24 July 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council hereby calls for Expressions of Interest for the management and operation of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Kiosk for the 2019/20 season.

Management and operation of the Gunnedah Swimming Pool Kiosk Expression of Interest documentation is available through Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and/or hard copies will be available at Council’s Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street Gunnedah.

Submissions addressing the selection criteria must be completed and returned to Council via email council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Closing date for submissions: 4:00pm Friday 30 August 2019.

Initial enquiries for documents should be directed to the Manager of Public Facilities, Ashley Gardner on 02 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

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24 July, 2019

A new blue fixture is making a splash in Conadilly Street.

Gunnedah Youth Council members identified a need for a water refill station in the main street – and went beyond the standard bubbler to come up with a water cooler that even caters for thirsty furry friends.

Gunnedah Youth Council secured $1000 through a Pitch It competition at the 2017 NSW Youth Councils Conference to turn this idea into a reality.

The youth council put together a video to pitch their idea to install a fixed water refill station in the CBD area to encourage the community to drink more water and help reduce plastic waste.

The water refill station features a bubbler, a place to refill water bottles, and an area designed to be pressed on to fill up with water for pets.

The water station was installed close to the crossing at Bitter Suite Café by local plumbing and civil contractor PJ Hickman Plumbing, who completed the works assisted by funding from the Drought Communities Program.

Some interesting facts about water:

• Staying hydrated is essential for good health
• Only 1 in 5 plastic bottles are recycled
• Currently, one million plastic bottles are sold every minute worldwide
• Over 40% of plastic bottles end up as landfill or litter
• Drinking water throughout the day improves concentration
• The average price of 1 litre of bottled water is the same as 9000 glasses from your tap
• Around 70% of your body is water
• A plastic bottle takes more than 1000 years to break down.

Photo Caption: St Mary’s student Jesse Dick with the new water refill station.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

23 July, 2019

AgQuip might be Australia’s number one field days event, but it’s about to be joined by something different – NightQuip!

The NightQuip Night Market, an initiative of Gunnedah Shire Council in partnership with the Service NSW Easy to do Business Program, will be held on the footpaths of Conadilly Street on August 20 – the first night of AgQuip.

“This brand new event is already attracting a lot of interest,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

“It will be a fun, vibrant evening featuring everything from hand-made goods and food, to the products of our main street retailers.

“This is a perfect opportunity for local businesses – who might be busy out in the field at AgQuip or don’t get much of a chance to interact with visitors – to show just what they have to offer.

“AgQuip attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year and this is a great way to spread the economic benefits.”

The NightQuip Night Market will start at 5pm on Tuesday, August 20 and finish at 9pm.

Calls for expressions of interest for market stallholders, food vendors and buskers are now open.

For further information or for a Stallholder Application Form, contact Council's Economic Development Team on 6740 2100.

Applications close at 5pm on August 6.

Photo Caption: NightQuip markets will add something special to AgQuip.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

19 July 2019

Gunnedah Shire residents will have a one-off opportunity to dispose of their bulky waste items for free.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors voted at yesterday’s ordinary council meeting to hold a Domestic Bulky Waste Disposal Weekend on September 21 and 22.

Gunnedah Shire Council Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron said the day was a great chance for residents to have a spring clean and dispose of items like old whitegoods, furniture and even tree loppings free of charge.

“Spring clean weekends have been successful in Gunnedah Shire in the past, and we will be offering another one in September,” Ms Sheridan said.

“This gives residents a chance to get rid of troublesome items and can go some way to combat illegal dumping.

“People will need to bring their waste to the Gunnedah, Carroll, Curlewis, Mullaley, Breeza or Tambar Springs waste facility. The amount of waste will be capped at one trailer-load per ratepayer.”

Items ineligible for the initiative include: chemicals, liquid wastes, tyres, commercial waste, medical waste, mixed building waste, items with refrigerant gas and contaminated waste.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

22 July, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is looking at holding two events each year to help new residents to the shire feel at home.

At this week’s ordinary Gunnedah Shire Council meeting, councillors heard the Economic Development Working Group had suggested bi-annual events to welcome new residents.

“Gunnedah Shire is a great community, and we want new residents to not only feel welcome, but to easily make connections with people and groups they share interests with,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

“This is a wonderful place to put down roots and raise a family.

“We would love to see local sporting groups, volunteer groups, community organisations and social clubs at these events meeting new residents and providing them with information.

“We have so many things to offer.

“This could help people who are recently settled in the shire feel very much at home.”

