10 July 2019

Businesses in Gunnedah that are feeling the heat during the drought are being asked to help Gunnedah Shire Council put together a complete picture of the impact for the NSW Government.

The NSW Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope and NSW Small Business Commissioner Robyn Hobbs are planning to visit Gunnedah in late July as part of a tour of the region.

Mr Tudehope and Ms Hobbs are bringing a team with them to meet with drought-affected small businesses to hear about the impact first hand and advise what assistance might be available.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said Council wanted as much information from Gunnedah businesses as possible.

“We are asking our business operators to let us know exactly how the drought is impacting on them,” Ms Hoddle said.

“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.

“The survey not only asks about the impact on the bottom line, but about other concerns, as well as seeking information about who has sought assistance, who hasn’t, and who does not know where to turn.

“The more businesses complete this survey, the stronger our information will be. This is a great opportunity to present the state of our business community to both the Minister and the Small Business Commissioner.”

Fill out the Drought Impact Survey for Businesses here. Respondents go in the draw to win $100 Gunnedah Gift Card.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire businesses are being asked to complete a survey to build a complete picture of drought impacts.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

4 July, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council has voted to accept an Expression of Interest and enter into negotiations with Far North Queensland tourism company the Woodward Family CaPTA Group to operate a new Gunnedah Koala Park and hospital.

The CaPTA Group currently owns and operates a number of internationally acclaimed wildlife and conservation-based tourism attractions in Cairns and Port Douglas, including Rainforestation Nature Park, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, Jungle Tours and Trekking and Tropic Wings Cairns Tours and Charters.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the initiative will have amazing potential for Gunnedah and tourism in the region.

"To get to this point now is a milestone that gives me enormous confidence that we will be progressing forward with a quality operator that is well established and has much to offer.

CaPTA Group employs more than 300 people, has been in business for over 40 years and is a significant Queensland tourism operator with existing links into overseas tourist markets.

“We’re looking forward to negotiating a memorandum of understanding with the CaPTA Group and planning the next steps forward which include firstly considering the needs of the community and identifying an appropriate site” Cr Chaffey said. “Whilst we are in the preliminary stages, the potential outcomes for Gunnedah are incredible. The park will be a wonderful addition to the Shire, both in terms of tourism, the economy and in helping protect the iconic animal that has become synonymous with Gunnedah. This park ensures we keep our title as the Koala Capital of the World.”

“Importantly, the facility would also include a koala hospital to help battle the many threats faced by our koala population.

The Gunnedah Koala Park project was awarded $6.48 million through the NSW Government’s Regional Social Benefit Infrastructure Fund.

Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said the CaPTA Group was a great fit for the Gunnedah Koala Park project.

“Attracting a company of the calibre of the CaPTA Group is a real win for Gunnedah,” Mr Formann said.

“The company is a powerhouse of tourism and conservation in Far North Queensland and they have a history of being socially responsible, contributing significantly to their local community operating a non-profit wildlife rescue center and caring for koalas as part of their existing operation.”

“Of course, our geographical location and koala population mean we’re the perfect location for this koala park and this project will have benefits for both parties. We are looking forward to all the possibilities a collaboration with the Capta Group will bring.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

2 July, 2019

It’s time to repackage your old packaging into art for the 2019 Waste Into Art Competition.

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on students, artists and collectives to get creative and come up with something amazing for this year’s competition which is held in partnership with Northern Inland Regional Waste to promote the message to reduce, re-use or recycle waste.

The theme for 2019 is “Packaging Repackaged”, providing an opportunity to use everyday disposable items like plastic wrapping, cardboard boxes, food wrappers, Styrofoam and bubble wrap in a unique piece of art.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s cultural precinct team leader Lauren Mackley said the competition was a fun way to get creative and to spread the reduce, re-use and recycle waste message.

“There are so many different forms of packaging and other waste materials that can be used in so many different ways,” Ms Mackley said.

“We would love people to get really imaginative and create a piece of art to show the shire – and there is a prize of $150 for each category.

