12 June 2019

Gunnedah Shire Library’s Bookend Literacy Assist program has been named as a finalist in the 2019 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

The program links seniors with children who need help with their reading skills, and has been achieving results.

Seniors are “borrowed” by children for one-on-one reading assistance for 20 minutes blocks. They choose a number of books from the library to read aloud to their senior, who offers help and encouragement.

The program, which won a NSW Public Libraries Association Innovation in Outreach Services Award late last year, has also been selected as a finalist in the Community Partnerships and Collaborations category (for towns with a population under 60,000) of the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

Award winners will be announced at a dinner in Sydney on June 20.

Librarian Christiane Birkett said the program had met with a positive response from parents who had been happy with the progress of their children’s reading skills.

“Children and parents have remarked on their increased reading skills and confidence, children are more at ease with older people, and seniors have embraced the fact that they are contributing to the wellbeing of the community,” Christiane said.

“Both the children and the seniors look forward to coming to the library for their booked sessions and interacting with each other – it’s a great inter-generational program that draws on the strengths of the seniors to help children.”

The program started after parents asked for assistance to help their children’s reading skills, and the parents themselves, both working, often were time-poor. More than 18.3 per cent of Gunnedah’s population is aged 65 and over, and within that group there are people with the time and skills to assist children.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah seniors work with students who enjoy a helping hand with their reading skills.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

13 June, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council’s economic development officer Emily Wilson has been announced as one of four statewide winners of the Col Mills Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship includes registration to LGC19 (Local Government Conference 2019) on June 19-21, and the Local Government awards dinner, where two of the recipients will be announced as winners of the Col Mills Memorial Award.

The LG Professionals scholarship is made available to younger NSW local government professionals to provide them with access to professional development activities.

Emily said she was encouraged to apply for the scholarship and saw it as opportunity to further her leadership skills.

“This is a great way to support young people in local government,” she said.

“Working in local government has opened up so many opportunities to develop both professionally and personally.

“Receiving this scholarship is such an honour and wouldn’t have been possible without the support of those around me at Council.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey congratulated Emily on her achievement.

“This recognition is testament to Emily’s enthusiasm and dedication to her work at Gunnedah Shire Council,” Cr Chaffey said. “This is reflective of the young, vibrant culture we have here in local government.”

Emily moved to Gunnedah from Sydney in 2012 and started work with council in 2015 as a finance cadet while finishing a Bachelor of Business (Business Economics).

She worked in a number of roles in finance before taking on the role of economic development officer in April this year.

“It’s a new challenge, and I love it,” Emily said.

Emily’s application noted she was constantly seeking new ways to give back to the community, including fundraisers, volunteering at sporting events and coaching classes at the gym. She has also recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition.

The winners of the Col Mills Memorial Award will be entered in the national Federation Emerging Leader of the Year Award. This will be presented at the LG Professionals Australia National Congress and Business Expo held in Darwin at the end of July.

The Col Mills scholarship was formed in 1999, in memory of LG Professionals member Col Mills who was a strong advocate of creating opportunities for members to advance their professional careers.

Scholarship recipients receive funding towards any professional development opportunity offered by LG Professionals, NSW.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council economic development officer Emily Wilson has been announced as a Col Mills Memorial Scholarship winner.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

11 June 2019

Gunnedah’s links with Sister City, the Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, have been strengthened and new business opportunities are in the wind following a recent study tour of China.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, also the chairperson of Namoi Unlimited, led a delegation of local businesses and exporters on the week-long trip in May.

Cr Chaffey said the visit, which included visits to Shanghai, Ningbo and Guangzhou, showed how many opportunities there were through Gunnedah’s links to China, including strong prospects for primary producers and education.

“We are looking at the best outcomes for education at every level,” he said.

“While UNE [the University of New England] is working with a university in Ningbo, locally, we are building a relationship with the Chunxiao Middle School in Ningbo.

We visited this school of 1200 students from years 7 to 9 and staff watched a video from St Mary’s in Gunnedah.

“St Mary’s are looking at a student exchange program that could see our Gunnedah kids spending time at the school in what would be a valuable cultural experience.”

Cr Chaffey said there were also great opportunities for primary producers, particularly cattle and lamb farmers.

“The demand is there,” he said. “We want to show our primary producers that there are many opportunities.

“We are exploring options for business investment in a multi-species abattoir in Gunnedah that would meet accreditation for export to China, among other countries. This could be a valuable addition to the Gunnedah and North West economy.”

Peter and Juliana McArthur, from Oldfield Poll Herefords and McArthur Legal Services, joined the study tour.