Dates have not yet been set for the events.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council is planning events to welcome new residents to the shire.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 July, 2019

Gunnedah is on the brink of the creation of a group to support new migrants to the shire and develop the multicultural appeal of Gunnedah.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors voted yesterday to hold an event to promote a new group called Multicultural Gunnedah.

Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the event would include an invitation to the man behind the successful Multicultural Tamworth group, Eddie Whitham, to be a guest speaker.

“Eddie Whitham recently spoke to Gunnedah’s Sister City Working Group,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The group has achieved impressive things in Tamworth, supporting migrants in areas including employment, housing, language difficulties and schooling, as well as helping them make friends within the community.

“Tamworth now has as many as 30-35 people becoming Australian citizens at every council meeting. That’s an amazing result and shows just how welcome people feel in the area.

“We need to support migrants in Gunnedah in the same way. We have a growing number of people here from a large variety of backgrounds. We want them to feel welcome and to stay in our shire.

“Multicultural Gunnedah could follow a similar path to Multicultural Tamworth as a voluntary organisation helping people who are new to Australia feel at home.

“It’s an exciting idea, and we hope Gunnedah embraces this chance to strengthen our community and celebrate cultural diversity within the shire.”

A date will soon be set for the event, which will be chaired by Cr Chaffey.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey with new Australian citizens at a citizenship ceremony in Gunnedah.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 July, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council will waive fees for street trading and footpath dining applications for the next financial year to assist businesses during a difficult economic time.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the drought had added to the challenges already faced by retail businesses in a regional town.

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

“Gunnedah is not alone – the NSW Business Chamber found 93.9% of businesses surveyed in the retail and wholesale sector indicated they had been impacted by drought conditions.

“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.

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

The NSW Small Business Commissioner recently released the NSW Outdoor Dining Policy to make it easier for retail food premises to conduct outdoor dining. The policy recommended the waiving of application fees when seeking a permit.

Businesses who want to carry out street vending will still need to lodge an application with Council and include a copy of their public liability insurance.

“Gunnedah is a great town and we want to retain the strong businesses we have, as well as encouraging new business,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Outdoor dining and street trading can help make our shire a welcoming and vibrant place to visit.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 July 2019

A new major festival will be added to the shire’s calendar for the first time next year after Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah Jockey Club agreed to join forces for the Gunnedah Hay and Harvest Festival.

Councillors voted at the July meeting yesterday to endorse a request by the Gunnedah Jockey Club to combine plans for a new family event with the Hay and Harvest Festival.

It is hoped the festival, which is likely to be held in the first half of 2020, will attract approximately 3000 visitors in its first year.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said the festival would be yet another reason for people to spend time in Gunnedah.

“Both the Gunnedah Jockey Club event and the Gunnedah Hay and Harvest Festival shared a common vision – to present a great event that our community can be proud of,” Ms Hoddle said.

“The festival will celebrate and showcase our local growers and produce and will be a boost to our drought-affected community.

“It will show just how much we have to offer, and will introduce visitors to the warmth and the friendliness of the Gunnedah Shire.

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

The Gunnedah Hay and Harvest Festival will be a fun community day featuring fine food, fibre and wine set against a colourful bush and riverine backdrop.

It is expected to include music, art installations, market stalls and practical demonstrations.

The festival has received seed funding of $17,000 through the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund. This will now combine with the $20,000 Gunnedah Jockey Club has been awarded through the Back to the Track program for an event to carry on from the well-loved former Porchetta Day.

Ms Hoddle said the increased funding available for the festival would mean an even bigger, better event.

Councillors yesterday voted to form a working group for the festival, which will include two members from the Gunnedah Jockey Club, two councillors, one member of the Gunnedah and District Page 2 of 2
Chamber of Commerce, three community representatives and three council staff representatives to help deliver the festival.

“The partnership between Council and the Gunnedah Jockey Club to create the Gunnedah Hay and Harvest Festival is a unique and logical opportunity to establish and grow an event that will become a financially sustainable, high-quality food festival and a destination of choice on the regional event calendar,” Ms Hoddle said.

Gunnedah Shire Council will call for expressions of interest for the working group in the next few months.

Photo Caption: Crowds enjoy one of the Porchetta Days of past years.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

16 July 2019

Widespread drought conditions continue to punish rural and regional communities across NSW including Gunnedah. Like those on the land, small businesses are feeling the impact.

The Minister for Finance and Small Business, the Hon. Damien Tudehope and the NSW Small Business Commissioner Robyn Hobbs and their team will be visiting Gunnedah on Wednesday 24 July to hear first-hand how drought is impacting our community and interested businesses are invited to a Business Breakfast to meet with them.

