Monday, 23 April 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has resolved to provide financial and in-kind support to the Gunnedah Show Society for the upcoming Energy Innovation and Mining Expo (eIMEx).

Gunnedah Show Society approached Council seeking support for the event at the March Ordinary Council Meeting.

Council moved at last Wednesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting to provide up to $15,000 of in-kind support, as well as a $20,000 financial contribution to the Expo.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said eIMEx has the potential to become a large scale, recurring event, with flow on effects for the broader community.

“There are huge benefits for the community should this event become well-established and successful over a number of years,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is important to recognise the economic benefits that will flow on from the hosting of such an event. Early estimations outline a significant economic impact for our region as we expect to see both exhibitors and visitors from a wide area including Victoria, NSW and Queensland, as well as internationally.”

Cr Chaffey said Gunnedah is well-positioned to hold such a unique event that will showcase innovation in both sectors.

“Coal mining has a long history of over 140 years in the Gunnedah basin and is the burgeoning strength in Australia, with a forecasted long enduring future. Recent approvals and early works for solar projects in our Shire indicate our region is well suited for renewable energy developments,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The nearest similar event to this scale is in Mackay, Queensland, which is held in July every second year. There has previously been an expo held in Muswellbrook, but not in recent years.

“Congratulations to the Gunnedah Show Society for their efforts in developing this event, the committee has a proven track record of getting things done.”

The Energy Innovation and Mining Expo will be held at the Gunnedah Showground in early November 2018.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council shows support to Energy Innovation and Mining Expo at Council’s April Ordinary Meeting.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

18 April 2018

Australia’s favourite ‘kidult’ comedians, The Listies, are bringing their best-smelling book Ickypedia: A Dictionary of Disgusting New Words to the Gunnedah stage.

Ickypedia will be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Saturday, 5 May from 1.00pm.

Ickypedia is a seriously silly show that answers all of life’s unimportant questions: How do you take a smellfie? What exactly are udderpants? And what happens if you never ever clean your room? With snot monsters, bubble machines and toilet paper guns, it’s a mix of clowning, slapstick, and improvised chaos that the whole family will enjoy.

Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly, formerly of Gunnedah, make up the comedy duo, The Listies. Forming in 2008 after meeting a university, their show ‘More fun than a Wii’, went on to be the first kids show to be nominated for the prestigious Melbourne International Comedy Festival Best Show Award.

Since then they’ve toured from the Sydney Opera House to South Korea, from Edinburgh to Malaysia, and all over Australia. They have won awards, including the 2013 Sydney Critics Award for Best Children’s Production, and received countless rave reviews.

“This is one for the kids and a performance not to be missed, as The Listies promise a hilarious, fun show, full of laughs,” Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce your children to the theatre, and an experience they won’t forget.”

Tickets are $15.00 (under 15 years of age), $25.00 (15+), or a family ticket can be purchased for $60.00 (family of four). Tickets are available at www.thecivic.com.au 

Photo caption: The Listies, Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly. Photo: Andrew Wuttke.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

18 April 2018

A number of events and services will be held throughout the Gunnedah Shire on ANZAC Day to commemorate the fallen and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by men and women of war. 

Veterans and servicemen and women from across generations of armed conflicts bearing their medals will assemble and lead marches, joined by family members, school children, and emergency service personnel.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service - Gunnedah
The Gunnedah RSL Sub-branch has organised the official commemorative proceedings for ANZAC Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2018, in Gunnedah.
The Dawn Service begins at 5.30am at the Cenotaph Memorial on Conadilly Street, with Gunnedah Salvation Army Captain Richard Day leading the prayers of the ceremony.

ANZAC Day March and Mid-Morning Service - Gunnedah
The ANZAC Day March will begin at 10.30am, proceeding from Marquis Street and continuing down Conadilly Street. The official service begins at 11.00am at the Cenotaph Memorial on the corner of Elgin and Conadilly streets. The commemorative address will be led by Anglican Minister Scott Dunlop. The assembly point for the march will be the corner of Marquis and Elgin streets, outside Mitre 10 from 10.00am. The Veteran’s Cars will lead the procession, commencing at 10.30am.

ANZAC Day March and Service - Breeza
Organised by the Breeza Progress Association, the annual Breeza ANZAC Commemorative March will commence from 8.30am, with all participants asked to gather at the Old Cenotaph, before marching to the new Cenotaph near the park.

ANZAC Day – Curlewis
The march for the Dawn Service in Curlewis will proceed from the corner of Goran and Pike streets at 5.15am. Participants are asked to assemble at 5.00am. The morning ANZAC Day March in Curlewis will take place from the Commercial Hotel at 8.45am to the Cenotaph, with a service to begin at 9.00am.

ANZAC Day – Tambar Springs
The Tambar Springs Dawn Service will be held at 5.30am at the Tambar Springs War Memorial, breakfast will follow at the Royal Hotel, Tambar Springs.
A mid-morning service will take place at the Premer Lions Park from 10.45am, with lunch afterwards. Serving members will receive a complimentary lunch.

