23 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Library participates in National Simultaneous Storytime

As the clock struck 11.00am today, Gunnedah children joined thousands across the country reading the same book at the same time as part of National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS at Gunnedah Shire Library.

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres and many other places around the country. This year’s book was Hickory Dickory Dash, written by Tony Wilson and illustrated by Laura Wood. Gunnedah Shire Library invited community member Tony Jones to read the story to the audience.

Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett said the event, now in its 18th year, aims to promote the value of reading and literacy.

“The event has many outcomes, including promoting the value and fun in books, as well as supporting an Australian writer and publisher and encouraging children to attend storytime activities in the library,” Ms Birkett said.

Children also participated in a craft session following storytime.

Photo caption: Children and staff from Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre enjoyed storytime this morning. Pictured with Librarian Christiane Birkett, Tony Jones and Library staff member Liz Ironmonger.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

18 May 2018

The Delivery Program 2017-2021 and Operational Plan 2018/19 for Gunnedah Shire Council is officially placed on public exhibition and Council will receive submissions in relation to the documents up until 5:00pm Thursday 14 June 2017.

The documents will be available for viewing at the Council Administration Building, Library, Community Care Centre and Visitor Information Centre. Alternately the Delivery Program 2017-2021 and Operational Plan 2018/19 can be downloaded here..

This is an opportunity for members of the public to lodge submissions in relation to the items considered and strategies applied in the Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan. Council will meet again on Wednesday 20 June 2018 to consider all submissions, formally adopt the documents.

Should you have any enquiries, please contact Council on 02 6740 2100.

16 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council continues its customer-focused approach after voting to sign up with Service NSW’s Easy to Do Business Program.

Councillors endorsed to enter an agreement with Service NSW at the May Ordinary Council Meeting.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said Easy to do Business was developed by the office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner, Department of Premier and Cabinet and Service NSW to streamline the customer experience and reduce timeframes associated with new business development approvals.

“The program will provide a concierge service to navigate the large number of approvals and licences that are required across the levels of government and other agencies,” Mr Formann said.

“Essentially the program works as a one-stop-shop approach, with the concierge the single point of contact for the customer.

“Service NSW also provides a digital platform and upfront information regarding what is required by the customer from all of the approval authorities. This service is provided free of charge for both Council and the applicants and does not change Council’s existing application and lodgement payment processes.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said small business is a key driver and backbone of economic growth in the Gunnedah Shire, and Council is looking to continuously work towards implementing initiatives and resources that provide support to businesses.

“The first stage of the program focuses on approvals for cafes, small bars and restaurants, but as the program grows, further business types could be added in the future,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The program has the potential to reduce business opening timeframes from up to 18 months down to just 90 days.

“It’s important to empower small business with the right tools for economic growth and job creation, and for the longevity of our Shire.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

16 May 2018

Councillors were presented with the draft 2017-2021 (revised) Delivery Program and draft 2018/19 Operational Plan, inclusive of the annual budget and fees and charges at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting. The documents will now be placed on public exhibition to allow the Gunnedah community an opportunity to review and provide comment.

In placing the documents on exhibition, Gunnedah Shire Council’s General Manager Eric Groth said Gunnedah Shire Council has continued to be recognised by the NSW Government as being Fit for the Future, meeting both the financial, as well as the scale and capacity criteria.
“The Operational Plan describes the actions Council will take over the next 12 months to deliver on the community’s vision for our Shire,” Mr Groth said.

“Council’s dedicated staff continue to strive to deliver efficient and quality services, and continually improve processes and practices. This plan aims to achieve Council’s continued financial sustainability while planning for growth and a positive future for our community.

“Council continues to maintain services and renew existing assets, and is establishing itself in a position where it can continue to do so into the future. I am very confident the plans presented will prove to be of great benefit to the community.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah Shire Council will continue to build strong relationships with neighbouring councils as an active member of Namoi Unlimited – the Joint Organisation of Councils.

“We will continue to represent Gunnedah’s interests and advocate for local government regionally by actively being involved in Namoi Unlimited,” Cr Chaffey said.
“We are now entering our second year of the four-year delivery program under the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework. 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.

“The past 12 months were a successful and defining year of major achievements for the Gunnedah Shire and its residents and 2018-19 is shaping up to be another significant year of delivery,” he said.

“The Operational Plan is an extremely important document that will provide the framework for Council’s service delivery for the next year. I encourage the Gunnedah community to review the proposed plans and to submit feedback to Council for consideration.”

