20 April, 2023

Four local businesses will receive a financial boost under round three of Gunnedah Shire Council’s long-running Business Partner Program.

Council this week approved four applications recommended by the Business Partner Program Advisory Group:

• $5000 for a fuel tank upgrade and soil contamination testing at Carroll Store;
• $4806 for The Croft Fine Dining and Catering towards business promotions and set-up;
• $3000 for The Hen House’s business expansion and advertising; and
• $1000 for Gunnedah Health & Fitness Co to rebrand and relaunch.

Business Partner Program Advisory Group chair Colleen Fuller said it was fantastic to see local businesses moving ahead.

“Gunnedah Shire is thriving and the expansions occurring in our local businesses are exciting to see,” Cr Fuller said.

“The Business Partner Program plays an important role in supporting the growth of this vital sector of our community and Council is pleased to once again support projects that contribute to our Shire.

“Another $13,806 in funds will be distributed to the four successful applicants in this latest round of the program and we look forward to seeing the funds at work in our community.”

Round one of the 2023-24 Business Partner Program will open on 26 May, 2023. For more information on Council’s Business Partner Program, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/business-support/business-grants-funding/item/959-business-partner-program or contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Economy and Growth team on (02) 6740 2100, or email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Caption: The Croft Fine Dining and Catering is expanding its business hours to include Thursday nights and Monday to Friday mornings. Pictured are apprentice chef Cooper Williams, The Croft co-owner Warren Thomson and Hilton-trained chef Epeli Vulaserau.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

20 April, 2023

Fiddes name added to register

The “Fiddes” name will be added to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Naming of Public Infrastructure and Public Acknowledgements Policy in honour of Jack Fiddes for his contribution to the development of Gunnedah’s retail, services and arts sectors.

Council received a request from the Fiddes family for consideration of the Fiddes name. Mr and Mrs Fiddes moved to Gunnedah before World War 2, where Mr Fiddes started duty as company secretary for Storey Pty Ltd, becoming managing director after his return from active service.

He was instrumental in the establishment of the Gunnedah aerodrome and St Andrew's church and manse. He was a keen lawn bowler and cricketer and was involved with the Gunnedah Eisteddfod.

The names will be added to the register but will need separate reports to Council if nominated for the naming of specific infrastructure.

Councillors appointed to grants panels

Gunnedah Shire Council has appointed Councillors to the panels that will assess applications to the 2023-24 Section 356 Small Grants for Community and Sports, and Arts and Cultural.

Councillors Juliana McArthur, Kate McGrath and Rob Hooke have been appointed to the Community and Sports panel, and Councillors Juliana McArthur, Kate McGrath and Rob Hoddle have been appointed to the Arts and Cultural panel.

The Community and Sports panel has been assisting not-for-profit community and sporting groups with projects and events for 18 years, with close to $515,000 in grant funding allocated. The Arts and Cultural program has been in place since 2018 and helps local arts and cultural groups with existing or new projects or initiatives  that help to meet the needs of our growing community, while strengthening cultural identity and connection to place.

Clifton and Kelvin Road updates

Extensive rain in the past six months has delayed both the Kelvin and Clifton road upgrade projects.

Since the $6.18m Kelvin Road upgrade began, there have been 98 wet weather days, limiting the work that could be done on the 11.6km project. Work has, however, continued when possible, and Council hopes to have the project completed by May.

The project is being funded by the NSW Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP) and Fixing Local Roads (FLR) program.

The Clifton Road project has also been impacted by floods and wet weather days. Construction and sealing of the final section on Maitland Street and Bulunbulun Road, Breeza are anticipated to be completed by May.

The second coat seal between Oakey Creek and Round Hill Road has also been delayed by wet weather and is expected to begin following September this year.

The damaged approaches to the Simson Bridge and Breeza bridge are the ongoing subject of the engineering investigation to restore the bridge service and reinforce the abutments and approaches to prevent damage in future events.

Draft Pesticide Use Notification Plan on public exhibition

Gunnedah Shire Council has placed its Draft Pesticide Use Notification Plan on public exhibition for 28 days.

Council is required to prepare a plan to outline how it will notify the community of pesticide applications in outdoor public places under the NSW Pesticide Regulation 2017. Notification is based on the principle that people have a basic right to know when they may be affected by pesticide use to make informed decisions about their contact with pesticides and reduce their exposure to pesticides.

