30 August 2018

Council will be holding an auction of abandoned motor vehicles to be held at Gunnedah Shire Depot, Bennett Road Gunnedah on Saturday, 22 September 2018. Viewing of the vehicles will begin at 9:30 am with the auction commencing at 10:30 am.

All prospective buyers should register on site prior to the commencement of the auction and will be required to provide valid photo identification.

Payment and removal of all vehicles is required on the day of the auction – cash only.

The following motor vehicles have been impounded by Council in accordance with Section 16 of the Impounding Act 1993 and will be offered for auction if not claimed beforehand by the owners.

Note: Appropriate closed in footwear must be worn on site at all times.
All attendees must be over 16 years of age.
All prices that are bid are considered to include GST. All items have a reserve price.

Any further enquiries, please contact Council’s Planning & Environmental Services on 02 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager
Gunnedah Shire Council
PO Box 63
GUNNEDAH NSW 2380

29 August 2018

Emerge yourself in the vibrant and colourful artwork from Nemingha-based artist Shannon Woodward this September and October at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

Shannon has been painting for more than 20 years and her 2018 collection of works ‘Siren Dance after Midnight’ boasts some of her most romanticised cubist styles, according to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley.

“The audience will be lingering in the juxtaposition of the motion of the shapes,” Ms Mackley said.

“Shannon’s work has the ability to push the conventions of positive and negative space through her brilliance of composition. The result is a mesmerising collection of work that will be both calming and complex.”

Shannon has previously exhibited throughout the local region and with a Fine Arts Diploma under her belt enjoys exploring new compositions of layers, movement, colour and tone.

“Whether you consider yourself an art expert or you appreciate beautiful things, the exhibition is bound to delight you. The portraits of the female form are simple and graceful, filled with multiple personalities; just like in real life,” Ms Mackley said.

The official opening of Shannon Woodward’s Exhibition ‘Siren Dance after Midnight’ is from 6.00pm on Friday, 7 September at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street Gunnedah.

Drinks and light refreshments will be available. The exhibition continues until Friday 21 October, 2018.

Photo caption: Shannon Woodward art exhibition ‘Siren Dance after Midnight’

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

28 August 2018

As thousands of visitors passed through the gates of the 2018 Commonwealth Bank AgQuip last week, Gunnedah celebrates another successful year of its premier event.

The local community has seen AgQuip grow from humble beginnings on Gunnedah’s Riverside Racecourse in 1973 to the major showcase of agricultural equipment, lifestyle and innovation that it is today. This year has been one of the toughest years recorded for the agricultural industry; however Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said it did not stop people from coming together for the largest agricultural exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Commonwealth Bank AgQuip is always a tremendous event and we are very proud that its home is in Gunnedah,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Every year this great event brings people from interstate and across the region to Gunnedah to see the very best in agricultural innovations and services. It is also a chance for our producers to get together and socialise; either over a steak sandwich or walking the aisles to check out all that is on offer.

“The size and diversity of AgQuip always astounds visitors and this year was no different; visitors are always impressed with the scale of the event. Those who attended for the first time gave very pleasing feedback with some already attempting to book accommodation for next year”.

The three-day event attracts a consistent 100,000 visitors each year and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was welcoming to see the event well supported again this year.

“As AgQuip is all packed up for another year, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the AgQuip team of Fairfax Rural Events, capably led by Kate Nugent, on another successful event and thank them for their continued faith in the agricultural sector, AgQuip itself, and the Gunnedah community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“AgQuip has once again remained industry relevant, evolving and demonstrating new technology and information for the agricultural sector each year.”

Cr Chaffey said the atmosphere was one of comradery from fellow Aussies and although sales were down from previous years, exhibitors welcomed the national and international brand exposure and the future sales from those looking.

“It was wonderful to see visitors and exhibitors acknowledging the tough times through having and supporting not-for-profit drought assistance organisations, as well as general and mental health professionals on site,” he said.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in making AgQuip another success. It didn’t rain but it poured with community spirit, and that is why I love living and working in Gunnedah.”

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Commonwealth Bank Event Organiser Kate Nugent and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson at the official opening of AgQuip 2018.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

28 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is pleased to announce a $3.85 million boost from the Federal Government will go towards improving the 17.4 kilometre unsealed section of Grain Valley Road.

The investment falls under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP). With the total upgrade estimated at $8.2 million, Gunnedah Shire Council has also applied for further funding from the State Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program to complete the project.

The road is a significant route for bus and truck drivers, as well as residents and tourists, connecting the Mullaley and Boggabri townships.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey made the announcement on Friday with Mullaley residents, after the news came from Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton’s office.

“I am happy to announce funds have been dedicated to seal the Grain Valley Road,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This is welcoming news for many people and is a testament to the great work of local residents and business owners who have been advocating for the upgrade for years.”

Cr Chaffey said it was pleasing to see the Federal Government’s dedication to improving the livability and productivity of regional areas.

“Thank you to the Federal Government, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and our MP Mark Coulton for their hard work, support and advocacy to make this happen for the residents of our Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Improving Grain Valley Road will allow for better investment and industry in the area, quicker and safer travel times and improve productivity for heavy vehicles and freight transport.”

Cr Chaffey said sealing the road could also help reduce repairs and maintenance costs for motorists.