“We have had some wonderful artworks in the past. I’m looking forward to seeing what our students and artists come up with in 2019!”

Artists and community groups can interpret the theme in any number of ways, from functional pieces to 2D creations.

Entry forms will be available from Council’s main administration office in Elgin Street, at the Gunnedah Shire Library and at The Civic counter. Entries may be submitted by a group or an individual.

Waste Into Art 2019 submission forms and ready to hang artworks are to be submitted to the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery by 5pm Friday, 4 October, 2019.

The 2019 Waste into Art Exhibition officially opens at 1pm on Friday, 11 October. The exhibition continues until Sunday, 10 November.

Photo Caption: Past entries in the Waste into Art Exhibition.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

4 July, 2019

It’s time to turn a new page in creativity in Gunnedah and join in The Gallery with the Most Stories Exhibition as the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery celebrates Literacy and Numeracy Week 2019.

This creative new Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery exhibition invites artists, hobbyists, local schools, authors, writers and community groups to make alterations to a book, redefine pages, create books and zines and explore the creativity of literacy.

“We hope to see lots of origami, artist books, artworks on paper and altered books at the exhibition,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley says.

“We are also hoping that local poets, writers and authors will display their creative undertakings at the exhibition.

“This is a chance to think outside ‘the book’ when creating your artwork.”

The Gallery with the most Stories 2019 submission forms can be collected from The Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre, 81 Chandos Street. All final artworks are to be submitted to the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery by 5pm Monday, 2nd September, 2019.

The exhibition will officially open at 6pm Friday, 6 September 2019, and will continue until Sunday, 6 October 2019.

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley on (02) 67 40 2100 or via council@infogunnedah.com.au

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 02 6740 2100.

4 July, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council has announced a contractor for construction of the Rainbow Serpent water feature to be located outside the Civic Centre in Chandos Street.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Australian company Waterforms International would be appointed to bring the $274,258 water feature to life.

“This project has been more than a decade in the making, and has involved consultation and design input from local Indigenous and arts groups,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This will be a large and impressive water feature that will create a meeting place within our cultural precinct where traditional stories can be shared and celebrated.”

Waterforms International has worked on projects worldwide, including the Australian War Memorial water feature in Hyde Park Corner, London, the Sydney Airport Centre water sculpture, and the Suntec City Rotating Water Screen in Singapore.

The Rainbow Serpent water feature was originally inspired by the drawings of Gunnedah Elders.

The project was awarded $155,725 through the $100 million NSW Government Regional Cultural Fund. It will feature 32 hand-crafted glass mosaic tiles created by the Kamilaroi Women’s Group.

The Rainbow Serpent water feature is due to be completed by the end of the 2019-20 financial year.

Photo Caption: A design of the new Rainbow Serpent water feature to be built in Chandos Street.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

26 June, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is using a new road solution as part of the new Barber and Chandos streets roundabout.

Gunnedah Shire Council Works Manager Richard Baxter said rubber kerbing had been installed at the roundabout as part of traffic safety measures.

“This is a first for Gunnedah,” Mr Baxter said.

“Rubber kerbing is a cleaner and greener traffic solution that is made from recycled materials and can be removed if necessary.

“Unlike the more traditional concrete kerbing, white rubber kerbing is resistant to road grime, doesn’t crack, and does not need a lot of maintenance to retain visibility. It is also cost effective and absorbs vehicle impact.”

Rubber kerbing is becoming more widely used across Australia, and is already in use in the Narrabri Shire.

Photo Caption: Workers put the final touches to new rubber kerbing at the Barber and Chandos streets roundabout.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 02 6740 2100.

24 June 2019

From 1.00 pm Saturday 6th July 2019, and Sunday 7th July 2019 Council will be undertaking asphalting work in Conadilly Street Gunnedah between Pedestrian crossing and Elgin Street. These works are expected to be completed by 5.00 pm.

Unavoidable interruptions will be experienced intermittently during the asphalting period with traffic movements under stop and go traffic control. Council will endeavour to limit these interruptions wherever possible and seeks your co-operation during the asphalting period.

