31 January, 2020

Nineteen young Gunnedah Shire people have today been given a helping hand along the road to their tertiary adventure through the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

The successful applicants were awarded their scholarships at a ceremony at the Civic Theatre in Gunnedah today, with the Clinical Dean at the University of Newcastle’s Department of Rural Health Dr Lauren Cone as the inspiring guest speaker.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Scholarship Fund was an innovative program that allowed Council to help out a larger number of students to pursue their studies.

“The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund began 17 years ago when Councillor Gae Swain instigated an idea to help the Shire’s young people on their journey to tertiary education.

“Over those years, about 350 scholarships have been awarded, providing a total of more than $300,000 to students embarking on the first step in a career that could see them return in a professional capacity to Gunnedah.

“Together with the sponsors for this program, we are proud to be able to give our young people an easier start to their adventure.”

The successful applicants for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund in 2020 are:

Eliza Perkins, Jaxon Holbrook, Caitlin Woods, Lauren Jessup-Little, Bayley Williams, Edwina Carrigan, Emmerson Tull, Maja Heath, Nicola Latham, Taryn Maher, Helena Pease, Darcy Kelly, Phoebe Sumpter, Mary-Anne Stone, Ashleigh Mills, Haylee Murrell, Khobi Devine, Grace Jaeger, and Jemina Moss.

The sponsors who have made the scholarship possible are:

Gunnedah Shire Council, Gunnedah Youth Council, Whitehaven Coal, Shenhua Watermark, PRAMS, Rotary Club of Gunnedah West, Rotary 2380, Forsyths, U3A Namoi Inc, and Karen Carter Chemist.

Caption: Some of the 19 recipients of the Gunnedah Community Scholarships for 2020.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

January 30, 2020

Gunnedah’s strong small business sector is being asked to have its say on the state’s Small Business Strategy.

The NSW Government has released the NSW Small Business Strategy 2020: Discussion Paper to seek public feedback release an updated NSW Small Business Strategy.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said small business was a very important part of the Shire’s economy.

“There are more than 765,000 small businesses across New South Wales, in Gunnedah Shire small business represents a large component of our economy, we have a share of innovative product and service providers that we need to continue to focus on,” Ms Hoddle said.

“We urge people to make a submission. It’s important that our local businesspeople provide a regional perspective about this discussion paper and the initiatives it includes.

“The more feedback the NSW Government gets from small business, the more representative and effective this strategy will become.”

The updated strategy will have five key themes:
1. Building resilient, connected and prepared businesses in NSW
2. A strong economy for small businesses to thrive
3. Making it easier for small businesses to contract with government
4. Making it easier to do business
5. Building the capability of small business

The current Small Business Strategy was released in 2017, and included initiatives such as: Increasing the payroll tax threshold progressively up to $1 million by 2021-22; Implementing the Small and Medium Enterprise and Regional Procurement Policy to assist small businesses to be “procurement ready” and win NSW Government business; and faster payment terms ensuring that from 1 December 2019, all registered small businesses who supply to the NSW Government and provide a correctly rendered invoice are paid within five days.

The Discussion Paper is available on the NSW Government’s “Have your say” webpage www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/have-your-say/nsw-small-business-strategy-2020/ and you can provide feedback before 4 March 2020.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

January 30, 2020

Commencing Monday 3/2/ 2020, weather permitting, Gunnedah Shire Council has contracted JR Richards Waste and Recycling services to begin the CCTV and Cleaning of the sewer supply mains in various areas around town.

We aim to significantly improve the sewer system and these works should take approximately eight weeks to complete. We appreciate your understanding during this period.

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 6740 2167.

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

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

25 January 2020

Gunnedah Shire has congratulated its newest Australia Day Award recipients at a special community dinner.

The Australia Day Awards Dinner was held tonight at the Gunnedah Town Hall, with the Shire’s Australia Day Ambassador surf lifesaver Doug Hawkins as guest speaker.

“This is a really special event in Gunnedah’s calendar,” Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“It’s a celebration where we recognise the outstanding contribution our citizens make to the Shire.

“These nominees have given their time and their efforts to help make Gunnedah a better place, and we are proud to have them as part of our community.”

Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton attended the dinner and congratulated the recipients.

Another highlight was the presentation of a Chamber Flag – a flag that has been hung on a Parliamentary sitting day outside the Chambers, with an accompanying certificate, to Gunnedah Rural Museum/Men’s Shed by Mr Coulton.

The certificate was signed by the Speaker of the House and includes the date it hung outside Parliament.

Gunnedah’s Citizen of the Year for 2020 is Dominic Goodwin-Hauck, who is a well-known volunteer in the Gunnedah Shire. Dominic is a role model for young people, donating his time to many organisations including GoCo, the Gunnedah Library and the Conservatorium, and he is an active leader on the Gunnedah Youth Council.

Gunnedah’s Young Citizen of the Year is Lucy Moore. Lucy, who was a vice-captain at Gunnedah High School, worked closely with her senior leaders to deliver fundraising targets and raise awareness about bullying.
She was also part of Lions Youth of the Year and Rotary’s Public Speaking Competitions, and received a number of awards at the end of Year 12 in 2019.

