18 December 2024

Gunnedah Shire Council is looking for interested community representatives aged 18 and over to contribute to established Working Groups.

These groups allow Councillors, staff, and community to collaborate and focus on specific priorities and objectives.

Members are sought for:

The Access Working Group - Meets quarterly to support the ongoing implementation of Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

The Crime Prevention Working Group - Meets bi-monthly to improve the safety amenity of the Shire and demonstrate a whole of community, collaborative approach to the reduction and prevention of crime.

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Working Group which considers matters relating to maintaining a scholarship fund for the benefit of local students, encourages and assists local students to continue their education at a tertiary level and assesses and determines applications to the fund.

The Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group which brings together local schools, volunteer and cultural groups, businesses and interested parties to foster existing and targeted Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships both nationally and internationally.

The Australia Day Working Group which coordinates promotes and supports events and activities to celebrate Australia Day.
Group members are appointed for two-year terms, and the Working Groups generally meet bi-monthly. Successful nominations will first need to be endorsed by Council at an Ordinary Meeting.

Nominations for each working group close at 5pm on Monday 6 January 2025. Application forms are available at the Council Administration Centre in Elgin Street prior to Friday 20 December 2024, or on http://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Further information is available by contacting Council on (02) 6740 2100 prior to 12pm Friday 20 December 2024.

17 December 2024

Applications for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund will close on January 8, and young people are reminded to apply before the deadline.

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund has awarded close to 500 scholarships since it began more than 20 years ago, and has seen local young people go off to a huge range of studies and careers.

The fund is a partnership between business, the local community and Gunnedah Shire Council that assists students with expenses such as textbooks, relocation, living expenses or tuition fees.

Gunnedah Shire Council can now add a new scholarship to its extensive list – "The Pamela Helen Rickard Scholarship".

Very generous sponsors, who have asked to remain anonymous, have donated a substantial amount of funds for this scholarship, which are to be disbursed as $2,500 per student, per year, with a maximum of three full-time students per scholarship year, to attend the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, preferably to study Asian Studies, Economics or Business Management. In the event that no student is looking to undertake studies in these areas, there is the potential to look at a scholarship for a student who will be enrolling in any other ‘full-time’ course at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. The funds will be disbursed each year until all expended.

The sponsors have created the scholarship in honour of Pamela Helen Rickard, who was the Dux of Gunnedah High School in 1969. Pamela attended the Australian National University from 1970 to 1972, undertaking a combined Asian Studies/Economics degree and was a prize-winner in Economic History.

Pamela spent many years in administration at Monash University, including in the role of assistant to the Dean of the Faculty of Law in the 1990s, utilising her strong personal skills backed by her academic studies, including a Graduate Diploma in Business Management.

The sponsors said Pamela was always very proud of her Gunnedah roots, and believed deeply in the value of education and the encouragement and provision of opportunities for young people.

Young people can apply for this or another Gunnedah Community Scholarship and take a look at the guidelines online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on Wednesday, 8 January 2025 at 5pm to allow time for students to receive university offers. Applicants will need two references with at least one from an education institution.

In 2024, 28 young people were assisted in starting their education adventure through the fund.

If you, your business or community group would like to become a sponsor of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund, please contact Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

16 December 2024

Summer is here and so is the Summer School Holiday Program with activities running from 6 January through to 30 January.

There is something for arty kids, sporty kids, little kids and kids who love to bake in this Gunnedah Shire Council program.

Gunnedah Shire Library will hold its well-loved Book Buddies and Crafty Creations sessions. Book Buddies is a great free storytime and craft session for 0-7 year-olds, while Crafty Creations keeps children from 7-12 busy with activities and handicrafts for just $3 per participant.

Other activities include the free Epic Cupcake Decorating Workshop on Monday, 13 January where kids can learn cool decorating techniques and create great cupcake designs.

Two free art sessions with Jade Punch – Mixed Medium Art with Jade on Wednesday, 15 January and Print Making Art with Jade on Wednesday, 22 January – will encourage children to discover their creativity in a two-hour workshop.

There will be a free Fitness and Yoga Workshop for young people aged 12-24 at Gunnedah Health & Fitness Co on Friday, 17 January.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy & Growth Susan Frater said school holiday activities were a great way to keep children entertained over the summer holidays.

“We have a number of very varied free activities in our program to suit kids who have all sorts of interests,” Mrs Frater said.

