16 May 2019

The Delivery Program 2017-2021 and Operational Plan 2019/20 for Gunnedah Shire Council is officially placed on public exhibition and Council will receive submissions in relation to the documents up until 5:00pm Thursday 13 June 2019.

The document is available to view below.

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This is an opportunity for members of the public to lodge submissions in relation to the items considered and strategies applied in the Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan. Council will meet again on Wednesday 19 June 2019 to consider all submissions, formally adopt the documents.

Submissions can be emailed to council@infogunnedah.com.au or mailed to PO Box 63, Gunnedah NSW 2380.

Should you have any enquiries, please contact Council on 02 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

16 May 2019

May 20th – 26th is National Volunteer Week, and all across the region GoCo volunteers will be recognised, thanked and celebrated.

GoCo volunteers in Gunnedah, Barraba, Nundle and Kootingal dedicate their time to supporting ageing community members to attend medical appointments, go shopping, attend day centre activities and explore the region on day trips and social outings.

In 2018 GoCo volunteers provided 8156 hours of support, and are set to beat that record in 2019.

“GoCo Volunteers play a critical role in the successful delivery of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

Their dedication to the greater good supports people to remain living independently in their own homes for longer periods of time” said GoCo CHSP Team Leader Erin Mercer.

Planned events include celebration luncheons at the Gunnedah RSL, Nundle Mount Misery Mine, the Barraba RSL and a morning tea at Cockburn Cottage, Kootingal.

“We are always excited to have new volunteers come on board.” continued Ms Mercer.

“It is an opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and share some knowledge. I would encourage anyone with some spare time to consider volunteering for GoCo. It’s a wonderful way to become involved in a meaningful program and give back to your local community” she concluded.

To become a GoCo volunteer, join a social group or get a helping hand in your home contact GoCo on 6740 2240.

Photo Caption: Hazel Woodley (L) with GoCo volunteer Roger Smith (M) and GoCo CHSP Coordinator Nicole Shields

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

16 May 2019

May 20th – 26th is National Volunteer Week, and all across the region GoCo volunteers will be recognised, thanked and celebrated.

GoCo volunteers in Gunnedah, Barraba, Nundle and Kootingal dedicate their time to supporting ageing community members to attend medical appointments, go shopping, attend day centre activities and explore the region on day trips and social outings.

In 2018 GoCo volunteers provided 8156 hours of support, and are set to beat that record in 2019.

“GoCo Volunteers play a critical role in the successful delivery of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

Their dedication to the greater good supports people to remain living independently in their own homes for longer periods of time” said GoCo CHSP Team Leader Erin Mercer.

Planned events include celebration luncheons at the Gunnedah RSL, Nundle Mount Misery Mine, the Barraba RSL and a morning tea at Cockburn Cottage, Kootingal.

“We are always excited to have new volunteers come on board.” continued Ms Mercer.

“It is an opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and share some knowledge. I would encourage anyone with some spare time to consider volunteering for GoCo. It’s a wonderful way to become involved in a meaningful program and give back to your local community” she concluded.

To become a GoCo volunteer, join a social group or get a helping hand in your home contact GoCo on 6740 2240.

Photo Caption: Hazel Woodley (L) with GoCo volunteer Roger Smith (M) and GoCo CHSP Coordinator Nicole Shields

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Residents are invited to join us for free, face-to-face support.

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW, in partnership with Gunnedah Council and Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation are hosting a Bring Your Bills and Community EXPO. Many different services will be on hand to assist with consumer issues, including energy affordability, legal problems, disability support and more.

WHERE:
Gunnedah Town Hall
152 Conadilly Street,
Gunnedah NSW

WHEN:
Tuesday 4 June 2019
10.00am - 3.00pm

View the Bring Your Bills & Community Expo Flyer for more information.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH
Monday 10 June 2019
Collection will be on Tuesday 11 June 2019.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CURLEWIS
Monday 10 June 2019
Collection will be on Wednesday 12 June 2019.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Should you have any enquiries regarding the Recycling collection over the long weekend period please contact RECYCLIT on 67421522.

THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND GREENWASTE COLLECTION

Please ensure bins are placed out the night before collection date, as contractors are not obliged to accept late bins. If you have any enquiries regarding these changes please contact Council’s Customer Services Team on 6740 2100

Eric Groth
General Manager

13 May 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council has committed to supporting staff through vocational education, with 26 employees currently enrolled in trainee and apprenticeship courses, and a further 10 in other certificate-based courses.

The Council employees are enrolled in metal fabrication, plant construction, plant maintenance, and business administration courses through Gunnedah TAFE.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said combining on-the-job training and study towards a nationally recognised qualification was an important step for Council in staff professional development.

“Apprenticeships and traineeships can unlock a lifetime of opportunities for the employee and employer,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Council has seen many benefits from providing this opportunity to staff.”

