29 June, 2023

The July School Holiday Program is packed full of fun activities for energetic youngsters.

One of the key highlights is the free Gunnedah Colour Run on Tuesday, 11 July from 10am to 2pm, funded by the NSW Government. Register from 10am to 10.45am on the corner of Carroll and Maitland streets and join the run from 11am (various start times for different age groups). Finish up at Donnelly Fields with music and a barbecue.

Gunnedah Shire Library will host Book Buddies and Crafty Creations in Gunnedah and Curlewis, with a Dr. Seuss theme. There is also a trivia afternoon on Wednesday, 12 July (don’t forget to dress-up!) and a scavenger hunt that will run throughout the holidays. Find all the colourful characters! Ring the Library on (02) 6740 2190 to book or find out more.

Over at The Civic Theatre, catch $11 movies Spider-Man Across the Spider-verse (prizes for best-dressed!) and Elemental on 6 and 13 July. There’s also a free screening of Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One on Wednesday, 12 July and a free screening of Monsters, Inc. at the PCYC on Friday, 14 July. Free transport and a barbecue dinner are on offer.

Kids full of beans? Head along to Gunnedah PCYC for laser tag, multi-sports, turbo touch and paint ‘n’ shake. Looking for something different? Join free creative workshops from 3-7 July for Years 3 to 6 and ages 12 to 18 and sing, act, write and perform with direction from musician Sewa Emojong and animator Isla Mowbray. To find out more, visit www.gunnedahconservatorium.com.au.

View the School Holiday Program here:https://www.thecivic.com.au/youth.

Caption: The popular Colour Run is making a comeback in the July School Holiday Program.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

28 June, 2023

The Gunnedah Shire Local Housing Strategy has been adopted by Council, providing direction for housing in the Shire for the next 20 years.

The Strategy will help to guide future residential growth in the Shire, facilitate an increase in the supply of innovative and affordable housing options and provide clear guidance for Council in providing sustainable housing options.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the document sets a direction for future residential planning proposals that align with the Strategy’s vision for the future.

The Strategy includes five key directions, accompanied by 15 strategies and 32 actions for Council to implement and encourage housing diversity and choice, and increase affordability in meeting the needs of its future population. They are:

Direction 1: Deliver greater housing diversity to suit changing needs

Direction 2: Support healthy, safe, socially engaged and well-connected communities

Direction 3: Strengthen community resilience

Direction 4: Provide great places to live

Direction 5: Deliver well-planned rural residential development.

Specific actions include considering incentives for affordable housing, encouraging secondary dwellings as an alternative affordable housing option in all residential zones, investigating public land for conversion to housing in partnership with housing providers, and investigating Curlewis for the potential for more residential land.

Cr Chaffey said the Strategy includes a study of the urban areas of Gunnedah, and to some extent the villages, and identifies opportunities for an additional projected 580 dwellings over the next 20 years to 2041.

“In the current climate, housing is at the forefront of many people’s minds as it is a key factor in employment. It’s imperative there is available housing in the Shire so we can fill our local workforce shortage which covers a wide variety of sectors,” he said.

“This Strategy lays out the pathway for Gunnedah to step into the future. It will be a vital tool to help Council plan ahead for the inevitable expansion of our progressive and growing Shire.”

The document has been prepared in accordance with the Department of Planning and Environment’s (DPE) Local Housing Strategy Guideline which sets out the suggested framework for housing strategies. The Strategy is also informed by a wide range of plans and strategies including the New England North West Regional Plan 2041, the Gunnedah Community Strategic Plan 2017-2027, Future 2040 Local Strategic Planning Statement, the Gunnedah Local Environmental Plan 2012 and the Gunnedah Development Control Plan 2012 (The DCP).

A number of submissions were received by Council in support of the Strategy when it was placed on public exhibition in October 2021.

Council’s Team Leader of Building and Strategic Projects Blake O’Mullane said the Strategy had since been updated to include the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census data to ensure the data reflected the current and most accurate information for the Shire.

“The Strategy is the most comprehensive strategic analysis of housing development in the Gunnedah Shire and also assesses more current and likely future implications for the Gunnedah community from development demands and public infrastructure changes," he said.

“It will help to inform the way Council approaches planning, zoning and development decisions.”

To view the Strategy, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/development/landuse-planning/land-use-strategies

Caption: The Local Housing Strategy provides direction for housing in the Shire for the next 20 years.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

27 June, 2023

Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Citizens of the Year and new Australia Day Working Group Chairperson are encouraging residents to start thinking about who they can nominate for the 2024 Australia Day Awards.

