19 September, 2019

Excitement is building for Gunnedah Shire’s newest festival with a working group ready to kick off the preparations.

Gunnedah Shire Council this week voted to appoint four community members to the Hay and Harvest Festival Working Group.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said the festival would showcase local growers, produce and a range of other talent, and was set to go ahead in the first half of 2020.

“With the appointment of a working group, it’s time to get really excited about this new festival,” Ms Hoddle said.

“In the past, we were lucky enough to have Porchetta Day. This new festival will take the essence of that successful event and add in the fresh ideas and great location of the Gunnedah Jockey Club as well as those of our other committee members.

“This will be Gunnedah Shire’s own signature festival event. We are keen to make the first one something that will set the tone for years to come.”

Community members Ingrid Kaineder, Barbara McDonald, Geraldine McKay and Rebecca Ryan have been appointed to the festival working group.

They will join elected council representatives Councillors Colleen Fuller and Ann Luke, two Gunnedah Jockey Club members including Kathryn Blinman, Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce representative Stacey McAllan, and three council staff representatives on the working group.

The festival has received seed funding of $17,000 through the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund, along with $20,000 awarded to the Gunnedah Jockey Club through the Back to the Track program.

Working group meetings will be held twice a month.

There is also the opportunity for more community involvement. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the economic development team at Gunnedah Shire Council on 6742 2100.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 September, 2019

Gunnedah Shire has welcomed its newest Australian citizens on Australian Citizenship Day.

Citizenship ceremonies were held around the country yesterday to mark the day, including a ceremony for four new Aussies in Gunnedah.

Acting Mayor Rob Hooke said it was a “great honour” to officiate at the ceremony that welcomed Marcelo Correa da Silva, Simoni Cristina Franquini da Silva, Olivia Cristina Franquini da Silva and Trung Dinh Vong as Australian citizens.

“It’s a wonderful step,” Cr Hooke said.

“This is part of the greatest honour anyone can bestow on someone is to make them an Australian citizen.”

Mr and Mrs da Silva moved to Australia in 2010 when Mr da Silva was asked to be part of the maintenance department at the Gunnedah Leather Processors, where he has remained employed for nearly 10 years. He and Mrs da Silva have been involved in community groups including Apex Gunnedah and Rotary Club Gunnedah West, and have been active members of Gunnedah Catholic Church. They have had two children since moving to Gunnedah.

Mr Vong came to Australian in 2013, fell in love with Gunnedah and has made it his home.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Councillors welcome the da Silva family and Mr Vong as Australian citizens in a ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

For more information regarding the Notice of Proposed Hazard Reduction Works for Porcupine Reserve please click here.

For current incidents or major fire updates visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au 

For more information contact the State Duty Media Officer on 9898 1855

11 September 2019

Applications are now open for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund for those who are about to start on their post-school journey of learning.

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.

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 Fund is a way to support our young people as they further their education, with the hope that their learning and skills will one day be of benefit to regional New South Wales. They might even find their way home to Gunnedah to follow their careers.

“It is wonderful that they can be supported on this part of their journey by their home town.

“Since the fund’s inception 15 years ago, more than $300,000 across close to 350 scholarships has been awarded to local students. Scholarships have covered many disciplines including accounting, agriculture, allied health, animal science, law, architecture, arts/theatre, civil engineering, education, information technology, medicine, nursing and social work.”

Laura Watterson, a recipient of the 2018-19 community scholarship, is now studying Bachelor of Paramedicine at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.

“We have to have a uniform for the duration of our degree,” Laura said. “That can cost $300 to $600, and the scholarship was a massive help in that aspect, as well as for accommodation, textbooks and just the cost of living.

“We are just so lucky. We don’t have a university in Gunnedah and this helps us with the opportunity to get a degree.”
Laura hopes t
o work with NSW Ambulance as a paramedic when she finishes her degree.

Cr Swain said the Gunnedah Community Scholarship would not be possible without the sponsorship of local businesses who recognised the value of the program.

“Without the support of local businesses and groups, these students would not have the benefit of this financial help,” she said.

“We already have some great supporters on board, but we are in need of a few more.

“If your group or business has not sponsored the Community Scholarship before, there is still time to get involved in what is a very fulfilling program.”

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, view the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Application Form.

Applications close on Sunday, December 15, 2019.

Business, groups or individuals who would like to become a sponsor can contact Gunnedah Shire Council Youth Development Officer Ellen Valler on 6740 2100.

Photo caption: 2018-19 Gunnedah Community Scholarship recipient Laura Watterson in her paramedic’s uniform.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

4 September 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is helping resident’s spring cleaning efforts with a free weekend for domestic bulky waste at the shire’s waste facilities.

Shire residents will be able to bring up to a standard trailer-load (1.2m by 1.8m by 1.5m) of domestic waste to the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility and the shire’s five other waste transfer facilities for free on the weekend of September 21-22.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste Sheridan Cameron said it was a great opportunity for residents to have a spring clean and to dispose of items like old whitegoods, furniture and even tree loppings.

“It’s the time of year when people are having a clean-up and this is the perfect chance to get rid of some troublesome items,” Ms Cameron said.

