17 October, 2019

Eleven young Gunnedah people were given a special presentation by Gunnedah Shire Council today for their initiative in cleaning up graffiti.

“Muck-up Day” for Year 12 students had led to a mess at a Gunnedah park, and another group of students took the initiative to clean it up.

Jessie Betts, Ben Glennister, Coby Higgins, Taryn Maher, Chelsea McArthur, Ashleigh Mills, Helena Pease, Desmond Tuckerman, Zac West, Angelica White and Ashley White were presented with certificates today in recognition of their community spirit.

“We understand the end of school can be a reason for celebration and these things happen on muck-up day,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“What doesn’t happen so often is a group of young people getting together to clean it up.

“These are the sorts of actions that make us feel positive about the future. This shows leadership and initiative and is part of what makes Gunnedah the great place it is.”

Cr Chaffey also wished Year 12 Gunnedah Shire students all the best in their HSC exams which start today.

Photo caption: Students with their community spirit certificates following a presentation at Gunnedah Shire Council. Absent: Taryn Maher, Chelsea McArthur and Ashley White.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

17 October 2019

Spin yourself until you’re dizzy, compare your reflexes to a Formula 1 driver and see your fingertips under the microscope with the Shell Questacon Science Circus.

The Gunnedah Town Hall will be overflowing with exciting hands-on science exhibits when the Science Circus and their colourful semi-trailer roll into town for an exhibition of their “pop-up” science centre.

The Gunnedah Pop-up Science Centre will be held at Gunnedah Town Hall on Wednesday, October 23 from 4-7pm.

“This is an opportunity for hands-on science and technology experience that is great fun,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Communications and Cultural Services Eliza Gallen said.

“This is a really exciting program for students and means they can learn more about STEM areas with a range of interactive science shows including flying rockets, freezing cold liquid nitrogen and gooey slime.”

The Science Circus comprises 16 postgraduate students studying a Master of Science Communication (Outreach) at The Australian National University. The students tour with the Science Circus around Australia engaging people with science and technology through visits to communities.

The Shell Questacon Science Circus is an initiative of Shell, The Australian National University and Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre.

Admission is: adult $6, students/concession $5, family $18, children under 5 and Q Club members free. Tickets are available on entry. There will be a small shop.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Photo caption: The Pop-Up Science Centre will bring a host of interactive exhibits to Gunnedah.

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

17 October 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council will respond to the challenges of this unprecedented drought with a one-off program to answer the urgent needs of the community through the year ahead and help stimulate the economy of the Shire.

Councillors yesterday voted unanimously to prioritise $1 million this financial year for a Community Resilience Program and will lobby the State and Federal governments to match that amount.

Council will also allocate an additional $200,000 to put towards new initiatives, community consultation and look at emergency assistance for people in crisis, and will look at employing a co-ordinator to drive and oversee the program.

“Our farmers are facing incredibly tough times, sometimes in isolation as they struggle to keep the property together,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“But the effects of this drought also go far beyond the farm gate. There would not be many small or large businesses that are not feeling the impact, and not many families who remain unaffected.

“Council has taken this unprecedented step of setting aside $1 million to establish the most practical, immediate way to help both those directly under the thumb of the drought and to stimulate the economy in our Shire during this time.

“Gunnedah Shire is leading the way for local government with this initiative.

“The Community Resilience Program will allow us to look at the whole breadth of drought impacts across Gunnedah Shire and to answer those needs in the best way we can.

”The State and Federal governments have already allocated millions of dollars to drought relief. With this program, we are looking at working together to address the very specific needs of our shire and to ensure the people who want to live and work here can continue to do so. “

Photo caption: Gunnedah in drought – Gunnedah Shire Council is implementing a new program to support the people and businesses of the Shire.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

17 October 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council has approved an operational model for the new $6.48 million Gunnedah Koala Park and Hospital that will feature themed accommodation, a restaurant/function area and a ropes course and an international volunteer program.

Councillors yesterday voted to approve a model and location for the Koala Park.

A 50 acre bush setting with its entrance on the Oxley Highway has been chosen as the preferred location after extensive review by both Council and the proposed operator, the CaPTA Group.

Other features of the concept include plans for Gunnedah’s own big koala at the entrance to the park. The giant koala will be a tourist attraction in its own right, joining Australia’s other famous super-sized items such as the Big Prawn and the Big Banana.

The site will also include a eucalyptus plantation, mini-golf, an education centre, and a crocodile enclosure.

