Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
20 July, 2020
Council supports Eisteddfod’s award nomination
Gunnedah Shire Councillors have voted to support Gunnedah Eisteddfod Society’s nomination for a national award for this year’s Online Music Eisteddfod.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the society had applied to council for financial support towards entry fees for the Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event and Best Regional Event cate
gories of the Australian Event Awards and Symposium.
“The Gunnedah Eisteddfod Society has created something wonderful during challenging times,” Cr Chaffey said.
“Their initiative to create an online eisteddfod not only allowed this important community event to continue, but took it to new audiences and new heights, with 669 entries and new sections, including a family and household category.
“This is a great example of innovation at work in our community and we truly support the Gunnedah Eisteddfod Society in this nomination for a national award, and their plans to extend this event even further in the future.”
Gunnedah Shire Council will provide $400 towards the entry fees from the Cultural Grants Program.
GoCo changes on public exhibition
Proposed amended GoCo fees and charges will be available for comment for 28 days.
Gunnedah Shire Council approved the fees and charges schedule for public exhibition at this month’s Council Meeting.
The amended fees and charges will provide a framework for GoCo to use when discussing with individual clients their capacity to contribute to cost of services they receive.
GoCo specialises in providing aged and community services to the Gunnedah community, supporting older people to live an independent life. GoCo clients must be eligible through My Aged Care to access a range of services.
People can view the document on https://gococare.com.au/news/
New door for library and lift for pool
Gunnedah Shire Council has approved funding for a new automatic entry door for Gunnedah Library and a new disability access lift for the Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool.
The automatic entry door to the library has been malfunctioning while set on automatic and Council has been advised it cannot be repaired.
The door will be replaced by a new automatic entry door as soon as possible.
Council also approved funding to replace the disability access lift at the pool which is not working and is unable to be repaired to Australian Standards.
The disability access lift is used in the indoor heated pool by people who are unable to access the pool via the stairs or with other assistance.
Caption: A new disability access lift has been approved for the Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
17 July, 2020
Gunnedah Shire Council is moving to the second phase of its economic response to COVID-19, with the introduction of the Community Resilience Business Recovery Package - Invigorate Gunnedah.
The first phase of the COVID-19 Business Support Package, rolled out in April, saw a $1.6 million stimulus flow to the Shire which incorporated a freeze in interest accrual against rates, fees and charges, a reduction in business fees, and extension of existing grants programs to help businesses struggling due to COVID-19.
Endorsed by Council at the July Ordinary Meeting, the second phase of the package, valued at more than $800,000, incorporates a range of community and business initiatives to support recovery, rebuilding and revitalisation throughout the Gunnedah Shire.
Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Jamie Chaffey said Invigorate Gunnedah was shaped through community consultation, with the collaborative process allowing Council to identify where it had capacity to fill gaps in Federal and State Government support.
“We have heard first-hand from the local business community about their most pressing needs during this crisis. Feedback suggested that Council develop local spending incentives, support more community events and create a more vibrant CBD experience with street art and pop-up shops,” Cr Chaffey said.
“The business community told us they wanted guidance with efforts to diversify and future-proof, and they also want to see us using local goods and services for upcoming projects.
“The tourism sector has been heavily impacted by COVID-19, and some valuable feedback was received about capitalising on the increased interest in domestic travel and improving the overall visitor experience in Gunnedah.
“The community will see this feedback represented in Invigorate Gunnedah. This recovery package incorporates short-term strategies to help our community weather the current crisis, including Shop Local campaigns, visitor incentives to boost tourism, a Cultural Precinct 'pop-up' public domain project and the launch of a new procurement platform helping Council access more goods and services from local businesses.
“Invigorate Gunnedah also looks to the future through larger scale initiatives and infrastructure projects designed to generate greater investment in the Gunnedah Shire. The Business Partner Program will have extra funding for new projects and there will be an additional round for signage and façade upgrades.
“Building resilience, keeping people employed and ensuring businesses continue to succeed is at the heart of everything we are doing.”
The recovery package is centered upon six key objectives, including:
- Support local spending,
- Bring vibrancy back into the CBD,
- Strengthen our businesses and encourage resilience,
- Grow our tourism sector in Gunnedah Shire,
- Promote Gunnedah as the first choice to live, work and invest, and
- Drive local infrastructure projects to create more jobs.
