29 January 2019

Gunnedah joined towns and regions across the country in welcoming the nation’s newest citizens on Australia Day 2019 at a ceremony near the Dorothea Mackellar Statue, Anzac Park.

Rebecca Joyce, of Ireland; Reinier Coetzee, Linda Nortje, Marlon Martin, Riana Martin, Jude Martin, and Tre Martin, all of South Africa, pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people on Saturday morning.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey presided over the ceremony and said it was great to see so many local community members present to share in the celebration.

“This is the biggest privilege as Mayor – to give those people that have chosen Australia, not only as their home, but a place to be proud of and to raise their families, the opportunity to become Australian Citizens,” Cr Chaffey said.

“There are many benefits to welcoming International community members into our Shire, including enriching social cohesion and promoting multiculturalism. We are blessed to live in a community that embraces cultural diversity and the fresh ideas and unique stories from all over the world that our new citizens bring.”

Since 2012, Gunnedah Shire has welcomed 69 adults and 11 children as Australian Citizens. Citizens were gifted with a native tree from Gunnedah Shire Council to mark the occasion.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire welcomed seven new Australian Citizens on Australia Day. Pictured from left: Rebecca Joyce, Linda Nortje, Reinier Coetzee, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Tre Martin, Riana Martin, Jude Martin, Marlon Martin, and the Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Each year our nation celebrates the achievement and contribution of eminent Australians through various awards for Australia Day. Gunnedah boasts a community brimming with high achievers and quiet achievers!

The event is held at the historic Gunnedah Town Hall and attendees can enjoy a three course meal catered for by The Verdict.

Gunnedah’s Australia Day Ambassador Warwick Nowland, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Councillors are invited as special guests at the dinner, which celebrates the people who make up Gunnedah’s wonderful community.

The prestigious award categories include:

• Citizen of the Year Award - 21-40 years
• Citizen of the Year Award - 40+ years
• Junior Citizen of the Year –13 years and under
• Young Citizen of the Year Award - 21 years and under
• Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy
• Cultural Award
• Community Organisation Achievement Award
• Community Event Achievement Award
• Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
• Male and Female Sportsperson of the Year
• Junior Male and Female Sportsperson of the Year
• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award
• Sports Team of the Year Award
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award – Coach of the Year

The Australia Day Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday, 25 January at the Gunnedah Town Hall from 7pm. Tickets are available at www.thecivic.com.au 

Australia Day Awards 2019 - Nominees

21 January 2019

Round three (2018/2019) of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program is now open, inviting established local businesses and start-ups to apply for a slice of funding.

The program is designed to support and nurture existing businesses in increasing productivity, sustainability, growth and employment; and to attract new businesses and economic activity in the Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said since the program’s inception, Council has provided more than $100,000 in funding to local businesses to support growth initiatives that have led to increased employment and output in the Gunnedah Shire. 

“We are open to fresh, new ideas to grow your business and bring economic expansion to our Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Types of assistance can include start-up costs, website or technology updates, training, support, and business expansion. Applications are not limited to these suggestions, as they are assessed on a case-by-case basis.”

Round three closes 28 February 2019. Please note the guidelines and application forms have been updated and can be found in the Economic & Business Development section at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

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

Photo Caption: Mayor Jamie Chaffey says the Business Partner Program is “open for business”.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

22 January 2019

Apex Gunnedah Inc has secured naming rights for this year’s Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund (GCSF) round, thanks to the club pitching in $5000 towards the cause.

Apex is the 2019 Platinum sponsor, and its members have been fundraising throughout the last 12 months with supporting the GCSF in mind.

The GCSF Working Group has been overwhelmed by the donations and support received for this year’s GCSF round.

“In spite of the harsh conditions the community has faced due to the drought, local businesses, organisations and individuals have banded together to make this year’s fund one of the strongest we’ve had for several years,” GCSF Working Group Chair, Councillor Gae Swain said.

“We were also very lucky to receive a generous boost from Northern Beaches Council and Lane Cove Council, of which Gunnedah Shire Council has had Sister City ties for a number of years.

“On behalf of the Working Group, I express my sincere thank you to everyone who has donated and allowed us to continue this important program in 2019.”

eIMEX was also a major sponsor for this year’s funding round, with more than $5000 contributed from an auction held during the expo.

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fun is an initiative of the local community and provides financial support for local youth choosing to further their skills and knowledge through tertiary education.

The Working Group has been busy assessing applications, with the 2019 recipients to be announced in the coming weeks. Sponsors and donors of the 2019 GCSF will be formally acknowledged at the GCSF presentation ceremony to be held at 4.00pm on Thursday, 31 January 2019 at The Civic.