“I wanted to learn about international client engagement,” Mrs McArthur said.

“In my previous role, I worked in a law firm in Sydney and Canberra and I can explain what’s needed for international small business people who are looking to expand into Australia.”

Mrs McArthur said she had made good connections while in China, including a meeting with the Australia-China Business Council.

“There is also a lot of interest in exporting beef and sheep to China,” she said.

“There is an overwhelming demand for Australian clean and green beef. We really need an abattoir in Gunnedah. We are closer than many other countries, and we don’t have foot and mouth disease.”

The Namoi to the Ningbo Study Tour also saw a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Foreign Affairs Office, Ningbo, in Zhejiang Province.

Cr Chaffey said the agreement would allow both parties to explore opportunities for investment and trade in agricultural commodities and services, tourism, renewable energy, transport and logistics.

Ningbo is home to one of the world’s biggest seaports and is an important centre for trade and economic activity.

Photo Caption: Images one and two: Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey during a visit to Chunxiao Middle School in Ningbo, China.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

6 June 2019

If you are looking for a helping hand with your business and have a great idea in mind that will benefit Gunnedah Shire through increased employment, there is still time to apply for the Business Partner Program.

The latest round of the program is now open, with applications closing on 30 June 2019.

The program is designed to encourage business expansion and help new business and economic activity, through projects like website upgrades, business planning and even assistance with major projects.

One of the successful applicants in the last round, Michelle Kiehne of Lash Out, said the Business Partner Program had given her the kick-start she needed to expand into training.

“I am qualified to train and I thought I could give people in rural places somewhere to learn without having to go to a major centre,” Michelle said.

“The grant helped me to buy the beauty beds and pay for the training manuals.”

Michelle has already held two training courses covering services including eyelash extensions, lash lifts, henna brows and tanning, and is planning a third session.

For further details about the Business Partner Program, contact Council’s Economic Development team on 02 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: Michelle Kiehne has used her Business Partner Program grant to grow her business Lash Out.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 02 6740 2100.

4 June, 2019

It's time to turn on the taps for a new water supply to Curlewis.

The $5.2 million Curlewis Pipeline Project has been completed by Gunnedah Shire Council, and will supply 260 households with better-tasting, higher quality water.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the completion was great news for Curlewis residents and businesses.

"This major infrastructure upgrade for Curlewis will go a long way to improving the liveability of the town, including economic growth and beautification of the area," he said.

“Curlewis water should now not be as hard, will be easier on household appliances, and should taste better.

“Curlewis is an important part of Gunnedah Shire's future."

Gunnedah Shire Council's project manager water services Michael Ludlow thanked the residents of Curlewis for their patience during construction of the project.

"The people of Curlewis have been patient throughout this process and have told us they are looking forward to a better water supply," Mr Ludlow said.

The Curlewis Pipeline Project, funded by Gunnedah Shire Council along with a contribution of $2.6 million through the federal government's Building Better Regions Fund, connects Gunnedah's town water to the town of Curlewis, and has been designed to provide for an expanded population in the area. The project includes two new 500,000-litre concrete reservoirs.

Mr Ludlow said as well as the 260 households that would see an improvement in their household water over the next few weeks, another 10 would be added soon after, and the project could cater for twice as many residents if needed in the future.

"The project has come in under budget," he said.

He said while rock in the path of the pipeline had slowed the project a little, it had been important to get it right.

The pipeline is gravity-fed and will be a more cost-effective and reliable water supply for Curlewis.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: Image 1: Sod turning at the beginning of the Curlewis Pipeline project with Councillors and MP Mark Coulton, Image 2: Project in progress

We’d like to invite residents to attend the Official Opening and Open Day for the reservoir. Council Staff will be available to show you around the facility and answer any questions you may have.

Reservoir Official Opening and Open Day
Wednesday, 12 June 2019
10:30am for Official Opening ‐ Intersection of Hawthorne and Pike Street
11:00 am to 1:00pm for Open Day ‐ Reservoir, Preston Road

The Gunnedah Access Working Group has partnered with NSW Ability Links to invite businesses in the CBD to participate in the Access at a Glance initiative.

Ability Links NSW supports vulnerable people and people with a disability, their families and carers to live the life they want as valued members of their community. It does this through linking people to their community and community capacity building projects such as the Access at a Glance initiative.

The Access at a Glance initiative provides shop fronts with accessibility stickers and signage to display in their windows so that community members can quickly tell if the space is accessible at a glance.