“This project is on a scale that is new to Gunnedah and will secure the Shire’s place as a tourism destination for both the domestic and international market,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“It will also mean we are taking steps to care for our koala population, and we are helping to educate generations about the native species that has made us the Koala Capital of the World.

“There is still a lot of work to be done before Gunnedah Koala Park becomes a reality, but we now have in place the funding, the experience and expertise in the form of the CaPTA Group, a preferred location, a feasible operational model for the park.

“This is a truly exciting project for our Shire that could have both significant conservation and economic benefits. Estimates have shown the koala park is likely to attract about 70,000 visitors each year and inject millions into our local economy.

“The preferred location is council-owned. The park is likely to be leased to a non-profit organisation to be established including experienced CaPTA representatives and local representatives. This is the perfect solution for the primary purpose of caring for sick and injured wildlife and will support corporate and private donations towards the hospital.

“We are looking forward to working with CaPTA to bring this project closer to reality.”

Gunnedah Koala Park fast facts:

• The Gunnedah Koala Park project has secured $6.48 million through the NSW Government’s Regional Social Benefit Infrastructure Fund
• The park site and infrastructure will be owned by Gunnedah Shire Council
• Following an expressions of interest process, Council has signed a memorandum of understanding with the CaPTA Group, an experienced tourism operator
• A preferred location has been approved on the Oxley Highway in Gunnedah
• Gunnedah Koala Park will include a koala and wildlife hospital, wildlife park, themed accommodation, a restaurant/function/education area, a ropes course and mini golf course
• The design includes a big koala at the entrance to the park and a eucalyptus plantation on the site
• There are plans in future stages to include an Indigenous history education/showcase area
• Themed accommodation on-site
• An international volunteer program
• About 70,000 people are expected to visit the park each year
• It is envisaged the park will operate through a lease with a new non-profit organisation made up of CaPTA representatives and local representatives
• The hospital would be staffed by a mix of paid staff and volunteers
• CaPTA is known for creating an immersive, free-range experience where visitors can have up-close experience with the animals
• There are plans to include a crocodile enclosure. The park would also feature two walk through bird aviaries, macropod, dingo, wombat, nocturnal animal and reptile enclosures alongside the main attraction – the koala area.

Photo caption: The preferred site for the new Gunnedah Koala Park.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

9 October, 2019

Ghouls and boys will have their chance to horrify Gunnedah in the annual Night of the Walking Dead on Saturday, October 26.

It’s a no-brainer to join this Halloween Zombie Walk for the whole family and do good instead of evil.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the Night of the Walking Dead was a joint initiative of Gunnedah Shire Council and Can Assist with funds going to Gunnedah’s Pink Up initiative.

“This spooky walk down Conadilly Street is becoming a tradition in Gunnedah,” Ms Mackley said.

“It’s really a chance for people of all ages to indulge their dark sides, dress up as something ghoulish and join the fun.

“Zombies and other creepy characters will pay a gold coin donation, and all proceeds will go to Pink-Up Gunnedah and Can Assist.”

Night of the Walking Dead participants will meet at the post office at 6.15pm on Saturday, October 26. The march will start at 6.30pm and end at the Gunnedah Town Hall with a Zombie Dance-off Disco.

Rules for the Night of the Walking Dead are:

• Treat everybody with respect.
• Ensure everybody’s safety – if you think it is unsafe, don’t do it.
• Listen and follow instructions.
• No touching! No one wants fake blood or make-up on cars or storefronts.
• Make sure you give all zombies and spectators plenty of space.
• No guns of any kind – Nerf, water pistol or replica rifles – none of them can come along.
• No realistic weapons.

Photo caption: Zombies prepare for one of Gunnedah’s Nights of the Walking Dead.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

9 October, 2019

Art can spring from the most unlikely sources and this Friday it will flower from old packaging and waste as the 2019 Waste Into Art Competition opens.

“This is traditionally a wonderful walk on the wild side of waste,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said.

“This year is as spectacular as ever. It’s incredible what people can come up with using discarded items.

“Our theme for 2019 is ‘Packaging Repackaged’ and we encouraged students, artists and collectives to get creative with everyday disposable items like plastic wrapping, cardboard boxes, food wrappers, Styrofoam and bubble wrap.

“It’s really worth a look.”

The Waste Into Art Competition is held by Gunnedah Shire Council in partnership with Northern Inland Regional Waste to promote the message to reduce, re-use or recycle waste.

The 2019 Waste into Art Exhibition officially opens at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 1pm on Friday, 11 October. The exhibition continues until Sunday, 10 November.

Photo caption: Inventive art on display in the Waste Into Art Exhibition.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

9 October 2019

Older Gunnedah residents will have the chance to log on to better online safety free through Gunnedah Shire Library.