Each objective will be achieved through a number of initiatives and strategies, to be rolled out in the coming weeks.
For further information about these initiatives and Gunnedah Shire Council’s broader COVID-19 response, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
16 July, 2020
Gunnedah Shire Council has more opportunities to work with local businesses following the introduction of an innovative digital marketplace.
VendorPanel is a purchasing and procurement platform that allows local businesses to register for a broad range of Council tenders.
VendorPanel Marketplace then uses geolocation to help Council staff pinpoint businesses that Council can collaborate with.
The platform is free and available to all suppliers with an Australian business number and public liability insurance. Once registered, suppliers can receive invitations to quote on work across dozens of categories.
The platform provides suppliers with direct access to procurement opportunities and suppliers can elect to receive SMS or email notifications for upcoming tenders.
The project has been developed in collaboration with Namoi Unlimited, a joint organisation of Councils across the Namoi region. Once established, Vendor Panel will provide Gunnedah Shire businesses further opportunity to compete for tenders in neighbouring areas.
Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said VendorPanel will strengthen the local economy and create more job opportunities by making Council procurement across a range of goods and services more accessible.
“It is more important than ever for Council to support local businesses and employees in these challenging economic times,” Cr Chaffey said.
“Businesses of all sizes will benefit from registering with VendorPanel. As a Council we utilise a broad range of services; everything from event catering to fleet vehicles and machinery.
“VendorPanel will have significant economic benefits to the Gunnedah Shire. It is designed to support local jobs, increase revenue for businesses and further diversify our economy.
“A case study of 26 Councils already using the platform found that in 84.4% of cases, jobs were awarded to local suppliers.
“The study also found that local suppliers offered Councils value for money, delivering an average 9.74% savings to the buyer.
“I urge every business interested in providing goods and services to the local government sector to take advantage of this opportunity made possible by Namoi Unlimited and VendorPanel.”
Two virtual training and information sessions have been scheduled to support businesses through the registering and tender process. Both morning and evening sessions are available on:
- Tuesday July 28 at 9:00am. To register visit https://vendorpanel.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vu_0daQRRKGbESZw3ukodA
- Wednesday July 29 at 6:00pm. To register visit https://vendorpanel.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2hL-Xo3NQw2DNVFCR91KFw
Local businesses ready to sign up for VendorPanel can visit www.vendorpanel.com.au/marketplace. Those with further queries can also contact Council through vendorpanel@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
15 July, 2020
Organisers of Harvest Gunnedah have announced a new date for the inaugural festival, with the feast for the senses now scheduled for next Spring.
Harvest Gunnedah will be held during the 2021 October Long Weekend on Saturday, October 2 at Riverside Racecourse, Gunnedah.
Gunnedah Shire Councillor and member of the Harvest Gunnedah Committee Colleen Fuller said that COVID-19 had created an exceptional set of circumstances, forcing the group to make the difficult decision to postpone the event.
“With the fluid COVID-19 situation creating ongoing uncertainty about mass gatherings, we have decided to put community health and safety first and postpone this year’s event,” Cr Fuller said.
“The committee is still 100% committed to the event and they are positive and excited for next year. Harvest Gunnedah 2021 will see everyone able to eat, discover and celebrate Gunnedah with their friends, family and community.
“In the meantime, we encourage everyone to still get out enjoy the great produce, dining and other local products the Gunnedah Shire has to offer.”
Harvest Gunnedah 2021 will feature street food stalls, a produce market, live music and entertainment, children’s entertainment, demonstrations from local growers, celebrity chefs and much more.
The festival received funding of $17,000 from the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund and a $17,000 co-contribution from Gunnedah Shire Council. An additional $20,000 was awarded to the Gunnedah Jockey Club through the Back to the Track program. This funding will be held for the deferred event.
For future updates visit www.harvestgunnedah.com or follow @harvestgunnedah.
What: Harvest Gunnedah
Where: Riverside Racecourse
When: Saturday 2nd October 2021
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
14 July, 2020
A new collection is on the way to Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, with internationally renowned bronze and sculpture artist Kerry Cannon showcasing his exhibition Los Caprichos.