“The personal income of Australians living with a disability is collectively worth around $100 billion annually, a figure that is only set to increase with an ageing population. Studies show that 1 in 3 customers with disability have ceased a transaction because they were not treated with respect or fairly, and report that their customer needs are often unmet” Chair of the Working Group Councillor Ann Luke said.

Those figures represent a lot of missed business. Council and the Access Working Group are committed to becoming both a champion and advocate for accessibility and inclusion, and ensuring that everyone in our local area is made to feel welcome is a priority. The opportunity to partner with Ability Links NSW in implementing this great initiative in our own community while at the same time supporting our local businesses, is one we couldn’t pass up and I would encourage businesses to get on board”

With the support of the Gunnedah & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ability Linkers and members of the Access Working Group will be taking to the streets to chat with owners and managers to see if they would like to be involved. If the business or organisation meets the guidelines, a free sticker will be distributed to place in the shop window.

Copies of the ‘Missed Business Access Guide for Small Businesses’ will also be distributed to help operators apply simple strategies to improve access, and maximise trade opportunities.

If you are interested in being a part of this project, you can contact either Debra Hilton at Council on 02 6740 2100 | council@infogunnedah.com.au or Kellie Stewart at Ability Links NSW on 02 5776 7282 | kellies@pathfinders.ngo to set up a meeting.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Access working Group members with Council Staff and NSW Ability Links Staff ready to place accessibility stickers at The Civic.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 02 6740 2100

31 May 2019

If your community or sporting group could do with a grant of up to $5000, it’s time to apply.

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for applications for the annual Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program for non-profit community and sporting groups.

The grants are made available to help groups get their projects, services and initiatives off the ground.

In the past 10 years, more than $350,000 in grants have helped many groups kick off a range of projects, with funds going to organisations including Riding for the Disabled, Gunnedah Tennis Club, Gunnedah Pottery Club, Gunnedah Early Childhood Intervention, and the Water Tower Museum.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke said the program was a great opportunity for groups to offer something new to their existing members, attract new members or even realise long-term dreams.

“This could be just the financial lift our smaller groups could be looking for,” Cr Hooke said.

“It’s time to put up your hand to see if you can get a helping hand with a project that will really help our community.

“Grants of up to $5000 can make a significant difference.

“Council recognises the valuable contribution that these community groups and sporting clubs make to the fabric of our community and in particular the volunteers that work tirelessly to keep those organisations functioning. When assessing the applications, priority will be given to those projects and initiatives that not only benefit organisations but also the broader community.

“If you’re eligible, we encourage you to apply,” Cr Hooke concluded.

Application forms and grant guidelines are available from Council’s Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, Gunnedah Shire Library or can be dowloaded via the Section 356 Community and Sports Grants page.

The 2019/2020 funding round closes at 5.00pm on Wednesday, 3 July 2019. Further information is available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo Caption: Previous Section 356 grant winners

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 02 6740 2100

28 May 2019

A fresh and exciting future for Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct is a step closer with Council announcing the successful architect for the master plan.

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.

The plan will also examine the best uses of the newly-acquired block of land adjacent to the Smithhurst Theatre, allowing an expanded vision for the precinct.

Award-winning architects Dunn & Hillam will look at creating a more cohesive precinct incorporating these five important facilities into a new-look precinct as part of the Cultural Precinct Master Plan and Concept Plan.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said the plan would guide the future development of the facility and help Council in seeking grants to fund future improvements.

“We will be looking to better connect the spaces between the buildings and plan for a facility that will cater to a growing community with a vibrant arts and cultural scene.”

Gunnedah Shire Council voted to appoint Dunn & Hillam Architects to the project following a tender process that attracted eight submissions. The architects will develop a concept plan following consultation with the community and users of the facility, as well as a cultural heritage plan.

Community members who are interested in being part of an advisory group to assist the architect and have input into the process are encouraged to express their interest by sending an email to council@infogunnedah.com.au by June 12.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Tuesday 28 May 2019

Energy providers and community organisations offer face-to-face support for the Gunnedah community.

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) will partner with Gunnedah Shire Council and Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation to hold a Bring Your Bills Day & Community Expo in Gunnedah on Tuesday 4 June 2019. The event will provide assistance to residents who are having difficulties with their energy accounts and any related issues.

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW, Janine Young, encourages people in the Gunnedah region to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with EWON, their energy retailer and other services to receive one-on-one support.

“Staff from EWON or an energy retailer will listen to your concerns, review your bills and try to resolve any issues you have – on the spot if possible. We can also refer you to government agencies and community organisations there on the day for support with health, housing, legal or financial problems,” Ms Young, said.
Customers can get assistance setting up payment plans, having rebates they are eligible for applied to their account, accessing emergency payment assistance and talking to their retailers to resolve outstanding issues.