Councillor Juliana McArthur has taken over the reins of the working group from former Chairperson Cr Rob Hooke and is looking forward to seeing plenty of award nominations.

“It’s never too early to start thinking about those in our Shire who deserve to be recognised for their valuable contributions to our community,” Cr McArthur said.

“They are quiet achievers and we don’t want them to go unnoticed. One of those quiet achievers is Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Citizen of the Year, Kamilaroi man Mitchum Neave, who in January was recognised for his ongoing commitment to many volunteer community organisations including the NSW Rural Fire Service’s Piallaway brigade and Rural Fire Service Association Liverpool Plains Branch.

“Mr Neave is also part of the Breeza Progress Association, Min Min Aboriginal Corporation, Kamilaroi Gomeroi Gamilaraay Youth Trust and NSW’s regional Closing the Gap committee.

“Another one of the Shire’s quiet achievers is Young Citizen of the Year Ellyn Blinman who is a former Captain of Gunnedah High School. Ellyn has been awarded numerous accolades in her young life. She is known for her team work, leadership skills, and social and community contributions.

“It’s locals like Mitchum and Ellyn who underpin the fabric of our community and we know there are many more out there like them.

“We want to know about you. We want to recognise you because our community is only as good as the people who serve it, including the volunteers who give so much – but also gain great rewards.

“Our leaders today can help the next generation going through.”

Mr Neave encouraged residents to nominate those around them who worked tirelessly to make the Shire a better place.

“I encourage people to step up and be nominated. A lot of people don’t know we’ve got a lot of volunteers in the community who do a lot of work,” he said.

“It is a valuable thing and you go down in history … you leave a legacy.

 “We need to encourage the young ones to take up the baton when we’re not here any more, and carry on our legacy.”

Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Young Citizen of the Year Ellyn Blinman said the community should embrace the opportunity to highlight the achievements of those around them.

“There are so many young people doing good for our community. They’re so deserving of that recognition [and] I think more people need to voice their opinions about that,” Ellyn said.

“Even just being nominated is such an achievement ... [it’s] so huge for a young person who is about to go start their life.”

Information on the 2024 Australia Day Awards will be available on Council’s website later in the year.

Cr McArthur said the Australia Day Working Group was also looking for more community members to join.

“We’d love to see some new faces in the group and welcome nominations from Shire residents,” she said.

To nominate for the Australia Day Working Group, contact Council’s Economy and Growth team on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Captions:

Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Citizen of the Year and new Australia Day Working Group Chairperson Cr Juliana McArthur are encouraging residents to consider who they can nominate in the 2024 Australia Day Awards.

Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Young Citizen of the Year Ellyn Blinman at the Australia Day Awards in January.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

26 June, 2023

Gunnedah Shire residents will be able to take advantage of a number of free veterinary services on Wednesday, 5 July from 9am to 1pm.

The Animal Welfare League NSW’s Mobile Vet Truck (MVT) will be rolling into the Gunnedah Showground on Wednesday, 5 July, offering free health checks and microchipping, and free dog C3 vaccinations and cat F3 vaccinations.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager of Community Safety Wade Berryman said Council had partnered with Animal Welfare League to bring the MVT to Gunnedah.

“I urge residents to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to take preventative action and protect their pets,” Mr Berryman said.

“It has been two years since the Mobile Vet Truck has been in town and we’re happy to partner with the Animal Welfare League NSW once again to make microchipping and vaccination services more accessible to our residents.

“The dog C3 vaccination protects against canine parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis viruses, and the cat F3 vaccination protects against Feline Panleukopaenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Calicivirus.”

Owners are asked to ensure cats are transported in a carrier cage and dogs are kept on a lead. Litters are not permitted, and services will be limited to three pets per household.

Residents are asked to bring a mobile device to sign in.

The Animal Welfare League Mobile Vet Truck will be at the Gunnedah Showground South Street entrance between 9am and 1pm on Wednesday, 5 July. No appointments are necessary.

For more information, contact Animal Welfare League NSW on helpingpets@awlnsw.com.au or Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire residents can take advantage of free veterinary services, thanks to a partnership between Council and the Animal Welfare League NSW.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

June 26, 2023

Gunnedah Shire is the home of a rich Aboriginal heritage, and NAIDOC Week is the time to acknowledge the huge part this ancient culture plays in our region.

Almost 16% of our population identify as being of Aboriginal origin, according to the 2021 Census, and the area is home to a wealth of stories and legends.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said NAIDOC Week, which runs from Sunday, July 2 to Saturday, July 8, was an opportunity to recognise the history, culture and achievements of all Aboriginal people.