The library will offer free access to a new schedule of eSafety webinars to be launched in StaySmartOnline Week from October 7-13, with webinars running until December.

Gunnedah Shire librarian Christiane Birkett said the library was one of the first in NSW to become officially eSmart.

“Digital safety is critically important for all internet users,” Christiane said.

“Our library is recognised through the eSmart Libraries Program as being equipped to support our customers to use technology in a smart, safe and responsible way.

“Making these webinars available is a wonderful way to ensure people can use the internet more effectively, spot scams, and be more confident in shopping online and using Facebook.

“People just need to book through Be Connected and let the library know.”

The webinars are targeted at people aged 55 and over, and four popular topics will be covered, including: 

• All you need to know about data and public Wi-Fi
• Can you spot a scam?
• Safer online shopping and banking
• Staying safe on Facebook.

To find out more, or to book, visit beconnected.esafety.gov.au/bookings 

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Library was one of the first in NSW to become officially eSmart through the eSmart Libraries Program.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

9 October, 2019

It’s NSW Small Business Month and Gunnedah Shire Council is hosting a workshop to help people get started on their dream business.

As part of an extensive program of events, there will be a free Lean Canvas Workshop presented by Dimity Smith from University of New England Smart Region Incubator on Monday, October 14.

The Lean Canvas Workshop will be held from 10am to 12pm in the training room at Gunnedah Shire Council’s administration building in Elgin Street. It is aimed at helping people with a start-up or business idea to develop a one-page business model so they are ready to pitch their base level idea.

The workshop covers everything from creating a unique value proposition, all the way through to estimating revenue and costs.

All materials will be provided and participants will take home a one-page business model document – their Lean Canvas.

Bookings for the event can be made through www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au/event/lean-canvas-workshop

Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson said the small business events already held for NSW Small Business Month had proven to be successful.

“Our first workshop – Business Planning Essentials – was held on the first Friday of the month and the feedback from our attendees was that the small group setting allowed their creativity to flow,” Ms Wilson said.

“They also found it useful to talk about their ideas with like-minded people.

“The Lean Canvas Workshop is ideal for people who are on the brink of deciding to embark on creating a small business. We really want to encourage people to explore their ideas and how they might work.”

To find out more about the events included in NSW Small Business Month, visit www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au

Photo caption: Participants in the Business Planning Essentials Workshop enjoy a creative planning session.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

2 October, 2019

Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool Complex including kids wet area, playground, 25 metre pool and limited kiosk will open as scheduled on 5th October, however, the 50m pool will be fenced off as repairs continue.

The leak, discovered recently, has been isolated to a seal failure in the movement joint and is undergoing repairs by contractors. Council received a detailed plan this week that outlines a timeline for the repair and testing of the pool, and it is expected the pool, pending all going to plan, will open by the 23rd November 2019. A qualified contractor with experience in making these specialised repairs has been retained.

“After a fabulous first season with our new pool, it’s extremely disappointing to have this setback, especially as we had planned to open the 50m pool a month earlier than usual” Council’s Acting General Manager Jeremy Bartlett said.

“It is so dry, and the weather is heating up quickly, so it was extremely important that we made the rest of the facility available to the community even though the 50m pool is out of commission” he continued.

The rest of the complex will be open for business as usual, with access through the main summer entrance, however the 50m pool will remain fenced until Council are satisfied the issue has been resolved.

“We know there will be disappointment over the delay and are working with contractors to have the work completed in a timely manner, but rather than rush the process, we need to be certain there will not be any further problems. The pool is essential to our way of life in Gunnedah and we will ensure it is repaired properly so the community can enjoy the facility for many years to come” he concluded.

The fault and all associated costs will be covered under the contractor’s defect liability period.

Gunida Gunyah were awarded the license to operate the kiosk for the 2019/20 Summer season and are expected to open the kiosk at full capacity by the end of October. A limited kiosk, similar to that operated at the winter entrance will provide services until the Gunya Café is operational.

View the detailed Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex FAQ Sheet here.

Photo caption: Aerial photo of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

The draft amendments to the Fees and Charges for the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex have been placed on public exhibition and written submissions are invited by the undersigned up until 5.00pm on Tuesday 29 October 2019. Submissions should be addressed to the General Manager, Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63 Gunnedah 2380 or emailed to council@infogunnedah.com.au.

The draft amendments to the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex Fees and Charges have been developed to enable regular pool user groups to calculate their pool space hire fees:

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Manager Public Facilities on 02 6740 2100 or via email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER