18 December 2019

To help people find immediate support in the event of a disaster, GrantGuru, the team behind Council’s Gunnedah Shire Funding Finder portal, has introduced a new feature.

The feature, called “Quick List Bushfire, Drought, and Disaster Funding”, recognises the devastating impact of fires and drought, and acknowledges help can be needed quickly for both those directly impacted and communities in need of rebuilding.

“This is a great new feature that will assist our community to access support in the event of a fire or drought, like the one we are experiencing now,” Gunnedah Shire Council Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns said.

“It means that rather than searching the portal, all drought fire, and disaster-related funding and support is collated and located centrally on the Shire’s Funding Finder Home Page.

“This will make it just a little easier for people to get the support they need at what is an extremely stressful time.”

To find the Gunnedah Shire Funding Finder, visit https://gunnedah.grantguru.com.au/

Click on the Quicklist link in red on the home page to go directly to a selection of drought, fire and disaster programs that are accessible either immediately or in the near future.

For further information or assistance with navigating the portal, please contact Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2162 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo caption: The Funding Finder has been designed to make finding financial assistance easier.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

17 December, 2019

Gunnedah Shire children will get a taste of Christmas a little early on Thursday when the Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground officially opens.

The gates will open onto a new space at Wolseley Park that has been designed especially for Gunnedah children of all ages and abilities.

“It will be a magic moment when the children are able to put this amazing equipment to its intended use,” Acting Mayor Rob Hooke said.

“It has been carefully and thoughtfully designed by committee members and inclusive playground experts.
“Play equipment includes a treehouse tower, a sensory garden walk, wheelchair-accessible in-ground trampolines, a flying fox, accessible drinking fountains, barbecues, a raised sand table with wheelchair access and a specially-designed expression swing. There is even a Gunnedah theme, featuring koalas and other artwork.

“Livvi’s Place is one of 24 inclusive playgrounds around Australia and is a wonderful addition to Gunnedah’s attractions for both local people and visitors. It is a place for people of all ages and abilities to picnic, meet and play together.”

The idea for Livvi’s Place began when Gunnedah mum Ashley Bender campaigned for an inclusive playground by presenting a petition with more than 300 signatures to council.

Gunnedah Shire Council formed a partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation in 2013. Touched by Olivia has partnered with developers, other businesses and recently with Variety, the Children’s Charity, to create playspaces across Australia.

The playground has been made possible by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, a large community contribution and Gunnedah Shire Council.

The official opening will begin at 10.30am on Thursday, December 19 and will include a sausage sizzle on the new barbecues, a short community performance and a ribbon cutting, with the playground open for use by children.
The public is invited to come along and take a look at the new playground.

#ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

12 December 2019

Gunnedah’s Sister City Lane Cove has hosted a fundraiser in a show of support for our drought-stricken Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Acting Mayor Rob Hooke this month attended the Rain Bringer Christmas Concert at Hunters Hill, part of Lane Cove’s campaign in support of Gunnedah.

“It was an amazing night,” Cr Hooke said.

“Our city cousins showed they were there for us to help in any way possible and to let us know that we are all in this together.

“It was a wonderful show of support.

“There have been many relationships formed in local government, but few would be as strong and meaningful as the one Gunnedah Shire has with Lane Cove.”

The Rain Bringer Concert included performances by Hunters Hill High School, Lane Cove Youth Orchestra and other guests from participating schools.

Besides ticket entry, funds were raised through “rain sticks” beautifully made within Lane Cove, and the sale of “raindrops” to be used in a creative, music-making roof and water spout.

Photo caption: Lane Cove Mayor Pam Palmer with Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke at the Rain Bringer Concert event.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

11 December 2019

Christmas and New Year are a time of festive celebration – and a time when your household bins are likely to be absolutely full.

Gunnedah Shire Council is reminding Shire residents to be aware of bin collection days and a few changes that will be in place over the holiday period.

While there will be no change to household waste and greenwaste collection over the Christmas and New Year period, there will be a few recycling collection changes.

If your usual recycling day is Wednesday, the recycling bin will be picked up Tuesday, December 24 instead of Christmas Day, and Thursday, January 2 instead of New Year’s Day.

If your usual recycling day is Thursday, the recycling bin will be picked up on Friday, December 27 instead of Boxing Day.

Residents are reminded to put their bins out on the evening before to allow for early collection.
On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the waste facilities in Gunnedah, Curlewis and Carroll, as well as the Breeza and Kelvin Mobile Collections, will be closed.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste Sheridan Cameron said one easy way to check your collection date at any time was to use the Recycle Coach app available for smartphones.

“Once you have you the Recycle Coach app, you can view upcoming collections and even get reminders to put out the right bin at the right time,” Mrs Cameron said.

“It’s a great, simple app that can make it all a bit less confusing.

“It is also great for holiday periods and helps ensure it is easier to effectively recycle.”

Residents can also check Council’s website (http://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/environment/waste-management/waste-services) for collection details.
Enquiries about household waste and greenwaste can be directed to Council’s Customer Services Team on 6740 2100, and enquiries about the recycling collection can be made to Recyclit on 6742 1522.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

10 December 2019

The green light is now on for Gunnedah’s brightest competition, the Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition 2019.

Gunnedah Shire Council recently announced entries are now open, and is looking for as many households and businesses as possible to make this year’s display a really special one. Entries will close on Friday.

Whether you have a shopfront or go Christmas-mad at home, there is a category for just about everyone - but you must have your nomination in.

The six categories for the Christmas Lights Competition, includes the title of Santa Street, awarded annually for the street with the best and brightest light displays.

The Santa Street award comes with a winners’ plaque and a $100 Gunny Money Gift Card.

Other categories are:
• Best Decorated House for a prize of $200 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Nativity Scene for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Christmas Theme in a Village for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Judges’ Choice Award for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Dressed Shopfront Window for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card.

The competition closes at 5pm on this Friday, December 13, and will be judged by Councillors on Tuesday, December 17, with the winners to be announced on Wednesday, December 18.

Entry forms are available online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and hard copies can be picked up from Gunnedah Shire Council, Gunnedah Shire Library or the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.

Completed nomination forms can be submitted in person to Gunnedah Shire Council at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, via email to council@infogunnedah.com.au, or by mail to Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition, PO Box 63, Gunnedah NSW 2380.

Photo caption: Sparkling display – A Gunnedah house decked out in Christmas lights.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

4 December, 2019

There is still time to apply for a helping hand in tertiary studies next year, with the closing date for applications for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund extended until Thursday, December 19.

It’s a very hectic time of year – and a hectic time of life! – but just a little time spent filling in an application could ease the financial strain.

Last year, 24 young people were given a headstart through the scholarship fund in tertiary courses from Bachelor of Paramedicine through to Bachelor of Agriculture.

More than $300,000 has helped out about 350 students during the 15 years since the scholarship began.

Chair of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Working Group Gae Swain said the fund was one way to make the transition to tertiary education a little easier.

“Many young people have to move away to pursue their dreams of a career that requires a tertiary education,” Cr Swain said.

“There are all sorts of costs involved including the purchase of essential study materials and equipment, accommodation and fees.”

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship is made possible through the sponsorship of local businesses.

The sponsorship is open to students under 25 who have completed their secondary or tertiary preparation studies within a 100km radius of Gunnedah and whose family’s principle place of residence is within Gunnedah Shire. They must have been accepted into an approved tertiary course (minimum Certificate IV).

For the full eligibility conditions and to apply, visit gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/ztvv0nm1epq9m6 or Gunnedah Shire Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Applications close on Thursday, December 19, 2019.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

28 November 2019

The NSW and Federal governments have heard Gunnedah’s call to boost community and economic resilience during this time of drought.

The NSW Government and the Federal Government have agreed to contribute $1 million each to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community Resilience Program.

Earlier in the month, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton announced that $1 million dollars would be allocated to Gunnedah in the second round of the Drought Communities funding program and today, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson announced that the State Government would also contribute $1 million dollars to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community resilience program.

Council has already allocated $1 million this financial year, alongside an additional $200,000 to put towards new initiatives, community consultation and look at emergency assistance for people in crisis, as well as a co-ordinator to drive and oversee the program, bringing the total for the fund to $3.2 million.

“We are very grateful to the NSW and Federal governments for recognising the real need for this targeted program and matching our initial contribution,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“This drought has created an economic crisis across rural NSW. Gunnedah is leading the way in putting in place a plan to identify exactly what is needed to not only answer the urgent needs of the community, but to help stimulate the economy.

“We must go beyond just patching the problem. Gunnedah Shire Council is helping to build the diversity and resilience of our community so we meet not only these challenges, but the challenges of the future.

“We have already begun the work of looking at how we can make the most difference through the Community Resilience Program.”

Cr Chaffey said the State and Federal governments had already contributed millions of dollars to drought relief. The additional allocation would allow drought responses tailored specifically to Gunnedah Shire.

Photo caption: Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson MP and Gunnedah Mayor Councillor Jamie Chaffey.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

27 November 2019

Parents and motorists are being reminded to park safely and legally in school zones, particularly at this very busy time of the year.

There are many school and social events on towards the end of the year, and Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging greater safety around schools by urging people to follow the rules and not park in bus zones or no-stopping zones.