Copies of the draft 2017-21 Delivery Plan and 2018-19 Operational Plan are available to download here or from Council’s Administration Building, Library, Visitor Information Centre and GoCo Community Care. Feedback from the community is welcome, with the closing date for submissions being Thursday, 14 June 2018.

For more information regarding please contact Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo Caption: Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and General Manager Eric Groth discuss the draft 2018/19 Operational Plan.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

9 May 2018

Gunnedah’s Waste Water Management Facility has undergone an $8.1 million major remodel to future-proof Gunnedah’s sewerage treatment works until 2038.

Gunnedah Shire Council secured $1.98 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Resources for Regions Program for the project, and allocated the remaining funds from its own budget for the works.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey officially opened the Plant on Wednesday afternoon.

“The $1.98 million contribution by the NSW Government to the Gunnedah Waste Water Treatment Plant is an investment in the future of Gunnedah,” Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said.

“The plant has not been upgraded since 1968 and was in need of improvement to enable additional treatment volume to support a strong and growing Gunnedah. This upgrade is about meeting residential and business needs on the horizon as Gunnedah continues to expand to meet growth in both the mining and agricultural sectors.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Chaffey said the project was in the planning for a number of years and work commenced in 2017 after a successful contractor was chosen.

“Gongues Construction was contracted for the works and has put in a fantastic effort ensuring this project has come in under budget and on time. I would also like to commend Council staff for their forward-thinking and initiative shown throughout this project,” Cr Chaffey said.

Council’s Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan said the major upgrade included the replacement of the inlet works, inlet pumping station, amenities building, digester, telemetry system and the sludge feed averaging tank for a new sludge drying system. New infrastructure includes a septic receival unit, a dewatering building and a dedicated switchboard room, roadworks and fencing.

“Some of the equipment replaced was nearly 80 years old,” Mr Sheridan said.

“The dewatering building has allowed the plant to enter the world of modern technology. It has the ability to dry treat sludge to 28 per cent dry solids, where most other technology sits at around 18 per cent. It also replaces the old drying beds which were really labour intensive and unsightly. We are really pleased with the outcome.”

Cr Chaffey said the major upgrade was initiated to increase the efficiency and modernise the treatment process, improve workplace health and safety and increase the capacity of the plant for future growth of the shire.

“Gunnedah is in a unique position as one of few rural towns in NSW still experiencing growth and it is important we strive to see our infrastructure match this expected growth,” Cr Chaffey said.

Council opted for the multi-million dollar upgrade over a complete rebuild, which would have cost upwards of $35 million.

Photo: Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey officially open the Gunnedah Waste Water Treatment Plant.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

8 May 2018

All roads lead to Gunnedah for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow in June as this bounty of belly laughs rolls into town.

Come along to the jam-packed, tour-de-comedy, featuring funnymakers from Australia and beyond, showcasing everything from stand up and sketch, to satire and song, in one side-splitting show.

Each year, the show is becoming better than ever, and this year it’s back by popular demand. A busload of Australian stars, talented newcomers and international performers will tour more than 80 destinations in Australia, including Gunnedah.

This year’s line-up includes Josh Earl, Sharul Channa, Suzi Ruffell, Tom Cashman and one more yet to be announced.

The show will be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Saturday, 16 June 2018, with doors opening from 7.00pm. A cash bar will be in operation and food will be available to purchase.

Tickets are $40 per adult, $35 concession, or a group booking of 10 people is $350. Tickets are available at www.thecivic.com.au or in-person at The Visitor Information Centre, Chandos Street or Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building, Elgin Street.

Warning: Performances often contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 16 years or older.

For more information please phone Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100

2 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has provided a boost to the arts and culture scene, with more than $16,000 granted to local groups under the new Arts and Cultural Funding Program.

Following submissions, a selection panel was appointed and recommended a total of $16,751.00 in grant funding to be distributed among five groups. The following funding was endorsed by Council at April’s Ordinary Council Meeting:

• Gunnedah Pottery Club $1400.00 to assist with workshop costs
• Gunnedah Embroiders Guild $851.00 to assist with tutor fees
• Arts Gunnedah $5000.00 to contribute to the Annual Arts and Ceramics Exhibition
• Two Rivers Arts Council $3000.00 to contribute to the Two Rivers Dance Collective and Big Circus Show
• Gunnedah Conservatorium $6,500.00 to assist with hosting the community choir, youth choir, community orchestra and to assist with costs for musical production, Chicago

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said the new program was adopted by Council at the February Ordinary Council Meeting and has enabled multiple arts and culture groups to apply for funding to support their programs and services.

