6 August 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council and Northern Inland Regional Waste will hold the Annual Chemical CleanOut day on August 31.

Now is the time to clean out your household chemicals in preparation for a free chemical collection at Gunnedah Waste Management Facility Community Recycling Facility (CRC).

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste Sheridan Cameron said this was an opportunity to get rid of the chemicals that could be accumulating in your shed.

“We encourage residents to drop off their household cleaners, garden, pool and hobby chemicals and household poisons on the CleanOut day,” she said.

“We also encourage residents to drop off their problem wastes such as fluorescent globes and tubes, car and household batteries, motor oils and fluids, paint, gas bottles and fire extinguishers at the Gunnedah Community Recycling Centre. Residents have access to this facility all year round.

“Household quantities will be accepted.

“This is a great chance to get rid of those problem wastes safely and responsibly.”

Items can be dropped off at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility Community Recycling Facility at 418 Quia Road between 9am and 4pm on August 31, Gunnedah.

For more information, call the Environment Line on 131 555 or visit www.cleanout.com.au 

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

7 August, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council supported by the Gunnedah Ministers’ Fraternal will hold a Prayer for Rain on Sunday, August 18.

The event will be held at the Smithurst Theatre from 4pm.

“Our community has been doing it tough during this extended time of drought,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“It is impacting on everyone, from our farming families to our small businesses and community groups.

“This is an opportunity for us all to come together in a show of hope and faith and jointly pray for rain. By standing together, we can support each other during this difficult time, and our voice can only be stronger.

“This is our fourth part of a continuing focus on council working with the Minister’s Fraternal. We know the importance of making these opportunities available to the community. I invite all our community members to add their voices to this prayer.”

Light refreshments will be served.

To RSVP, contact Alexandra O’Keefe by Friday, August 16 on 6740 2152 or alexandraokeefe@infogunnedah.com.au

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

8 August 2019

Gunnedah’s current Cultural Precinct is a collection of buildings that house many lively community groups and cultural activities; it’s the hub for many of the region’s artists and creatives, and the keeper of Gunnedah’s unique stories. But as our community continues to grow and diversify, our hub is diversifying too.

We’re planning for the future, by creating a masterplan that will detail the expansion and redesign of the precinct; honouring the rich history that defines the place, while also better catering to the communities’ evolving wants and needs. The precinct is a space for our whole community; which is why we want ideas, opinions, and input from those who know it best.

Whether you’re deeply involved with our current arts scene, or see a new opportunity for the Cultural Precinct, we want to hear from every member of our community.

Our project Steering Committee and Dunn & Hillam Architects will immerse themselves in the community, to hear how you think we can build a Cultural Precinct that reflects the diverse and rich tapestry of Gunnedah:

Community Workshop; 4-6pm, August 20th; Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre
All are welcome to attend this open workshop, where the design and engagement consultants leading the project, Dunn & Hillam Architects, and JOC Consulting, want to gather your thoughts, ideas, and experiences to help us shape a space that reflects our rich history, whilst leading us in to the future.

Register Here

NightQuip: 5-9pm, August 20th
Stop by our night-market stall, and let us know your thoughts on the major design principles we’re considering for the space, and share your ideas on what you would like to see in the Cultural Precinct Masterplan.

AgQuip Stall: 9 am - 1pm, August 21st - Gunnedah Shire Council Stall
We’re aiming to talk to locals, as well as those from further afield, who may want to access Gunnedah’s Cultural Precinct for events or be part of the arts community. We’re excited to hear exactly how we can make the space a better fit for your purposes today, but also hear about other cultural initiatives that need a home in this important precinct.

Pub Chat: 5pm-8pm, August 21st - The Gunnedah Hotel
This is a space for us all, so we’re coming to you; after all, some of the best ideas are first mapped out on the back of a coaster. Save the date, and come pull up a chair and let us know how you think we can shape a cultural precinct that serves the whole community.

Online Survey: We will be launching an online survey to make sure we didn’t miss anything. We want to hear your opinions, ideas, and suggestions for creating an updated, inclusive cultural precinct. Keep an eye out for the Community Online Survey link, coming soon.

2 August 2019

Work on Gunnedah’s Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground will soon be underway, with contractor Daracon expected to take possession of the site early next week. The existing park will be decommissioned and the first sod will be turned at a ceremony on Friday, 16th of August 2019 at 11:00am at the Wolseley Park site.

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 more than 24 inclusive 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 and will include a treehouse tower, a sensory garden walk, a flying fox and a specially-designed swing.

“Construction is expected to be completed in late December – so the park will be a great Christmas present for the community and the working group who have worked to realise this amazing project,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Chief Engineer Dan Noble said.

