21 January, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has released its full program of exciting events for this Australia Day, January 26.

From family fun days in the villages to sporting events and a citizenship ceremony, the 2020 Australia Day program has something for everyone.

As well as the January 25 Australia Day Dinner featuring Australia Day Ambassador lifesaver Doug Hawkins and some of Gunnedah’s own high-achieving citizens, there will be a full program on January 26.

The triathlon starts at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool at 6am, the Rotary Australia Day barbecue breakfast at 9am, a church ceremony under the gums at 9.30am, and a citizenship ceremony at 10am – all at Anzac Park near the Dorothea Mackellar Statue.

Other events include the Australia Day Bake-Off at the Gunnedah Shire Band Hall, a chess tournament at the Smithurst, free entry and lots of activities at the swimming pool, open day at both the Water Tower Museum and the Dorothea Mackellar Centre, and a free Australia Day movie screening of Ferngully at 1pm.

There will also be a host of events at Gunnedah Rugby Club. Tambar Springs and Mullaley have joined forces for a day of fun in Mullaley Park.

To find out more about everything from live entertainment, to yabbie races, backyard cricket and Aussie pizzas at clubs and pubs, read the full program here.

Gunnedah’s Australia Day Dinner will be held at the historic Gunnedah Town Hall and the whole community is invited to attend. Tickets include a three-course meal provided by local caterers The Verdict, for just $30 per person. Tickets are available online at www.thecivic.com.au or in person at The Gunnedah Shire Council Office, 63 Elgin Street Gunnedah and at Gunnedah’s Visitor Information Centre, 81 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

17 January 2020

Council cautiously welcomes news that the development of the Clinical Services Plan for the new Gunnedah Hospital has commenced but is concerned with the softening of the language surrounding the new hospital that has emerged of late.

Council’s General Manager Eric Groth fears that faceless bureaucrats are attempting to walk back the scope of the project to save a few bucks at the expense of the Gunnedah Community.

“I’m sure that there are boffins in the bureaucracy that would love to see the Gunnedah Hospital reduced to a clearing house for Tamworth to save a few dollars on their operations.”

“Getting this new hospital built is long overdue and the bureaucracy was dragged kicking and screaming to the commitment at the last election. Kevin Anderson MP is going to be our voice at the table and he needs to be on guard for any sneaky tricks to make sure that the department delivers on his promises in full.”

“Gunnedah needs a new hospital and make no mistake, the Gunnedah community will not accept being treated like a colonial outpost. We want genuine action on healthcare and we need our families to be treated in Gunnedah, not sent on a magic carpet ride to Tamworth every time they get sick.”

The development of a Clinical Services Plan is a critical stage in the planning for a new hospital. The plan determines what services the new facility will need to provide and the required staffing to provide those services.

These are big decisions that have an impact on all of us, our quality of life and the future of the Gunnedah Shire as a whole. It’s important that the Clinical Services Planning process is genuine and not working to a pre-determined budget outcome. If more money is required to build and service a new hospital for our growing community then it must be found.

Having to travel for treatment is not an acceptable solution and rural communities should not be disadvantaged because of their postcode. It is essential we get this right. We will be looking to Kevin Anderson MP to hold the bureaucracy to account and ensure the people of Gunnedah get a new hospital with the services they deserve.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100

14 January 2020

Round three (2019/2020) of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program is now open, inviting established local businesses and start-ups to apply for a slice of funding.

The program is designed to support and nurture existing businesses in increasing productivity, sustainability, growth and employment; and to attract new businesses and economic activity in the Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager of Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said since the program’s inception, Council has provided more than $150,000 in funding to local businesses to support growth initiatives that have led to increased employment and output in the Gunnedah Shire.

“Many businesses in the Shire have been having a tough time due to the drought. This is a good opportunity to apply for funding if you’re looking to build resilience and capacity in your business.”

“If you’re a local business owner and have ideas about how you’d like to strengthen your business, please give our Economic Development Team a call to discuss. We can run you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.”