ANZAC DAY – Goolhi
Just over the border from the Gunnedah Shire, Goolhi will hold a sunset service from 5.30pm at the Goolhi Hall, followed by dinner.

2018 ANZAC Tribute Concert
The concert has been organised by the ANZAC Working Group and will be held on Sunday, 22 April at Pensioners Hill prior to ANZAC Day and aims to educate those in attendance on the effects of war. This is a free community concert commencing from 4.00pm and will include three sessions (approximately 45 minutes to one hour each, with 20 minute intermissions). The concert will include performances of traditional war tunes by the national award-winning Gunnedah Shire Junior Band, well-known songs from the last century by students of the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music, and war poetry readings and extracts from letters, read by school students. A barbecue will be held by Rotary Club of Gunnedah West. A golf buggy will be available to assist people to get to the top of the hill. Community members are asked to bring a picnic rug or chair and gather together to enjoy a sunset atop one of Gunnedah’s vantage points, while paying tribute to the men and women of war.

There is also free admission to the Water Town Museum from 11.30am on Anzac Day!

Anzac Working Group Chair and Councillor Owen Hasler said it is important to recognise the effects of wartime involvement and the sacrifices of soldiers, veterans and their families.

“Everyone in the community is invited and encouraged to participate in ANZAC Day ceremonies and events. We hope our community will unite to show support and pay tribute to our ANZACs and the role servicemen and women have played in defending our nation in the past, now, and into the future,” Cr Hasler said.

Photo caption: Veterans, service personnel, and community members gather in Breeza each year to march and pay their respects at a service at the Cenotaph.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

16 April 2018

Council is seeking written applications from Gunnedah Shire residents to fill the following positions on its Crime Prevention Working Group.

2 Community Representatives and 1 Youth Representative

Nominees must over 18, a resident of the Gunnedah Shire with strong community links and have a demonstrated commitment to, and/or understanding of, crime prevention and community safety

The Crime Prevention Working Group takes a collaborative approach to crime prevention, focusing on causes of crime and its functions as guided by the Gunnedah Shire Crime Prevention Plan. The Group meets bi-monthly on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 5.00pm.

Information regarding membership can be obtained from Council’s Community and Social Planner on 02 6740 2100.

The Crime Prevention Group Nomination Form can be downloaded from below or obtained from Council’s Administration building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Completed forms can be returned to 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or emailed to council@infogunndah.com.au 

16 April 2018

Members of the Centenary of ANZAC Working Group have been busy preparing for next Sunday’s Centenary of ANZAC Concert to be held on Pensioners Hill.

"We are very pleased to have the reigning Australian National Junior A Grade Champions, Gunnedah Shire Junior Band, teaming with Gunnedah Conservatorium students, Gunnedah High School senior drama students and community members in order to present a moving tribute to Australian Service personnel who have served Australia outstandingly over the last century, " ANZAC Working Group Chair, Councillor Owen Hasler said.

"The event will be held on Pensioners Hill from 4pm on Sunday and will continue into the evening with three sessions in which the performers will present music, songs, poetry and extract readings as well as a dramatic performance. These items depict the emotions and sacrifice of war and its' effect on families and individuals as well as the enduring sense of mateship associated with the ANZAC story.

"There will be breaks between each session in order for people to enjoy a chat and have something to eat before the following session. The concert has been supported by an ANZAC Community Grant provided by the NSW Government and it will be good to see our local member, Mr Kevin Anderson in attendance to introduce the event,” he said.

A four seater golf cart will be available to transport people from the carpark to the top of Pensioners Hill and extra lighting, toilets and seating will be supplied. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own chairs to ensure there is enough seating. The Rotary Club of Gunnedah West will assist with catering by supplying sausage sandwiches and cool drinks, however people may bring a picnic lunch/dinner if they prefer.

"This should be another terrific tribute by the Gunnedah community to our veterans and will be the last such event held in Gunnedah as part of the Centenary of ANZAC. We hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to participate as it promises to be a memorable performance,” Cr Hasler said.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Band performing at the 2017 ANZAC Tribute Concert.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

13 April 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is working with Showground user groups to apply for sporting and community infrastructure grants in order to progress the completion of upgrades and enhancements to the Gunnedah Showground.

Due to the project criteria and eligibility guidelines of the grant, it is proposed that the application focuses on new and upgraded infrastructure within the Showground including a new accessible amenities block, shaded picnic sets, increased lighting for safety of users and animals in and around the arena, new portable safety compliant tiered grandstands to support volunteers and spectators, irrigation system to the main arena, drainage and power upgrades to support user groups and increased visitation.

The grant applications also include 250 new safety compliant stables. In order to obtain evidence of the level of community support for the proposed infrastructure enhancements, Council is inviting the local community and visitors to provide their views via a short survey.

Survey closes 5pm on Tuesday 24 April 2018. Complete online survey here.

5 April 2018

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey looks forward to advocating strongly for regional interests after being elected to the interim Chairperson role of Namoi Unlimited.

