19 February 2025

Gunnedah Shire will be paying tribute to International Women’s Day in March with an exhibition celebrating the diverse talent of artists in our community.

Artists have been asked to create something special to for the exhibition, which has proven to be a popular and diverse exhibition in past years.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Colleen Fuller said Gunnedah Shire was home to women from a huge range of backgrounds and cultures, with a great diversity of interests.

“The theme for International Women’s Day in 2025 is #AccelerateAction,” Cr Fuller said.
“Our community includes women who excel in all areas of life and who deserve to be recognised for all that they do. This exhibition is a way to celebrate the intrinsic role women play in our Shire, and everything they mean to each one of us.

“It will include a variety of mediums and has always proven to be a very colourful and interesting exhibition.”

In conjunction with the exhibition, a Self Love Workshop will be held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Sunday, 16 March from 1pm to 3pm with afternoon tea provided. Local artist Jade Punch will facilitate the gathering where participants will create a self portrait. Tickets are $20 and are limited to 14. Bookings can be made through www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1350520

There is still time for artists to take part in this exhibition. Ready-to-hang entries with a completed submission form are due to be delivered to the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Monday, 24 February, 2025.
The exhibition will open at the gallery at 6pm on Friday, 28 February and continue until Friday, 4 April, 2025.

Submission forms are available on the Civic website www.thecivic.com.au

Caption: Visitors enjoy the opening of the International Women’s Day Exhibition in 2023.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

19 February 2025

Gunnedah Shire has recognised its strong connection with Sister City Kolomotu’a, in the Kingdom of Tonga, with a new street name.

The roadway that runs along the Namoi River from Maitland Street has been named “Kolomotu’a Drive” in a gesture of respect for our friends in Kolomotu’a.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said the Shire’s relationship with the Tongan region had only grown since the signing of the Sister City Agreement in June 2022.

“At a recent quiet ceremony attended by the Acting High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia and several representatives from the Kingdom of Tonga, including a number of people working in Gunnedah Shire, we celebrated the naming of Kolomotu’a Drive,” Cr Fuller said.

“This is wonderful recognition of the many good things that are a result of this great relationship.”

Acting High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia Curtis Tu’ihalangingie said the naming of the road was testament to the relationship between Gunnedah and Kolomotu’a, and confirmed Kolomotu’a held a “special place in the hearts of the people of Gunnedah, just as Gunnedah is cherished in Kolomotu’a”.

He said members of the Tongan community from Sydney had visited the newly named road to express their love and appreciation for the kindness shown by Gunnedah Shire Council and Gunnedah residents.

“During the event, I had the privilege of representing Her Royal Highness The Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho, the Patron of Sister City relations, as well as the Kolomotu'a Council and the people of Kolomotu'a,” Mr Tu’ihalangingie said.

“It was a profound honour for me to represent such esteemed individuals and organisations. I felt a great sense of pride and humility in honouring Kolomotu'a in Gunnedah and Australia alongside Mayor Cr Fuller, her esteemed council, and the people of Gunnedah.

“I hope that Gunnedah will serve as a beacon for the rest of Australia, fostering and enhancing relationships between our two countries.

“Tonga and Australia share a long history of partnership and mutual support. For instance, this year, Tonga will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its Constitution, which was inspired by the New South Wales Constitution of 1875. Additionally, we will mark the 55th anniversary of our formal diplomatic relations between Tonga and Australia and the 50th anniversary of the Consul-General Office of Tonga in Sydney, NSW.

“These milestones exemplify the extraordinary relationship shared between Australia and Tonga, which Gunnedah has joined in building through outstanding diplomatic and people-to-people connections.

“I hope that Kolomotu'a Drive will be a safe passage and a refuge for those seeking shelter from harm.”

The Gunnedah Shire-Kolomotu’a Sister City Relationship has seen a number of visits between the two regions, with two visits to Gunnedah by Sister City patron Her Royal Highness The Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho.

Kolomotu’a surprised Gunnedah Shire delegates in the Kingdom of Tonga with the naming of Gunnedah Avenue in October 2023.

Caption: Kolomotua’n and Gunnedah Shire representatives at the newly named Kolomotu’a Drive in Gunnedah.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

5 February, 2025

Part of resilience is good mental health, and Gunnedah Shire Council will offer the community another fun and effective way to support mental health through two Words for Wellbeing – Journalling workshops.

On Wednesday, 19 February and Thursday, 20, March, facilitator Lucy Gallagher, who is a farmer and a writer, and has experience as a counsellor/registered nurse in rural mental health, will lead two FREE interactive and evidence-based six-hour workshops at the Gunnedah CWA rooms. The workshops will empower participants to develop a journalling habit that helps to strengthen skills in gratitude, empathy and forgiveness, and promote overall mental wellbeing.

“I want to share these skills with others, giving them accessible tools to support their mental health,” Lucy says.

“While not a replacement for professional mental health services, journaling is a simple and effective practice that anyone can incorporate into their daily lives.

“Mental health services are often difficult to access in rural and remote areas. These workshops aim to fill a gap by offering tools and strategies that are practical, affordable, and accessible to individuals in the bush.”

Lucy says the workshops emphasise the importance of social connection, offering a supportive space for participants to share experiences and connect with others in their community.

“The goal is for participants to leave the workshops feeling ‘lighter’ and better equipped to handle life’s challenges,” she says.

“There is extensive evidence showing that intentional journaling can be a highly effective tool to support mental health. These workshops are based on my personal experience and the proven benefits of reflective writing to improve wellbeing.”

The sessions, to be held from 9am – 3pm, include a journal, pen and workbook. Tea and coffee is provided, and participants are asked to bring along a plate to share for morning tea.