“Spring clean weekends have been a success in the past, but we do know that they can also be very busy.

“While staff will be working to keep up with demand, we ask that people allow extra time to get through the weighbridge.

“It would also help if people can sort their waste as efficiently as possible to keep things running smoothly.

“We encourage people to take advantage of this weekend, but also to remain patient during the busy periods.”

Items ineligible for the initiative include chemicals, liquid waste, tyres, commercial waste, and mixed building waste, asbestos-containing materials, contaminated waste and medical waste.

People will need to have their driver’s licence on entering the facility to show they are Gunnedah Shire residents.

Tips for making the most of the Domestic Bulky Waste Disposal Weekend:

• Allow extra time in case of traffic on the way to the facility, and possible delays at the weighbridge.
• Sort out waste before you leave for the facility. Green waste is the first area and should be the most easily accessible on your load, followed by steel items, recycling and then household items.
• The amount of waste will be capped at one standard trailer-load (1.2m by 1.8m by 1.5m) per ratepayer.
• Ensure you have your driver’s licence to show proof of Gunnedah residency.
• Ensure you cover and secure your load.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Saturday 21 September

• Gunnedah Waste Management Facility 8am-5pm
• Curlewis Waste Facility 9am- 11am
• Tambar Springs Transfer Facility 1pm-4pm
• Breeza Transfer Facility 1pm-4pm

Sunday 22 September

• Gunnedah Waste Management Facility 8am-5pm
• Mullaley Transfer 9am-12 noon
• Curlewis Waste Facility 1pm-4pm
• Carroll Waste Facility 2pm-4pm

For further information about the weekend, Council’s Customer Services Team on 6740 2100.

Photo caption: The amount of waste that can be disposed of for free will be capped at one standard trailor-load (1.2m by 1.8m by 1.5m) per ratepayer.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

4 September 2019

Gunnedah’s first NightQuip markets has met with an enthusiastic response from both those who attended and stallholders.

A survey to gather feedback about the markets held on the first night of AgQuip 2019 closes at midnight on Friday. Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson said that all initial reports show overwhelming support for the event.

“The participation, the effort by businesses and stallholders, the atmosphere – it all made for a really great night,” Ms Wilson said.

“NightQuip 2019 was a wonderful event and added to both the fun and the economic opportunities that AgQuip brings to Gunnedah Shire.

“We want to thank the community and our businesses and community groups for really getting behind NightQuip.”

Gunnedah’s Mick Furner, who owns MA’s Food Van with his wife Ako, said NightQuip had been their first outing with their Japanese food van.

“The atmosphere was absolutely awesome,” Mr Furner said. “I would do it again in a heartbeat.

“There was a huge volume of people that came through and we had quite a few repeat customers.”

The Furners have just set up their Japanese food business with the help of advice through NightQuip partner, the Service NSW Easy to do Business program.

NightQuip 2019 provided opportunities for locals to showcase their business offerings as well as those in the surrounding region.

Baan Baa singer Sarah Leete said she busked at NightQuip as well as operating a stall for timber business Harleywood.

“Singing is my full-time profession and it was really refreshing to be able to busk and for people to show their appreciation,” she said.

“It was really fun. It was also great to see so many people out and about given the time of year and the drought.

“Having it on the first night of AgQuip was also a good idea. I talked to people who had pulled into town for this and then were going to the field days the next day.”

Ms Leete said she would not hesitate to come again – but given the numbers of people, might need to bring a helper for the Harleywood stall.

To have your say about NightQuip and go into the draw to win a double movie pass, fill in a survey:

Market attendee: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nightquip

Stallholder/retailer: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nightquipretail

Photo Caption: Lucy Furner at MA’s Food Van at NightQuip. Caption 2: Sarah Leete keeps the crowds entertained at NightQuip.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

29 August, 2019

An initial meeting to look at establishing the new group Multicultural Gunnedah has drawn strong interest from the community.

About 40 people attended the August 25 meeting to hear from the founder of Multicultural Tamworth Eddie Whitham and four other representatives from the group.
“This first meeting was a great success,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The representatives from Multicultural Tamworth shared their knowledge and experiences. We heard four successful migration stories – from Bosnia, India, Brazil and Singapore – all very unique, but all with a message of praise for a volunteer organisation focussed on supporting new skilled residents.

“The organisation has helped people from other nations to find their feet and become established within the community by assisting with services such as accommodation, employment, skills and training, schools, churches and volunteer service groups, along with any other needs to help them feel included, welcomed and a valued part of the community.”

Cr Chaffey said there had been a healthy number of expressions of interest submitted following the meeting and Gunnedah Shire Council was in the process of setting up another meeting for those who had indicated they would like to be part of the new group.

It is planned that Multicultural Gunnedah will become a stand-alone community group to assist new international residents to the Shire and help strengthen our cultural appeal.

“It was clear to see that there is great interest in this new endeavour, and encouraging to hear from Eddie Whitham that Multicultural Tamworth is excited by the opportunity to stand by Gunnedah in the establishment of this organisation,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I’m confident we are on the right track with Multicultural Gunnedah.”

