25 February 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council will be completing bitumen works in the Gunnedah urban area at the following locations:

These works will commence on Thursday, 28 February 2019 and are programmed to be completed by Monday, 30 March 2019, weather permitting.

Resurfacing or resealing roads is part of Council’s asset preservation program designed to improve and restore the road pavement.

A road is made up of three layers: the surface, pavement and formation or subgrade. The surface of the road is the layer you travel on that declines over time, being exposed to and impacted by a number of elements. Each year a number of local roads require resealing to preserve the lower foundations and extend their useful lifespan by approximately 15 years.

Road resealing happens when the road pavement is in good condition, but the surface has deteriorated to a point where it requires intervention. It generally involves spraying hot bitumen over the existing surface, quickly tipping a layer of stone on top and rolling the stone into the bitumen. While Council appreciates this can be temporarily inconvenient for residents, it is an asset preservation practice to prolong the lifespan of one of our most expensive and important assets - road pavements.

For any enquiries please contact Council’s Infrastructure Services Department on 02 6740 2100 during normal working hours.

20 February 2019

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said as the drought continues to devastate the region, he invites the community to gather in prayer.

“As not just our Shire, but communities throughout Australia, continue to be in the grip of this horrendous prolonged drought, we ask the community to join us in praying for rain and for those whose livelihoods are impacted by this,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Many of our own are struggling with the effects of drought, whether that be people on the land, or businesses hurt by the flow-on effect.

“Our community has shown great resilience in the face of adversity in the past, which gives us great hope for the future.”

The Prayer for Drought is hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council, supported by Gunnedah Ministers’ Fraternal.

“Certain times in our lives cause us to realise we don’t have all the answers to life. Our present ongoing drought is one of those times. Therefore it’s important to humble ourselves and gather as a community, and ask for God’s mercy on us,” Reverend Scott Dunlop said.

The Prayer for Drought Breakfast will be held at the Smithurst Theatre, Gunnedah on Wednesday, 27 February 2019 from 7.00am.

Light refreshments will be served. RSVP is essential for catering purposes, please contact Executive Assistant to the Mayor and Councillors, Alexandra O’Keefe on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey invites members of the community to a Prayer for Drought.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Held during March each year, the Weeks of Speed Festival is a unique programme of heart-thumping speed and speed-related activities and great family friendly entertainment.

Organisers plan new events each year and in 2019 the Weeks of Speed programme bursts into action on Sunday March 3 and will continue each weekend thereafter, finishing on Sunday March 24, 2019.

Download the Weeks of Speed Programme 2019, see what’s on and head to Gunnedah for some great action packed, family friendly entertainment.

15 February 2019

Thursday, 14 February 2019 marked the 60 year anniversary of the dedication to the war memorial on the original pool complex.

Gunnedah Shire Council hosted a formal opening and plaque unveiling with special guests to mark the occasion and declare the complex officially open.

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson AO and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey unveiled the plaque.

Local seniors across the Gunnedah Shire are being encouraged to enjoy new experiences, continue learning, impart their skills, and have fun in the lead up to the 2019 NSW Seniors Festival.

With the theme ‘Love your Life’, the festival celebrates older people in the community and encourages them to live active and connected lives.

The 2019 NSW Seniors Festival will be held from Wednesday 13 February - Sunday 24 February.

Find out what's happening in the Shire in the 2019 NSW Seniors Festival Program!

6 February 2019

Easier access to water in parts of the Shire is one step closer as Gunnedah Shire Council’s application to the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program to install standpipes was successful.

At the October Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors voted to lodge an application to install 24-hour self-service water standpipes in Gunnedah, Mullaley, Tambar Springs and Curlewis as part of the program.

Acting Mayor Rob Hooke said the project will see standpipes equipped with a self-serve automated dispensing system to make it easier for people across the Shire to access potable water for farming and domestic use (both small and large users).

“This project was identified as a priority for the local community, which continues to be adversely affected by drought. This permanent water infrastructure solution will not only benefit the Shire now through the current drought but will improve access to water for the community into the future,” Cr Hooke said.

“Work on this project will also benefit the local economy, through the procurement of local supplies and resources.”

The project will commence in the next month and will be completed by June 2019. The standpipes can be accessed via credit card or with a data card obtained from Council. The new standpipes will be in addition to the two currently in use on O’Neill Road – which will be updated to use the same system.

As part of the program, up to $1 million was made available to Gunnedah Shire Council to deliver infrastructure and other community projects as part of a drought relief package. The package aims to stimulate local spending, provide employment and use local businesses and suppliers in delivering projects that will have a long-lasting benefit to rural communities.

Council also put out an expression of interest to the community, local businesses, and service and sporting groups to submit proposals for projects that met the funding guidelines. Council is currently in the process of submitting applications for the shortlisted projects identified during that process.

Photo Caption: Standpipes will be installed in Gunnedah, Mullaley, Tambar Springs and Curlewis as part of the program.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

1 February 2019

Twenty-four local young people in Gunnedah looking to pursue tertiary studies have received a helping hand from the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

More than $30,000 was distributed to the successful recipients at a ceremony at The Civic on Thursday afternoon.

Gunnedah Shire Councillor Ann Luke said the Fund is designed to ease financial pressures on students and their families for the future benefit of rural communities.

“This is one of the biggest years to date the Fund has had financially thanks to the generosity of the community, and major sponsors including Apex Club of Gunnedah and eIMEx,” Cr Luke said.

“We are proud to be able to support our local students in taking their first steps towards the next stage of their lives.

“Congratulations to this year’s recipients and best wishes for the future.”

