26 October 2018

The Donnelly Fields flood lights were switched on for their first official use at the start of touch football season on Wednesday, 24 October 2018.

The $770,000 lighting project was fully-funded by Gunnedah Shire Council after the need for lighting at Donnelly Fields was identified in Council’s Community Strategic Plan and the Riverine Landscape Masterplan.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the lights have made a significant improvement to the fields and will give Gunnedah the opportunity to attract large sporting carnivals.

“It was great to see the lights in use for the first time, with the entire fields full of touch football players, flooded by light,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We are now able to accommodate the needs of current sporting groups that play sport in the evenings, but it also opens up opportunities for more to make use of the facility.

“As a Shire that prides itself on a strong sporting community, the lighting upgrades give Gunnedah the chance to host better events with the premier facilities.”

The lights currently have a capacity of 100 lux with provisions to upgrade to 200 lux level and LED should this be desired in the future. The lights are operated and monitored by mobile phone, making them easy and safe to use.

Since the upgrade, Little Athletics and Gunnedah Touch have relocated permanently; AFL, North West Women’s Sevens Representative Rugby Union, Junior Cricket, Junior Rugby Union and the local schools are also taking advantage of the upgraded fields.

To book Donnelly Fields, please contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100, email council@infogunnedah.com.au or visit Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin St, Gunnedah.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah Touch Football Association under the new flood lights.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

26 October 2018

October is Small Business Month and a number of events have been co-ordinated across the Gunnedah Shire to provide practical information and ideas, as well as networking opportunities to help businesses start-up and grow.

Local businesses have already benefited from a workshop held by Business Connect via Nortec, designed to inspire and “germinate” new business ideas to grow.

The workshop was a combination of information and ideas formation, and concluded with an ‘ideas’ pitch.

Business Connect Advisor Derek Tink designed and delivered the workshops across the region.

“The workshops have been a success all round, with many new business ideas ‘pitched’ during the workshops,” Mr Tink said.

“Ideas were inspiring, including new solar energy innovations, localised crowd funding campaigns and delivering healthy food for healthy minds.
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Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey spoke at the event to provide an overview of the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation and supporting start-ups within the Shire.

“Gunnedah in on the move and is a great place to be starting business,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have a vision for development that aligns to evolving opportunities around food processing, agribusiness and harnessing further opportunities with future developments.”

Mr Tink researched during the workshops, involving businesses across the region, and from the data noticed a low level of awareness regarding support for start-ups.

“A notably high percentage of participants were not aware of the various forms of support for start-ups including Business Connect, NEIS program, Jobs for NSW, UNE Smart Regional Incubator and more,” he said.

“Business start-ups should connect with other businesses owners; those who have been there and done that.

“Local Chambers, such as Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, provide good opportunities for networking.”

A Business SWOT Workshop held by the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, 24 October, where businesses worked through a Strength Weakness Opportunities and Threats analysis to set objectives and form their business plan.

Lunch with Lisa Messenger today (Friday, 26 October) at 12:30pm at the Gunnedah Band Hall is expected to be a successful event, with last minute tickets selling fast for a chance to learn from the popular media influencer, author and public speaker.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle provided information to workshop participants on Council’s Business Partner Program, which can provide financial support to start-up and already established businesses.

For more information about the Business Partner Program, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or phone Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.

Applications for round two close 30 October 2018.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah businesses take advantage of the free workshops during Small Business Month.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

Good With Maps - Live Theatre
6.30pm Thursday, 15 November 2018
Gunnedah Civic Theatre
Tickets: $25 at the door or online at www.thecivic.com.au

