29 November 2019

Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s time to light up Gunnedah for the Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition 2019.

Entries are now open for this popular competition which helps the Shire sparkle during the festive season, but make sure you put your nomination form in – and remind your neighbours!

There are six categories for the Christmas Lights Competition, including the hotly contested 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 Friday, December 13, and will be judged by Councillors on Tuesday, December 15, with the winners to be announced on Wednesday, December 18.

Entry forms are available online 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: Who will win the coveted Santa Street title in 2019?

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

28 November 2019

A fundraiser from a galaxy far, far away will bring the forces of good to bear on the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

The third and final instalment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy – The Rise of Skywalker – is coming to the Civic Theatre on Thursday, December 19 at 6.30pm.

The conclusion of the epic trilogy and the nine-part Skywalker Saga will premiere at a Star Wars Fundraiser Night to raise money for the scholarship fund.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the screening of the final episode of the epic series would be an event to remember.

“Whether you’re a Star Wars rookie or a Wookiee, The Rise of Skywalker is something you won’t want to miss,” Ms Mackley said.

“Star Wars fans span the generations and all of them are welcome at this special event.

“This is a great opportunity to break out your inner Chewbacca, Princess Leia or Poe Dameron. Get dressed up in the Star Wars theme and join in the fun. There will be themed food and prizes for the best dressed Star Wars fans and a lucky door prize.”

The cost of the premiere is $25 which will help raise funds for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund, a program which helps young Gunnedah Shire residents on their journey to tertiary education.

To buy tickets to this trip to another galaxy, visit www.thecivic.com.au

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

27 November 2019

Five Gunnedah Shire businesses will get a helping hand with their latest initiatives through Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.

Council have endorsed the allocation of $11,750 to five applications recommended by the Business Partner Program Advisory Group.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the program provided funds for new or growing businesses at a critical time.

“We are in the middle of challenging economic times and it is very encouraging to see new businesses starting up and existing businesses adding another string to their bow,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Council is really pleased to be able to provide practical assistance to our small businesses which contribute so much to our economy and our community.

“Small businesses have benefitted from more than $200,000 in total since this program began.”

Chair of the Business Partner Advisory Group Ann Luke said round two of the 2019-20 Business Partner Program had seen some very strong applications.

“Five businesses will be given an incentive to help their ideas grow,” Cr Luke said.

“The Business Partner Program aims to support local people and local employment. This round of funding has seen some great applications that demonstrated a clear economic or employment benefit to the Gunnedah Shire.”

The successful applicants for the latest round of the Business Partner Program were:
• Carroll Store - $6500 for internal renovations
• Blush and Bloom Skin & Beauty - $3000 for start-up costs
• BTS Blinds & Awnings - $750 for advertising package
• Rome Mortgage Services - $750 for brand awareness
• GW Group - $750 for website design

Photo caption: Mayor Jamie Chaffey (left) and Cr Ann Luke (fourth from right) with Business Partner Program recipients and council staff.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

26 November 2019

Economic development is looking very strong following the inaugural Economic Development Forum held in Gunnedah this month.

Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) held its first Economic Development Forum recently, with local government Economic Development Managers from Gunnedah, Glen Innes, Moree Plains, Liverpool Plains and Armidale Regional Councils, as well as AusIndustry in attendance.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said Gunnedah Shire’s own economy was showing great resilience during a challenging time, and the forum was a great opportunity to share both those challenges and strengths.

“It was exciting to see this initiative kick off in Gunnedah,” Ms Hoddle said.

“It is really valuable to pool our knowledge and share what has worked for our Shires. If we work together, we can build our economic bases, learn about other initiatives and opportunities, and create a sustainable future.”

RDANI Chair Russell Stewart said the inaugural event had been so successful, it would be held regularly.

“This is the start of something really positive for the region,” Mr Stewart said.

“We’re all busy, so it is tough to take a day out to get together but this forum was extremely worthwhile and greatly appreciated by the Economic Development Managers.”

RDANI Executive Director Nathan Axelsson said economic development managers were invited to the forum from the 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) that make up the Northern Inland region.

“Our aim was to facilitate the exchange of information on the latest Regional Development Australia Northern Inland projects, grant and funding opportunities, best practice and the barriers to economic development efforts in our local councils,” he said.

“Our Local Government Areas are interconnected and a big-picture regional approach just makes sense.”


Photo caption: Economic Development Managers meet at the Economic Development Forum held in Gunnedah this month.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

13 November 2019

This Christmas, it is more important than ever to share with those who are struggling.

Gunnedah Shire Council and the Salvation Army are again joining forces to bring a little bit of Christmas to those in need through the Community Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal.

