GoCo Community Care is taking time to care for carers in Gunnedah during National Carers Week (15-21 October).

Carers are invited to GoCo’s ‘Peace and Pamper Day’ - for relaxing massages, manicures and a light morning tea. GoCo staff will be on hand to provide information about support and social activities for carers and the people they care for.

“National Carers Week provides GoCo with the opportunity to show appreciation to Gunnedah’s carers. We would like to invite anyone caring for a loved one with dementia, a disability or chronic illness to relax for a few hours,” GoCo Community Transport Co-ordinator Tammy Lumby said.

“Carers make enormous contributions to communities and save the country approximately $60.3 billion per year.

“In the Gunnedah Shire alone there were 1108 carers providing unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, long-term illness or old age in 2016 (PopID Data). We want to take time out to pamper the people who are often accustomed to looking after others.”

GoCo’s Peace and Pamper Day will be held on Friday, 20 October at GoCo Community Care, 80 Marquis Street, Gunnedah from 11am to 1pm.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council together with Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce are inviting local employers to support a business skills project.

A facilitated meeting will be held this week for anyone responsible for hiring, training or providing staff, as well as representatives from businesses, industries or community groups who have identified skills or training needs.

The outcome of the meeting will be a working group of interested people to work together over the next 12 months to problem solve skill shortages.

“The idea behind the project is to work together to attract and retain skilled workers, develop local training options and to support more pathways into employment. Local businesses working together will speed up the development of solutions and build a strong and skilled local workforce,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce Secretary Stacey Cooke said local businesses are feeling frustrated over “the lack of suitable skilled workers” to fulfil job vacancies in the area.

“The skills workshop is a great initiative to bring together the local employment job agencies, business owners and government departments to brainstorm ideas and solutions. This will include information on different types of grants and government support, which will assist business owners in obtaining the skilled workers required,” Mrs Cooke said.

“We are grateful that we have a group of motivated people in Chamber and Council to assist in organising this workshop.”

The one-hour meeting will be held at the Smithurst Theatre from 9-10am on Thursday, 12 October. To register interest, email susan.sims@wixim.com.au by 5pm on Wednesday, 11 October.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Local photographer Christoph Nagele is known for his stunning photographic images and has gained renown through his Facebook page, My Gunnedah.

Christoph will be exhibiting his carefully selected and curated photographs of people and personalities from throughout Gunnedah Shire in his 2017 exhibition - ‘People of Gunnedah’.

This selection of images will celebrate people in the Gunnedah community; capturing moments of their achievements, beauty and soul.

“A natural smile is a beautiful thing to photograph, I love catching the perfect moment of a smile,” Christoph said.

Christoph has selected 100 photographs from his collection of 86,000 images of Gunnedah personalities. The photographs will be on exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery for two weeks and all proceeds from photo sales will go to local charities, Can Assist and Meals on Wheels.

Christoph exhibited his collection last year at the Work of Art Gallery raising more than $4000 for GS Kidd Memorial School.

Opening night of the exhibition will be held at 6:00pm on Friday, 20 October at Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, with drinks and canapes provided. The exhibition will continue until 3 November, 2017.

Photo Caption: Christoph Nagele will showcase a collection of Gunnedah’s people and personalities at his upcoming exhibition titled ‘People of Gunnedah’.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

The NSW Government budget announcement earlier this year included a record investment of $1.3 billion to regional NSW through the Regional Growth Fund.

Gunnedah Shire Council is working with the NSW Government and neighbouring councils, Liverpool Plains Shire and Tamworth Regional Council, to develop Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS) to ensure this investment is successful in growing business confidence, creating and encouraging business investment, maximising the potential for jobs growth and securing a strong future for the region.

The NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Centre for Economic and Regional Development (CERD) has engaged specialist economic consultants Sapere Research Group to work with councils, communities, industries and businesses on the REDS in the region.

“An important component of the Regional Economic Development Strategy is to ensure that regional communities, business and industries have a say,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

“As part of this process, Sapere Research Group is undertaking a survey of businesses and other stakeholders to support the development of REDS.

“I would urge you to participate in the survey as it is your chance to have your say in shaping the economic future of our region.”

