15 June 2018

The Gunnedah Waste Management Facility (GWMF) will be upgrading the cells on the facility weighbridge on Thursday, 28 June and Friday, 29 June 2018.

The weighbridge is an essential piece of infrastructure which is required to be in good working condition in order for the GWMF to operate effectively and efficiently. Therefore, it is important that the weighbridge is maintained.

Interruptions may occur and charges will be applied on these days, however staff will be submitting hand written receipts upon arrival which will be later recorded into the computer program.

Council asks that all visitors to the facility please take care entering the site and exiting as there will be a change to the flow of traffic.

12 June 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council officially opened the ‘Faces, Places and Spaces’ Photography Exhibition on Friday night at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, where judge Andrew Pearson announced the winners of the competition.

Budding photographers were asked to snap pictures of the landscape around them; flora and fauna; tourist destinations and the CBD; community events; community, culture and lifestyle; villages; commercial and industry; and a creative depiction of what the photographer loves most about where they live. All photos were to be taken in the Gunnedah Shire and could be used for future promotion of the Shire.

Catherine Fogarty was named the overall winner, with her photo “What I love most about where I live”. Judge Andrew Pearson said the photo was quintessential Gunnedah and “stood out to him” as soon as he entered the gallery. Catherine also received first place in the events (Laughter); community, culture and lifestyle (Feels Like Home); and flora and fauna (Kangaroos on Lincoln) sections.

Jen Shorter received first place in the villages section with her photo “Curlewis Silos”, as well as first place in the tourist destinations/CBD section with “Full Moon Miner”.

“The Snow Crop” by Trish Worboys took out first place in the commercial/industry section, with Trish also placing first in the “What I love most about where I live” section, with “Sunset and Farming”.

Cheryl Nugent placed first in the landscape section, with “Gunnedah Magic” – a photo depicting one of Gunnedah’s famous sunsets.

Mr Pearson also awarded 12-year-old Emma Doyle an encouragement award for her photos and said she “had a great talent for someone so young”.

Council’s Acting Manager Communications and Cultural Services Ashley Gardner congratulated the winners and thanked all entrants for supporting the inaugural competition.

“We wanted photographers to tell their story of Gunnedah and its people through their lenses. The essence of Gunnedah Shire was well and truly captured in the wonderful entries we received,” Mrs Gardner said.

“Thank you to everyone who supported the competition.”
A People’s Choice Award is still up for grabs with voting open at the gallery until June 28. The winner will receive a $100 Gunnedah Gift Card.

Photo Caption: Acting Manager Communications and Cultural Services Ashley Gardner, Judge Andrew Pearson, Cheryl Nugent and Catherine Fogarty (standing).

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

12 June 2018

The late William Ronald Clegg MBE, OAM – five-term deputy mayor, former mayor (1969-80), State Emergency Service Namoi Division Controller, dedicated community member and decorated civil servant.

The Medal of the Order of Australia recipient’s memory has been honoured with a road name tribute in the nation’s capital. Clegg Lane has been identified and dedicated in the suburb of Strathnairn, Belconnen ACT.

Gunnedah Shire Council was contacted by the ACT Place Names Committee to review the proposal and put its support behind the commemoration.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said roads in Strathnairn are named in accordance with the theme ‘Primary Industry and Regional Service’.

“It is a fitting tribute to a community member and long-standing Councillor who has been remembered as a great figure in the history of not only Gunnedah but the north-west,” Mr Johns said.

Mr Clegg was elected to Gunnedah Municipal Council in 1956 and retired in 1999. He was the Namoi Division Controller for the SES in the 1970s, and helped found the North West Tourist Association in 1963. Mr Clegg also served on the executive of the NSW Council of Regional Tourist Associations.

He was awarded an OAM in 2003 for his service to Gunnedah through Local Government and the development of tourism in the area.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Mr Clegg’s legacy is marked across the Shire.

“There was hardly a local organisation that did not benefit from Mr Clegg’s energy, experience and enterprise – the war memorial pool, indoor heated pool and Remembrance Grove, to name a few,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Mr Clegg dedicated his life to serving the Gunnedah community, creating jobs and advancing the town – I am pleased to see this worthy commemoration take place.”