“There are a few other activities that children can do at any time – they just have to pop along to the Civic Theatre to find out how to participate. There’s a Furry Frenzy Seek and Find and Town Bus Bingo.

“Of course, the Gunnedah Memorial Pool is also a great way to cool off, and it’s open every day except Christmas Day.

“Even if the activities are free, you will need to book a spot while places are still available.”

To find out more information, visit www.thecivic.com.au/youth

Caption: Children enjoy unleashing their creativity at a Gunnedah Shire Library Craft Creations session.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

12 December 2024

Gunnedah Shire Council has released a Concept Design for a new Gunnedah Youth Space that would not only deliver new skate park facilities, but would take a staged approach to an exciting new precinct.

One of the key recommendations of the Gunnedah Shire Open Space Strategy 2022-2032 was to investigate upgrades to the popular existing Gunnedah Skate Park on the corner of View Street and Wandobah Road.

The Gunnedah Youth Space Draft Concept Design was presented to Councillors this week in the first step towards endorsing a design that would assist Council to apply for State or Federal funding.

The design includes new skate facilities, car park, toilet block, a hang-out hub and lighting in Stage 1, and a pop-up kiosk area, bike loop, basketball half-court, ping-pong table, seating, bike skills track and skate bowl area in Stage 2.

The staged approach was taken to assist in securing funding for this important youth project.

The concept, which is on public exhibition and open for submissions until 5pm, Thursday, January 16, was developed by award-winning specialists CONVIC. CONVIC have created more than 800 skate parks and youth spaces around the world.

“CONVIC was asked to develop a concept for a new youth space that would replace the current Gunnedah Skate Park with a contemporary facility that would provide the Shire’s young people with an amazing place to go,” Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said.

“The concept was delivered after community consultation that included a well-attended open design workshop at Gunnedah Skate Park, an online survey with 285 responses, and a session held by Gunnedah High School.

“The result, combined with the possibilities and limitations of the site and the expert knowledge of the consultants, is a very exciting concept design.

“We are hoping to receive more community feedback during the exhibition period before the design goes back to Council to endorse. The concept gives us a great basis to seek funding to develop this site.”

People can take a look at the full design and report here or by request at Council’s Elgin Street Administration Centre. Submissions are due by 5pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

Caption: A concept design showing the two stages proposed for the new Gunnedah Youth Space.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

11 December, 2024

The Gunnedah Shire Library has been recognised with two statewide awards.

This month, Librarian Christiane Birkett was announced as the winner of the inaugural NSW Library & Information Excellence Award by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).

The award acknowledges dedication, innovation, and excellence in the library and information sector, and celebrates the achievements of those who have made a significant impact.

Judges noted the task was made more difficult by the “exceptional quality of entries and the passion expressed by the respective nominators”.

“The nominations showed dedication and creativity, and reflected the talent across our field,” ALIA said.

Mrs Birkett was nominated for her role in making the Gunnedah Shire Library an integral part of the Gunnedah Shire community.

“Since starting work at the Gunnedah Shire Library, Chris Birkett has revitalised the library service; it's not just a book place, but a people space, a community hub for information and recreational reading, and also for social contact,” the nomination notes.

“She is unstinting in her help to other libraries, librarians, departments, groups, and organisations.

“Many of her innovative programs have spread throughout NSW and Australia. The 1,000 Books before School, Brain training @ the Library, and Senior Engagement Talks are easy to implement, can be utilised/adapted by any library, and are inexpensive to run. They also emphasise language, literacy, and social connection, the mainstay of any library service.”

Gunnedah Shire Library has also recently won the Innovations in Outreach Services with the Seniors Engagement Talks at the NSW Public Libraries Association Switch Conference.

The Innovation in Outreach Services Awards provide recognition for the high-quality outreach programs and services provided by public libraries across New South Wales.

Mrs Birkett said it was wonderful recognition for the Library to win the two awards.

“The mark of any good library is its connection with its community, and we are delighted that we have been able to fulfill that aim with some success,” she said.

“I’m thrilled to have won the inaugural NSW Library & Information Excellence Award. I love to come up with ideas that could be valuable to our community, but our Library has an excellent team who put those ideas and many others into practice.

“We believe there are opportunities to enrich the lives of all Gunnedah’s community, whether it is young children or seniors.”

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett accepts her NSW Library & Information Excellence Award last week. She is pictured with NSW ALIA Convenor Vicki Edmunds and NSW State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowden.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

5 December 2024 

At its November Ordinary Meeting the Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to award Rice Constructions the contract for the Gunnedah Indoor Pool Ceiling Replacement and Associated Works Project.