If you have any special requirements during this period please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Relations Team on 02 6740 2100.

Council apologises for any inconvenience experienced during the asphalting period and thanks you for your co-operation in this matter.

19 June 2019

Four local arts and cultural groups will benefit from a total of more than $13,000 through Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program.

The latest round of funding will see $13,616 go towards programs and initiatives provided by the four groups who were selected by a panel from those who applied, and then endorsed by Council at the May Council Meeting.

The funding will go to:

• Arts Gunnedah: $5600 to go towards the 49th Annual Arts and Ceramic Exhibition and six professional arts workshops
• Gunnedah Eisteddfod Society Inc: $2980 for the Eisteddfod Enrichment Program to take in Gunnedah and outlying villages
• Two Rivers Arts Council (TRAC): $2700 for the Christmas markets
• Blackjack Camera Club: $2336 for frames for exhibitions, material to protect frames and local postcards of members’ works.

Panel chairperson Councillor Owen Hasler congratulated the groups.

“Once again, it is very good to see that there were a number of excellent grant applications, re-inforcing the fact that Gunnedah is fortunate to have such a vibrant arts and cultural sector,” Cr Hasler said.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said the program gave local arts and culture groups an avenue to apply for funding to support their programs and services.

“It is pleasing to see the Eisteddfod Society and the Blackjack Camera Club applying and being successful for the first time under this grant program,” Mr Formann said.

“The recipients are all hard-working, local volunteer groups that are doing a lot to provide education that enriches Gunnedah’s arts and cultural scene.”

Image Caption: Grant recipients: (From left) Kyle Smith (TRAC), Kellee Clark (Blackjack Camera Club), Merryl Hennessy (Gunnedah Eisteddfod Society), Lauren Mackley (Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader), Gunnedah Shire Councillor Ann Luke, Gunnedah Shire Councillor Owen Hasler, Jenny Croft (Arts Gunnedah) and Julie Glover (Gunnedah Eisteddfod Society).

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

20 June 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is looking for another two community members to join the new Cultural Precinct Master Plan Advisory Group.

The advisory group will work towards a better Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct by providing input into the master planning process for the precinct.

Community members approved for the group at yesterday’s Council Meeting are Joe Kelly, Martine Moran, Shirley Urquhart, Ashley Byron, Rebecca Ryan and Margaret Amos.

Councillors Murray O’Keefe, Colleen Fuller, Owen Hasler and Rob Hooke will represent Council on the advisory group.

Gunnedah's Cultural Precinct includes Gunnedah Town Hall, the Smithurst Theatre, the Civic Theatre, the Creative Arts Centre, and the Visitors Information Centre on the corner of Conadilly and Chandos streets.

Council recently announced Dunn & Hillam Architects had been appointed to look at creating a more cohesive precinct as part of the Cultural Precinct Master Plan and Concept Plan.

The architects will develop a concept plan following consultation with the community and users of the facility, as well as a cultural heritage plan.

Two more community members are able to be appointed to the group. Community members who are interested in being part of the advisory group are encouraged to express their interest by sending an email to council@infogunnedah.com.au by July 12.

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

20 June, 2019

Green Water Dispensing Stations are being installed at Tambar Springs, Mullaley, Curlewis and Gunnedah as part of measures to help Gunnedah Shire residents through the drought.

Funded through the federal government’s Drought Communities Programme (DCP) the water dispensing stations will allow residents to obtain water via either a 50mm camlock outlet or a 25mm hose outlet.

The user-pays system can be accessed either with a credit card or an account card that can be obtained from Gunnedah Shire Council.

The water stations are being installed to help residents who are facing emergency water situations or are temporarily without water.

As part of the installation process, a contractor will begin work excavating , upgrading the gravel and sealing bitumen in the carpark area of the Tambar Springs site.

Tambar Springs residents are advised access to the area will be restricted while the work is taking place.

Gunnedah’s water dispensing station will be located across from Elders on Mullaley Road.

Image: The Green Water Dispensing Station on Mullaley Road in Gunnedah.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.