The Draft Pesticide Use Notification Plan will be on public exhibition until Friday, 19 May and is available on Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or at the Council administration centre at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council has appointed Councillors to the panels that will assess applications to the 2023-24 Section 356 Small Grants for Community and Sports, and Arts and Cultural.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

13 April, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Library will close its doors to the public for two weeks so a refurbishment can be carried out.

The Library will be closed from Monday, 24 April to Friday, 5 May and reopen on Monday, 8 May with a fresh new look.

Some Library services will still be available during the closure including Housebound and Shopbound deliveries and some JP services. Brain Training will also go ahead on Mondays at 10.30am and 3.30pm in the ACE building which is located behind the Library.

“As the space is so actively used, many of the current fittings have reached the end of their life and need to be replaced,” Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett said.

 “The refurbishment will include new shelving, tables, chairs, computer desks, computer chairs, study desks, circulation desk, cupboards, and office desks. The new fittings will feature wheels, enabling staff to easily reconfigure spaces as needed to best fit programs and activities.

“Works will also include the addition of seating booths, extra computer terminal seating, extra tables and chairs, interior painting and new blinds.”

The refurbishment is expected to cost approximately $95,000 and is fully funded by the Public Library Funding Strategy which is distributed by the State Library of NSW. This is an annual subsidy targeted at library projects.

“Gunnedah Shire Library is a well-used community space with 4000 active borrowers and approximately 1000 people passing through its doors each week,” Mrs Birkett said.

“The library offers many services including printing, Housebound Delivery Service and free public access computers. Library staff also facilitate numerous activities, including Book Buddies, Brain Training and pre-school visits.

“The services provided by the library are very popular and highly valued by the community. The refurbishment is necessary to ensure the library remains a vibrant and active space catering to the various needs of the community.

“We look forward to showing off our fresh new look when we open our doors again on Monday, 8 May.”

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Library staff are excited about the upcoming refurbishment. Pictured are Library Technician Robyn Draper, Library Assistant Brittany Riley and Librarian Christiane Birkett.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

12 April, 2023

As national statistics show people are still making the move to regional Australia, Gunnedah Shire remains a great place to call home.

One online employment site alone currently has more than 180 job vacancies listed in Gunnedah, from professional roles to mining positions and retail jobs.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah, in picturesque north-west New South Wales, had everything a growing family could wish for.

“The Regional Movers Index released by the Commonwealth Bank and Regional Australia Institute shows that people are continuing to wake up to all the benefits of living in the country,” Cr Chaffey said.

“And there has never been a better time to move to Gunnedah Shire.
“Our economy and our population are growing, and so is our appeal. We are in a scenic country location, we have a great community, it is a wonderful place to raise the kids, and there are lots of jobs available.

“As people realise they can really benefit from a better and more affordable lifestyle in regional Australia, we are calling them to come and give Gunnedah a go.

“There are big projects on the move here, from state-of-the-art saleyards to a new Koala Sanctuary and a new hospital. There are many, many reasons to choose Gunnedah.”

Gunnedah was recently listed as the number two most beautiful town in New South Wales on an online travel website.

Top 10 reasons to move to Gunnedah:
1. It’s beautiful, with a thriving town centre surrounded by colourful crops, bushland and small villages.
2. Affordable homes with your pick of leafy suburbs or farmland.
3. Great schools.
4. Lots of jobs.
5. A welcoming community who love their sports, their art and hobbies and their neighbours.
6. A thriving CBD with a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants.
7. Rich Indigenous and European culture.
8. The best of all four seasons.
9. Close access to bigger regional centres.
10. It’s a great place to raise the kids.

To find out more about living in Gunnedah, visit
www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au, or call our friendly customer service team at Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: Gunnedah is a growing Shire that offers the perfect alternative to city living.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

11 April, 2023

“Noise” has been transformed into art in Michelle York’s first solo exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

Mushy – opening on Friday, 21 April – will give viewers a “glimpse” into Ms York’s  “innermost thought processes” as she made the move to Newcastle after calling Gunnedah home for 30 years.

Ms York said she felt “drawn to document the process and preserve the memories surrounding this change”, so her exhibition pieces capture “details and memories” from Gunnedah and “the path to my new home-away-from-home” in the metropolis.

“My internal dialogue was full of noise as I came to terms with the bittersweet feelings of moving,” Ms York said.

“I felt drawn to document the process and preserve the memories surrounding this change. Through the expressive capability of mark-making in art, I was able to deeply examine my emotions about this transition. Guided by intuition and spontaneous movement, my feelings were pulled forward organically and translated onto the canvas.