For more information about GCSF, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Apex Gunnedah Inc has thrown its support behind the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund. Back from left: Heather Lidwinski, Aylish Flannery, Allyson Hoban, Lisa Beasley, Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong, Donna Austin and Nicholas Beasley. Front from left: Emily McKenzie, Archer Cannon, Cooper Cannon, James McKenzie, Madisyn Beasley, Zali Beasley, Sarah McKenzie and Hannah Beasley.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

21 January 2019

The draft “Development Servicing Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage” for Gunnedah Shire Council has been placed on public exhibition for a period of 30 days until 15th February 2019.

Public consultation is being sought on the draft “Development Servicing Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage and Council" strongly urges members of the community with an interest in the plan to review the draft document. The document may be viewed at Council’s Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah and the Gunnedah Library, 291 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah or under the Draft Documents & Exhibition section of Council's website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

Written submissions on the draft “Development Servicing Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage” should be addressed to the General Manager, Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah NSW 2380 and should be received by no later than 4.00 pm on Friday 15 February 2019.

For further information regarding the draft “Development Servicing Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage” for Gunnedah Shire Council, please contact Council’s Customer Service Team on 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager

16 January 2019

With the mercury set to climb over Australia Day weekend, Gunnedah Shire has a lineup of festivities ready to help beat the heat and celebrate everything Aussie.

The jam-packed weekend kicks off on Friday, 25 January, with the Australia Day Awards Dinner starting at 7.00pm at the Gunnedah Town Hall. Two-time world superbike champion Warwick Nowland will be attending the dinner and other Australia Day festivities as Gunnedah’s Australia Day Ambassador.

The Australia Day Triathlon will start the celebrations early on Saturday, 26 January, with competitors taking off from the starting line at 6.00am from the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex.

While the annual raft race has been cancelled due to a lack of flow in the river, a number of fun alternatives have been introduced to take its place this year, including an inflatable race at the Gunnedah Pool!

Australia Day Committee Chair and Gunnedah Shire Councillor Rob Hooke said the weekend is about local communities coming together to celebrate.

“Our community is rallying behind each other during this dry time, and the fun will continue despite the ongoing drought,” Cr Hooke said.

“For the first time, a Dry Land Raft and Craft Race will be held at the Gunnedah Rugby Club from 8.30am on Australia Day so get a team together, get crafty with some cardboard and help keep the race going in 2019, then follow it up at the Gunnedah Pool for the inflatable race from 2.30pm.

“It’s gearing up to be one of our biggest Australia Day programs yet.”

Entry to the pool will be free from 9.30am on the day, so pack the sunscreen and get ready to celebrate in the coolest place in town. New addition to the program is the great lilo inflatable race, which will be held from 2.30pm – bring along your inflatable ride and race against your peers to the finish line. Other activities include a jumping castle and rides will be up for action, as well as family fun games such as tug-of-war, gumboot throwing and face painting from 3.00pm. Finish off the day with feel-good movie Happy Feet on the Optus big screen at 7.00pm.

Meanwhile a sporting frenzy will commence at the Gunnedah Rugby Club’s AussieFest with a touch footy competition at 9.30am and a pet parade and dog sprints at 10.30am. The sprints include a title for Working Dogs, Pig Dogs and the Town Mutt, with registrations opening at 10.00am. Then it’s time for the owners to get their running shoes on, with a Dash for Cash and Backyard Cricket at 11.00am, and Gunnedah’s Strongest Man and Woman competition at 1.00pm.

Carroll, Mullaley, Tambar Springs are joining in the Aussie spirit, with celebrations co-ordinated in each village throughout the day (see program for list of events).

A church service will be held under the gums at the Dorothea Mackellar Statue at 9.30am, with seven local residents making the pledge to Australia at a Citizenship Ceremony from 10.00am. The Water Tower Museum and the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Centre will open their doors from 10.00am-2.00pm, and a free movie screening of Kangaroo Jack will show at the Civic Theatre at 12.30pm.

The fun continues on Sunday, with a skills challenge at the Australia Day Chess Tournament at the Smithurst Theatre. Registrations open at 9.00am, with six, 25-minute rounds.

The full program, including business house, village, community and Council events is available at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. View the Australia Day Program 2019 here.

For tickets to the Australia Day Awards Dinner (25 January), visit www.thecivic.com.au 

For more information regarding the 2019 Australia Day events contact Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Australia Day 2019 boasts a jam-packed program, with something for everyone.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

8 January 2019

Two time world superbike champion Warwick Nowland will be joining Gunnedah for 2019 Australia Day celebrations as the Shire’s official Ambassador.

Warwick grew up in a small country town and learnt to ride motorcycles in his backyard. From there his passion for the sport and desire to be the world champion drove him to his current success, with two endurance world champion titles under his belt (2000 and 2002). He was also the winner of the LeMans 24 hour event in 2004. He now spends his time between Sydney and the UK.

In 2009, Warwick and his partner Kristie became parents for the first time. He says his son Aston brings “another chapter of success but also motivation to aim for even greater goals at home and internationally”.