“We’re asking business owners to come along to have a very open, frank and honest conversation about their experience with drought in the last 18 months“ Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“We know of businesses that have had to close or downsize. When this happens, margins are tighter and there is more pressure for business owners to be working longer hours. Things have been really tough and we want to make sure the Minister and Commissioner see a whole community that has been affected. This is an invitation for people to come along and tell their stories” he said.

In the lead up to the visit, Gunnedah Shire Council are asking business houses to fill in a survey to help capture some data that will be presented to Minister Tudehope and Commissioner Hobbs during their visit.

“We have put together a survey that will take only about 10 minutes, but will allow us to piece together a complete picture of the short and long-term implications for our business sector.” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle.

“Even if you can’t make the breakfast, the survey is a great opportunity for our community to have their voice heard.”

“Drought impacts our whole community and we’re looking forward to hearing some of the options available to small businesses” she concluded.

Business Breakfast
When: Wednesday 24th July, 2019
Time: 7:30am
Where: Gunnedah Bicentennial Arts Gallery, Chandos Street, Gunnedah
Cost: FREE

Visit Council’s website to reserve your spot (click on buy tickets) www.thecivic.com.au.

To fill out the survey, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WZN8L2C
Respondents go in the draw to win $100 Gunnedah Gift Card.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

16 July, 2019

Taking care of the waste for a Shire of more than 12,000 people requires careful management, but the Shire becomes cleaner and greener if residents follow a few simple guidelines.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager of Waste Sheridan Cameron said those residents living in areas with kerbside bin collection could get confused about exactly what goes into each bin, particularly as services and requirements differ from Council to Council.

“There are some factsheets available on our website or from Council that make it easier to determine what should go in each bin,” Mrs Cameron said.

“The average person produces 1.5 tonnes of waste per year which, for a Shire our size, is approximately 18,000 tonnes. That’s a lot of garbarge.”

“As a Council we’re considering how best to move forward with waste in our Shire, taking into account environmental concerns and liveability. For the time being, these guidelines should assist in understanding where waste should go.”

“Don’t miss the opportunity to use less, reuse and upcycle when you can. We’ve got the Waste to Art Exhibition coming up, so that’s the perfect opportunity to start thinking about waste a little differently.”

Your guide to bin use:

What goes in my red waste?
YES: General food waste, General household waste, nappies, polystyrene, soft plastics
NO: Builders materials, motor oil, mobile phones and electronics, chemicals, paint, batteries

What goes in my yellow recycling bin?
YES: Clean glass jars and bottles, Plastics with number 1,2,3,4 or 5, Tin and Aluminium, Paper and cardboard, clean formula tins
NO: Nappies, Cigarette butts in any container, syringes, ceramics/crockery/china, plastic bags, electrical appliances, polystyrene

What goes in my green waste bin?
YES: Lawn clippings; dry leaves and prunings; small sticks and twigs; fresh leaves and prunings.
NO: plastic bags and liners; construction waste; food waste and garbage; potting mix bags and pots.
Green waste becomes high quality mulch products.

Where can sharps be disposed of?
Needles are a risk to workers at the Gunnedah Recyclit Centre, and they should not be disposed of in general waste. 

Public sharp bins are available at: Vernados Carpark, Little Barber Street; Pump House opposite Rugby Park on Wandobah Road; Gunnedah Waste Management Facility. 

Single-use sharp bins are available at: Brocks Court, Wolseley Park (mounted on toilet block wall); O’Keefe Pavilion, Wolseley Park; Mornington Park, Anzac Parade (mounted on toilet block wall); Gunnedah Community Health Centre, Marquis Street; Gunnedah Hospital, Marquis Street; Discount Drug Store and Karen Carter Chemist (both in Conadilly Street).

For more information about safe needle disposal: search “needle” on the council website; call Gunnedah Shire Council Customer Service on (02) 6740 2100 or call NSW Health Needle Clean Up Hotline on 1800 633 353.

Flyers featuring information about bin use and sharps disposal can be found in the Waste Services section of our website.

What do I do with potentially hazardous materials?
There is a free drop-off at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility on Quia Road, Gunnedah for:

• gas bottles and fire extinguishers
• paint
• flouro globes and tubes
• car batteries
• household batteries
• motor oils
• other oils
• smoke detectors.

The Gunnedah Waste Management Facility on Quia Road, Gunnedah, is open Monday- Sunday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The community recycling centre is open from Tuesday - Sunday.

For more information about waste disposal, call 02 6742 3943.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.