Gunnedah Civic Theatre and Arts On Tour are proud to bring the live theatre performance of ‘Good with Maps’ to Gunnedah. The solo performance is a reflective story of the unknowns. When the world map was full of gaps, the Amazon topped the list of places unknown to western explorers. In 2018 are there any ‘unknowns’ left? On a trip to the Amazon, the writer ponders this and other questions as she struggles to deal with her father’s journey through Parkinson’s disease towards what is perhaps our last great unknown.
This is beautifully constructed narrative, delivers a performance that explores the journey of humour, contemplation and the human experience of exploration and discovery. Sometimes sad and confronting ‘Good With Maps’ is also funny and thoughtful, and celebrates the power of reading and literature to transport us to places both real and imagined.
Good With Maps is a solo work written by Noelle Janaszweska and performed by Jane Phegan and has recently returned from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where the show received 4 star reviews as well as receiving nominations and awards at the 2017 Sydney Theatre Critics Awards.
Noëlle’s unfailing ability to ignite universal emotions and laughter in all of us while gloriously revealing her own exquisite uniqueness is one of this piece’s great joys.


“A fine performance, delivered from the heart in a way that seems authentically autobiographical” 4 stars Edinburgh Guide
“On her bravest exploration Janaczewska embarks on a journey into unfamiliar grounds and she shares with us her deep and profound discoveries of sadness, humour and the human heart” Australian Stage

22 October 2018

St Mary’s College student and Gunnedah Youth Council (GYC) member, Hugh Hunter, is representing the Tamworth electorate at the Children’s Week Parliament in Sydney today (Monday, 22 October).

Children’s Week Parliament brings together 93 children across the state in years 7 to 10 and provides a platform for them to share their passions and experiences in a parliamentary format.

Hugh is presenting a short speech on young people having a voice in the Legislative Assembly Chamber in front of Members of Parliament. The speech will be filmed and sent to his local MP, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, after the event.

Gunnedah Shire Council Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong said she was very proud to have a Gunnedah youth selected to represent the electorate.

“One of the most satisfying parts of my role is to be able to support the youth in our Shire in pursuing opportunities that will enhance their life path and skills,” Ms Emojong said.

“Hugh is a very intelligent young man with an interest in politics and the environment, and it was through his involvement with the GYC that he had the opportunity to attend the Children’s Week Parliament.”

Hugh was also part of a three person team from GYC that attended Youth Leading the World facilitator training and is in the process of planning a congress to be held in November.

Ms Emojong said Hugh will come back to Gunnedah with more knowledge about how Australian politics operate.

“The delegates receive training in parliamentary processes and etiquette, and get a chance to engage with some sitting Members of Parliament. It is a great opportunity for Hugh.”

Photo: Hugh Hunter is representing the Tamworth electorate at the Children’s Week Parliament in Sydney. Pictured left to right: GYC members Hugh Hunter, Aidan R de Luzuriaga and Bodie Crawford during the Youth Leading the World facilitator training.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

17 September 2018

Gunnedah Shire businesses are encouraged to take part in a month-long celebration of small business in October, joining a multitude of events across the state.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said NSW Small Business Month (1-31 October) is a fantastic opportunity for local firms and entrepreneurs to come together to celebrate the contribution of small businesses to the economy and to learn from each other.

“Small Business Month is an opportunity for Gunnedah Shire to provide events, practical information and ideas to help businesses start-up and grow,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Many businesses in the region are nationally recognised as some of the best and most innovative, and we hope to continue that tradition through having opportunities for learning and networking.”

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said Council is pleased to welcome special guest presenter and media influencer, Lisa Messenger, at a networking lunch on 26 October.

“Lisa Messenger is a passionate speaker and perfect to talk to all audiences about building business, creativity, innovation, start-up growth and the challenges facing business in a digital world,” Ms Hoddle said.

“We are very excited to have such a high profile speaker to Gunnedah and know Lisa will provide a unique insight to the people that attend, with an opportunity to engage with her after her presentation.”

Lisa Messenger is the CEO of the Messenger Group, as well as Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Collective Hub, and best-selling author of six books including the recently launched Risk & Resilience, Making and Remaking a Brand.