“Increased living costs are a real concern for many families in the Gunnedah area, particularly rising electricity costs. Gunnedah Shire Council is very happy to support this initiative, which provides local residents support with affordability and related problems,” Kate McGrath, GoCo Community Hub Coordinator, Gunnedah Shire Council said.

A range of community organisations and government agencies will also be at the event to support residents, including: AGL, Anglicare, Australian Energy Regulator, Legal Aid – Driver Reform, Red Energy, Revenue NSW, Salvation Army and the Seniors Rights Service.

“EWON runs an extensive community engagement program and we find that meeting with customers face to face makes a big difference to everyone involved and often leads to problems being resolved much quicker than they would otherwise be,” explained Ms Young
Customers are asked to bring along current and past energy and water bills, any letters from retailers, Centrelink Health Cards, and any other concession cards.

Where: Gunnedah Town Hall, 152 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah

When: Tuesday 4 June 2019

Time: 10.00am to 3.00 pm

For more information visit ewon.com.au/events. Share the event listing on Facebook.

28 May 2019

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery is proud to present ‘Rose Coloured Glasses’; an exhibition featuring the artworks of Terri-Ann Crothers and Kate Owen.

Kate and Terri-Ann’s artworks are bold, gestural and expressive. Inspired by the beauty of the everyday, their surroundings, their memories and their desire to explore and express the beauty and vibrancy of regional life.

‘Rose Coloured Glasses’ shows glimmers of impressionism through the artist’s purposeful and joyful use of colour palettes. Their liberated use of acrylics, oil pastel, graphite, collage and pencil create densely layered and vibrant works.

“I paint to capture the life we have on our property but with an infusion of colour to add my personality and outlook on life. The often harsh environment I live in is a subdued, muted landscape, so I often need to interpret the subject matter with an intensity of colour and try to create something aesthetically pleasing to the viewer” said Artist Terri- Ann Crothers.

“I also create to put a smile on people’s faces. It is so rewarding to produce paintings that people from both the city and country can relate to and enjoy” she said.

Terri- Ann Crothers is from Yelarbon, Queensland (east of Goondiwindi) and studied Visual Arts in Melbourne, completed a Communications Degree to work in public relations and marketing communications and boasts an extensive CV with exhibitions at Goondiwindi Regional Council Gallery, Texas Regional Art Gallery, Aspects Art Show, Glennie School Art Show, Inverell Gallery, St George Brushstrokes exhibition and the Gateway To Training (GTT) centre and has received several art prizes and commissions. She also initiated an annual Pop Up shop bringing together artists from her region and recently began conducting creative wellness workshops.

Kate Owen is from North Star, Gwydir Shire in Northern NSW. Kate has an extensive history of creativity in many disciplines starting as a student of Fashion design at college in Sydney, and then becoming a small business entrepreneur running various retail operations in fashion, food and home-wares. Kate now works solely as an independent artist and has exhibited works in her first solo show at The Makers Shed Glen Innes in March this year. Also entering numerous art shows and competitions such as Toowoomba Grammar Art Show, Inverell Art Prize, Nundle Art Show and Aspects Art Show for which she also operates in the role of curator. As part of the Landscape project in Goondiwindi last year Kate designed and painted a mural on a shipping container in Bowen Lane.

“A few years ago I made a promise to myself that I would get back to painting when my youngest son went away to boarding school and I no longer had children at home.

That was at the start of 2017, and I have spent the time since making as much art as possible in order to improve and evolve my work” Artist Kate Owen said.

“I use acrylics on canvas and paper because I love the way they allow me to work quickly. I can achieve a variety of different finishes by diluting or adding mediums to the paint to create textural effects and contrasts in opacity. I mostly start with experimentation of colour palettes on paper sometimes these are works of art in themselves other times I apply paint directly onto the canvas and just mix colours to see where it leads. I love contrasts of thick vivid and luscious colours with pale and transparent layers.

Mixing colours directly on the canvas gives me a new and unexpected result each time.”

“The outcome is never apparent from the start, the work takes on a life of its own as I go and dictates a certain path” concluded Kate.

‘Rose Coloured Glasses’ will be officially open at 6:00pm Friday, 7 June 2019 at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, 81 Chandos Street, Gunnedah NSW with light refreshments provided on the night.

The exhibition will continue until 5 July, 2019. For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader, Lauren Mackley on 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: Image 1: Terri-Ann Crothers, Image 2: Kate Owen in studio

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.