Round three closes 28 February 2020. The guidelines and application forms are available at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

For more information regarding the Business Partner Program contact Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Previous recipients of the Business Partner Program

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100

8 January, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has congratulated residents on their adherence to the Level 1 water restrictions introduced on January 1.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors voted to step up water conservation in the face of the prolonged drought by proactively introducing enforceable water restrictions while the town’s water supply was still able to meet demand.

“It’s early days yet, but it appears people are aware of the importance of conserving water during this dry time, and are implementing Level 1 water restrictions,” Gunnedah Shire Council manager water services Kevin Sheridan said.

“People are actively seeking information if they need it so they can be proactive in conserving water.

“While we are very fortunate to have a good supply of quality bore water, we all need to conserve water wherever possible.

“The restrictions apply to Gunnedah, Curlewis, Mullaley and Tambar Springs properties connected to the town water supplies. The restrictions implemented from January 1 are mild in comparison to many other towns, some which have no outdoor use at all.

“While fixed hoses and sprinklers are banned except for two hours per day between 6 and 7am and 6 and 7pm, there is no restriction on the use of hand-held hoses.

“Council has received some feedback about the times for fixed hoses and sprinklers to be used. The times were selected during the preparation of the Drought Management Plan; which was prepared and placed on public exhibition before being adopted in 2017 and took into consideration all members of the community. The elderly were at the forefront of concerns, including the need to have a consistent time for watering all year round.

“Council is proposing to undertake a review of the plan in the future, and the selection of times will again be considered, including a look at the difference in weather conditions between daylight saving periods and eastern standard times.”

 A report to the Council meeting late last year stated the drought being experienced throughout Northern NSW was having a profound effect on water supplies statewide.

While Gunnedah Shire’s water usage charges are among the lowest for shires with between 4000 and 10,000 properties in New South Wales, residents are among the highest water users. In the 20017-18 year, 418.7kL of residential water was supplied in Gunnedah Shire, more than twice the figure in Inverell (203.77kL) and significantly more than Muswellbrook (306.48kL) and the Upper Hunter (333kL).

Level 1’s enforceable water restrictions are:

CATEGORY LEVEL 1

Residential garden and lawn watering - Fixed hoses and sprinklers banned, except between 6-7am and 6-7pm. Hand-held hosing is not limited to those times.
Washing down (including vehicles) - Wash down hard/paved surfaces with high pressure hoses only
Private swimming pools and spas - Permit required for filling pools over 2000 litres. Residents can top up the water level on pools without a permit.
Public parks and gardens - Fixed hoses and sprinklers banned except for 6 hours per day
Public sports grounds - Main parks to be watered at night
Bowling/golf clubs - No restriction
Schools and health care premises requiring day staff for maintenance - Fixed hoses and sprinklers banned except for 6 hours per day.
Nurseries etc - No restriction
Auto flush toilets - No restriction
Commercial car wash - No restriction
Truck wash at saleyards - No restriction
Industrial use (major) - No restriction
Water cartage from standpipe - No restriction
Residential consumption reduction target 5%

For more information, click here, or call Council on 6740 2100.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

8 January, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council supported by the Gunnedah Ministers’ Fraternal will hold a Prayer for Rain on Sunday, January 12.

Gunnedah Shire residents are invited to stand together to send up a plea to end the drought at the Smithurst Theatre from 3.30pm.

“Our strength is in our unity, and combining our voices at this community event is a wonderful way to give each other support,” Gunnedah Shire Councillor Gae Swain said.

“Our community has shown great resilience, but the drought is taking its toll.

“If we join together in faith, we not only acknowledge the tough times, but look to a strong future.

“I invite all our residents to come along.”

Light refreshments will be served at the event.

Photo caption: A Prayer for Rain was held in Gunnedah in August 2019 which saw people gather together to send up a prayer.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

7 January 2019

Even when water is at its most scarce, water safety is critical, particularly as temperatures soar.

Gunnedah’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2020 – surf lifesaver Doug Hawkins - knows this better than most.

Gunnedah Shire Council Acting Mayor and Chair of the Australia Day Committee Rob Hooke said Mr Hawkins had a visionary approach to water safety.

“Whether you and your family visit the beach for holidays or just take advantage of local pools and rivers and creeks when the water is flowing, staying safe in the water is extremely important,” Cr Hooke said.

“Mr Hawkins has been a surf-lifesaving volunteer for 20 years. He has not only trained more than 800 people to become surf lifesavers, but he has run water safety programs to refugees and immigrants.

“He has also introduced surf lifesaving skills to Israel, India, Thailand and the Cook Islands where he helped set up lifesaving clubs and taught skills including CPR and rescue skills.

“Mr Hawkins has made sure this legacy will continue, overseeing 6500 young lifesavers in the Nippers program across the Sydney Branch.

“I’m really excited to have Doug Hawkins as our Australia Day Ambassador. He certainly exemplifies the wonderful and selfless spirit of our Australian volunteers, and I am looking forward to meeting him and hearing his story at the awards dinner.”

Mr Hawkins will be sharing his story as the guest of honour at the Australia Day Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 25.

Gunnedah’s Australia Day Dinner will be held at the historic Gunnedah Town Hall and the whole community is invited to attend. Tickets include a three-course meal provided by local caterers The Verdict, for just $30 per person. Tickets are available online at www.thecivic.com.au or in person at The Gunnedah Shire Council Office, 63 Elgin Street Gunnedah and at Gunnedah’s Visitor Information Centre, 81 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.

Gunnedah’s Australia Day Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, 10 January, 2020.

To find out more about the dinner, nominations for Australia Day Awards or other Australia Day activities, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and keep an eye on Gunnedah Shire Council’s Facebook page.

Photo caption: Surf lifesaving volunteer Doug Hawkins is Gunnedah’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2020.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

An innovative masterplan for Gunnedah’s much-loved Cultural Precinct is now available to the community to have their say.

Following an extensive community consultation process, Gunnedah Shire Council this week reviewed an exciting new blueprint for the precinct that includes Gunnedah Town Hall, the Smithurst Theatre, the Civic Theatre, the Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre, the Visitors’ Information Centre, and the empty block of land next to the Smithurst.

This is a project that is not currently funded, but on the basis of this masterplan and further community comments on the plan, we can show we have a clear way forward in seeking grants to make this a reality.

It is absolutely critical that we have our community on board so we address their needs and wishes for what is a gathering place for our Shire, so we really encourage people to take a look and have their say – whether they just want to say it’s exactly right, or they can see room for improvement.

Council urges members of the community with an interest in any of the referred policies to review the draft documents. Copies of the policies can be viewed at Council’s Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or on Council’s website.

View the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct Masterplan here.

Written submissions will be received by the undersigned until 5.00pm on the public exhibition closing date 13 February 2020.

For further information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager

19 December 2019

Has your primary income been impacted by the drought in Gunnedah Shire?

Would you or your staff benefit from temporary off-farm employment?

Gunnedah Shire Council is asking people to register their interest in a new Drought Employment Program which aims to provide temporary employment from early next year for individuals living in Gunnedah Shire whose income has been impacted by drought. This may include farmers, farm workers, contractors, business owners, suppliers and employees in related industries.

The Drought Employment Program aims to provide drought impacted workers with:

• Supplementary income to help lessen the financial impacts of the drought on individuals and families
• Temporary, flexible work conditions designed to fit within your needs and availability
• Diverse work opportunities across a range of locations, and
• An opportunity to learn new skills and gain current workplace experience.

Gunnedah Shire Council Project Manager Colin Formann said the program was an opportunity to not only earn some money in difficult times, but to make a valuable contribution to the community.

“This program will be as flexible as possible to benefit as many people as possible,” Mr Formann said.

“It will also offer the chance to gain new skills and build on existing skills to expand people’s future employment opportunities.”