“Christmas is a time for giving, and there are people in our community who are having a tough time of it during the drought,” Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“This is a wonderful way people can give just a little that could make a big difference to families who are feeling the pinch. No one wants children to go without at Christmas.

“Last year, Gunnedah Shire residents and businesses donated more than 200 items, showing just how generous our community can be.

“This appeal adds to the wonderful work done by the Salvation Army and other local emergency relief and support services during the year.”

The Community Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal focuses on the collection of food and toys for distribution by the Salvation Army to local individuals and families who are facing tough times over the Christmas period.

The appeal is boosted by the annual Library “Food for Fines” initiative which invites library members who may have incurred library fines to instead donate a non-perishable food item to the value of the fine.

Residents can show support and give to a child and family in need this Christmas, by placing an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item under one of the Christmas trees located at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre at 63 Elgin Street, or Gunnedah Shire Library at 291 Conadilly Street.

For health and hygiene reasons, pre-loved toys cannot be accepted and only in-date canned and/or non-perishable food items are encouraged for donation. For easier identification and distribution, residents are asked not to wrap their items.

The final collection date at both locations will be Friday, December 13, 2019.

For more information about how you can get involved, contact Debra Hilton, 02 6740 2100.

Caption: Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Librarian Christiane Birkett, Marika Wallis from the Salvation Army, and Gunnedah Shire Council Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton with presents for the Christmas tree at Council’s Elgin Street offices.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 02 6740 2100

November, 2019

A new exhibition showing more than 50 Gunnedah women as they have never been seen before will open at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on November 22.

More than 18 months in the making, Sirens of Gunnedah is a collection of conceptual portraits by Gunnedah photographers Alyssa Barwick and Marie Low.

Assisted by a “Siren Squad” of volunteer hair stylists, make-up artists and a whole range of groups including the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum, Alyssa and Marie have created unusual portraits which even the subjects themselves have not yet seen.

“It started as an idea to create something special for women during this difficult time - not just a portrait, but a whole experience,” Alyssa said.

“Some of the women have used this to do something they have always wanted to try - to see themselves as something other than what they are in their everyday lives. We want to surprise both our Sirens and their families and friends with an image that captures another side to them.

 “Sirens of Gunnedah has also allowed us to explore a style of portraiture we both love.”

Marie said the exhibition had been named after the mythical Sirens who sang a bewitching song to sailors.

“Sirens has two meanings - the mythical temptresses and the beautiful women of stage and screen,” Marie said.

“This exhibition looks at the Siren song of each of these women aged between 16 and 80 - whether that be as a screen legend of the past or something entirely different.

“Sirens of Gunnedah has been an amazing journey for us - we have had so much help and support from the Gunnedah community, and we can’t wait for them to see what we have been working on.”

All of the portraits have been shot in Gunnedah.

Those who attend the opening night are invited to dress in vintage or retro costume - something other than what they might wear everyday.

Entry is free, but donations at the door will go to Share the Dignity.

Alyssa Barwick and Marie Low would like to thank their Siren Squad, in particular, Addicted to Hair, Bryce Ellis, SL Beauty, Ebonee Gerrard, Gunnedah Water Tower Museum, Top Hat Costumes and One of a Kind Gunnedah.

To find out more about Sirens of Gunnedah, contact Alyssa Barwick on 0423 009 151 or Marie Low on 0417 476 592.

Photo caption: Gunnedah photographers Alyssa Barwick (left) and Marie Low are nearly ready to reveal Sirens of Gunnedah.

November 12, 2019

A colourful wall hanging on display at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery is a reminder that creating can also be about caring.

Polly Montgomery of Sunburnt Treasures received an Empowering Our Communities grant through Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network to hold wellness sessions through QOE Health.

In one of these sessions, those who attended created a long table weave with the use of materials sourced and donated from the community.

“We are holding a number of workshops over 12 months,” Polly said.

“The wellness group decided to have a community weave session to get everyone involved in talking and being creative. Even the men were in there getting into it.

“It is an activity that makes people feel welcome and comfortable.”

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the weave was representative of a great group activity.

“The community getting together and weaving is such an ancient tradition,” she said.

“This colourful piece is a reminder of the ways we all interact with each other and support each other during difficult times.”

Photo caption: Polly Montgomery from Sunburnt Treasures and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Lauren Mackley with the long table weave.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

7 November, 2019

Gunnedah can now lay claim to one of Australia’s top memorials.

Representatives from the Gunnedah Historical Society last night attended the Australian Street Art Awards after the new murals at the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum were nominated for an award.

The Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Murals were nominated for “Best Memorial or Monument" in the inaugural Australian Street Art Awards at Australia’s Art of Attraction Tourism Summit.

The murals made the finalists as one of the top five “Best Memorial or Monuments” in the country.

