1 August 2018

Local community and sporting groups will benefit from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Section 356 Small Grants Program, with more than $35,000 recently endorsed by Council for a range of projects and initiatives across the Shire.

A total of 12 community and sporting groups were successful in receiving grants.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey acknowledged the quality of the applicants and projects that will benefit from the Section 356 Small Grants Program.

“The financial assistance program has been in place for more than a decade, and to date has distributed more than $355,289 to local organisations and groups,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The program is designed to support the work of local charitable and not-for-profit organisations, through projects that meet the need of our growing community.”

Members of the Section 356 Committee, Councillor Ann Luke, Councillor David Moses and Councillor Colleen Fuller met to assess a total of 16 applications against the priorities and eligibility criteria outlined in the guidelines, and in the context of the funds available.

The level of funding available under the program is dependent on the project but Cr Chaffey said it can be up to $5,000.

“Priority was given to those applications that not only benefited their organisation but also the broader community,” Cr Chaffey said.

Successful community organisations included Riding for the Disabled, Lake Keepit Sailing Club, Big Sky Trailblazers, Gunnedah Tennis Club, Namoi Horse Association, Gunnedah and District Pony Club, Presbyterian Church, Gunnedah Pottery Club, Gunnedah Early Childhood Intervention, Challenge Community Services, Water Tower Museum and the Gunnedah Salvation Army.

A presentation of the grants took place at the Smithurst Theatre Courtyard as part of the Local Government Week Free and Friendly Breakfast on Wednesday, 1 August at 9.00am.

For further information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on 02 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo caption: Recipients of the Section 356 Small Grants Program are presented with their certificate.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

26 July 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has thrown its support behind the 2018 Gunnedah Business and Service Awards.

In August 2018, the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host over 250 guests at the gala event to be held on Friday, August 10 at the Gunnedah Town Hall, with a focus on recognising and celebrating excellence in local business, industry, innovation and the people driving success.

Gunnedah Shire Council resolved at last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting to support the Gunnedah Chamber as major sponsors for the Business Awards.

Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle is excited to see Gunnedah Shire Council as a partner for the Business and Service Awards, promoting local business and industry.

“We have some thriving and innovative local businesses that are starting to gain recognition on the world stage,” Ms Hoddle said.

“The Chamber Awards is a great opportunity to recognise these businesses as well as draw out some of our new and emerging talent.

“By supporting the Business Awards, Council wants to ensure the health and prosperity of the Chamber, recognising the important work it does for business and economic growth in Gunnedah.”

For more information about the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visit gunnedah.org.au 

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry are big winners at the NSW Business Chamber Awards for 2017, taking home the Business Chamber of the Year Award.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100

1 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking quotations from suitably qualified, licenced and insured companies for the Fire Equipment/System Maintenance Pressure Test/Tag and Inspection Service of Council’s key assets.

The scope of works document can be found in the Council > Council Information section of our website under Tenders, Quotations & EOI, or obtained from Council’s Elgin Street Office. Quotations should be addressed to the General Manager, Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah NSW 2380, and will be received until 11.00am Friday, 17 August 2018.

For more information regarding this position, please contact Council’s Manager Public Facilities, Mr Geoff Phillips on 02 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

26 July 2018

Community members can learn about the untapped potential of their own backyard at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Local Government Week information session “Unlocking the potential of your backyard” on Tuesday, 31 July.

The information session from 5.30pm at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery Meeting Room is being hosted by Council’s Planning and Environmental Services team and will feature a number of presentations, aimed at giving residents an idea of “what they can do and how they can go about doing it”.

Council’s Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the information session is aimed at letting people know about the type of development opportunities available and making the process less “daunting”.

“Different types of residential accommodation built alongside existing dwellings can generate potential revenue streams and help the Shire cope with housing affordability and availability,” Mr Johns said.

“We hope people will leave the information session filled with ideas, but also more knowledgeable about what needs to be considered in the planning of a development.

“Servicing the development with water, sewer, storm water, electricity and telecommunications are just some considerations we will cover in the information session.”

Mr Johns said the backyard opportunities will also extend beyond the “Colorbond fence” to other opportunities within the “Gunnedah backyard”.

“The Business Partner Program, Easy to do Business and economic development opportunities are a few other things we will cover, so make sure you come along to the information session to find out more.”

An overview and positive impacts of the inclusive playground, crime prevention and safety in the CBD will also be included in the information session.

The evening will incorporate the introduction of the team and Council’s services such as the duty planner, DA tracking and what forms to use on the website to support different types of developments.

There will also be the opportunity for questions to staff.