Gunnedah’s Australia Day Award recipients for 2020 are:

Citizen of the Year – Dominic Goodwin-Hauck
Young Citizen of the Year – Lucy Moore
Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year – Dixie Walker
Community Organisation and/or event achievement – Gunnedah & District Historical Society
Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour – Chris and James Rolls
Sportsperson of the Year – Sarah Stewart
Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Andrew Osmond
Sports Team of the Year – Gunnedah Motorcycle Club
Junior Sports Team of the Year – St Xavier’s School Tennis Team
Ivan Towns Memorial Award Coach of the Year – Craig Louis.

“Congratulations to all the recipients and to the nominees,” Cr Chaffey said. “And we thank all the people who nominated those who are doing something really worthwhile.”

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey with Gunnedah Citizen of the Year Dominic Goodwin-Hauck.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

29 January 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has received NSW Government endorsement to go ahead with its preferred option for a centralised fluoridation dosing system.

Council approved the introduction of fluoridation to the Gunnedah town water supply in December 2017.

Gunnedah Shire Council presented a case to the State Government to meet the costs of a new centralised fluoridation dosing system instead of making use of the current three-dosing point system for the introduction of fluoride.

The NSW Ministry of Health this month confirmed it would meet the costs of a centralised fluoridation dosing system including a new chlorination system and pumping station.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan said while the single dosing point was more expensive, it had significant benefits for the Gunnedah community.

“It is great news for Gunnedah that the State Government has agreed to meet the costs of a centralised fluoridation dosing system,” Mr Sheridan said.

“Although it has been a long process to get to this stage, the end result will be well worth it for the community.

“A centralised system will mean improved water quality outcomes, better water management, and will minimise the ongoing costs. We have identified a Council-owned site on Kelvin Road road reserve for the new plant.

“We are in the final design stages and are hoping to proceed as soon as possible with the project.”

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

24 January 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is proud to exhibit Between, a showcase of traditional Aboriginal artworks with a contemporary twist.

The artworks have been created by participants, staff and community members of the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council’s Bumbira Art and Culture Program.

This exhibition highlights the diversity of artistic projects delivered by Bumbira Art and Culture social and emotional wellbeing program (previously the University of Newcastle Gomeroi gaaynggal Program).

Projects include “Three Perspectives”, “Gomeroi Yarning Dolls – Re-stitching Culture”, “Connection Culture and the Unborn”, “Possum Skin Project” and “Creative Creatures”.

The Bumbira Art & Culture Program works with the local Aboriginal community to improve social and emotional wellbeing through art, culture, connection to country and cultural identity. This exhibition is a testament to art that changes lives, builds resilience and strengthens communities.

Lyniece Keogh, Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council’s Bumbira Arts & Culture Program co-ordinator said: “We are connected between cultures, we live between traditional and modern worlds, we work between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations and we are between pre-birth and childhood, between childbirth and youth, between youth and adulthood, between adulthood and Elders, between mothers and their unborn children, connection between the past and the present, between race and religion, the unborn are our future.

“We have been really excited to have this collection come to Gunnedah after it has toured Canada and South Africa as well as Coffs Harbour, Newcastle and Tamworth.”

The Bumbira Arts and Cultural Program is offering workshops on February 14 from 11am at The Studio space inside the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery. The workshops are free but spaces are limited. Please book online at www.thecivic.com.au

Between officially opens at 6.00pm Friday, February 7 at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, 81 Chandos Street. This exhibition is open for everyone to attend with light nibbles and refreshments provided on the night. The exhibition will continue until Friday, March 13.

Photo caption: Work included in the Bumbira Arts and Cultural Program’s exhibition Between.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

21 January 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to place the Water Usage Reduction Request Policy on public exhibition at the December 2019 Ordinary Council Meeting.

Council urges members of the community with an interest in the policy to review the draft document. Copies of the policy can be viewed at Council’s Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or by clicking below.

View the Draft Water Usage Charge Reduction Request Policy here.

Written submissions will be received by the undersigned until 4.00pm on the public exhibition closing date 18 February 2019.

For further information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

22 January 2020

Some outstanding organisations and individuals have been nominated for this year’s Gunnedah Australia Day Awards.

The awards – to be announced on Saturday, January 25 – recognise the amazing commitment made to our community by some of our groups and residents.

Gunnedah Shire Acting Mayor and Chair of the Australia Day Committee Rob Hooke said there had been a good number of nominations for this year’s awards in many categories.

“It is fantastic to see people paying tribute to the efforts of their fellow citizens,” Cr Hooke said.
“There were some really worthwhile nominees who have helped make Gunnedah Shire a great place.

“I’m really looking forward to the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards dinner on Saturday where we can say thank you to our outstanding citizens.”

Gunnedah’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2020 - surf lifesaver Doug Hawkins – will be the guest speaker at the dinner.