Photo Caption: The unveiling of the WR Clegg Emergency Services Centre in 2000. Pictured from left, former Mayor and current Deputy Mayor Gae Swain, William Ronald Clegg and former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson. Photo courtesy of Gunnedah Historical Society.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council accepted a tender of $11.4 million from Hines Constructions of Bathurst to complete Stage 1a of the Master Plan at the Council Ordinary Meeting on 16 August 2017. Construction started on the project on 16 October 2017 and progress is well underway.

Gunnedah Shire Council is keeping the community updated with regular newsletters on the progress of the project. Hard copies of the newsletter are available at Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building, Visitor Information Centre and the Heated Pool Complex.

For the latest online version of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Renewal Project Newsletter click here.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH

Monday 1 October 2018
Collection will be on Tuesday 2 October 2018.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CURLEWIS

Monday 1 October 2018
Collection will be on Wednesday 3 October 2018.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Should you have any enquiries regarding the Recycling collection during the June Long Weekend please contact RECYCLIT on 67421522.

THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND GREENWASTE COLLECTION

Please ensure bins are placed out the night before collection date, as contractors are not obliged to accept late bins.

If you have any enquiries regarding these changes please contact Council’s Customer Services Team on (02) 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager

1 June 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council’s multi-million dollar works to reduce the impact of flooding from Blackjack Creek is complete and has come in significantly under budget.

The Blackjack Creek Flood Mitigation Project commenced in November 2017, with works undertaken by Daracon Group Gunnedah. Council was successful with a grant from the Office of Environment and Heritage for the $3.2 million development. The project was finalised in May 2018, and was under budget by more than $200,000.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Development and Planning Carolyn Hunt said the project was a recommendation of the Blackjack Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan 2010 to ensure one-in-100 year flood events are contained and surrounding properties are protected.

“The Blackjack Creek channel reconstruction is the culmination of years of investigation, consultation, surveying, planning and design,” Mrs Hunt said.

“The project involved creating channel banks and deepening; widening and the realignment of 1.9 kilometres of Blackjack Creek, between McCalls Road and Oxley Highway, to increase capacity. It also included the installation of storm water pipes under Wandobah Road, and associated road works, as well as the removal and replanting of trees in the area.”

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Gae Swain thanked the Flood Mitigation Working Group for its commitment to the project.

“There has been a huge amount of work go into this project over a number of years and it is wonderful to see the finished product come in under budget and I commend everyone, both current and past, involved,” Cr Swain said.

Moving forward, it is Gunnedah Shire Council’s intention to seek funding to initiate a Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan review to assess flood prone land maps.

Blackjack Creek Aerial Photography - 7 November 2017  |  Blackjack Creek Aerial Photography - 9 May 2018

Photo Caption: Daracon Group Construction Manager Adam King, Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Development and Planning Carolyn Hunt, Deputy Mayor Gae Swain and Office of Environment and Heritage Senior Floodplain Officer Ivan Rivas Acosta.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

30 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is pleased to support eight local businesses and organisations after Round Two allocations of the Business Partner Program were endorsed at the April Ordinary Council Meeting.

More than $17,000 was allocated under the 2017/18 Business Partner Program after applications were considered by a panel. The following businesses and organisations were successful and announced at a ceremony on Wednesday:

• Prydes Easifeeds for quality and packaging updates
• Care 4 U Services for digital development
• Mrs Hath’s Forest Nursery for The Shed Café
• Managed by Kate (property management) for start-up costs
• WA Baxter and Co for an expansion
• Evolution Therapies for an upgrade
• Gunnedah Fashion Fabrics for digital development
• Bitter Suite Café for weather protection

Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said the Program is designed to actively seek new business opportunities and assist in the expansion of existing businesses in the Shire, by providing support, advice and marketing, as well as the provision of incentives.

“We received 26 applications and are distributing $17,975 across eight local businesses. It was very competitive and fantastic to see so many quality applications and initiatives from our business community,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Applications were assessed against the criteria set by the Advisory Group, and recommendations for funding were given based on the quality of the applications and the funding available in this round.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said support offered by this Program supplements the Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy by encouraging increased productivity, sustainability, growth and employment; and targeting new business and economic activity.

“Communities like Gunnedah are dependent on small to medium-sized businesses to remain the backbone of the local economy and it is great to see eight local businesses become successful in receiving this support from Council,” Cr Chaffey said.

Round Three of the Business Partner Program is now open and applications close on 30 June 2018.