“My childhood and memories from Gunnedah are so special to me; I wanted to document the process of moving as it is such an important part of my story.” 

Mushy will feature 40 works of mixed media, combining digital and traditional techniques to create abstract pieces, and is self-titled.

The unique name is drawn from the nickname she is known by among her friends in Gunnedah.

“Mushy” has been painting since she was a child and grew up in a creative environment.

“My mum was a talented, creative soul and always nurtured artistic expression. In high school, I was blessed with inspiring, encouraging teachers and it was my favourite subject. Their advice still often comes to mind when I paint now,” Ms York said.

“During different stages of my life, my friends have given me the courage to dive into my work and have supported me in pursuing my passion. Transitioning my hobby into a career is a transformative experience I am still journeying through.

“Painting and creating helps me process my thoughts in a productive way and brings me so much peace. I am constantly seeking inspiration, whether in person, through memories, media, or very often these days, online.

“My phone, computer, and sketch books are continually filling with ideas and concepts. Part of me thinks I have no say in the matter any more — I will always find a way to create.”

Mushy will open at 6pm on Friday, 21 April at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 81 Chandos Street and will continue until Wednesday, 24 May.

Caption:

Mushy is Michelle York’s first solo exhibition and documents her life-altering move from her home town of Gunnedah to her “new home-away-from home” in Newcastle.

Michelle York’s love of painting stems from childhood. Images: supplied.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

5 April, 2023

Harvest Gunnedah is back, and the call is out for stallholders to help make this a great Gunnedah event.

Harvest Gunnedah, the festival that urges people to eat good food and discover and celebrate our region, will be held on Sunday, May 21 from 10am to 2pm at the Gunnedah and District Kennel Club.

The event is being supported by the NSW Reconnecting Regional Communities Fund.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said Harvest was a wonderful way to celebrate everything this vibrant region had to offer this autumn.

“This year, our theme is ‘Grown in Gunnedah Shire’,” she said.

“Our Shire not only has productive farmland, but we have hard-working and skilled primary producers who bring it to life, as well as a talented community who make great products, create amazing food, and bring us the best of the rest of the world.

“We are calling for stallholders to take advantage of the free stall sites and help make this a colourful and fun community event showcasing the best of what we have to offer.”

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for people who would like to have a fresh produce, beverage, retail and home-made or hand-made wares stall to apply before 5pm on Friday, 5 May.

Application forms are available on www.harvestgunnedah.com

Caption: Harvest Gunnedah 2021 brought together a crowd of people to enjoy local food and fare.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

5 April, 2023

The 2023 Gunnedah Youth Expo will bring a smorgasbord of career options to Gunnedah as part of the Shire’s Youth Week celebrations.

The Youth Expo will be held in Gunnedah Town Hall from 9am to 3pm on Thursday, April 27.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said the Gunnedah Youth Expo, held annually during Youth Week, was being jointly funded by a grant from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice matched by Gunnedah Shire Council and supported by employers and services from across the Shire.

“This is always a popular event that brings students and school leavers together with employers and tertiary institutions,” Ms Frater said.

“It is a great way to have a whole range of career and support options in one place.

“In the current employment market, school leavers have a wide range of options, and there are businesses right here in Gunnedah who can offer amazing opportunities. Alternatively, there will be universities and tertiary institutions there to talk to students about what they have to offer.

“This free event has been designed especially for young people aged 12 to 25 to bring a window to the world to Gunnedah for the day.”

The Youth Expo is one of the highlights of Youth Week in Gunnedah Shire.

To find out more about the other activities, visit https://www.thecivic.com.au/youth.

Businesses and services interested in hosting a stall at the 2023 Youth Expo are encouraged to apply by 5pm, Friday 21 April via the following link: https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/q1r4xx591dpphe4/

Caption: The 2022 Annual Gunnedah Careers Youth Expo attracted hundreds of students.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

April 5, 2023

Residents between 12 and 24 are being urged to pick up their phone or their camera and start getting creative for NSW Youth Week 2023.

Gunnedah Shire Council has announced the Youth Week Short Film Competition as one of the headline acts for an action-packed Youth Week from April 20-30 that also includes a silent disco, a Youth Expo and movies.

Young people are being asked to make a film of between 60 seconds and three minutes with the theme of “Connect, Participate and Celebrate in Gunnedah”.

“Gunnedah Shire has a growing population and we are excited about this creative way to see and hear what our younger generation has to say,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said.