“The site is being accessed through the carpark on Tempest St and impact on traffic is expected to be minimal” Mr Noble concluded.

There are a number of alternatives for people wanting to visit a playground including the new play equipment at Donnelly Fields, the park located on the northern side of Wolseley Park and the playground at Lions Park.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

1 August 2019

Seven businesses will benefit under the first round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program for 2019-20.

Councillors approved funding worth a total of $12,950 for a range of initiatives.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said there had been an impressive group of submissions for this round of the popular business program.

“It’s good to see Gunnedah Shire businesses making the most of this opportunity to grow their business and build on the local economy,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The Business Partner Program is an important initiative aimed at attracting new business opportunities and expanding our existing businesses by providing an assistance package.”

Chair of the Business Partner Advisory Group Ann Luke said priority was given to businesses that could demonstrate their project would benefit the community and economy.

“There are some great initiatives that have received funding in the past through the Business Partner Program,” Cr Luke said.

“I’m please we can offer this incentive to another seven projects covering a range of areas from business restructuring to website design.

“Healthy small businesses have a flow-on effect for the whole community.”

The successful applicants for the latest round of the Business Partner Program were:

• Mannion Drilling for the extension of the admin hub and workshop
• Gilbert Constructions for business planning and expansion
• The Verdict for a coffee cart
• Gunnedah Health & Fitness Co for website design and launch
• Kez’s Café for equipment upgrades
• Gunnedah Family Day Care for iPads
• Enchanted on Conadilly for a restructure.

Photo Caption: Successful applicants of the Business Partner program with council representatives at this morning’s presentation at the Local Government Week breakfast in Gunnedah.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

31 July, 2019

A Gunnedah program to encourage youngsters to dive into the world of books is continuing its success with another group of students achieving milestones.

The Gunnedah Shire Library’s 1000 Books After School program is designed to continue the good reading habits inspired by the library’s 1000 Books Before School initiative.

It is open to all primary-school aged children, who can join at any time during the year.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, who presented milestone certificates recently, said the program helped students improve their literacy.

“This is a fun way for students to get a head start in learning to read and write,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The target of 1000 books might seem huge, but it can be easily achieved with a little effort.

“As well as having certificates they can take pride in, students will be introduced to a 1000 worlds within 1000 different books. That can only mean great things for their imagination and their literacy.”

About 40 people attended the recent presentation where 14 children reached the 50 books milestone, 11 reached the 100 book milestone, 16 reached the 250 milestone, and two children received certificates for reading 800 books.

For further information or if you have any questions, please contact us on 6740 2190.

Photo caption: Mayor Jamie Chaffey with Emley Jones, Hala Daher, Chloe Alloway, Lujie Cao, Wesley Law, Dominic Alloway, Lachlan Alloway, Dylan Ryman, Calvin Law and Heidi Ryman at the 1000 Books After School presentation.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

31 July 2019

Nominations are invited from members of the community to be part of a working group for Gunnedah Shire’s newest festival.

Council is seeking nominations for up to three community members for the Hay and Harvest Festival Working Group.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said this was a great opportunity to help create an exciting new event on the regional calendar.

“The Gunnedah Hay and Harvest Festival will celebrate and showcase our local growers and produce,” Ms Hoddle said.

“This festival will become a permanent fixture for Gunnedah and has the potential to not only be great fun, but to introduce visitors to the best we have to offer in a fabulous and friendly atmosphere.

“It is expected to have significant economic benefits for the shire.”

The festival, expected to be held in the first half of 2020, will combine the successful features of the well-loved former Porchetta Day with Gunnedah Jockey Club’s plans for a new family event.

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.

Nomination forms are available from Council’s Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street or can be downloaded below, and must be submitted by 5pm on Monday, 19 August 2019.

 Form - Hay and Harvest Community Representative Nomination

For more information please contact Manager Economic Development, Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: Enjoying fine food… the way forward for a new Gunnedah festival.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

26 July 2019

Local Government Week 2019 will be held next week from July 29 to August 4, with a full schedule events to be held in Gunnedah.

The theme for 2019 is “Your Council”, looking at the many areas council is involved in throughout the community beyond roads, rates and rubbish.

“Council is so much a part of the community, from the care provided by GoCo, to our parks and sporting facilities, cultural precinct and library, and business development,” Gunnedah Shire Council general manager Eric Groth said.

“Our latest statistics show Gunnedah people made Gunnedah Shire Council facilities a big part of their lives in the 2018-19 financial year.

“They also show how busy council staff have been across a huge range of tasks including upkeep of roads and keeping the cattle moving through the saleyards.”