Cr Chaffey said in the lead up to the State Election, Gunnedah Shire Council identified the reinstatement of apprenticeship courses at Gunnedah TAFE and redevelopment of the facilities as one of its top advocacy priorities. The apprenticeship courses have since been re-established and an announcement has been made for upgrades to the TAFE.

“We realise TAFE has been disconnected in the past, however there has been huge changes. Community support will ensure that we will continue to have a local TAFE with a wide variety of course offerings that service the needs of our community and provide opportunities for local people.”

“The most recent construction course enrolments were made up entirely of council staff so we really want to highlight the need for business and industry to get behind our local TAFE. It really is a case of if you don’t use it- you lose it.”

“Overall, I understand enrolments at Gunnedah TAFE are up 18 per cent from last year, and Indigenous student numbers have increased by 40 percent. These are fantastic results, as a growing community with many job vacancies for skilled workers, ensuring that we have the ability to retain and train our young people is important to continuing to serve Gunnedah’s economic growth,” Cr Chaffey said.

Photo Caption: Image one (below): Council Staff enrolled in TAFE Left to right: Luke Crowley, Chad Palmer, Jess O’Hearn, Luke Duff, Josh Wells, Mick Nagle, Steve Woodward, Gordon Macauley, Nico Mills, Brett Green, Jeff Warner
Image two (above): Council Staff undertaking Certificate III in Business Administration Sophie Priestly, Madeline Buhagiar and Tiarney Douglass.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

14 May 2019

D. J. Blackmore is saddling her passion for the pen. From the Newcastle coal seam to the Hunter River, brigalow scrub to the Koala Capital, D. J. Blackmore is seeding a field in her love of the land and this nation, and what’s more, is calling Gunnedah the setting for her next novel.

She debuted with historical romantic suspense ‘Charter to Redemption’ when Newcastle took its first breaths as a penal colony. Whodunit,’Folly’ was its sequel.

Recently Australian publisher Rhiza put her rural romantic comedy ‘Central to Nowhere’ to print, and the author is backing this up with her next rural read set in Gunnedah.

The Kurri Kurri author began writing at a young age. Her love of books started earlier still. She has milked cows with a bucket between her legs, made cheese and kept bees. For many years she lived a simple life from paddock to plate, and even now you will find neither television nor microwave in the miner’s cottage the Cessnock author calls home.

One reviewer of the acclaimed author writes, “D. J. Blackmore just gets better and better … Her ability to write about what she knows makes Central to Nowhere a darn good read.”

D. J. Blackmore and Gunnedah Shire Council invites you to visit the library on Friday 24 May at 10.00 for a free morning tea and talk with the author. If you are a reader or a budding author, this is a date not to be missed. Call 02 6740 2199 to snag your seat.

Photo Caption: D. J. Blackmore

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

14 May 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council invites you to participate in a short survey to gather your opinion about the saleyard, and the economic benefits it brings to the regional economy. Results from the survey will help inform future planning and strategy for the region and its assets.

The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and will assist the Council in improving their services and offerings. All information collected is confidential, the analysis and reporting will be in aggregate and will not be traceable back to any individuals.

For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Relations Team on (02) 6740 2100.

2 May 2019

The Gunnedah Shire Council Code of Meeting Practice has been reviewed and is placed on public exhibition in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

Council will receive submissions in relation to the Code up to 5:00pm Thursday 30 May 2019. The Code is available to view online below or at the Council Administration Building.

For further enquiries, contact 02 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

24 April 2019

A major water meter infrastructure upgrade is beginning in the Gunnedah Shire next week, with the installation of automatic meter devices at Gunnedah, Curlewis, Tambar Springs and Mullaley.

Fully-funded by Gunnedah Shire Council, the project will see automatic water meter devices fitted at approximately 4500 homes and businesses throughout the Shire. Works will commence on Monday, 29 April 2019.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the new devices, provided by Taggle, monitor individual water use by transmitting meter readings to local receivers every hour.

“The automatic water meter devices will be a useful tool for both Council and residents to more accurately monitor water usage and identify issues, such as leaks, faster. There will be no change to water flow or pressure to properties,” Mr Bartlett said.

“While the new water meters will no longer need to be manually read, it is important to note that no jobs will be lost due to this project. The new system will require maintenance so current staff will be trained to undertake that work.

The data collected from the devices, such as daily and target usage, as well as cost per day, will be an important asset in future water infrastructure planning.

“The reporting processes will allow Council to better monitor peak demand and plan for water upgrades, as well as be notified if the water devices are tampered with,” Mr Bartlett said.

“Once all the devices are fitted and tested, Council will look to initiate a web-based tool that can be accessed by customers so they are able to monitor their own water usage.”

The devices will replace existing water meters and need to be installed by hand on every property with access to town water. The device battery lasts for approximately 15 years, and will not incur any costs for the property owner.

Contractors from Dataright will undertake the work and will knock on residents’ doors before commencing the replacement program to ensure the time is suitable, as water interruptions will occur.

For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Relations Team on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: Acting Manager Water Services Michael Ludlow displays one of the new automatic water meter devices.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.