11 September 2018

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery will be the first to exhibit multimedia artist, Marion Conrow’s surreal visual collection of works, titled ‘Museum of My Friends #1’.
Ms Conrow has been developing her practice for over 30 years and has been a part of the Northern Rivers arts community for some time.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley said ‘Museum of My Friends #1’ is a multimedia, sculptural and holographic light installation of self-portraits.
“The exhibition features video portraitures in playful and ghostly holographic environments, representing Ms Conrow’s friends and their universes,” Ms Mackley said.
Art has been a release, therapy and a reflection of her journey and recovery after Ms Conrow was diagnosed with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI), following a severe car accident in 2007.
Ms Conrow is a regional artist who has a passion for bringing the arts to country communities and inspiring budding artists.
With Gunnedah already boasting a vibrant arts community, Ms Conrow said it was the parallels between her Lismore home and Gunnedah that encouraged her to exhibit here.
“I am recovering from the Lismore floods and when I come to Gunnedah I see the hardship of the drought,” she said.
“I want to advocate not only about MTBI, but about the cultural importance of regional areas.”
Ms Mackley said the exhibition is unlike anything the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery has ever hosted, and will be a visual delight for everyone who comes to see it.
“There will be photographic, still and visual video media projections on sculptures. Anyone interested in multi and digital media will be fascinated by the way Ms Conrow has created her art work, and can even get a chance to learn from her,” Ms Mackley said.
“Participants will gain professional knowledge about visual media, video projections and projection art installations by using their own cameras and phones.”
Workshops with Marion Conrow will be held on 27 and 28 October for people to learn to create their own video installations by shooting videos and stills using VJ software to make a collaborative video. The workshop is $80 per day and bookings can be made by contacting Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.
Marion Conrow's exhibition ‘Museum of My Friends #1’ officially opens at 6.00pm on Friday, 26 October at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery. Drinks and light refreshments provided. The exhibition continues until 26 November, 2018.
‘Museum of My Friends #1’ has been made possible through funding from the Australia Council for the Arts, Create NSW and Accessible Arts.

Photo Caption: Marion Conrow’s exhibition ‘Museum of My Friends #1’ will help raise awareness about people living with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

11 September 2018

Young persons can expect to have a grand time celebrating Grandparents Day on a GoCo Mystery Bus Tour.
GoCo Community Care has joined the state-wide initiative to host activities on Sunday, 28 October 2018 in support of NSW Grandparents Day.
Gunnedah’s premier home care service, GoCo, is inviting grandchildren to join their grandparents on a mystery bus tour for the day.
Manager GoCo Bruce Mercer said grandparents hold a very special relationship with their grandchildren, and Grandparents Day is a good opportunity to build on that relationship.
“Grandparents are such an important part of our community,” he said.
“Grandparents Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the special role grandparents play in our families and the wider community, spend time with them and have a lot of fun.”
The Mystery Bus Tour will leave from GoCo Community Care, 80 Marquis Street, at 9.00am on Sunday.
Open to any grandparent and grandchild, the Mystery Bus Tour is free to join.
Bookings are essential and places are limited. To book a place on the Mystery Bus Tour, call GoCo Community Care by Friday, 26 October 2018 on (02) 6740 2240.

Photo Caption: GoCo Community Care Manager Bruce Mercer and CHSP Coordinator Nicole Shields are looking forward to Grandparents Day.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

10 September 2018

Gunnedah’s CBD will turn into the scene from a horror movie as Gunnedah Shire Council and Can Assist work together to bring the global phenomenon and fundraiser, Night of the Walking Dead, to Conadilly Street for a second year.
Gunnedah Can Assist President Kate Knight and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley are encouraging the community to dress up in their spookiest and funniest Halloween costumes and to bring a gold coin donation, with all proceeds donated to Can Assist.
“Night of the Walking Dead will be a gathering of people dressed as zombies and in Halloween costumes walking en-masse through the Gunnedah CBD while raising money for Can Assist,” Ms Mackley said.
“Last year we had some terrific costumes and it was such a surreal scene to see a huge mass of people pretending to be zombies and creatures of the night, walking through Conadilly Street.
“The idea behind the march is to raise awareness and money for the Gunnedah Can Assist branch; a small group of volunteers who tirelessly fundraise to assist local people affected by cancer.”
Mrs Knight said the Night of the Walking Dead was a great success last year and hopes families get involved again this year.
“At the end of the walk the zombies can enjoy a disco and a sausage sizzle,” she said.
“Many of our volunteers will also be dressed up and actively involved as they enjoy having a fun time while fundraising.”
With families often struggling to cope with increased costs as a result of a cancer diagnosis, Mrs Knight said it was important to have awareness and fundraising activities such as this for local cancer patients.
“A patient and their family often face extra expenses from travel, accommodation and medical costs,” she said.
“It is through fundraisers such as this that we are able to continue to financially assist local families.”
The Night of the Walking Dead march will begin at 6.30pm on Saturday, 27 October from the Post Office on Elgin Street, ending at the Smithurst Theatre. All participants are asked to gather at the Post office at 6:15pm and bring a gold coin donation.
The Zombie Dance-Off Disco and BBQ will be held following the walk until 9.00pm at the Smithurst Theatre.
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Zombies will take to the streets for Halloween to raise money for Gunnedah’s Can Assist branch.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

