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.

11 July 2018

The recipient of the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Program Scholarship Mya McRae is celebrating her three month milestone as a school-based trainee at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct.

Miss McRae said she is happy and excited to continue her traineeship and enjoys the people she works with.

“I do it because I want to learn skills in business and work with people and customers,” Miss McRae said.

“Working at the Cultural Precinct is great. It’s right in the heart of town and you get to meet so many people, locals and visitors, and you are helping them, which I enjoy.”

The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Program provides funding to organisations to support Aboriginal education, employment and training.

Gunnedah Shire Council was successful in receiving the funding, which it extended to the community in the form of a scholarship for school-based trainees.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Human Resources Glenn Learmont said Council has a proud history of engaging trainees throughout a number of its functions.

“The facilitation of an alliance between our schools and Local Government will provide meaningful career paths to retain our youths in the community,” Mr Learmont said.

Gunnedah Shire Council HR Advisor and the co-ordinator of the scholarship, Fiona Ludlow, is thrilled for Miss McRae and is happy with her performance.

“Mya has embraced the job really well and it is nice to see her enjoying it,” Mrs Ludlow said.

“We made the application process similar to a job application. Applicants had to apply for the position and sit through an interview. After careful consideration we offered the position to Mya.”

Miss McRae is completing her Certificate II in Business and works one day a week at the Cultural Precinct as part of the HSC.

“The work I am doing at the Cultural Precinct is one step closer to figuring out what career I want when I leave school,” Miss McRae said.

“I would be happy to continue working here for a couple more years.”

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Human Resources Glenn Learmont, School-Based Trainee Mya McRae, Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley and HR Advisor Fiona Ludlow.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

11 July 2018

Business Administration Trainee at Gunnedah Shire Council, Breanna Green, is the 2018 Runner Up in the Trainee of the Year category at the NSW Training Awards.

Miss Green completes her duties and tasks with aplomb and enthusiasm, including the provision of internal customer service across the organisation, records management and completion of Certificate III in Business Administration through TAFE.

Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said Miss Green’s commitment to her work led to her being offered a second year’s traineeship with Council.

“Breanna is an integral part of the Governance and Administration team, and her recognition at the NSW Training Awards is another feather in her cap,” Mr Formann said.

“Due to her elevated understanding of the role, understanding of the services Council provides to the community and dedication to providing a superior service, Breanna’s responsibilities have been increased and she is deserving of this accolade.”

Mr Formann acknowledges the work from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Senior Governance and Administration Officer Donna Markey, who manages and trains the trainees that come through.

“Donna Markey does an excellent job preparing our trainees to achieve their best in their working career,” Mr Formann said.

A traineeship undertaken at Council is completed alongside a qualification through TAFE, ensuring skills are remaining in Gunnedah.

“Council is committed to training young people and giving them opportunities to stay and work in Gunnedah. It becomes a benefit for the Council business and the community to have skilled young people in our region,” Mr Formann said.

“Congratulations on this achievement to Breanna and Donna.”

Breanna is also the 2018 Winner of the NSW Government Women in Traineeships or Apprenticeships – Rural or Regional Council category of the 2018 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.

Gunnedah Shire Council is currently advertising for a Business Administration Trainee - 12 Months, and anyone interested in increasing their skills, knowledge and qualifications are encouraged to apply through Council’s website, www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

Photo Caption: Breanna Green receives recognition for her good work.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.