“The theme this year is ‘For our Elders’ and it is a great way to acknowledge the cultural knowledge holders, the trailblazers, the advocates and leaders across the generations,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Our heritage and community is so much richer for our Aboriginal history, and for all the contributions First Nations people make to our Shire today.
“This week, it is time to celebrate this timeless culture, and the continuing role it plays in our community.”

Among the events and activities planned for NAIDOC Week is the Cumbo Gunnerah run from Breeza to Abbott Street, Red Chief Memorial on Sunday July 2. The street march which would normally follow the run has been replaced this year by a walk around Wolseley Oval with the community and Elders, followed by a breakfast Barbecue at the Park with local police and the Community Fun Day which will open at 11am.

As well as the Community Fun Day, Gunnedah Shire Council is hosting the annual NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, which opens at 1pm on Friday, July 7 and continues until Thursday, August 3.

There will be a special free screening of We Are Still Here, a production that includes a cinematic response from ten indigenous filmmakers from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to the anniversary of James Cook’s landing. We Are Still Here will screen at 3pm on Thursday, July 6.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

23 June, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council has adopted the 2023-24 Operational Plan and Fees and Charges following consideration of community submissions.

Each year, Council sets out its blueprint for the year ahead, with a budget that includes the capital works program, revenue policy and schedule of fees and charges.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Operational Plan was Council’s guide to a financially responsible year, balancing the costs of services and infrastructure against the funding available.

“The 2023-24 Gunnedah Shire Council budget is nearly $66 million and includes $28.8 million of capital works,” Cr Chaffey said.

“About 46% of this funding comes from grants and contributions that are awarded for specific projects or services, much of it from the State and Federal governments. Another 32% of the budget comes from rates and charges.

“As well as capital works, this budget must cover the huge range of services provided by local government, from looking after parks and gardens to cemeteries, the cinema, waste management, animal control and road maintenance. Gunnedah Shire Council is responsible for the running and maintenance of facilities such as the Gunnedah Memorial Pool and the airport, the saleyards and many sporting fields.

“This is a responsible budget in difficult economic times. Councils across the state are facing financial stress from more than just the rising costs of services and products. Cost-shifting from the State to local government also means we are looking at reduced funds to meet expanded expenses.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to listen to the concerns of a number of groups within our community and, in response, we have reduced some of the fees that were originally proposed for the swimming pool, showground and cultural precinct.

“This budget balances the needs of our community with the available funding, along with the critical requirement to keep the Shire’s infrastructure and assets in good shape for the future.”

The Gunnedah Shire Council Operational Plan 2023/24 and Fees and Charges Schedule 2023/24 are available at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Caption: Gunnedah Shire councillors undertake a tour of the new Water Treatment Plant on Kelvin Road.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

22 June, 2023

Council to invite royal patron

Gunnedah Shire will invite Her Royal Highness, Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho of the Kingdom of Tonga, to be the Royal Patron of the Sister City Relationship between Kolomotu'a and Gunnedah Shire.

Kolomotu’a and Gunnedah Shire signed a Sister City Agreement during a visit to Gunnedah by a Tongan delegation led by Her Royal Highness in June last year.

The agreement to work together for the benefit of both regions and to promote goodwill and mutual understanding has been supported by Her Royal Highness, who will visit Gunnedah for a second time as part of a delegation from July 14-16.

The visit will include attendance at the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gala Ball on Saturday, July 15 which will raise funds for a library for Kolomotu’a Middle School. The school was badly damaged by the tsunami in January last year.

Private Works Policy on public exhibition

A new Gunnedah Shire Council policy relating to private works is now on public exhibition for 28 days.

The Private Works Policy sets out the roles and responsibilities of both Council and private parties entering into private works activities.

Under Section 67 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council may carry out lawful works on private land by agreement with the owner or occupier for a fee that is in accordance with its adopted fees and charges. The policy aims to provide ratepayers with access to Council’s plant, equipment, labour and resources on a commercial basis without disadvantaging local contractors.

To view the proposal, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au  and click the “Draft Documents & Exhibition” button on the home page.

Submissions close at 5pm on Thursday, 20 July, 2023.

Part road closure on public exhibition

A proposal to close part of Braymont Road permanently is now on public exhibition for 28 days. 

Gunnedah Shire Councillors voted to endorse public exhibition of the proposed closure of an approximate 3.8km section of the road that is associated with the Vickery Expansion Project approved under State Significant Development 7480. 

To view the proposal, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au  and click the “Draft Documents & Exhibition” button on the home page.