Gunnedah’s Local Government Week activities will begin on Monday, July 29 with a free tour of Gunnedah at 10am with tea, coffee and scones and jam to follow. The bus leaves the Visitor Information Centre in Chandos Street at 10am and returns at 11.30am.

Other activities during the week include: a free tour of the Waste Management Facility and Community Recycling Centre; free Upcycle Art Workshops with Jade Punch; Knit, Natter, Colour and Chatter at the library; and a Free Gamers Meet and Greet.

On Thursday, August 1, there will be a free barbecue bacon and egg breakfast with Gunnedah Shire Councillors in the Smithurst Theatre Courtyard at 7.30am. There will also be a free tree giveaway and presentation of the Business Partner Program.

At 5.30pm on the same day, there will be a free screening of A Plastic Ocean at the Civic, a documentary which began when journalist Craig Leeson went in search of the elusive blue whale and found something far more disturbing.

View Gunnedah Shire’s Local Government Week Program here.

Gunnedah Shire residents’ top pics for 2018-19

• Top day at the pool – Australia Day 2019 when 1501 people made a splash. The top month was January, with 14,791 visits.
• Top movie – The Incredibles 2, closely followed by Avengers: Endgame.
• Popcorn proved very popular at the movies, with 7008 containers sold. Medium was the most popular size, with 3006 sold.
• Top reads – The most borrowed books in Gunnedah Library were the J.D. Robb In Death series; second most popular was Nora Roberts (who is the same author under a different name). The most popular genre at the library was picture books, followed by Australian fiction, thriller/mystery, general adult, non-fiction and junior fiction.
• Biggest week of attendance at the Civic Theatre – July 12-18, 2018 (791 people attended)
• Top sporting field – Donnelly Fields is used by the most groups and activities, including cricket, oz tag, touch football, softball, Little Athletics, rugby, school athletics carnivals, school cross country, colour fun runs, Australia Day activities and NIAS training.
• Most popular library program – the Bookends Literacy Assist program, followed by Toddler Time, Brain Training and Junior Brain Games.

Some top Gunnedah Shire stats for 2018-19

• 118,189 cattle were sold through the Gunnedah Saleyards for a total of $87,421,410
• 1799 guideposts were repaired or replaced across the shire
• 11,809 potholes were repaired
• 2058.26km of maintenance grading on unsealed roads
• nearly 12.3 million square metres of roadside slashing
• Top month at the Visitor Information Centre – October 2018 – 1224 people (CMCA Rally was held during this time).

Local Government across the whole of NSW:

• Employs more than 55,000 people
• Looks after more than $136 billion of community assets
• Manages an estimated 3.5 million tonnes of waste each year

Photo Caption: Pop up tree day and Local Government Week Program

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

25 July 2019

Community groups and businesses operating throughout the Gunnedah Shire will be able to more easily find and apply for grants with the launch of the new Gunnedah Shire Funding Finder.

Gunnedah Shire Council is committed to supporting local businesses and community groups to grow and thrive, and has joined forces with Australia’s most powerful grant search engine, Grant Guru, to deliver a free one-stop-shop website for business and community grants.

The search engine, which is available through Council’s website or a Google search, allows you to find available grants and to filter grants by specifying location, industry and type of project. The website also provides advice and top tips for finding and applying for grants to maximise your chances of receiving the funding you need.

“There are a lot of great funding opportunities available throughout the year, but the process of finding and applying for grants can be daunting and time consuming, particularly for those organisations reliant on volunteers,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“Many people also don’t know where to start looking and so miss out. This is an opportunity to strengthen our local businesses and community groups, and the shire’s economy.”

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton said the Funding Finder would help cut through the red tape.

“Gunnedah Shire Funding Finder will take the guesswork out of searching for grants and help groups and businesses navigate the process, by bringing over 845 grants worth $47.3B to one central location,” she said.
Start the journey by registering with Gunnedah Shire Funding Finder to receive email alerts about available grants.

To find, the Gunnedah Shire Funding Finder, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and look for the link under “community services” then “grants and sponsorship”.

For further information or assistance with registering, please contact Council’s Community and Social Planner on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton and Mayor Jamie Chaffey take a look at the new Gunnedah Shire Funding Finder.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council is committed to supporting local businesses and community groups to grow and thrive, and has joined forces with Australia’s most powerful grant search engine, Grant Guru, to deliver a free one-stop-shop website for business and community grants.

Gunnedah Shire Funding Finder will take the guesswork out of searching for grants and help groups and businesses navigate the process, by bringing over 1,422 grants worth $59.7B to one central location.

Start the journey by registering to receive email alerts about available grants. Check out the Gunnedah Funding Finder here.

For more information on the next round contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner on (02) 6740 2100 or council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.