Complete the Regional Economic Development Strategies Survey here.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey is calling for a decision to be made on the future of the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre (GRHC).

After GRHC appointed voluntary administrator Alan Hayes, of Hayes Advisory on July 7 – a lengthy negotiation process and due diligence has been completed with preferred party Mackellar Care, however the future of the clinic still hangs in the balance, causing frustration in the community.

“Due diligence has been completed by Mackellar Care and now we just need to move forward and provide an outcome for our community, who have been heavily inconvenienced by the lack of access to health care,” Cr Chaffey said.

“There are doctors ready and waiting to go but they can’t wait forever.

“It’s integrally important that residents have access to doctors when they need to see them, both at the clinics and the hospital.

“Federal support for Mackellar Care to take over the facility has already been received. We have waited long enough and a commitment needs to be made by HNHE – not just for the community, but also for the creditors who are still owed money.”

The $6.2million centre was built under the GP Super Clinic funding program from the Federal Government on State Government land, with valuable support from mining companies and fundraising by the community.

If running at full capacity, the centre has the potential to house seven full-time doctors, pathology and a number of allied health services.

“It appears that the reassignment of the lease by Hunter New England Health is where the delay is occurring. All parties are waiting on confirmation from Hunter New England Health that they will commit to reassign the lease with the same conditions that Gunnedah Rural Health were provided,” Councillor Chaffey said.

“Health care is paramount and this centre was purpose-built for our community so it needs to be back up and running to its full capacity to service our growing region.”

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

In the lead up to the Garage Sale Trail, Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging the community to think differently about waste and participate in the nationwide community and sustainability event.

Garage Sale Trail is one big weekend of garage sales that is happening in communities across Australia in October. The event aims to get the community thinking about the waste they generate and how some of it can be reused.

“Waste is a growing issue. As a nation, the amount of waste we churn out has grown six times faster than the population and in fact, the average Australian family now produces enough waste to fill a three bedroom house every year,” Gunnedah Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron said.

“While recycling is one solution, reusing items you no longer want is even better.

“Hosting a stall at Council’s Garage Sale is free and all the buyers and sellers will be in the one place.”

Last year’s Garage Sale Trail saw two million items listed for sale across the nation at over 15,000 registered garage sales and stalls.

“Over the years, we've seen everything from vintage clock collections to signed David Bowie vinyl, a hovercraft and even a couple of Grandpas listed for sale,” Garage Sale Trail Co-Founder Darryl Nichols said.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, 21 October at the Gunnedah Showground from 9am to 2pm. To register a stall visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au or collect a registration form from Council’s Administration Building.

To spread the reuse message with the younger generation, Gunnedah Shire Council is hosting a colouring-in competition in the lead up to the event. Entries can be picked up from Gunnedah Shire Library, Visitors Information Centre and Council’s Administration Building, to be returned by 20 October.

You can also download Garage Sale Trail Colouring-In Competition Entry Form here.

Categories include:

• 3 and under
• 6 and under
• 9 and under
• 12 and under

Winners will be drawn on 23 October and will receive a free movie pass to The Civic. Winners will be notified by phone.

For more information contact Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: The 2016 Garage Sale Trail hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council was a success.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program aims to support new and existing businesses to grow sustainably and increase productivity by providing a financial assistance package.

“The Business Partner Program is a key component of Council’s Economic Development Strategy and is designed to support and nurture existing businesses to encourage increased productivity, sustainability, growth and employment; and to attract new businesses and economic activity,” Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

“The program has the potential to strengthen the Gunnedah business sector through presenting opportunities and assistance in business development expenses and infrastructure costs.”

Types of assistance can include start-up costs, website or technology updates, equipment upgrades, training, support, and business expansion.

“This can include providing direction in respect of planning and development processes or identifying site options for business relocation or expansion in the Gunnedah Shire to assistance in the recruitment and retention of staff,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Packages are not limited to this type of support - applications will be assessed by the Business Partner Program Committee on a case by case basis.”

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce President Michael Broekman said the program has supported a “multitude of businesses across a variety of industries”, over the 10 years he has been involved.