These works will mean that the indoor heated swimming pool will be CLOSED from January 13, 2025, and re-open in early March 2025.

These works will include full replacement of the indoor pool ceiling, replacement of the front roof and gutters and the installation of an extra support pillar above the children’s play area, new wiring in the ceiling, and a full epoxy coating of the indoor pool which will extend the life of the indoor pool facility.

4 December, 2024

Gunnedah Shire Council’s administration building will be closed for the Christmas-New Year period from Friday, 20 December at 12pm and will reopen on Monday, 6 January at 9am.

GoCo and the Gunnedah Shire Library will also be closed during this time (the Library will open at the regular time of 9.30am on 6 January).

Your general waste, recycling and green waste pick-up days will remain the same over Christmas and New Year.

Other Gunnedah Shire Council Christmas closures:
• The Civic Theatre – Closed: Mondays to Wednesdays as usual, with the additional closure day of Thursday, 26 December.
• Gunnedah Memorial Pool – Open throughout the break except for the reduced hours of 9am to 5pm on Christmas Eve, and closed on Christmas Day.
• Gunnedah Waste Facility – Open throughout the break except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
• Rural Waste Facilities – Open on usual times and days.
• The Visitor Information Centre and Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery – Open throughout the break except for Christmas Day.
• The Gunnedah Saleyards – final sale for 2024 is on Tuesday, 17 December (weather permitting), and the first sale for 2025 will be on Tuesday, 7 January.

If you are in need of urgent assistance on the days we are closed, please phone our after hours service on 02 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council wishes you, your family and friends a safe and wonderful Christmas and New Year break. We look forward to seeing you in 2025.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

3 December, 2024

There is less than a week left to nominate someone for the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards 2025 and we need your help to make these an awards to remember!

Even being nominated for one of these awards is an honour, and those who are officially recognised go on to become a permanent part of Gunnedah Shire’s history.
There are 13 categories in the 2025 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards:

• Citizen of the Year (21 and over) – To a person who: has made an outstanding contribution to the residents or community; has made a significant contribution in a voluntary capacity; has shown care and compassion to others in the community; and/or displays citizenship and ethical leadership.
  • Young Citizen of the Year (20 and under) – To a young person 20 years or under on 31 December 2024 who: has demonstrated commitment to the community through involvement in sporting, social or community issues; has shown a high level of achievement in their education, sporting, social, hobbies and community activities; and/or demonstrates involvement in extra-curricular activities (i.e. assisting others in the community).
  • Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year – To a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community in a voluntary capacity.
  • Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy – To a retired person who has continued to dedicate their time and efforts to impart their knowledge and skills to others in the community, and to assist people to attain higher goals in life.
  • Community Achievement – To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through their dedication and efforts in a specific organisation, community initiative or civic duty.
  • Cultural Achievement – To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through any means of cultural diversity.
  • Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award – To a person who is a quiet achiever, lives quietly out of the public eye but is well known to family, friends and neighbours as someone who gives freely of their time to lend a neighbourly hand, without looking for anything in return. For example, feeding animals while neighbours are away, taking soup to a sick neighbour, providing transport for housebound people etc
  • Sports Person of the Year (21 and over) – To a person who: has been a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah shire for the last 12 months; and has made a significant contribution to their sporting club or chosen sporting field.
  • Junior Sports Person of the Year (20 and under) – To a person who: has been a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months; and has made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
  • Sports Team of the Year – To a team who: have been members of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months; and have made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
  • Junior Sports Team of the Year (20 and under) – To a team who: Have been members of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months, and have made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
  • Ivan Towns Memorial Award – This award is in recognition of the work that is done by a coach, someone who is committed to training and passing on their knowledge.
  • Environmental Citizens of the Year – Nominees may be recognised for work such as: efforts to preserve the environment within their local community; ability to foster partnerships that achieve litter reduction and recycling outcomes; use of the Return and Earn scheme to help fundraise for a meaningful cause. Individuals and organisations including schools, local businesses and community groups are eligible to receive this award. Winners of this award can go in to the running for the state winner title.

For application forms and to find out more, visit:
• www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/economic-development/australia-day, or
• www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events

Copies of the form can be picked up from Council in Elgin St from Thursday, 17 October. Nomination forms must be returned by 5pm on Monday, 9 December 2024.

ENDS

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