“The new program brings Council’s process for distributing funds for arts groups into line with what occurs for sporting and community organisations, resulting in a fairer system,” Mr Formann said.

“The panel assessed the applications on their merits and ensured a fair distribution by prioritising projects which would have significant benefit to local arts and cultural programming in the Gunnedah community.”

Gunnedah Conservatorium Director Rebecca Ryan spoke in favour of the program.

“Council should be commended for taking this direction. It allows organisations to tailor and develop their programs to meet the community’s needs,” Ms Ryan said.

It is anticipated a second round of funding will be open for applications in June.

“A new round of funding is expected to open in the second half of this year, which will give organisations a second opportunity, or those that missed out in this round, to apply,” Mr Formann said.

Photo Caption: Successful recipients of grants from the Arts and Cultural Funding Program were invited to a presentation at Gunnedah Shire Council. Back from left, Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley, Hilda Morris (Gunnedah Embroiderers’ Guild), Trish Conway (TRAC), Director Corporate and Community Services (Colin Formann), Councillor David Moses, Councillor John Campbell. Front: Rebecca Ryan (Gunnedah Conservatorium), Jennifer Budden (Gunnedah Embroiderers’ Guild), Shirley Urquhart (Arts Gunnedah), Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Julie Goodwin (TRAC), Pat Tobin (Gunnedah Pottery Club) and Jenni Carlin (Gunnedah Pottery Club).

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

2 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is undertaking community consultation regarding a proposed location for an off-leash dog area.

Council’s Open Space Strategy has identified Athol Gallen Park, off Walter Rodd Street, as a suitable location due to its size and accessibility. The proposal includes fencing (1.2 metres high), seating, waste bins, a water point, concrete pathways and signage.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Public Facilities Geoff Phillips said Athol Gallen Park has the supporting infrastructure already in place, with carparks in both Walter Rodd Street and Winder Place, shaded trees and multiple access points for pedestrians and vehicles.

“Gunnedah currently has only one dog off-leash area, being the Woolshed Reserve in Maitland Street. This reserve is unfenced due to being in the floodplain. Feedback received by Council consistently calls for a fenced area,” Mr Phillips said.

“Athol Gallen Park has access from Ashford’s Watercourse walk and cycle way, Winder Place, Walter Rodd Street, as well as Baxter Street. There is already parking for six to seven vehicles and sufficient shade.

“At this stage, we are just trying to gather people’s thoughts and views. We hope that, if approved, an off-leash area will encourage people to exercise their dogs there. It’s important to provide a secure recreational area for them to get outdoors and to encourage responsible pet ownership as well.”

Council has developed a survey to seek feedback from residents of the Gunnedah Shire, on the proposed location. All data and comments from the survey will be reviewed and a report will be presented to Council for consideration.

The Athol Gallen Park - Dog off-leash area (Gunnedah) survey can be accessed online or a hard copy can be obtained from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building in Elgin Street. The survey must be submitted by 5.00pm on Thursday, 31 May 2018.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Public Facilities Geoff Phillips at Athol Gallen Park.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

Eather Drive in memory of the late Edward 'Clyde' Eather is a section of roadway extending west from Oxley Highway to the intersection of Ruvigne and Wilkinson Roads, Gunnedah.

The proposed road name will be publicly exhibited for a period of 28 days from Tuesday, 1 May 2018.

The proposed road name plan can be viewed online or in person at Council's Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah between the hours of 8.30am and 5.00pm.

Map of Proposed Road Naming - Eather Drive

Any person wishing to comment on the proposed road name may do so in writing, with submissions to be received by no later than 5.00pm, 28 May 2018.

Any submission should be addressed to:

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER
Gunnedah Shire Council
PO Box 63
Gunnedah, NSW 2380

Join the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow as it comes to Gunnedah in 2018! Come along to the jam-packed tour-de-comedy, featuring funnymakers from Australia and beyond, showcasing everything from stand-up and sketch, to satire and song in one side-splitting show! You won’t want to miss it when this bounty of belly laughs rolls into town.

The event will be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Saturday, 16 June 2018 from 7.30pm.

Tickets:

• Concession: $35.00
• Adult: $40.00
• Group Booking Discount (10+): $35.00 per ticket

Tickets can be purchased at www.thecivic.com.au or in person at the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre, Chandos Street or Gunnedah Shire Council Office, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Warning: Performances often contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 15 years or older. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the venue.