“This is one of the greatest initiatives Gunnedah Shire Council has to offer the business community. I fully encourage any business looking for some financial support to have a look at this program. Extra funds have been included in this year’s budget, and now businesses need to get behind the program and utilise it – it really is a great initiative,” Mr Broekman said.

Applications are now open for businesses to register their interest for the program, with submissions closing on 31 October, 2017.

Download the Business Partner Program Expression of Interest Form here.

For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle and Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce President Michael Broekman.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

10.00am Wednesday, 18 October 2017 | Smithurst Theatre

Tickets: $25.00

Arts Grant Writing Basics is a workshop offering handy tips and tricks to any individual or community organisation applying for arts grants.

The tools and techniques provided will increase your chance to win the support you need to get your great idea off the ground. Learn how to decode the application questions, summarise your project, prepare a justification and conquer your budget.

Executive Director of Arts North West, Caroline Downer has had more than 20 years of successful grant writing experience. Her workshops are interactive, hands-on and practical and are suitable for new submission writers or those requiring a refresher.

“Being able to ask those tricky questions and get the right answers in this grant writing workshop will be really beneficial for participants in fine tuning their applications which has become integral tool for community art organisations and regional artists” said Ms Downer.

These three hour workshops are $25 per person and include the workbook

Bookings can be made here: https://www.trybooking.com/RKKT 

A number of local volunteer groups were recognised for their service at the annual NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Deputy Mayor Gae Swain attended the award ceremony by The Centre of Volunteering in partnership with Family and Community Services, and ClubsNSW in Armidale on Tuesday, 5 September and accepted the awards on the groups’ behalf, before presenting their certificates in person on Monday.

CWA – Gunnedah, Emerald Hill, Curlewis, Tambar Springs, Somerton and Ghooli; and NSW State Emergency Service – Namoi North West Region, Gunnedah SES Unit and Tambar Springs SES Unit were declared regional winners in the New England/Northern Inland section.

“These awards are an important opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of local volunteers,” Deputy Mayor Gae Swain said.

“They are the glue that supports the social fabric of our community and continue to improve our lives, and we are very thankful for their service to our communities.”

All regional winners are in the running for the overall NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, which will be announced at a gala event in Sydney in December.

Photo Caption: NSW Volunteer of the Year Award recipients and Gunnedah Shire Councillors.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Eleven community and sporting groups in Gunnedah have received a funding boost from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Section 356 Small Grants Program.

Seven community groups and four sporting groups were successful with their applications and awarded more than $34,000 in funding on Monday at the Council Chambers by Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey.

“We place great value on our community groups - what they do for the community is outstanding and opportunities for us to show this kind of support is a really rewarding part of our job,” Cr Chaffey said.

• Gunnedah Meals on Wheels was awarded $1300 for the purchase of six soft packs to hold 24 meals for clients;
• Gunnedah Miners Support was awarded $1100 for the purchase of certificates and trophies for the 120 Years of Mining celebrations;
• Gunnedah Toastmasters was awarded $1563 for the purchase of a laptop, software, portable projector and screen;
• Piallaway Progress Association was awarded $5000 for the installation of 940 metres of rural fencing around the Piallaway Reserve;
• Rotary Club of Gunnedah 2380 was awarded $3436 for the rejuvenation of the BMX track;
• Rotary Club of Gunnedah West was awarded $1620 for the installation of two new signs at Pensioners Hill;
• Tambar Springs Progress Association was awarded $5000 for the purchase and installation of an electric barbecue for community usage;
• Gunnedah Basketball Association was awarded $5000 for the conversion of 25 indoor lights to halogen for safety and sustainability reasons;
• Gunnedah Little Athletics Club was awarded $4580 for player attendance at a multi-training day;
• Gunnedah Rugby Union Club was awarded $3911 for coaching courses for 30 players and 5 coaches; and
• Gunnedah Junior Cricket Club was awarded $1800 for the installation of a shed for game and training equipment.

The annual program is designed to support the work of local charitable and not-for-profit organisations, through projects that meet the needs of the community.

“Council is proud to support our local community and sporting groups, which are made up of volunteers. Their services to our community are what keeps us going and we would like to thank them for their continued hard work to provide these services,” Cr Chaffey concluded.

Photo Caption: Section 356 Small Grant recipients with Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Councillors.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.