Los Caprichos is inspired by Spanish artist Francisco de Goya’s collection of the same name, which explored the nuances of 18th century Spanish culture through a series of etchings.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said while Cannon draws inspiration from de Goya’s themes, his works are contemporary and detailed, featuring fascinating characters all with their own unique stories to tell.
“Cannon is a narrative artist and each bronze sculpture tells a zany, twisted tale, often inspired by literature epics,” Ms Mackley said.
“Originally from Denver, Colarado, Cannon moved to Australia in 1995 and now resides in Warialda where he has created the Ceramic Break Sculpture Park. The park features a collection of more than 30 large scale sculptures.
“We are fortunate to have Cannon sharing his work and creative experiences with us here in Gunnedah. He has previously exhibited in group and solo shows across the world in places like Shanghai, Japan, Italy, London and back home in the USA.
“Now that the gallery has reopened, I hope everyone has a chance to come and check out these whimsical bronze creations.”
The official opening of Los Caprichos will be held on Friday July 17 at 6pm, with light refreshments provided.
Those wishing to attend the official opening are asked to obtain their free ticket via Seat Advisor to enable COVIDSafe practices. Tickets are available from www.thecivic.com.au
The exhibition will close Friday, 14 August, 2020.
What: Official Opening of Los Caprichos by Kerry Cannon
Where: Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, 81 Chandos Street.
When: Friday 17th July 2020 from 6pm.
Photo Caption: One of Cannon’s featured sculptures, ‘Going Somewhere, Going Nowhere’.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
14 July, 2020
It is with disappointment I confirm ACM Rural Events have advised of the cancellation of the 2020 AgQuip field days due to the changing and widespread impacts of COVID-19.
Despite their very best efforts and consideration of all options, organisers have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event to ensure the health and safety of the entire AgQuip community.
I am disappointed for everyone involved. AgQuip is a landmark event on the Gunnedah Shire calendar and it brings vast benefits to our community. While the cancellation of this event is devastating for our Shire, it is the right thing to do to control the spread of COVID-19 and keep people safe.
ACM have worked determinedly to deliver this event; especially recently throughout difficult years of drought. I am confident the event will be back in 2021 for its 48th year and eagerly await the opportunity to showcase the very best Gunnedah has to offer post this crisis.
I would like to thank the community for their support and understanding during these challenging times. Gunnedah Shire Council is looking forward to working with ACM next year to make the AgQuip field days more rewarding than ever for visitors, exhibitors and our community as a whole.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
14 July, 2020
Following the recent tragedy that has occurred in Gunnedah, Whitehaven Coal has announced a free psychological support service available to everyone in the community.
Whitehaven is temporarily expanding its Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help all members of the Gunnedah community access free, confidential psychology services over the next fortnight.
A confidential consulting space has been set up in the Creative Arts Meeting room of The Civic, at 83 Chandos Street Gunnedah.
Face to face appointments are available by appointment between Friday July 10 and Friday July 24. On weekdays appointments are available between 10am and 8pm, and on weekends appointment times are available from 8am to 4pm.
Phone and Zoom consultations are also available 24/7. Appointments are essential; please contact the EAP provider NewPsych directly on (02) 4926 5005 to book.
Following the two week period, individuals who require continued support can discuss alternate options with NewPsych or a provider of their own choosing.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
July 8, 2020
It is with great sadness we’re hearing breaking news about the tragedy that has occurred in Gunnedah.
Police are currently investigating. Please contact them for further information.
Our thoughts are prayers are with the family.
We are a strong and tightknit community - and together we will support the family and our community through this event.
If you are in need of assistance – please contact the below services
Police/emergency services
“Triple Zero (000) - to provide access to emergency services organisations.”
http://www.triplezero.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
1800 Respect
“1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence
Counselling Service for people living in Australia.”
https://www.1800respect.org.au/
Kids Help Line
1800 55 1800
“Australia's only free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.”
http://kidshelpline.com.au/
Lifeline
13 11 14
“Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can
contact Lifeline.”
https://www.lifeline.org.au/
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
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
- 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
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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.
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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
