On the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba (31 October 2017), soil was collected at seven sites in the Gunnedah Shire to contribute to the state-wide collection for the Anzac Memorial Centenary Project.

The Gunnedah Shire Council Anzac Working group selected the date given its significance in Australian history.

Many members of the 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments came from the North West area of NSW and were part of the famous charge.

The project is the multi-million dollar redevelopment of NSW’s pre-eminent memorial to the contribution of NSW and Australian Veterans to the First World War in Hyde Park, Sydney. It will feature an artwork developed by artist Fiona Hall alongside Sydney architect Richard Johnson, displaying soil collected from approximately 1700 locations across NSW, to be completed next year.

“Soil was collected from Curlewis War Memorial, Emerald Hill Hall, Breeza War Memorial, Mullaley War Memorial, Carroll Public School, Tambar Springs Public School and the Kelvin Hall, and will be recognised with plaques and soil samples in the new Memorial,” Gunnedah Anzac Working Group Chair Owen Hasler said.

“It’s a significant moment in history and a proud moment for Gunnedah and the chosen villages. Descendants of soldiers who participated in World War I, school children and residents were invited to participate, which makes the occasion even more significant locally and acknowledged each district’s contribution to military operations.”

The Anzac Memorial Centenary Project is expected to be completed towards the end of 2018.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100

Works to protect the Wandobah Road area from future flood events is set to commence during the week beginning 13 November.

Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to accept a tender from Daracon Group Gunnedah to undertake works on the Blackjack Creek Flood Mitigation Project.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Planning and Development Carolyn Hunt said the project aims to reduce the impact of flooding from Blackjack Creek to properties and residences in the Wandobah Road area.

“The $3.2 million Project is a recommendation of the Blackjack Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan 2010 to ensure one-in-100 year flood events are contained and surrounding properties are protected,” Ms Hunt said.

The Project involves creating channel banks and deepening, widening and the realignment of 1.9 kilometres of Blackjack Creek, between McCalls Road and Oxley Highway, to increase capacity. It also includes the installation of storm water pipes under Wandobah Road, and associated road works, as well as the removal and replanting of trees in the area.

“Revegetation works in Wandobah Reserve and along Wandobah Road will be staged throughout the Project, with approximately 500 trees to be planted in the area, creating a potential koala corridor,” Ms Hunt said.

A sod turning ceremony will be held on Tuesday, 7 November 2017 from 11:00am at Blackjack Creek near the Lions Club Rest Area on Mullaley Road. Gunnedah Shire Council and Daracon Group will officially declare the site open for construction.

For more information on the project contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100 or view the Blackjack Creek Flood Mitigation Project FAQ Sheet.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

To celebrate the pool upgrades that are now underway, we’re taking a trip down memory lane with the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Photo Competition.

We invite you to celebrate with us and share your memories of the pool – you also have a chance to win a family pass to The Civic!

To enter, email your photo with a caption and your contact details to council@infogunnedah.com.au by 30 November 2017.

For more information please give us a call on (02) 6740 2100 or visit our website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

Commencing Monday 6th November to Wednesday 8th November, weather permitting, Gunnedah Shire Council has contracted Abergeldie Fluid control to begin a CCTV survey of some of Councils sewer supply mains in various areas around town.

We endeavour to limit interruptions wherever possible, however unavoidable interruptions to traffic flow, property access and sewer mains may be experienced intermittently during the upgrade period.

If you have any special requirements during this period please do not hesitate to contact Council’s Water Services Project Officer Michael Ludlow on 0428477173

Should you have any questions relating to the CCTV survey please contact Council’s Customer Service Team on 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

We apologise for any inconvenience experienced during the survey period and thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

Construction of the $11.375 million Gunnedah Memorial Pool Renewal Project is now officially underway, with a sod turning ceremony held on Tuesday afternoon to mark the occasion.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Gunnedah Memorial Pool Working Group Chair Councillor Owen Hasler, Deputy Mayor Gae Swain and Hines Constructions Director David Hines turned the first sod on site, marking the start of the 12-month project.

“This week marks a significant occasion for the Gunnedah Shire, with the commencement of physical work on the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Renewal Project,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“We look forward to working with Hines Constructions on the redevelopment of this vital piece of community infrastructure. The finalisation of the project design has been challenging for Council to ensure that this multi-million dollar project provides the best value for money for our community and the generations that will have use of this facility for the next 60 years.

“Financially, this is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Council and once completed the quality of the complex and the benefit to the community will be worth the wait.”

The project will include a new 8-lane, 50 metre pool; kids wet play area; pavilion, new filtration and sanitization systems; upgraded heated pool amenities; and improved disability access across the complex.

Demolition works on the 50 metre outdoor pool is first on the construction program and will commence at the end of this week, with excavation works to follow in early December 2017 and construction from early January 2018.

“The renewal of this complex is a major initiative of Council to ensure that high quality aquatic facilities are maintained for the community,” Councillor Owen Hasler said.

“This facility has always been a place of leisure, fun and enjoyment, a legacy that those that served during World War II fought to maintain after it was constructed in the 1950s as a memorial.

“I commend members of the Working Group for their commitment and contribution to the development of this project.”

Photo Caption: David Hines, of Hines Constructions, Councillor Owen Hasler, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Gae Swain turn the first sod on the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Renewal Project.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah’s Vibrant Precincts Project was officially opened by Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson on Friday.

Gunnedah Shire Council was one of 20 Local Government Areas to receive funding from the NSW Department of Industry as part of the NSW Government’s Regional Development Framework – Future Towns Project.