10 October 2018

Live out your ‘Grease’ diner fantasies at the Gunnedah Youth Council (GYC) Dessert Bar this Friday, 12 October.
The popular dessert bar fundraiser is returning to close out the School Holiday Program with a classic diner theme and many mouth-watering desserts on the menu.
The dessert bar is located at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery via the Little Conadilly Street Entrance from 5.00pm to 9.00pm. All money raised will go to GYC and the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund (GCSF).
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong said this year’s dessert bar is set to be something special.
“GYC members have put in a lot of work for this; they designed the menu, are baking and serving the food, working on improving their hospitality skills and have even completed their Food Safety Certificates,” Ms Emojong said.
“Everyone’s favourite delectable desserts will be there including the brownie sundae, choc-tops and ice-cream spiders and a new menu item; the Old School Banana Split.
“Once you throw in the classic diner music, you will be immersed in a different era all evening.”
The 2018 Dessert Bar comes off the back of a very successful first year, which raised $800 for GYC and GCSF.
Ms Emojong encourages the community to attend and support both initiatives.
“Treat yourself while supporting two great causes,” she said.
Menus are available at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or from Council’s Administration Building and Visitor Information Centre.
For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo caption: GYC members Bodie Crawford and Emily Hunt, and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong are getting set up for the Dessert Bar at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.
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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

5 October 2018

Seven local businesses have received a slice of $7750 in funding from Round One (2018/2019) of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.
Representatives from each business were invited to a ceremony at Council Chambers on Thursday afternoon to accept the funding.
Successful recipients in Round One include:

• Commercial Hotel Curlewis, to revamp and regenerate
• ODU Sportswear, for website development
• Kinfolk Student Cafes, for development of branded marketing collateral
• Provincial Printery, for business expansion Annie’s Kitchen, for start-up costs
• Impact Solutions, for a promotional campaign

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Business Partner Program is a key element of Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc and Gunnedah Shire Council to attract new business opportunities, or to expand existing businesses in the Gunnedah Shire by providing an assistance package as an incentive.
“This is very timely awarding this round of funding in October, being Small Business Month,” Cr Chaffey said.
“As a proactive Council, striving for growth and sustainability for our Shire, it is important to recognise local businesses and start-ups, and the vital role they play in our community and the local economy.
“I am pleased to see from the significant amount of applications Council received, businesses looking to generate employment and value add, as well as support regional benefit and economic growth.
“Council is proud of this Program that actively encourages new industry to set up in the area, as well as nurtures our existing businesses to encourage increased productivity, sustainability, growth and employment.”
Round Two of the Business Partner Program will open on Wednesday, 19 October, with applications closing at 5.00pm on Wednesday, 31 October.
For more information contact Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Round One 2018/2019 Business Partner Program recipients. Back from left: Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns, Cr David Moses, Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann and Cr John Campbell. Front from left: Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle, Cr Ann Luke, Sakthivel Jayarman (ODU Sportswear), Tracey Reid (Impact Solutions), Cr Jamie Chaffey, Kirstie Lawlor (Kinfolk Student Cafes), Mel McCulloch (Commercial Hotel Curlewis), Jenna Patterson (Kinfolk Student Cafes) and Lisa Davis (Kinfolk Student Cafes).

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

4 October 2018

Councillors Colleen Fuller and David Moses will lead the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group, which held its first meeting for the 2018/2019 year on Tuesday night.

Cr Fuller, who has held a position on the committee for 16 years, was re-elected as Chair of the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group for a two-year term. Cr Moses, in his second year on the committee, was elected as Deputy Chair for the ensuing term.
“The Crime Prevention Working Group is a very progressive committee and with three new members on board we will be able to take a fresh approach to tackling crime prevention,” Cr Fuller said.

“It is great to be working closely with local Police and the Gunnedah Liquor Accord on the issues our Shire experiences. I am looking forward to also working closely with our local education providers and community groups to look at initiatives to tackle the juvenile incidences within our community.
“We will be continuing our focus on domestic violence, as well as CCTV programs and are committed to securing funding for more street lighting and targeting illegal dumping, to ensure a safer community for all,” she said.