Having grown up on a large farm outside Coolah in central western New South Wales, Ms Messenger is in the middle of her “In conversation” tour across NSW, specifically visiting rural and regional areas to give back to the smaller entrepreneurial communities that deserve it.

Ms Hoddle said the events during Small Business Month were designed to help small business owners improve their productivity, grow their business and engage with other businesses striving for similar goals.

“This Thursday we also have a Regional Germinator - Ideas & Pitch workshop for people thinking of a start-up, growing their business or identifying the challenges and opportunities for our region.”

“I would encourage anyone who wants to do better business to attend both events; there will be invaluable information to take back and apply to your business.”

Regional Germinator - Ideas & Pitch workshop will be held on Thursday, 18 October from 5.30pm at The Civic, 83 Chandos Street and is a free event. Lunch with Lisa Messenger will be held on Friday, 26 October from 12.30pm at Gunnedah Shire Band Hall on South Street.

Cost to attend is $40, which includes lunch and a drink on arrival. Bookings are essential, and tickets can be obtained online at www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au.

Photo Caption: Lisa Messenger is the guest presenter during Small Business Month in Gunnedah.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

18 October 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is collaborating with Optus and Channel Nine to bring the Hay Mate Drought Relief Concert to Kitchener Park on a big screen, with the gold coin entry donation going directly to Buy A Bale.

John Farnham, Guy Sebastian, The Veronicas and more big names are headlining the Hay Mate Drought Relief Concert, and you can watch them right here in Gunnedah.

Optus’ Territory Manager for North West NSW Chris Simon said the concert taking place on Saturday, 27 October in Tamworth was a significant fundraising event for drought-affected communities, and it “made sense to bring the excitement and goodwill to Gunnedah”

“Optus is proud to be co-hosting this event with the Gunnedah Shire Council. After recently operating a two-month pop up store in town, our team has witnessed firsthand the affect that the drought is having on local residents and businesses in the region” Mr Simon said.

“We are looking forward to providing the local community with a fun-filled and relaxing night.”

The event will commence at 3.00pm with the livestream starting at 7.00pm on 27 October, and will include rides and activities for the children to enjoy, ice cream, coffee and snacks as well as a barbecue cooked by Rotary Club of Gunnedah members.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey is excited the drought relief efforts are extended to the residents of the Gunnedah Shire and hopes everyone can attend to support a cause close to home.

“The impact of the drought is seen clearly across our Shire so I would encourage everyone to take some time off on the Saturday afternoon to catch up with friends and family, while supporting a very worthy cause,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This is also a fantastic opportunity for residents of our Shire to enjoy a night of music and atmosphere under the stars, without having to travel.”

John Farnham, Daryl Braithwaite, Guy Sebastian, The Veronicas, Jon Stevens, Andrew Farris (INXS), Adam Harvey, Tim Wheatley, Aleyce Simmonds and Nat Conway will perform at the drought relief concert.

For more information, please contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or Gunnedah Shire Council on Facebook.

Photo: Gunnedah Shire Council and Optus partner up to bring Gunnedah Shire residents the Hay Mate Drought Relief Concert via livestream.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

18 October 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has agreed to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese company Tongyu Heavy Industry to research the potential of establishing a cogeneration power station in the region that will use cotton plant, post-harvest, for bio energy, and coal for high efficiency and low emissions power generation.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said there was an opportunity for bio-energy to be developed in the area due to Gunnedah’s “unique location”.

“Gunnedah Shire is already recognised as an energy hub and is surrounded by cotton farms and other crops that have agricultural waste at the end of the picking and harvesting season,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Researchers have begun to investigate if current technology and equipment is able to harvest the cotton plant, windrow it into bales and discover the tonnage needed for it to be viable as an energy source.”

Councillors resolved to approve the signing of the non-binding MoU at the October Ordinary Council Meeting, which would indicate the intention for Gunnedah Shire Council and Tongyu to do further exploration into the projects.