Photo caption: Mullaley Bus owner Russell Keam, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, President of the Mullaley School P&C Sheryl Martin and School Principal Benjamin Carter celebrate the news of the funding.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

23 August 2018

The 2018 NAIDOC Week art exhibition with the theme ‘Because of her, we can’ celebrated the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made, and continue to make, to communities, families, and to the nation.

Local Gunnedah artists, hobbyists, schools, organisations and individuals came together to explore the theme and exhibited their artworks in a professional gallery space. There were over 100 works in a variety of mediums, including wood, canvas shoes, painting, umbrellas and egg shells.

Well-known artists who contributed works to the exhibition include Gunnedah’s Des Mullion and Jack Conlan, and Tamworth’s Jodie Herden.

A highlight of the exhibition was a portrait of Gunnedah High School teacher Sommar Conlan, where one-hundred and seven students got together and drew sections of Sommar.

The exhibition ran from Friday, 13 July 2018 until Monday, 6 August 2018.

Parents, grandparents and carers are being offered a free child car seat safety check in Gunnedah on Tuesday, 28 August 2018.

Roads and Maritime Services, in conjunction with Gunnedah Shire Council, will provide the safety checks at Kitchener Park, between 8.30am and 12.00pm.

Common issues that the inspectors will be looking for and can fix include tightening straps and checking clips.

Research shows two out of three child restraints are not being used properly and this puts children at risk in the event of a crash.

Information about the national child restraint laws, the types of restraints available and advice on moving children from on restraint type to the next, will be available.

To book in for a free child car seat safety check, please email council@infogunnedah.com.au or phone (02) 6740 2100.

More information on child car seat safety can be found at: http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/children/childcarseats/index.html

Disclaimer

The road closure information is as accurate as possible at the time it is entered. However as conditions change quickly, this information should be used as a guide only. Council makes no statements, representations or warranties about the accuracy, currency, reliability or completeness of the information.

Road users are reminded deliberately disobeying of road closure signs may result in police prosecution.

Large volumes of Traffic are expected in the Gunnedah area on the Oxley Highway and Kamilaroi Highway Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd August 2018.

Speed restrictions are enforceable. Please follow directions from Traffic Control Staff and Police at all times.

20 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and insured companies for the design and construction of ‘Works Associated with Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground Gunnedah’.

Tender documents can be obtained by registering on the e-tendering portal at www.tenderlink.com/gunnedah to download the documents free of charge. Tender enquiries should be via the online forum accessed on the portal.

The Request for Expressions of Interest closes at 10.00am, Friday, 31 August 2018. For more information regarding this request for Expressions of Interest, please contact Council’s Community and Social Planner, Ms Debra Hilton on 02 6740 2100 or email Council at council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Council is not bound to accept the lowest or any expression of interest. Canvassing of Councillors or Council staff will disqualify prospective suppliers.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

16 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is excited to announce that as part of its Parks Playground Equipment Improvement Program, new playground equipment will be installed next to the amenities block at Donnelly Fields.

Council’s Manager of Public Facilities Geoff Phillips said the equipment was going to be a great addition to the park.

“Installing a playground at Donnelly Fields will not only enhance the facility, but provide a fun and safe space for children to play while the sporting fields are in use, or for the community to enjoy at any time,” Mr Phillips said.

The new playground forms part of the upgrade to the riverine and sporting precinct and Council is calling on the community to have their say on which design they prefer.

“We want the community to decide what sort of playground equipment they would like to have installed in the area. Be sure to show the family or anyone who will use the park, and take a vote,” Mr Phillips said.

There are three different equipment options, with the most popular option as voted by the community to be installed.

Closing date for submissions is 31 August 2018. Votes will be counted via a survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/donnellyfield 

For more information please contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo caption: The three options for playground equipment, with the most popular option as voted by the community to be installed. Overseer Sports/Open Spaces Craig Dixon at the site of the proposed playground.

ENDS

Media contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

16 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has joined other local governments and public libraries in a united effort across NSW to call for a doubling in State Government funding to resolve a shortfall that threatens the long-term viability of local public libraries.

Council’s Director, Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said the local library is a valued place for the community to meet, access knowledge and share ideas.

“Providing high quality library services is a job we take very seriously, that’s why we’re proud to support Renew Our Libraries,” Mr Formann said.

At last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors voted to join the campaign promoted by the NSW Public Libraries Association and Local Government NSW to improve State funding for public libraries.

Mr Formann said the demand for local library services has increased, but NSW Government funding is failing to keep up.

“While public libraries do receive State funding, the level of this funding as a portion of overall expenditure on libraries has gradually declined,” Mr Formann said.

“In 2015/16, State funding for Public Libraries covered only 7.5% of the total costs of operating the 368 libraries across NSW. At Gunnedah Shire Council the State contribution is approximately 9% of the total library budget.”

The NSW contribution to libraries is the lowest in Australia, behind Victoria (18 per cent) and Queensland (12 per cent).

“Neither this Council nor the broader NSW Local Government sector can plan with confidence considering the high degree of uncertainty about the level of ongoing funding for public libraries,” Mr Formann said.

For more information visit www.renewourlibraries.com.au 

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Library activities in doubt if funding shortfall continues. At the Knit and Natter, Colour and Chatter launch with Olwyn Jones, Gunnedah Shire Council Librarian Christiane Birkett and Acting Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley.

ENDS

Media contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100