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Committee and Gunnedah Shire Council congratulate the following recipients:

• Sophie Perkins – Bachelor of Social Work
• Jaxon Holbrook – Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Commerce
• Whitney Mansfield – Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws
• Casey Egan – Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood)
• Ashleigh Burns – Bachelor of Accounting
• Allison Clark – Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts
• Laura Watterson – Bachelor in Health Science (Paramedicine)
• Larissa Whelan – Bachelor of Primary Education
• Georgia Anderson – Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
• Kyra Carlyon – Bachelor of Business
• Clayton Small – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours in Aerospace)
• Amy Vincent – Bachelor of Nursing
• Sirrah Harris – Bachelor of Agriculture
• Emmerson Tull – Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws
• Brianna Hagan – Bachelor of Secondary Teaching (Health and Physical Education)
• Emma Kennedy – Bachelor of Business
• Krystal Jauja – Bachelor of Paramedicine
• Pennie Broekman – Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts)
• Maria Ortiz – Bachelor of Journalism/Bachelor of Communication and Media
• Maja Heath – Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
• Haylee Murrell – Bachelor Rural Science
• Carla Douglas – Bachelor of Nursing
• Jessica Moore – Bachelor of Communication
• Jordyn Ralph – Bachelor of Nursing

For more information on the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or contact Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: The 2019 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund recipients were announced at a ceremony at The Civic on Thursday.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

29 January 2019

The local economy has once again received a boost thanks to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program. Five local businesses have received a slice of funding from Round Two (2018/2019) of the program.

Representatives from each business were invited to a ceremony at Council Chambers on Tuesday afternoon to accept the funding.

Successful recipients in Round Two include:

• Annie’s Kitchen
• Ameloriate Yoga, for expansion and marketing of yoga and dietetics small business
• Goodness and Gracious, for Little Galahs
• Sunburnt Treasures, for strengthening women
• Cobb’s Exhaust 4x4 Centre, for rebranding and renovations

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Council continues to commit to supporting local businesses, aiming to help stimulate innovation, economic growth, development, employment and investment.

“Gunnedah Shire continues to be an area of strong regional growth and it’s important for Council to acknowledge the benefits new industry or business growth can have on our community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I congratulate the successful recipients on showing initiative and for contributing to our vibrant, diverse business community.”

Round Three of the Business Partner Program is now open, with applications closing at 5.00pm on Thursday, 28 February.

For more information contact Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Round Two recipients were announced on Tuesday afternoon. Pictured, back from left, Councillor Ann Luke, Councillor David Moses, and Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns. Middle: Michelle Cobb, Amelia Smith and Mayor Jamie Chaffey. Front: Makayla Cobb and Sienna Cobb.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

29 January 2019

Australia Day 2019 celebrations kicked off with the annual triathlon, followed by a Church Service and Citizenship Ceremony at Anzac Park.

Many activities were hosted throughout the day at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool and at AussieFest at the Gunnedah Rugby Club.

The community were treated to a sausage sizzle by Rotary Club of Gunnedah and a free screening of Kangaroo Jack was shown at The Civic.

Gunnedah welcomed Australia Day Ambassador Warwick Nowland and his family to the Shire. Mr Nowland attended the Australia Day Awards Dinner and was present at a number of events throughout Australia Day.

A number of community organisations and businesses hosted Australia Day celebration across the Shire, which were widely supported throughout the day.

Council thanks everyone for coming out and supporting the celebrations and hopes to see everyone again next year.

29 January 2019

A Gunnedah Show and Pony Club stalwart; young agricultural achiever; and a strong advocate for community services have taken out the Citizen of the Year category honours in the Gunnedah Australia Day Awards 2019.

Some of Gunnedah Shire’s most dedicated and community-minded citizens were honoured at a special ceremony at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Friday night.

Australia Day Committee Chair and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rob Hooke said the Awards are an opportunity to celebrate those who have made a significant contribution to the local community.

“The recipients and nominees of this year’s Australia Day Awards deserve to be recognised for their excellence, dedication and tireless efforts to make the Gunnedah Shire a better place,” Cr Hooke said.

“I often remind myself how lucky we are to live in the Gunnedah Shire. Woven throughout all facets of this community one can find a helping hand, a kind word, a feeling of safety and above all a sense of belonging and this can be seen from the diversity and number of nominees we have received.

“Our wonderful volunteers define who we are and help make this such a vibrant, progressive and caring society and lay down the fabric for us all to grow and prosper.

“Congratulations to this year’s successful recipients and thank you for your dedication to our community.”

This year’s award winners are:

• Young Citizen of the Year Award: Haylee Murrell
• Citizen of the Year Award – 21-40 years: Kate McGrath
• Citizen of the Year Award – 40+ years: George Avard
• Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award: Michael Broekman
• Cultural Award: Ronald McLean
• Community Organisation Achievement Award: Gunnedah Show Society
• Community Event Achievement Award: Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards
• Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award: Ron Rickard
• Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year Award: Adam McGuirk
• Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year Award: Zoe Flemming
• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award: St Mary’s College Boys Tennis Team

Special guests included Gunnedah’s Australia Day Ambassador, two-time world superbike champion Warwick Nowland; The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Assistant Minister for Education, Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Councillors.

Guests enjoyed performances from the Gunnedah Youth Choir and Jac Dalton.

The Australia Day Awards are held each year and the community is encouraged to think about a “local legend”, service or organisation they would like to see recognised ahead of next year’s event.

Biographies on all nominees can be found on Council’s website at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Photo Caption: Photo 1: Australia Day Award Nominees – Photo by Hayley Hausefeld. Photo 2: Citizen of the Year George Avard – Photo by Hayley Hausfeld. Photo 3: Australia Day Dinner Official Cake Cutting – Photo by Marie Hobson.

More photos available on request.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.