Cr Chaffey said Tongyu is recognised as a quality business that does a lot of work in the future of new energy operations.

“It would be a huge opportunity for Gunnedah Shire to be at the forefront of this technology and to enhance the economic, agricultural and energy future of the region.

The MoU comes at an opportune time as we prepare for the inaugural Energy, Innovation and Mining Expo at the Gunnedah Showground beginning on the 1 November,” he said.

Photo: Cotton plant, post-harvest, will be explored for bio energy.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

19 October 2018

The Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program has made available up to $1 million 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.

At Wednesday night’s Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors voted to lodge an application to install self-service water standpipes in Gunnedah, Mullaley, Tambar Springs and Curlewis. The project will see standpipes equipped with a self-serve automated dispensing system to help these drought-affected communities in the future and make it easier for people across the Shire to access water.

Council also resolved to investigate the feasibility of installation of Standpipes in other Villages where Council does not currently provide a water service.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the standpipes will be a great project to kick-off the funding program and is excited to see what the community proposes for the remaining allocation.

Council is now asking the community, local businesses, and service and sporting groups to submit proposals for projects that meet the funding guidelines. This could include improving community facilities, holding events that generate tourism and economic activity or building infrastructure to improve our ability to respond to drought. Council will then form an evaluation panel to shortlist and prioritise proposals.

“The funding is intended to provide immediate short-term support, or long-lasting benefits to communities, such as Gunnedah and our villages, that are facing hardship brought about by the drought,” Cr Chaffey said. 

“The community is invited to submit proposals for projects and activities that may be funded under the program and that will benefit the economic development, employment and drought-proofing of our Shire.”

Acknowledging the drought is having a big impact across the entire Shire, Cr Chaffey said Councillors resolved to set a minimum of $200,000 aside specifically to target projects in villages and remote locations.

“Our villages are very important to the makeup of our Shire, so I encourage people in the villages and progress associations to think about what could benefit their communities and submit their applications,” he said.

To be successful, a nominated project must lead to the employment of locals, contribute to the economic activity of communities/regions or lead to the retention of businesses, services and facilities.

Council’s Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Forman said Council aims to make the process as simple as possible to encourage more people or groups to apply.

“To ease the burden on people making submissions and to speed up the process, submission documents only need to be a simple outline of the project including expected costs and timeframes,” Mr Formann said.

“Once the submissions are shortlisted and prioritised, Council will then work with you to create more detailed applications for the funding. We have a very short time frame to develop applications and complete these projects as construction needs to be complete by 30 June 2019.”

Proposals will be accepted via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BG6CDBZ until Thursday, 8 November, 2018.

For further information about the eligibility criteria  call (02) 6740 2100 or visit Council’s Administration Building, Elgin Street, Gunnedah. Visit here www.business.gov.au/assistance/drought-communities-programme to view the funding guidinlines.

Photo: The Drought Communities Program is open for project proposals.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR CATERING AUSTRALIA DAY DINNER

Friday, 25 January 2019 at 7.00pm | GUNNEDAH TOWN HALL

The Australia Day Working Group is calling for Expressions of Interest to cater for the annual Australia Day Dinner.

To receive the specification document contact council@infogunnedah.com.au

Phone Lauren Mackley Arts and Cultural Officer, (02) 6740 2100

Quotation submissions close 5.00pm, Monday 24, November 2018.

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery is proud to introduce kids after school art classes with Sheryll Oliver.

Workshop go from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, every Monday for five weeks; 5, 12, 19, 26 November and 3 December, 2018.

Held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre Studio on Chandos St.

$150 for 5 weeks or $40 per lesson.

Children will be doing:

• Collage
• Water colours
• Paper and lace transfers
• Focus on composition
• Focus on how materials work together

There is a maximum of 10 students per lesson, so ensure you book in early to not miss out.

To reserve your child's spot, call Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.