What: Planning and Environmental Services Information Day Unlocking the potential of your backyard

When: 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Tuesday, 31 July

Where: Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery Meeting Room

Photo Caption: Some of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Planning and Environmental Services team Charlotte Hoddle, Carolyn Hunt, Wade Hudson, Blake O’Mullane, Andrew Johns, Gayan Wickramasinhe and Debra Hilton.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100

Don't miss Race Revolution Half Mile at Gunnedah Airport on Saturday September 1, 2018. See Australia's fastest Cars racing from 8.30am! Pits open to the public from 12.30 - 1.30pm. Food and Coffee vendors on site and Event Merchandise stalls will be available.

Spectator Entry - Adults $15.00, Children (5-16) $10.00, Children under 5 are free. Family Pass (2 adults 2 Children under 16) $45.00 and each additional child with Family Pass is $5.00.

For more information check out www.racerevolution.com.au 

20 July 2018

An official sod turning ceremony was held today to mark the commencement of construction works for the $5.2 million Curlewis Pipeline Project.

The site was declared open for construction by Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.

The Project involves the installation of a 15.8 kilometre pipeline from Wandobah Road, via Blackjack Forest Road, Booloocooroo and Preston roads to Curlewis, the construction of two 500 kilolitre concrete storage reservoirs and a disinfection dosing station to improve the water quality and storage capacity for Curlewis.

Gunnedah Shire Council accepted a tender from TCM Civil Pty Ltd, a highly reputable construction company based at Cooranbong (Newcastle). TCM Civil Pty Ltd is the preferred contractor for Hunter Water, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Water NSW and Lake Macquarie City Council.

Cr Chaffey said by connecting Curlewis to Gunnedah’s town water supply it will greatly improve water security and quality for the village.
“Our villages are very important to the economic development and culture of Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

“By improving the infrastructure services of Curlewis we are promoting growth of the town so it remains a stable part of Gunnedah Shire’s future.

“Congratulations to TCM Civil Pty Ltd – we are looking forward to seeing the commencement of works on this significant infrastructure project.”

Acting Director of Infrastructure Services Daniel Noble said the project is identified in the Water Services Quality Management Plan.

“The project will result in a higher quality water supply to Curlewis that meets all Australian Drinking Water Guidelines including aesthetic values,” Mr Noble said.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Gai Swain, TCM Civil Pty Ltd Director Colin Kiely, Councillor Rob Hooke, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Councillor Colleen Fuller, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and Councillor Owen Hasler at the Curlewis Community Hall for the official sod turning of the Curlewis Pipeline Project.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

18 July 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council will now consider all feedback received from community consultation on the proposed dog-off leash area at Athol Gallen Park.

A high number of submissions were received by Council during the survey process. Council is now considering alternative location options. Acting Director Infrastructure Services Daniel Noble said during consultation for the Community Strategic Plan the need for a fenced off-leash dog area was identified.

“Over the years Council has received consistent calls for an off-leash dog area,” Mr Noble said.

“The Open Space Strategy identified Athol Gallen Park as a suitable area, however a recent survey conducted on the proposal showed that community members preferred other locations and a number of suggestions were put forward.

“We will now go through the feedback and investigate other options before the proposal goes back to Council for consideration at the August Ordinary Meeting.”

The community will be kept informed as the proposal progresses.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

20 July 2018

A week of activities designed to be a window into the operations of Council will kick off from Monday, 30 July 2018. View the Local Government Week 2018 Program here.

Community members and organisations are encouraged to get involved with Council, Council staff and Councillors during Local Government Week (30 July - 5 August).

The week will start off with a bus tour of Gunnedah Waste Facility, leaving the Visitor Information Centre at 9.45am until 11.00am on Monday. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Gunnedah, Down Memory Lane, leaving the Visitor Information Centre at 1.00pm, returning at 2.00pm. Bookings for both tours can be made via www.thecivic.com.au 

Tuesday, 31 July will see a young person with an interest in Local Government follow Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor, Jamie Chaffey, around as he conducts his day-to-day business. Applications to be Mayor for a Day are now open, with entrants required to submit a written entry answering two questions, what they hope to get out of being mayor for a day and why they should be chosen.

Mayor for a Day applications will be received up until 5.00pm, 26 July. To apply visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/mayorforaday

On Tuesday evening from 5.30pm, staff from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Planning and Environmental Services Department are hosting an information session to help you to improve your backyard while still being compliant with legislations. Tea, coffee and light refreshments are provided. ‘Unlocking the potential of your backyard’ will be held in the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery Meeting Room.