Gunnedah representatives Cr Owen Hasler and Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley attended the awards ceremony at Marcoola Beach in Queensland.

“Street Art and Silo Art has become a significant movement across the country that is transforming landscapes to culturally immersive experiences and has changed the tourism trails of Australia, especially for the grey nomads,” Ms Mackley said.

Gunnedah’s Vietnam Veteran Memorial Mural Project was one of the three finalists for the category, alongside Emu Park: Centenary of ANZAC Memorial and Great Southern Line ANZAC Story.

The winner of the category was Emu Park: Centenary of ANZAC Memorial, a boardwalk with a timeline of World War I’s many major battles.

“Although the Gunnedah Historical Society Vietnam Veterans’ Project did not win, it is quite an accomplishment to make it to the final three in the country,” Cr Hasler said.

“It provided some great exposure for the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum and the wonderful work of the Gunnedah and District Historical Society.”

 The Vietnam’s Veterans’ Watertower Mural Project was funded by the Drought Communities Program to help support and stimulate regional economies.

The project has seen a sizeable increase of visitor numbers to the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum and to Gunnedah.

Other categories at the awards included: Best Street Art Trail, Best Rural Art, Best Business Mural, Best Street Art Festival and Event with the Best of the Best going to Thallon’s Silo Mural “The Wateringhole”.

There were also categories for Best Nomad Attraction or Tour, Best Grey Nomad Council Free-stay Caravan Park and Best Grey Nomad Community and Commercial Caravan Park.

The awards were accompanied by keynote speakers and panel discussions identifying street art as the single biggest art movement in the last 50 years, with the power to save and transform many regional and remote economies.

Everyone is welcome to go to Gunnedah’s Anzac Park to see The Gunnedah Vietnam Veterans’ Water Tower Museum Project and see this creative and moving community initiative.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley and Gunnedah Shire Councillor Owen Hasler at the Australian Street Art Awards.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

7 November 2019

It’s time to make a magnificent meal out of Gunnedah’s gastronomic delights.

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on the shire’s restaurants and cafes to each come up with a signature dish, give it a themed name and create a whole new food adventure.

The aim is to create the Great Taste of Gunnedah food trail through Gunnedah and the villages to encourage not only locals, but visitors to go on a gastronomic journey to discover some of the great dishes the Shire has to offer.

“Gunnedah Shire has a growing number of cafes and restaurants where innovative people are turning their talents to create new dishes,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Communications and Cultural Services Eliza Gallen said.

“It’s time to create our own food trail.
“We would love our food places to join in this trail by creating a signature dish and giving it a creative name that pays tribute to one of our amazing people or places.

“This is a great way to showcase a delicious side to our Shire.”

Maverick Bistro has already embraced the idea, coming up with a delicious dessert called Dorothea’s Delight. Restaurant manager Jodi Hayne said Dorothea’s Delight is a warm gluten-free choc-hazelnut cake served with home-made dulce de leche icecream.

If you want to join the food trail, please email Gunnedah Shire Council at council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo caption: Yum! Maverick Bistro restaurant manager Jodi Hayne and chef Tanya Pearson with Dorothea’s Delight.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

6 November 2019

Gunnedah Shire has some amazing people and it’s time to celebrate them.

Nominations are now open for the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards 2020 and Council needs your help to find our outstanding citizens.

“This is an opportunity to say thank you to some of the people who help make Gunnedah Shire a great place to live,” Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“We all know someone who has made a difference, whether it is through helping out the people next door, or putting hundreds of hours into charity work.

“They could be businesspeople or volunteers, sportspeople or retired people who are enriching the community.

“We need as many people as possible to nominate citizens so we can recognise the contribution these people have made.”

There are 11 categories in Gunnedah Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards for 2020. They are:

• The Citizen of the Year Award (21 and over)
• The Young Citizen of the Year Award (20 and under)
• The Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award
• The Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy (for 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).
• The Community Organisation and/or Event Achievement Award
• The Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
• The Sportsperson of the Year Award (21 and over)
• The Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award (20 and under)
• The Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under)
• The Sports Team of the Year Award
• The Ivan Towns Memorial Award (in recognition of the work done by a coach).

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, January 10, 2020, and the award ceremony will be held on Saturday, January 25 at Gunnedah Town Hall.

To nominate and find out more, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Nomination forms are also available from the Gunnedah Shire Library in Conadilly Street, The Civic Centre on Chandos Street, or the Gunnedah Shire Council Building on Elgin Street.

If you would like assistance with nomination completion and understanding the categories, contact Jacinta Cipolla at Gunnedah Shire Council on 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Australia Day is a great time to recognise the contributions of our citizens.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.