People who were unable to make it to the meeting but would like to be involved, can seek an expression of interest via an email to council@infogunnedah.com.au and mark it for the attention of Alexandra O’Keefe.

Photo Caption: The crowd at the Multicultural Gunnedah meeting.

Caption 2: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey with Eddie Whitham and four other representatives from Multicultural Tamworth.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

27 August 2019

Gunnedah will be treated to a slice of silver linings when the live theatre performance Sunset Strip comes to the Gunnedah’s Smithurst Theatre 10 October.

This play by Australian playwright Suzie Miller explores all manners of love, family dysfunction and making the best of bad situations and prosthetic breasts.

Sunset Strip is the story of the once-thriving summer hot-spot Sunset Strip – now populated only by the people who couldn’t leave.

Caroline arrives home after a bout of chemotherapy to find the lake has dried up and the holiday-makers have gone. Yet her sister, Phoebe, remains hopeful. She has been caring for her father who has dementia, alleviated only by training his goldfish.

Phoebe has also fallen for Teddy, a local fellow with a big heart.

Directed by Anthony Skuse, this production finds humour in tragedy and creates an unlikely path for humanity to triumph.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see great live theatre in Gunnedah, 6.30pm on Thursday, October 10 at the Gunnedah Smithurst Theatre, Conadilly Street Gunnedah NSW.

Tickets are $35 and are available via www.thecivic.com.au

Photo Caption: Tale of triumph: The production Sunset Strip is coming to Gunnedah.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

28 August 2019

Gunnedah families will get the chance to go crackers over the live show You’ll Never Guess Where I Hid the Cheese at Gunnedah Town Hall on Tuesday, October 1.

There’s a new villain in town in this “grate” show – Mr Cheesehead - and he’s here to turn everyone else into cheeseheads.

Luckily, superhero duo Bobbi and Wanda are here to defeat him with a slice of help from their courageous audience. But first they’re going to have a snack… and maybe a nap.

You’ll Never Guess Where I Hid the Cheese is an interactive comedy show for kids and kidults. It’s Freddy Mercury with a cheesehead, extravagantly mimed escapes and a whole lot of cheesy new words (“it’s a travescheese!”).

Next to all this you’ll be treated to a full range of kooky sound effects and a wedge of musical wonders on a Korg R3 synthesizer.

The show is presented by Gunnedah Shire Council and Choo Choo Troupe with support from Create NSW and Arts on Tour. It’s a great school holiday treat!

Tickets are $20, or $15 a head for bookings of four or more. Tickets are available through www.thecivic.com.au 

Photo caption: On-stage frantic antics in the family show You’ll Never Guess Where I Hid the Cheese.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

28 August, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for nominations from businesses that could benefit from the latest round of funding for the Business Partner Program.

Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson said the Business Partner Program had assisted more than 60 local businesses with in excess of $200,000 in funding since the program began.

“This is a great chance for Gunnedah Shire businesses to get a helping hand for business expansion or new initiatives during this difficult time,” Ms Wilson said.

“All sorts of small business projects, such as website upgrades, business planning and new directions for established businesses have benefited from the Business Partner Program.”

The latest round of the program is now open, with applications closing on October 31.

If you would like some advice about how to put together your application, you can make an appointment with Emily Wilson by calling 6740 2100 or emailing council@infogunnedah.com.au

Applications are assessed by a panel and funding is recommended based on estimated economic or employment benefit to the Gunnedah Shire community.

Business Partner Program guidelines and application forms are available online here.

The Business Partner Program in action... Enchanted on Conadilly

Gunnedah businesswoman Jodi Dolbel first sought funding assistance from Gunnedah Shire Council back in 2011.

Jodi had started her small business journey with the purchase of a balloon business to operate from home in 1993.

By 2011, she had helped with the opening of just about every supermarket, created a look for many weddings, and added colour to celebrations around the Shire. She was ready to open a shop in Chandos Street, and was successful in applying to Council for a grant.

“I couldn’t have opened without that help,” Jodi says.

“Council took a risk with me. The shop was just a cement floor and the grant helped pay for outfitting the shop.”

The business was successful and in October 2016, Jodi and her husband Stuart bought Riley’s Furniture and Carpets in Conadilly Street and a year later, the couple started a bedding store across the road. Enchanted on Conadilly was born.

The Dolbels were also part of the Business Partner Program in 2017-18 and received funding to help build their website.

“It was a huge step forward to have a full e-commerce website,” Jodi says.

“The Business Partner Program was a massive help to get that done.

“We do a lot of business over the website now. People do a lot of shopping on their keyboards at night-time. They can compare us with other businesses. We have our prices on the website and it is simple to use.”

Enchanted on Conadilly was also among the successful applicants in the latest round of the Business Partner Program to assist with a refurbishment and restructure.

The business now employs about eight people, including the first step in employment for a number of junior staff.

“The Business Partner Program has helped us in significant ways,” Jodi says. “We are lucky to have a council that supports business – both big companies and small business.”

For further details about the Business Partner Program, contact Council’s Economic Development team on 02 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah businesswoman Jodi Dolbel with the Enchanted on Conadilly website the Business Partner Program helped support.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.