Get up close and personal with Councillors and Council representatives at a Free and Friendly Breakfast from 8.00am in the Smithurst Theatre Courtyard on Wednesday, 1 August. Gunnedah Shire Council will be offering a free breakfast for the community. There will also be a free tree giveaway partnered with Planet Ark, free books and library bags from Gunnedah Shire Library. GoCo will be on hand assisting with registering for Working with Children and Criminal Record checks.

Make your own Recycled Fascinating Fascinator at 4.00pm on Thursday, 2 August in the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Studio. The workshop is free, with limited places available, so be sure to book in at www.thecivic.com.au 

Take a guided tour of Gunnedah’s Annual NAIDOC Exhibition, Because of her, We can. From 10.00am to 11.00am Friday, 3 August at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery – take a walk through the exhibition and enjoy the morning tea provided.

Come along and get out of the cold while learning how to knit, or colour in and have a chat, complete with a warm cuppa and yummy biscuits at the Gunnedah Shire Library, from 9.30am Saturday, 4 August.

Finish off the week with a free screening of The War on Waste – Season 2, at the Smithurst Theatre from 1.00pm, Sunday, 5 August. The ABC TV series tackles plastic water bottles, straws, e-waste and furniture waste. Craig Reucassel hosts the series that aims to expose the effects of e-waste from discarded laptops, mobile phones and electronic goods in landfill. This series has inspired Australian to get on board with Waste Management. Come along for a compelling and interesting afternoon that may change the way you live.

For further information on Local Government Week activities contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: June Fulwood, Christiane Birkett, Robyn Draper, Yvonne Reading and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey at the library for Local Government Week 2017.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100

18 July 2018

Students and young persons between the ages of 15 and 21 throughout Gunnedah Shire have the chance to experience being Mayor for a day as part of the annual NSW Local Government Week (July 30 – August 5) celebrations.

Young persons who would like to discover more about the role Local Government plays in the community can follow the Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Tuesday, 31 July.

Cr Chaffey said the competition was aimed at stimulating interest in, and promoting the role, Local Government plays in the community.

“The theme for 2018 Local Government week is ‘The Power of Community’; a fitting theme for encouraging the young people in our area to see what a thriving and positive community can do,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is an opportunity during Local Government Week to reach out, especially to young people, and highlight our roles and responsibilities as a Council; what we do; the processes we follow and most importantly; how they can be more involved and informed.”

To apply for the Mayor for a Day initiative students must write a submission answering two questions; what they hope to get out of being Mayor for a day and why they should be chosen.

A panel will select a winner and the student will be invited to act as Mayor for a Day, tour Council facilities, receive briefings, meet Councillors and senior staff and assist Mayor Jamie Chaffey in his day-to-day duties. Mayor for a Day applications will be received up until 5.00pm on Thursday, July 26.

To apply visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mayorforaday

The successful applicant will be notified on Friday, 27 July 2018.

For further information contact Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: Mayor for Day initiative in 2013, former Gunnedah High School students Josh Day and Courtney Brandon with then Mayor Cr Owen Hasler.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100

11 July 2018

An embroidery commemorating 150 years of Gunnedah has now found its permanent home on public display in the history section of the Gunnedah Shire Library.

The piece was created by 22 members of the Gunnedah Embroiderers’ Guild to mark the group’s contribution to the sesquicentenary celebrations.

A three-piece wall hanging was formed, with each panel marking 50 years of Gunnedah’s history.

The embroidery was gifted to Gunnedah and now forms part of the Library’s history section.

To mark the occasion, the Gunnedah Shire Library is hosting a morning tea from 11.30am on Tuesday, 17 July 2018. All are welcome.

Take a close look at the embroidery and you will see the first train leaving town, the original hospital, as well as The Civic, baker’s store and Union Bank.

Gunnedah’s agricultural development also heavily features on the piece, with birds, tractors and crops all familiar sights, as well as the present day with mines, saleyards and more.

Deputy Mayor Gae Swain said the panels “bring Gunnedah to life right before your eyes” and is a must see for people interested in Gunnedah’s history.

“The members have cleverly stitched the many aspects of the Gunnedah Shire together in one stunning piece and it’s only fitting that it be on display for the whole community to enjoy. I encourage everyone to take the time out to see the embroidery,” Cr Swain said.

The Library’s history section also encompasses a local history group meeting on the second Wednesday and fourth Friday of every month at 10.30am. Call the Gunnedah Shire Library on 02 6740 2190 for more information.

Photo Caption: The 150 year embroidery is now on permanent display in the library.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.