The Gunnedah Vibrant Precincts Project was formed with calls on the community to collaborate in projects of activation, and street art and murals to bring vibrancy, action and creativity into Gunnedah’s CBD.

“Conadilly Street in Gunnedah is smoking, there’s no doubt about that,” Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said.

There is life in Conadilly Street, there is life in Gunnedah and we have to continually look at how we promote that and how we activate that.”

The project included four murals in the CBD area; exhibition space in shop window for art and photography; planter box and seating for the front of a local business; a painted shopfront and wheelbarrow of flowers; board games, cushions and blankets installed throughout the CBD; fairy lighting, planter boxes and the Gunnedah Youth Council Dessert Bar; draftsperson and engineer engagement to develop plans for pergolas to increase seating for a local business; bike trailer providing transportable business and table; gardens; and a community noticeboard.

“Our focus was to bring activation to Gunnedah in our own way, but also to maintain and reflect our cultural identity,” Gunnedah Shire Council Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said.

“After consultation and workshops we provided subsidies to businesses and individuals, through the funding program, to go forth with their own ideas of activation.

“As each project has come to life, Gunnedah is looking more and more vibrant and inviting. People are really excited about this project and the future of arts and culture in Gunnedah.”

Photo Caption 1: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

GoCo Community Care and Gunnedah Gymnastics Centre have joined forces to present Young Access Gymnastics.

The joint initiative is a supported gymnastics class for children and young adults living with a disability.

“This is a great opportunity for children and youth who have a disability, or need some support in honing gross motor skills to come along and try gymnastics in a supported environment,” GoCo Community Hub Co-ordinator Kate Mackley said.

“This program is aimed to inspire and motivate young people with additional needs to enjoy and gain the many benefits associated with physical activity, such as cognitive, physical and social development.

“Activities will be modified to suit individual abilities and support people are encouraged to come along.”

Classes commence Saturday, 28 October at 11:30am and run for four weeks. The cost is $10 per participant, per week.

To enrol, please contact GoCo Community Hub Co-ordinator Kate Mackley on (02) 6740 2172. Please view the Young Access Gymnastics Flyer or more information.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah residents now have two FREE services for the disposal of household chemicals and problem waste. A Chemical CleanOut Event will be held on Friday 10 November, from 9am – 4pm at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility for household chemicals. Certain problem waste items are able to be dropped off all year round! Please view the Gunnedah Household Chemical Cleanout - Waste Matters Poster for more information.

Gunnedah Shire Council and local residents shared the reuse and recycle message at Council’s mega garage sale on Saturday.

More than 30 stalls registered for the local event and to be a part of the national Garage Sale Trail – a nationwide waste management campaign.

“This is the third year Council has participated in the Garage Sale Trail in conjunction with Northern Inland Regional Waste (NIRW) and it is growing every year,” Gunnedah Shire Council Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron said.

“The idea behind the campaign is not only for residents to declutter or make some extra money, but to educate people and provide a way for them to keep unwanted items out of local landfills. Garage sales turn someone’s trash into someone else’s treasure and forms part of the reuse movement – the best way to recycle.

“I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who supported the event and made it another success.”

The car boot sale type event attracted plenty of buyers for a range of items, including books, clothes, antiques, toys, furniture and more.

Garage Sale Trail is a grass roots idea that was born in Bondi Beach in 2010 as means to encourage reuse, celebrate creativity and bring local people together.

It’s a giant purpose-driven marketplace powered by 150 Councils and people all over Australia.

Photo caption 1: Gunnedah Shire Council Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron at the sale.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

The Gunnedah Shire continues to mark its contribution to the state-wide soil collection for the Anzac Memorial Centenary Project.

The Gunnedah Shire Council Anzac Working Group has selected 31 October, 2017 as the date for the soil collection across the Gunnedah Shire given its significance in Australian history, being the centenary of the Battle of Beersheeba. Many of the members of the 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments that were part of the famous charge came from the North West area of NSW.

The Project is the multi-million dollar redevelopment of NSW’s pre-eminent memorial to the contribution of NSW and Australian veterans to the First World War in Hyde Park, Sydney. It will feature an artwork developed by artist Fiona Hall alongside Sydney architect Richard Johnson, displaying soil collected from approximately 1700 locations across NSW, to be completed next year.

“Within Gunnedah Shire, eight locations have been selected to be recognised with plaques and soil samples in the new Hall of Service at the Memorial – Gunnedah, Curlewis, Carroll, Kelvin, Emerald Hill, Mullaley and Tambar Springs,” Gunnedah Shire Council Anzac Working Group Chair Owen Hasler said.

“The Governor of NSW, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley launched the program in the Gunnedah Shire by undertaking the collection at the Gunnedah Cenotaph in September.

“The soil collection ritual allows Gunnedah and surrounding villages to remember their own and then bring together other communities from across NSW in the final artwork for a very moving tribute.

“Descendants of soldiers who participated in World War I from those locations have been asked to participate.”
The place names from which the soil is collected are taken from the database of Great War enlistees, summing up the geographical reach of the call to serve.

The Civic will host a screening of the movie, The Lighthorsemen on Tuesday, 31 October from 5.30pm to commemorate the Battle of Beersheeba and support the Gunnedah Soil Collection Project. Tickets are $10 and are available on the night at The Civic, with light refreshments provided.

Soil collection event schedule

• 9:30am: Curlewis War Memorial, Emerald Hill Hall
• 11:00am: Breeza War Memorial, Mullaley War Memorial
• 12:30pm: Carroll Public School, Tambar Springs Public School
• 2:00pm: Kelvin Hall

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.