The nominations for Gunnedah’s Australia Day Awards are:

• The Citizen of the Year Award (21 and over): Dominic Goodwin-Hauck; Emily Wilson; David Moses; Paul Hartley and Dixie Walker.

• The Young Citizen of the Year Award (20 and under): Ashleigh Mills; Cameron Gale; Taryn Maher, Lucy Moore and Desmond Tuckerman.

• The Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award: Lola Eveleigh; Dominic Goodwin-Hauck; Dixie Walker and Gunnedah Motorcycle Club.

• The Community Organisation and/or Event Achievement Award: NightQuip; 140 Years of Rail; Spirit of Christmas Fair; Community Business Breakfast; Sirens of Gunnedah; Wellness for Working Women Event; Gunnedah and District Historical Society; Arts Gunnedah 49th Annual Arts and Ceramics Exhibition; PCYC Gunnedah; Brown’s Tyre Service; Paul Hartley and David Moses; Subway; and Gunnedah Show Society.

• The Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award: James and Chris Rolls.

• The Sportsperson of the Year Award (21 and over): Sarah Stewart and Enja Prest.

• The Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award (20 and under): Aaron Osmond; Anna Bishop; Andrew Osmond; Yasmin Thomas; Isabelle Moore and Vitorio Sardinha.

• The Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under): Gunnedah South School tennis team; St Xavier’s Primary School Todd Woodbridge Cup tennis team and St Mary’s College Boys tennis team.

• The Sports Team of the Year Award: Gunnedah Motorcycle Club; Gunnedah Football Club; Gunnedah Bulldogs AFL Club and Gunnedah Rugby Club Women’s 7 Team.

• The Ivan Towns Memorial Award (in recognition of the work done by a coach): Craig Louis; Doug Meagher, Alexzanna Budge and John Hickey.

To find out more about the nominees, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Gunnedah’s Australia Day Dinner will be held at the historic Gunnedah Town Hall and the whole community is invited to attend. Tickets include a three-course meal provided by local caterers The Verdict, for $30 per person. Tickets are available online at www.thecivic.com.au or in person at The Gunnedah Shire Council Office, 63 Elgin Street Gunnedah and at Gunnedah’s Visitor Information Centre, 81 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

21 January 2020

Gunnedah will next month host a forum to encourage women to stand for local government.

The free forum, to be held on Saturday, February 29, will be hosted by the Australia Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) NSW at the Smithurst Theatre.

ALGWA NSW Country Vice-President and Gunnedah Shire Councillor Colleen Fuller said the forum was part of a series across New South Wales encouraging women to stand for local government elections, and to support female staff members into leadership roles.

“In September this year, all 128 local councils across New South Wales will hold elections,” Cr Fuller said.

“The February 29 forum will be held in Gunnedah, but is open to women across the wider area who are considering putting their hand up for their local government election.

“The forum includes a presentation, with a powerpoint and a kit designed to achieve these aims, as well as a Q and A session.

“The ALGWA NSW Executive members, including President Cassandra Coleman, are coming along to share their knowledge and experience to support women interested in having a voice in local government.

“This is an absolutely invaluable opportunity to learn about what being a councillor involves, and how you might get there. Having strong women in local government is part of what helps make New South Wales a great state.

“I encourage women throughout the area to attend this free forum if they have any interest at all in local government. The feedback from forums in the past has been that they really do help women to get elected.”
The forum will be held at the Smithhurst Theatre from 9.30am for a 10am start to 3pm on Saturday, February 29.

To book, visit https://sa2.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/EventSearch?presenter=AUGSC&event=ALGWA&killLogin=true&tck=true

Men who are interested in local government are also welcome to come along.

Photo caption: ALGWA NSW President Cassandra Coleman.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

22 January 2020

The relaunched Gunny Money initiative has proven an overwhelming success in its first month.

In late November, Gunnedah Shire Council announced the Why Leave Town Gunnedah Gift Card had been rebranded and renamed “Gunny Money”, with even more businesses joining to make it a success.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said first sales figures showed Gunnedah Shire had embraced the move.

“By the end of December, more than $250,000 had been loaded on to Gunny Money cards,” Ms Hoddle said.

“More than 2000 cards were sold in that time. It was the highest amount of money ever loaded onto Gunnedah gift cards – past and present – in one month.

“This is wonderful news, and shows that when it counts, Gunnedah Shire residents really want to support their local businesses and services. That is a quarter-of-a-million dollars that might have been spent online or out of town.

“It was a great boost to our local retailers during the festive season.”

Ms Hoddle urged those who had received a Gunny Money gift card to go ahead and use them soon – the money could make a difference to local businesses at this difficult time.

Ms Hoddle said this was not just a Christmas initiative, and urged residents to continue to support Gunny Money by buying the gift cards for birthdays and other special occasions. There are close to 100 businesses and services where Gunny Money can be redeemed.

For a full list of where to get Gunny Money cards and where you can spend them, visit www.whyleavetown.com/gunnedah

There is no purchase price or transaction fee when you buy a Gunny Money gift card within the Shire.

Caption: There are a range of Gunny Money gift cards available to suit different occasions.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.