An official election will be held in June calling for positions for the newly formed Joint Organisation of Councils, Namoi Unlimited; however, in the interim Cr Chaffey will assume the role.

“I would like to thank outgoing Chair Andrew Hope, Liverpool Plains Shire Mayor, for his commitment and dedication to the organisation during his term as Chair,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I am honored to be nominated for the interim role and my intention is to stand for the official role at the elections for the ensuing two-year term.”

Cr Chaffey said he is looking forward to the challenge ahead and has a strong focus on ensuring the region’s voice is heard.

“As a regional organisation we are 100 per cent committed to our shared objectives and working together collaboratively as members of Namoi Unlimited to see benefits for residents of our Shires,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is important we continue to work together on regional issues. We already have many activities that we are undertaking around roads, economic development and infrastructure, and that regional focus will continue.

“Going forward, we will be taking a strong united voice as advocates for our region to our State and Federal Governments on issues, concerns and opportunities that affect our Shires.”

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey appointed as interim Chair of Namoi Unlimited.

Photo Caption 2: Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

4 April 2018

An interactive travelling display program for drug and alcohol information will pop up at the Gunnedah Shire Library and The Civic throughout the month of April.

The Drug and Alcohol Hub was developed by the State Library, in conjunction with NSW Health, and uses several different ways to provide people with up-to-date accessible information about drugs and alcohol. It also identifies support networks and agencies within the local community.

The Hub consists of two display stands, one with an iPad providing interactive content, including a ‘Know Your Standards’ drinks display, and an online quiz, and the other featuring a removable shelf for displaying information resources, promotional collateral and interactive “beer goggles” to simulate alcohol consumption and associated impairment.

“We invite everyone to take the opportunity to use the interactive display and become informed about the effects of drugs and alcohol,” Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett said.

“It is important not only for our youth but for all members of the community to be aware of these substances so they can make educated decisions.

The Hub will be based at the Gunnedah Shire Library throughout April from 9.30am-5.00pm (Monday to Thursday), and 9.30am-4.30pm (Fridays), but will be set up at The Civic from Tuesday, 10 April to Monday, 16 April, for Youth Week activities. The Hub will also form part of the Youth Week Expo to be held at Wolseley Park on Tuesday, 10 April from 10.00am-2.00pm.

For more information contact the Gunnedah Shire Library on (02) 6740 2190.

Photo caption: The Drug and Alcohol Information Hub will be based in Gunnedah throughout April.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

4 April 2018

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre will be hosting after school art classes for kids with local artist Sheryl Oliver.

Ms Oliver held art classes and private tutorials throughout Queensland before moving to Gunnedah in recent years.

She will work with up to 10 children, aged six to fourteen years, in a group setting in the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre Studio, focusing on developing the artistic journey of a body of work based on children’s authors, Bronwyn Bancroft and Nadia Wheatley’s book, My Place.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said students will have the opportunity to develop bright, stylised works reflecting the beauty of Gunnedah and its surrounds.

“Students will also explore the elements of art and principles of design, while having the opportunity to free themselves up to create larger works,” Ms Mackley said.

“This type of project has the potential to unlock some hidden talents and build on others. It will be really exciting to see not only the end results, but children’s confidence in the art world grow.”

The classes will be held every Tuesday for five weeks on 10, 17, and 24 April; and 1 and 8 May 2018, from 4.00pm-5.30pm. The cost is $150 for the five week block, or $40 per lesson.

All materials are provided, however places are limited and bookings are essential. To reserve a place contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo: Up to 10 children have the opportunity to join in children’s after school art classes.

#ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

4 April 2018

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery will play host to an exhibition from the Tamworth Regional Art Collective, titled Threads and Brushes.

The official opening of the exhibition will be held at the gallery on Friday, 20 April 2018 from 6.00pm.

Tamworth Regional Art Collective is made up of accomplished regional artists, including Joanne Stead, Karen Balsar, Jodie Herden, Jody Blackwell, Leah Dryden and Emma Stilts. The group has been integral in the beautification of Tamworth’s urban landscape.

Collectively, the unified group of artists has delivered large scale public art projects including the transformation of four electrical box murals, three NBN box wraps and two major mosaic installations.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said Threads and Brushes explores the joy, freedom and energy of working in the company of other artists within the Tamworth Regional Art Collective.

“Threads and Brushes reflects the various mediums of choice, but is also a comment on what binds these artists, and what transfers through the experience of a collective,” Ms Mackley said.

“As regional women, as mothers, and as community members, they come together as individuals sharing common stories and experiences. The viewer is invited into the shared space to form their own impressions of those prevailing threads, discovering the unique essence of each artist.”

The exhibition will be officially opened by Tamworth Regional Gallery Director, Bridget Guthrie. Light refreshments will be provided.

The exhibition will continue until Monday, 28 May 2018.

For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo caption: Tamworth Regional Art Collective, from left, Jody Blackwell, Jodie Herden, Karen Balsar, Joanne Stead, Emma Stilts and Leah Dryden.

#ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.