Warwick is also an ambassador for the RSPCA, Royal Children’s Hospital, Australia Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The Pink Ribbon Motorcycle Ride.

Warwick will be the official ambassador at Gunnedah’s Australia Day festivities, including the Australia Day Awards Dinner to be held on January 25.

Australia Day Committee Chair and Gunnedah Shire Councillor Rob Hooke said the Australia Day Ambassador Program was a wonderful opportunity for great Australians to share their experiences and stories while celebrating with local communities.

“This is a great opportunity for the Gunnedah community to meet and gain inspiration from Australians who have achieved great things, and we feel very fortunate to be part of the Ambassador program,” Cr Hooke said.

“Gunnedah’s Australia Day Celebrations never disappoint, and I look forward to spending Australia Day with Warwick, and showing him how Australia Day is celebrated in our community.

“We are excited for our 2019 program, especially with the upgraded pool complex being open. There will be so many activities and events to be held across our Shire and I hope the community comes together to celebrate and join in all the fun,” Cr Hooke concluded.

Tickets for the Australia Day Awards Dinner on Friday, 25 January at the Gunnedah Town Hall are $30 and available from www.thecivic.com.au or in-person at Gunnedah Shire Council or the Visitor Information Centre. Nominations for the awards have been extended until 5.00pm on 14 January 2019. Nomination forms are available to download from www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

The 2019 Australia Day Program for the Gunnedah Shire will soon be released.

For more information regarding the 2019 Australia Day events contact Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo Caption: Australia Day Ambassador Warwick Nowland with his son Aston.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

The NSW Government is delivering the new rail bridge in Gunnedah to improve road safety and freight connectivity.

Roads and Maritime Services has contracted Daracon Group to deliver this project. Upcoming work includes rebuilding Warrabungle Street between Little Barber and New Streets and relocation of major services on Warrabungle Street near the location of the new bridge.
Work will start on Monday 14 January 2019, weather permitting and is expected to take up to 12 months to complete.

View the Second Road Over Rail Project Flyer for more details.

20 December 2018

The coveted Santa Street crown has returned to Kamilaroi Road again this year, with residents working hard on their winning Christmas lights displays for weeks in the lead up to the 2018 Christmas Lights Competition, hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council.

The announcement was made at Council on Thursday, where seven houses (13, 15, 17, 19, 40, 42 and 44) were awarded the Santa Street winners plaque and a $100 gift voucher, sponsored by Gunnedah Shire Council.

The Competition saw Kris Janson, of Sanders Place impress all the judges to take out the top prize ($200 Gunnedah Gift Card) for Best Decorated House, with Anne McMahon, of Kamilaroi Road in second place ($100 Gunnedah Gift Card), and Ray and Kate Knight, of Conadilly Street in third place ($50 Gunnedah Gift Card), all sponsored by Gunnedah Shire Council.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey thanked everyone for their ongoing support of the Christmas Lights Competition.

“On behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council and all of our sponsors, I would like to thank everyone who entered this competition and put a lot of effort in to share the Christmas spirit this year,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I would encourage everyone to take the time to drive around and see these magnificent displays that light up our Shire at night on the countdown to Christmas. It’s certainly worth a look and adds something special during the festive season.”

Other prize winners included Robert and Kerrie Wells, of Pine Street, Curlewis, who received a $50 Mitre 10 Gift Card for Best Christmas Theme in a Village for their display, while Judges Choice was awarded to Oaktree Village in Favell Street, Gunnedah, both sponsored by Petrie’s Mitre 10.

The best dressed shopfront window, sponsored by Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, was awarded to Willow and Fli, on Conadilly Street.

Photo caption: The award winners of the 2018 Christmas Lights Competition received their prizes on Thursday at Council.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

18 December 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council welcomes the news that TAFE will be reinstating some apprenticeship courses in Gunnedah next year. Redevelopment of TAFE facilities and the reinstatement of apprenticeship courses are on the priority list for Gunnedah in the lead up to the 2019 state elections.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Council and Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry have been advocating strongly for apprenticeship courses to be returned to Gunnedah for quite some time.

“I welcome today’s announcement as a good first step for Gunnedah TAFE. As a growing community with many job vacancies for skilled trades, ensuring that we have the ability to retain and train our young people is critical to serving Gunnedah’s future economic growth. There is still a long way to go before TAFE services are at the required level,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Gunnedah is going ahead in leaps and bounds and it is important for the State Government to continue work to prioritise the allocation of TAFE resources to Gunnedah, to support that growth.”

Gunnedah Shire Council has plans to support the local TAFE, with more than 20 staff set to engage in apprenticeship courses in 2019, and more than 10 staff undertaking other certificate courses through TAFE.

“Gunnedah Shire Council and Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry are calling on our local businesses to get behind the apprenticeship courses and support our local TAFE, as we continue to advocate for a better deal for Gunnedah,” Cr Chaffey said.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said there is more work to do with TAFE to support the growth of the Shire.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.