“The Youth Week Short Film Competition is the ideal way for people to tell their own stories in their own way, using just their smartphone or a camera. We are looking forward to original movies and some really great visuals.”

Entries in the categories of 12-16 and 17-24 are due by Thursday, April 27 and will be screened at the Civic Theatre on Saturday, April 29, with $200 Gunny Money gift card for the winner, $100 Gunny Money gift card for second, a $50 Gunny Money gift card for third and $20 Gunny Money gift card for highly commended.

Other events planned for Youth Week are:

? Thursday, April 20: $10 movie screening of Super Mario Bros. Movie 1.30pm – with a free $5 combo!
? Friday, April 21: Free silent disco from 6.30pm to 9.30pm! Barbecue dinner and transport included. Please advise PCYC Youth Hub of attendance (02) 6742 1586
? Saturday, April 22: Free movie screening of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves at 6pm
? Thursday, April 27: ANNUAL YOUTH EXPO, supported by education providers, local employers and services to identify career pathways, Town Hall, free entry 9am-3pm
? Friday, April 28: Discobility all inclusive disco at PCYC from 6pm to 8.30pm. Theme: Superheroes. Please advise PCYC Youth Hub of attendance (02) 6742 1586.

To find out more about Youth Week in Gunnedah, visit https://www.thecivic.com.au/youth

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

29 March, 2023

The Easter School Holiday Program has plenty of activities to keep little bunnies busy.

Gunnedah Shire Library will host Book Buddies and Crafty Creations in Gunnedah and Curlewis, with a focus on Easter handicrafts. Over at The Civic Theatre, catch $10 movies My Fairy Troublemaker and The Super Mario Bros. Movie on April 13 and 20.

Get active with the NetSetGo School Holiday Clinic on Tuesday, 11 April, facilitated by Gunnedah Netball Association, and head along to Gunnedah PCYC for laser tag, multi-sports, Ninja gym and paint ‘n’ shake.

Love card games? Don’t miss the Uno tournament on Thursday, April 13 at The Smithurst. There’s also a free silent disco on Friday, 21 March, with a barbecue and free transport.

On Tuesday, 18 April in the Gunnedah Town Hall, Gunnedah Conservatorium and Arc Circus will present a circus workshop for ages 7 to 13 which will include juggling, basic acrobatics, dance and balancing, and a live theatre performance – A Bee Story – for all ages.

A Bee Story is a physical theatre show that combines circus, acrobatics, dance and live music to tell the story of Queen Bee and Worker Bee who must work together to rebuild their hive after it was destroyed by a bushfire. However, things don’t go quite to plan. Come along on a buzzy adventure from 10am.

Gunnedah Town Hall will also play host to Sydney Youth Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Orchestra on Friday, 14 April from 2pm.

View the School Holiday Program here: https://www.thecivic.com.au/youth

Caption: Arc Circus will present a live theatre show and circus workshop in the Easter school holidays.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

29 March 2023

The Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Grant Funding Program has opened for people or groups who have ideas to grow Gunnedah Shire’s Sister City partnerships.

Local organisations can access these funds to support new initiatives that help our partnerships to grow.

Gunnedah Shire has Sister City partnerships with Kolomotu’a, Tonga, and Lane Cove and Northern Beaches in Sydney, as well as an international agreement with the Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.

Mayor Jamie Chaffey said: “It’s an exciting opportunity for local schools, volunteering cultural groups, and businesses, and I’m sure that Gunnedah will embrace this chance to strengthen our community and celebrate cultural diversity within the shire.

“We have wonderful relationships with our Sister Cities, and there are so many opportunities to build on those links. Whether it be in areas such as arts and culture, sports, education, employment or the economy, I urge people to think about the ways we can grow together.”

This new program aims to bring together interest groups in each city, facilitating an understanding between people and cultures and forging mutual opportunities for cross-cultural growth.

Grants are awarded for amounts up to $5,000, with additional funding available for organisations that make a 25 percent or greater co-contribution.

The Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships working group brings together local schools, volunteer and cultural groups, chamber of commerce, businesses and other interested parties to maximise the benefits from existing agreements with an eye to building new community alliances. The Working Group membership enhances community representation and consultation throughout the grant funding process.

 Applications for grants are now open and will close on Thursday, 27 April 2023. Applicants must complete an application form, available here, that can be emailed to council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Princess Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho from Gunnedah’s Sister City of Kolomotu’a, Tonga, with young Gunnedah locals.

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Media Contact: 02 6740 2100.