26 February 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to remain a member of Namoi Unlimited at the Ordinary Council Meeting last Wednesday night.

Gunnedah Shire Council has participated as a major contributor of a pilot Joint Organisation of Councils, initially called Namoi JO, and now named Namoi Unlimited.

This pilot group has worked together leading up to and since the introduction of legislation enabling Joint Organisations. The current membership of Namoi Unlimited includes Gunnedah Shire Council, Tamworth Regional Council, Narrabri Shire Council, Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Uralla Shire Council, Walcha Council and Gwydir Shire Council.

“Membership of a joint organisation gives you a voice in regional matters. It enables partnerships with neighbouring Councils and the ability to look at the bigger picture and make informed decisions that will not only see Gunnedah prosper, but boost regional growth,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“By building these partnerships we are sharing our resources, information and co-operating to achieve our joint outcomes. Through the pilot group we have already put plans in place for how to move forward and what our goals are from here.

“This is an exciting time for Gunnedah as we move into a year of delivery, with a focus on infrastructure that will keep us competitive, and improve the liveability of our Shire. The infrastructure build will assist to attract the much-needed new residents to our Shire to take up the abundance of employment positions currently available,” he said.

“Through Namoi Unlimited we have the ability to play a key role in advocating to all levels of government and shaping the future of our region.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Below is a listing of Gunnedah Shire Council's current Infrastructure related strategies and plans. If no items are listed below, Gunnedah Shire Council currently has nothing to display.

22 February 2018

Photographer and performer William Yang is one of Australia’s most celebrated independent artists and will share his poignant story with Gunnedah in ‘The Story Only I Can Tell’ on March 7.

‘The Story Only I Can Tell’ tells the unique story of William’s life. His family migrated from China to Australia more than 100 years ago and subsequent generations adapted to western culture.

Yang grew up in North Queensland on a tobacco farm and has made his way in the world as an architect, a playwright, a photographer, a visual artist, film-maker, and now a story teller. He has worked alongside many of Australia’s most well-known artists, including Patrick White, Brett Whitely and Jenny Kee. William is renowned for his work exploring social diversity, belonging and travel – his search for identity is one of the main themes of his work.

“This is a unique story with global themes around cultural and sexual diversity, told with heart and humour through speech and photography,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said.
“Showcasing his work as an autobiographical monologue is effective and unique, and has become his main artistic expression.”

William Yang will perform ‘The Story Only I Can Tell’ at The Civic on Wednesday, 7 March from 7.00pm. Tickets are $50 per adult, or $45 for concession and are available from www.thecivic.com.au or in-person at the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre, Chandos Street or Gunnedah Shire Council, Elgin Street.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

22 February 2018

The community’s key safety priorities are at the forefront as Gunnedah Shire Council places its recently reviewed Crime Prevention Plan on public exhibition.

Councillors were presented with the draft Plan (2018-2022) at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting and endorsed to place the plan on exhibition for the next 28 days, to allow the community an opportunity to review the document and provide comment.

Crime Prevention Working Group Chair Colleen Fuller said in formulating this plan, Council was able to measure if strategies applied over the last three years had changed the perception in the community regarding crime and community safety. It has also allowed Council to determine if those priorities should be amended.

“The new plan outlines the community’s key priorities and concerns for our Shire. It sets out a clear path for how Council, in partnership with other government and community organisations, including Oxley Local Area Command, Crime Prevention Working Group and Gunnedah Liquor Accord can strive to achieve a crime-free community,” Cr Fuller said.

“The community has identified how important community safety strategies are and this Plan outlines how we will deliver on addressing domestic and family violence, alcohol related offences, property crime and anti-social offences, such as vandalism and graffiti.”

“There has been a lot of work put into this plan and we are committed to working together to achieve these outcomes for our community. We encourage community members to review the plan and provide feedback to Council for consideration.”

Download the draft Crime Prevention Plan 2018-2022 here or pick up a copy from Council’s Administration Building. Closing date for submissions is Wednesday, 21 March 2018.

For more information contact Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

22 February 2018

Mr Des O'Callaghan visited Gunnedah Shire Council on Wednesday, 21 February 2018 to thank Councillors for their support in aiding his fundraising efforts for The Long Ride motorcycle event in 2017, supporting Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia.

Council resolved to support the cause with a $500 donation in June last year. Mr O'Callaghan provided Council with a certificate of appreciation and a flag from the event.

Background: The first Long Ride was introduced in 2007 in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Australia. This event raised $50,000.00 and had approximately 300 riders involved at any one stage. On the ride into Darwin there was over 330 riders involved thundering into Darwin in a very emotional and historic ride after 8 days traveling across Australia. The Long Ride 2008 travelled to Perth, WA, in support of Prostate Cancer and over the length of the event, approximately 270 riders were involved throughout the ride which managed to raise $20,000.00 for a core of 33 riders (core riders who rode all the way). Last year's event took the riders across Tasmania, with more than $265,000 collected to raise the profile of prostate cancer awareness. For more information on the event visit: http://longride2010.webs.com/ 

15 February 2018

More than 30 local producers and interested parties gathered at Gunnible Pastoral Co on Wednesday to discuss opportunities around growing citrus in the region at a Citrus Field Day.

Hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council, in conjunction with NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), the Field Day saw industry experts, packers and buyers impart their knowledge on growing citrus commercially, including orchard set up, maintenance and selecting the right citrus variety for different soil types.

Ferdi Bergamin, of Mildura Fruit Company was also on-hand to discuss marketing and export opportunities, both domestically and internationally, with the group.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Field Day was a success, forging a partnership with the DPI and providing more growth options for local producers.

“The Field Day was well attended by both corporate and private primary producers. It was great to see citrus experts converge on Gunnedah to provide detailed information relating to domestic and international supply chains for citrus fruit and juice products,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The Field Day provided a unique opportunity to talk directly to the experts. It also allows for further diversification in our Shire, with long-term benefits such as jobs.

“Those interested are now armed with the tools needed to decide if they want to go forward and how to make that leap.”

12 February 2018

Back by popular demand, Gunnedah will be humming to the sights and sounds of a calendar of events for the 2018 Weeks of Speed festival.

The annual festival will be held over four weekends, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 March, at a variety of venues around Gunnedah.

“We are excited to announce this year’s program, with some new events added to the agenda. There is something speed-related for all tastes,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Tourism and Cultural Precinct Supervisor Chris Frend said.

“Apex Club of Gunnedah is on board with their fun, annual pig races event, where sponsored piglets battle it out for first place across the line. The event has been gaining traction for a couple of years and is a welcome addition to the program.

“The coveted Mount Porcupine Apex Drive Hill Climb is back, where drivers test their skill against the clock, in an adrenalin-filled race to the top.”

Vehicle events range from the Mount Porcupine Hill Climb, car racing and drag racing, to motorbike racing and the Lake Keepit Sailing Club’s Keepit Kup Regatta.

Other events scheduled include the Rural Museum Demonstration Day, greyhound racing, a speed chess challenge, Gunnedah Collective Carnival Day (markets and more), Gunnedah Aero Modellers Pilon Racing and the Gunnedah Apex Club Pig Races.

“As well as the Rural Museum Tractor Trek, many of the competing vehicles can be seen in the Street Parade and Show ‘n’ Shine in Woolworths Carpark adjacent to the markets, on Saturday, March 17,” Mr Frend said.

A full program of events can be downloaded from www.visitgunnedah.com.au.

For more information contact the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6740 2230.

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 2018 the Weeks of Speed programme bursts into action on Sunday March 4 and will continue each weekend thereafter, finishing on Sunday March 25, 2018.

Download the Weeks of Speed Programme 2018, see what’s on and head to Gunnedah for some great action packed, family friendly entertainment.

Gunnedah hosted the NSW Trade Commissioner to Shanghai and Northern China, Tony Zhang on Monday, as part of a regional tour to discuss trade and investment options with members of the local business communities.
Mr Zhang made a presentation on the opportunities in China and the activities of NSW Trade and Investment.

“Mr Zhang gave insight into how his team works in China and the services they provide to businesses seeking Chinese investment, or those wishing to open up to export markets. His team can assist with making the business connection between China and Australia,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“His visit also gave him a better understanding of the businesses and opportunities in the Namoi region.”

After the presentation, Mr Zhang toured Gunnible Citrus Farm and inspected trials being conducted on-farm of a new variety of orange for the Chinese market. These trials are being conducted by NSW Department of Primary Industry, with growers across NSW.

Mr Zhang also visited Prydes Easi-Feed – a family-owned business based in Gunnedah for over 30 years. Pryde’s is the only facility of its type producing extruded cubes, sweet feeds and pellets on separate production lines for the equine industry. Pryde’s has recently achieved accreditation to access the Chinese market and is seeking assistance to identify customers.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our local businesses to gather information and ask questions of someone at this level and with the connections they need if wishing to pursue export avenues into China,” Cr Chaffey said.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Matt Pryde, NSW Trade Commissioner to Shanghai and Northern China Tony Zhang and Peter Pryde.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council in conjunction with NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) will be hosting a Citrus Field Day in Gunnedah on Wednesday, February 14.

NSW DPI senior staff members, Dr Fay Haynes, Senior Project Officer International Engagement Unit; Andrew Creek, Citrus Development Officer; Steve Falivene, Citrus Development Officer; and David Monks, Research Horticulturalist, will make presentations in their fields of expertise at the information session.

Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the field day is targeted at irrigators who are open to diversifying and exploring new opportunities.

“It has already been proven that high quality oranges can be grown in this region and growing citrus in Gunnedah presents an opportunity for farmers to maximise profit,” Mr Johns said.

“The Field Day will give an overview of the basics associated with growing citrus commercially, including orchard set up, maintenance and selecting the right citrus variety for different soil types. It will also give an insight into citrus markets, both domestically and overseas.”

Ferdi Bergamin, Marketing Manager and former CEO of Mildura Fruit Company (MFC) will be on-hand to discuss markets and opportunities with interested producers. MFC is Australia’s largest packer and exporter of fresh citrus in Australia and ships their product all over the world. Most recently, MFC has gained a strong market share in China.

The Citrus Field Day will be held at Gunnible, 455 Wean Road, Gunnedah on February 14 from 9.00am. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. To RSVP, please contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.