For more information visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or contact Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo Caption: Business Partner Program Presentation, from left: Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle, Rebecca Gilbert (Mrs Hath’s Forest Nursery), Kate Johnson (Managed by Kate), Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Rachael Hopkins (WA Baxter and Co), Alice Weinthal (Bitter Suite Café), Amanda Cooper ( Care 4 U Services) and Maddison Vigor (Evolution Therapies).

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

31 May 2018

GoCo Community Care has expanded its home and community care services and geographic footprint after the recent acquisition of Tamworth Regional Council’s (TRC) funded aged care services and New England Carer Support Service.

The transition involved the transfer of TRC’s Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) funded aged-care services and New England Carer Support Service, which provides counselling, support, information and advocacy services (CSIA) for carers. The agreement included continued employment of five existing staff members and the retention of existing service hubs in Barraba Kootingal, Nundle and Tamworth.

GoCo Manager Bruce Mercer said GoCo Community Care has a long and proud history of caring for regional and rural Australians with over 30 years’ experience in delivery of CHSP services in the North West area of NSW and was pleased to extend the quality care provided.

“GoCo’s commitment to providing quality home and community care, along with its existing network and infrastructure, has made this step an easy decision to make,” Mr Mercer said.

“Gunnedah Shire Council was approached by TRC in regards to consideration of taking on its existing CHSP and CSIA funding contracts with the Commonwealth Government.

“The agreement came into effect on 1 April 2018 and has given GoCo the opportunity to build its brand even further and grow services into a wider area,” he said.

“The transition has proven to be relatively seamless with pre-existing services continuing unchanged and minimal disruption for customers. GoCo was able to increase the level of resourcing to these areas which will be of benefit to new and existing customers.

“We are committed to providing our clients with incredible support and services to ensure you (or your loved one) have the freedom to live happy and independent lives.”

New GoCo offices were opened at 90 Queen Street, Barraba and Cockburn Cottage, Kootingal.

For more information on GoCo Community Care visit www.goco.com.au or phone (02) 6740 2240.

Photo Caption: GoCo’s new Barraba office with staff, from left, Alison Ward and Narelle Morrow.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

28 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is in the running for the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) Engineering Excellence Awards after the recent completion of significant upgrades to the Gunnedah Waste Water Management Facility.

The annual awards, to be held in the Hunter Valley later this year as part of the IPWEA’S State Conference, recognise excellence in Local Government and Public Works Projects, as well as individual teams.

The $8.1 million project is nominated in Category 3 – Innovation in Water Supply and Waste Water, after addressing the following criteria – “the project must demonstrate innovations in water supply and/or waste water, reflect efficiencies and demonstrate cost savings”.

Acting Director of Infrastructure Services and IPWEA member, Daniel Noble welcomed the announcement.
“The plant has not been upgraded since 1968 and was in need of improvement to enable additional treatment volume to support the rising population growth of Gunnedah,” Mr Noble said.

“The project was in the planning for a number of years, with works commencing in 2017. The project was delivered on time and on budget and officially opened earlier in May.

“To receive this nomination is the icing on the cake and a sweet reward for the hard work of the project managers, in particular Manager of Water Services, Kevin Sheridan, who has been the driving force behind this project since its inception.”

The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) is the peak association for the professionals delivering public works and engineering services to communities in Australia and New Zealand. IPWEA provides services to its members and advocacy on their behalf.

Almost all of Australia and New Zealand’s professional consultancy firms that specialise in public sector infrastructure – including roads, water, power, rail, ports and airports – have managers and staff who are members of IPWEA.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Waste Water Management Facility has been nominated for the IPWEA (NSW) Engineering Excellence Awards.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

29 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for submissions for the annual NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition.

The 2018 theme is ‘Because of her, we can’ and Council is urging artists, hobbyists, schools, organisations and individuals to come together and explore the theme and exhibit their artworks in a professional gallery space.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said the exhibition will celebrate the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made, and continue to make, to communities, families, and to the nation.

“It will be rewarding to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s achievements, voices, passions and strength incorporated and depicted through art,” Ms Mackley said.

“The exhibition will bring light to the contributions of the women depicted or the relationship to the theme held by the artist.”

Submissions close at 5.00pm Friday, 6 July 2018. All artworks must be ready to hang and are to be submitted to the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

The exhibition will officially open at 1.00pm on Friday, 13 July 2018 during NAIDOC Week celebrations. The exhibition will continue until Monday, 6 August 2018.

For more information or for an entry form, please contact Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: The NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition last year in the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.