Submissions close at 5pm on Thursday, 20 July, 2023.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire will invite Her Royal Highness, Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho of the Kingdom of Tonga, to be the Royal Patron of the Sister City Relationship between Kolomotu'a and Gunnedah Shire.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

13 June, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for submissions for the annual NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition.

The exhibition will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, 7 July during NAIDOC Week (July 2-9), headlining this year’s theme – “For our Elders”.

Artists, hobbyists, schools, organisations and individuals are encouraged to come together and explore the theme and exhibit their artworks in a professional gallery space.

Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford said the annual NAIDOC Week exhibition was an important event on the gallery’s calendar and he looked forward to seeing many submissions from Monday, 12 June.

“Every year, the NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition highlights the artistic talents of locals of all ages and shines a spotlight on the rich culture of the Kamilaroi people,” he said.

“The 2023 theme is an opportunity to honour and celebrate the Elders in our community and we look forward to seeing how this theme is captured in a range of mediums.”

To download an Artist Submission Form, visit https://www.thecivic.com.au/art--exhibitions.

All artworks should be delivered with a completed Artist Submission Form to the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, ready to hang, by 5pm on Friday, 30 June.

The exhibition will officially open at 1pm on Friday, 7 July, 2022 and will continue until Thursday, 3 August, 2022.

Caption: The 2022 NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition featured everything from handmade figurines to traditional didgeridoos and painted skateboards and thongs.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

7 June, 2023

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is celebrating 25 years and is on its way to Gunnedah.

On Wednesday, 5 July, comics David Quirk, Blake Freeman and Jennifer Wong will entertain the crowds at Gunnedah Town Hall from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

The line-up will be heralded by comedian and emcee Daniel Connell – a festival regular known for his dry observational humour.

Connell will be joined on stage by Melbourne comic Blake Freeman who was named Best Newcomer at the 2019 festival and is known for his energy and candour. Freeman will share the spotlight with David Quirk who was nominated for Most Outstanding Show at the 2021 festival.

The two comics will be complemented by quick-witted storyteller Jennifer Wong, the face of ABC’s television show Chopsticks or Fork, which takes you into the kitchens of Chinese restaurants around Australia to find out what makes their food both Australian and Chinese.

Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford said the festival provided a good opportunity to get together with a group of friends and enjoy a night out.

“Melbourne International Comedy Festival never disappoints – it’s always full of fresh talent and promises an evening of excellent entertainment,” he said.

“Come along to the Town Hall on 5 July for your fill of Aussie humour.”

Doors open at 6.30pm and the show starts at 7.30pm. Full bar facilities and hot food will be available for purchase at the event. Tickets for the show are $40 per seat (10 seats per table) on the ground floor or $35 per person in the mezzanine.

To book, visit https://www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events.

Performances may contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 16 years or older.

Caption: The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow promises plenty of laughs for locals.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

31 May, 2023

More than 800 people have responded to a recent Gunnedah Shire Council Air Travel Survey about interest in flights to and from Gunnedah.

The Air Travel Survey drew 820 responses, allowing the Shire to have a high level of confidence in the results.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the strong response showed the community felt strongly about air travel in their local area.

“This survey has given us a very good basis for a business case to take to airlines to show we have a viable case for direct flights to and from Gunnedah,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Of the 820 respondents, 72 percent said they would ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ use Gunnedah airport if flights were available in the future. People who said they would use the airport said they were likely to fly quarterly.

“The biggest interest was in flights to and from Sydney, followed by Brisbane, Melbourne and Regional New South Wales.

“I would really like to thank our community for taking the time to make this such a meaningful survey. We are in the process of a much-needed upgrade to our airport tarmac that will not only see us through for many, many years to come, but will make it possible for commercial carriers to operate from Gunnedah.

“The survey showed that not only are people interested in flights for holidays or to visit friends and family, but many respondents regularly had visitors or staff travelling to and from Gunnedah Shire.  

“This was an eye-opening survey that clearly showed our community’s travel habits and their support for a commercial carrier.”

Work is currently under way on the complete refurbishment of the Gunnedah Airport tarmac, which is nearing the end of its serviceable life.

The aerodrome is currently closed to air traffic while work is carried out in two phases -  phase 1 being the pavement works between May and June, and phase 2 being the surfacing in September. The aerodrome will be open to limited air traffic between the end of June and September.

The project will include complete refurbishment of the tarmac, taxiway and apron to bring it into line with Australian Civil Aviation Regulation requirements for certified facilities. 

 The $8.35 million project has been funded by the State and Federal governments in partnership with Gunnedah Shire Council.

Caption: Work is under way on the complete refurbishment of the Gunnedah Airport tarmac, which is nearing the end of its serviceable life.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.