“We will be determined to follow our Crime Prevention Plan, which outlines the community’s key priorities and concerns for our Shire, for the remainder of the term.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey congratulated Councillors Fuller and Moses on their dedication to the committee.

“I congratulate Cr Fuller on being re-elected to this very important working group, her contributions in previous terms have been recognised and we look forward to her leadership over the next term,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Thank you to Cr Moses for also putting his hand up for the Deputy role, and welcome to Councillors Rob Hooke and John Campbell, we look forward to their positive contribution in leading the Crime Prevention Working Group on community initiatives and developing practical strategies for dealing with and preventing local crime,” Cr Chaffey said.

“A number of long-standing committee members as well as some fresh faces will continue to work together to improve the overall safety of our Shire and reduce crime.”

Photo Caption: Councillor Colleen Fuller, right, and Councillor David Moses, left, will lead the Crime Prevention Working Group.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

5 September 2018

In an effort to think differently about waste and promote sustainability, Gunnedah Shire Council is once again participating in the nationwide Garage Sale Trail and would like to encourage the community to get involved.
Garage Sale Trail is a big weekend of garage sales 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 before it reaches the local tip.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron hopes the Garage Sale Trail will not only help participants and charities earn a little extra cash, but will highlight that the old adage remains true; one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
“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,” Mrs 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.”
The average household in the 2017 sale sold 75 items, at over 15,000 registered garage sales and stalls.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, 20 October at the Gunnedah Showground from 9.00am to 2.00pm. To register a stall visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au/sale/1046 or collect a registration form from Council’s Administration Building, Elgin Street, Gunnedah.
For more information contact Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: Garage Sale Trail will once again be held at the Gunnedah Showground.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

28 September 2018

CMCA Rally changed traffic conditions
There will be changes to traffic conditions on the roads for the commencement of the CMCA Rally at the Gunnedah Showground on Friday, 5 October and Saturday, 6 October.
Increased traffic is expected on South Street, Marquis Street, George Street and Wandobah Road as motorhomes and campervans are directed to enter the Gunnedah Showground via View Street entrance.
A traffic controller will be stationed at the Wandobah Road and George Street intersection for traffic traveling east through to the View Street intersection, from 7.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday, 6 October.
Road closed signage will be located at the intersection of Short Street and View Street, and the intersection of Kilcoy Street and View Street.
Residents and visitors are urged to follow directional signage and drive to the conditions to ensure safe traffic management.

REMINDER TO SHOWGROUND USERS | As the CMCA Rally rolls into town and event organisers begin to setup, the Gunnedah Showground will be closed to all users from September 27 to October 17. As the CMCA Rally is a large scale event, this means there will be no access to the grounds, without prior approval from the CMCA.

At the end of this week, a large number of volunteers will be working on the grounds as they construct a mini village within the showground. You will start to notice plenty of new faces around town shortly, so please help give our visitors a warm welcome.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

27 September 2018

Give a warm welcome to the CMCA Rally
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey calls on residents to help make our visitors welcome as more than 1400 people begin to roll into town for the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) Rally (October 6-13, 2018) at the Gunnedah Showground.
Cr Chaffey said this is Gunnedah’s chance to show new visitors the Shire’s vibrant and diverse community, and what makes it unique.
“There is so much for our visitors to discover and I encourage everyone to make them feel most welcome and showcase our warm Gunnedah country hospitality,” Cr Chaffey said.
CMCA Rally Manager Paul Flynn said excitement is building with the members preparing for the Gunnedah Rally.
“What stands out about Gunnedah is it is an RV-Friendly Destination; the town presents itself well and we are aware of the ongoing tourism needs during the drought,” Mr Flynn said.
“We started thinking about coming to Gunnedah for a Rally five years ago.
“It helped that the Council has been very active in pursuing the Rally to be held in Gunnedah.”
Cr Chaffey acknowledges the importance of the eight-day event.
“The flow on economic benefits of hosting the Rally in Gunnedah couldn’t have come at a better time with impacts of drought being felt throughout the business community. Promoting Gunnedah to people who might like to move here and encouraging visitation is a critical component of Council’s economic development strategy,” he said.
“Everyone who lives in Gunnedah knows that it’s the best place in the world to be and this event gives us the opportunity to promote our little patch of paradise to people from all over Australia.”
The Rally is holding an open day on Saturday, 13 October for the public to attend.
“If you are interested in meeting the members, having a look at some of the motorhomes and campervans that will be on site, or taking a look at the markets, head along to the open day at the Showground,” Cr Chaffey said.
The Showground has now been handed over to the CMCA and Rally volunteers are busily constructing a mini village in the showground to prepare for the commencement of the Rally on October 6.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Tourism Supervisor Chris Frend hang up the CMCA street banner ready for the Rally.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.