Gunnedah Shire Council Regulatory Services Co-ordinator Wade Berryman said drivers needed to stay on the alert for pedestrians and buses while in school zones.

“Road safety is critical around schools where children and traffic combine at drop-off and pick-up times,” Mr Berryman said.

“Students – especially young children – can get very distracted and may not understand the road rules. We urge people to be very aware of what is going on around them, and courteous with other drivers and pedestrians.
“You cannot park in bus zones and you can only stop in no-parking zones for two minutes, and you must stay within 3m of your vehicle.

“It is really important that people obey the speed limits and the parking restrictions to ensure school zones are safe.”

Council’s tips to driving and parking safely near schools:

• Park safely and legally, even if it means walking further to the school gate.
• Slow down to 40km/h in the school zone and stay aware of crossings.
• Always park and turn legally around the school.
• Never double park - it puts children at risk.
• Manoeuvres such as U-turns and three-point turns are dangerous.
• Never park in a bus zone or in the school bus bay.
• Make sure your children use the safety door (rear footpath side door) to get in and out of the car.
• At a supervised crossing, observe the directions of the school crossing supervisor.
• Model safe and considerate behaviour for your child.

School zone parking offences can attract heavier fines than other parking offences, and the loss of two demerit points.

Photo caption: Watch out. It’s important to obey the road and parking rules around school zones.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

27 November 2019

It’s time to support Gunnedah Shire’s businesses this festive season – and it has just got easier.

The Why Leave Town Gunnedah Gift Card, renamed “Gunny Money”, is now available to purchase in store or online, with almost 100 Gunnedah businesses on board.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said Gunny Money was an amazing way to spread the love this Christmas.

“There is no purchase price or transaction fee when you buy a Gunny Money gift card within the Shire,” Ms Hoddle said.

“You just need to go to one of the participating purchase points, buy your gift card and have it loaded with the appropriate amount. It is valid for three years from the purchase date.

“It can then be redeemed at a huge variety of businesses, from cafes, motels and hotels, to gift stores, vets, hairdressers, and many, many other outlets.

“It means you can give a gift that will suit anybody, and the money will stay within our community. That is particularly critical during tough economic times.”

Staying local for your Christmas shopping has an added incentive for the month of December. Those who shop locally will have the chance to win one of five $100 Gunny Money gift cards.

To join the Shop Gunnedah campaign, post pics of your locally purchased Christmas gifts and tag #shopgunnedah and the name of the business where you made your purchase. Keep an eye out for more competition details on Council’s Facebook page.

“Gunny Money and Shop Gunnedah are both fun and very practical ideas to keep our economy humming,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Gunnedah has some amazing businesses offering wonderful products and services. This Christmas, if we can give gifts from our own Shire, we are giving much more than just the present.

“Get online and show off just what is available in Gunnedah Shire.”

Gunny Money Gift Cards can be purchased at: Gunnedah Shire Council, Enchanted on Conadilly, Goodness & Gracious, Gunnedah Locksmiths, Gunnedah Newsagency, Gunnedah Visitors Information Centre, Karen Carter Chemist and The Verdict Café. Cards can be purchased online at www.whyleavetown.com/gunnedah
Gunny Money Gift Cards can be redeemed at a huge range of businesses. Visit www.whyleavetown.com/gunnedah for the full list.

Photo caption: Merry Christmas! Shopping locally is now easier for Christmas with many businesses on board the Gunny Money Gift Card. Gunnedah Shire Council staff members Jocelyn Porter and Sophie Priestley show off the new cards.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

27 November 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council staff members will be visiting Gunnedah businesses that could benefit from street trading or footpath dining.

Earlier this year, Council announced it would waive fees for street trading and footpath dining applications for the next financial year to assist businesses during a difficult economic time.

“Waiving these fees this financial year is a way we can not only ease the burden a little, but encourage outdoor dining and street trading, which can add greatly to a town’s atmosphere and appeal,” Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said when the move was announced.

“Retail businesses in Gunnedah Shire are under increased pressure from not only the drought, but the impact of online shopping.

“This will activate our street spaces and make our shire even more welcoming.”

Staff will be popping in to talk to retailers and eateries to talk about the opportunity to apply for street trading and footpath dining for free.

The process for outdoor dining application has become easier through the use of a concierge service and online submission through https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/ Approval now lasts for seven years.

Those who would like to apply for street trading will need to fill in a paper application at Gunnedah Shire Council, but council staff can assist with that process.

Businesses who want to carry out street vending will need to include a copy of their public liability insurance.

A street trading application fee is usually $168 and a footpath dining application fee is usually $290.

Photo caption: Kez’s Café was the first Gunnedah Shire business to embrace the new application system for outdoor dining. Kerry Towns has a chat with a customer at one of their outdoor tables.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.