boost and allowing them to further their education.

“The Big Ideas Session will open a platform for people in the community to bring forward suggestions about continuing the financial support of the Scholarship Fund,” Ms Emojong said.

“Gunnedah has so many talented young people, and by engaging the wider community on the future fundraising possibilities, we hope to get more people involved and excited about education past High School.”

Ms Emojong said many students that go away for tertiary education come back to town, enhancing local skills and creating more exciting job opportunities.

“Businesses, organisations and the whole community can benefit from these students returning to the Gunnedah Shire, so we encourage everyone to attend to have input on how the program can grow.”

Twenty-two students received a share of more than $22,000 for 2018, with 2019 expected to be even bigger.

“All are welcome to attend and participate,” Ms Emojong said. “Food and drinks on the night should help fuel your thoughts.”

The ‘Big Ideas Session’ will be held at The Smithurst Theatre, Conadilly Street, on Thursday, 21 June 2018, from 5:30pm-6.30pm (nibbles available from 5pm).

To RSVP for the evening, please contact Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo Caption: Twenty-two local students following tertiary studies in 2018 were awarded scholarships from the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.