Temporary employment will be co-ordinated through a Gunnedah Employment Agency and participants will have the opportunity to work on a range of rewarding community projects which may be undertaken anywhere in the Shire.

Any required training will be provided as part of the program. A diverse range of skills and experience is anticipated and remuneration will be in accordance with the local government award. Anyone eligible is encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible.

Expressions of Interest are now open.

To let us know about your interest and availability to participate, please complete the online form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LMB7QNY before Friday, January 17, 2020. All applicants will then be contacted with an update.

A further round of applications is not guaranteed so please register your interest today.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 December, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking proposals for community projects that will stimulate local spending, provide employment and use local businesses and suppliers while delivering a long-lasting public benefit.

The Council’s Community Resilience Program will fund approved projects in 2020 to stimulate the economy and help build Gunnedah Shire’s strength and resilience during adverse events like this drought.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah Shire Council had led the way for other councils to tackle the impact of drought by establishing the Community Resilience Program.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has committed $1.2 million to ensuring our community not only gets through this difficult time, but diversifies and builds on our strengths to ensure we are well placed to face any challenges in the future,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Council lobbied the State and Federal governments and we now have a program worth $3.2 million. This is significant support from all levels of government.

“We are now able to look at expanding upon projects that were delivered through the Drought Communities Fund in early 2019 and we are looking forward to seeing what the community will come up with next.”

Council is now asking that community groups, service clubs and sporting groups submit project applications for an initial assessment. Projects need demonstrate a public benefit and could include improving community facilities, maintenance of public spaces or building infrastructure to improve our ability to respond to adverse events.

“The funding is intended to provide immediate short-term support and lead to long-lasting benefits across the Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

To be successful, a nominated project must lead to the employment of locals, contribute to the economic activity of our region or lead to the retention of businesses, services and facilities.

Council’s Project Manager Colin Formann said Council wants to encourage as many project submissions as possible.

“Online submissions are now open and need to outline the project including expected costs and timeframes. Projects must be able to be completed by December 2020 but projects that are ready to start earlier will be looked upon favourably,” Mr Formann said.

“The first round of applications will close on the 7th of February and further rounds may be considered, depending upon demand. Once the submissions are shortlisted, Council will then work with successful groups to create more detailed applications.”

The seven objectives of the Community Resilience Program are to:
• Deliver economic stimulus to the local economy
• Provide local employment and support local purchasing
• Address water and other utility conservation
• Sustain the community social fabric, health and wellbeing
• Provide a public benefit and lasting legacy
• Strengthen long-term community resilience, and
• Support and co-ordinate efforts with others (government and non-government).

Projects delivered through the program will be assessed against these objectives.

Proposals will be accepted via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8YKMJ57

For further information about the eligibility criteria call (02) 6740 2100 or refer to Gunnedah Shire Council - Resilience Program - Community Grants Stream Guidelines.

An information night for applicants will be held on January 16 at 6pm in the Council Training Room at 63 Elgin Street.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

19 December, 2019

And the winner is…

Kamilaroi Road residents have again wowed the Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competitions judges to take out the coveted “Santa Street” award.

Kamilaroi Road was among the winners announced yesterday at Gunnedah Shire Council following a tour by the judges the night before.

Acting Mayor Rob Hooke told the gathering it had been a hard decision, but the lights display would rival that of any town.

The winners of the 2019 Gunnedah Christmas Lights competition were…

• Best decorated house: 18 Linden Place - Jordan Brown
• Best Nativity Scene: 17 Kamilaroi Road - Belinda Whitby
• Best Christmas Theme in a Village: 67 Pullaming St, Curlewis - Grahame and Chris Foote
• Santa St: Kamilaroi Rd
• Judges Choice Award: 23 McAndrew St - Wendy Hatch
• Best Dressed Shopfront Window: Mari-Ann Florist

Some of the winners were on hand to receive their prizes, which varied from $50 to $200 Gunny Money gift cards.

Photo caption: Some of the Gunnedah Christmas Lights Competition winners accept their awards at Gunnedah Shire Council this week.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.