Tickets are available through https://www.trybooking.com/CWUWN

This is a free community event supported by the Australian Government and the NSW Government, through the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Caption: Lucy Gallagher.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

February 3, 2024

It’s back to school time, and time to remember to drive carefully around school zones.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Community Safety Wade Berryman said the start of the school year was a busy time on the roads as students and parents navigated new schools or returned to school.

“Many children are starting at a new school, and there will be confusion about where to go and how to get there,” Mr Berryman said.

“It is important for all of us to remember to be patient with other drivers, always be on the lookout for pedestrians, and to follow the road and parking rules.

“Drivers should allow plenty of time, familiarise themselves with the parking and school zones, and accept they may not be able to park right outside the school. The first priority is safety.”

Some tips for safe driving and parking when travelling to and from school:

• Always follow the road rules and signs
• Do not expect to park close to your school – drop-off and pick-up times are busy. You might need to park further away and walk your child to school
• Know where the school speed zones are and where parking is available around the school
• Remember not to:
  - Park across driveways;
  - Park within 3m of a double centre line;
  - Park on a path or nature strip;
  - Park within 10m of an intersection;
  - Stop at a no stopping or no parking area;
  - Park or stop in a bus or taxi zone; or
  - Double park.

To find out more about parking rules in New South Wales, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/roads-safety-and-rules/parking/parking-rules

ENDS

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

26 January, 2025

Nine amazing community members and organisations have been recognised at the 2025 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards.

The annual awards presentation was held yesterday and featured this year’s Australia Day Ambassador to Gunnedah, Patrick Warmoll.

Mr Warmoll is the Managing Director of Jack’s Creek, the local premium Wagyu and Black Angus beef producer that has been internationally recognised as the World’s Best Steak Producer four times over the past decade.

Chair of the Australia Day Working Group Cr Ann Luke said the awards paid tribute to those who had contributed a great deal to the Gunnedah Shire community.

“Congratulations to our Citizen of the Year for 2025, Leonie Harley, who has supported so many organisations for many years, including Gunnedah Meals on Wheels, the Gunnedah Eisteddfod Society, Gunnedah CWA, Namoi Group CWA, the Gunnedah Show Society, Gunnedah Show Ladies Auxiliary, Westpac Helicopter Support Group, the Northern Branch Australian Stock Horse Society, the ‘Pink Up’ Committee and Gunnedah Junior Rugby League,” Cr Luke said.

“Leonie has been a volunteer delivering meals for Gunnedah Meals on Wheels for more than 50 years.

“Her commitment to helping others makes her a role model in our Shire.
“A big thank you to Leonie Harley and congratulations to not only those who received recognition at these awards, but all those who were nominated.”

The 2025 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Award recipients are:

• Citizen of the Year: Leonie Harley
• Ozzie & Beryl Campbell Volunteer of the Year: Rosemary Flett
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy: Moana Gurewitz [ Shoobert]
• Community Achievement Award: Linda Lee and Kate Knight
• Cultural Achievement Award: Multicultural Women’s Association
• Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award: Vince Tydd
• Junior Sportsperson: Jayla Suey
• Sports Team of the Year: Gunnedah Motorcycle Club
• Environmental Citizen of the Year: McLean Care Alkira

The Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards are presented by the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Working Group assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Australia Day Award winners at the ceremony yesterday. Picture courtesy of Gunnedah Times.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

26 January, 2025

Four people became our newest Australian citizens on Saturday, 25 January at an Australia Day weekend Citizenship Ceremony.

Gunnedah Shire Council hosted the Citizenship Ceremony at The Civic ahead of the Australia Day Awards.

Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Working Group Chair Cr Ann Luke welcomed the new citizens.

“It is a great tradition to hold Citizenship Ceremonies across the country as part of Australia Day celebrations,” Cr Luke said. “The Gunnedah Shire community includes a vibrant mix of cultures and backgrounds that add to the wonderful cultural richness of our region.

“This week, we celebrated the decision of four Gunnedah people to join us as Australian citizens and call Australia home.”

Gunnedah’s newest Australian citizens include Ammar Qaiser Choudhary – originally from Pakistan, and Lynette Ann Chivers – originally from the United Kingdom. (Two new citizens requested their names not be included.)

“Welcome to our new Australian citizens,” Cr Luke said. “We hope you enjoy being Australian citizens and all of the responsibilities and privileges it brings with it.”

Caption: Shadow Minister for Western NSW Sarah Mitchell, Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Kate McGrath, Ammar Qaiser Choudhary, Lynette Chivers, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton at the citizenship ceremony.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

January 23, 2025 

It’s been going for more than 20 years, has awarded 516 scholarships and is a hugely successful partnership between the community and Gunnedah Shire Council.

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund celebrated another year of community support for the Shire’s young people at the annual presentation yesterday afternoon.

Eighteen students from Gunnedah Shire were awarded scholarships in areas ranging from agriculture to law.

Gunnedah Shire Council Community Scholarship Fund Working Group Chair Cr Linda Newell said the fund was an innovative initiative.

“We know that many of our young people have to move away to pursue their chosen study area,” Cr Newell said. “The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund gives people not only encouragement, but some practical financial support to meet the costs of moving, books and other expenses.

“Over the years, we have seen many young people successfully pursue a huge range of careers, from medicine to teaching, from law to science, and from trades to sports studies. Many of those young people have come back to the area with their qualifications, skills and talents to enrich the lives of those in our region and our Shire.

“One of them is our guest speaker at this year’s presentation, Dr Sarah Woodford, who has returned to the region as a general practitioner registrar. Sarah was a recipient of a Gunnedah Community Scholarship in 2015 and 2016.

“Sarah is a great example of how a little support for students can be repaid over and over again when they return to our community.”

The fund would not be possible without the support of sponsors, including Whitehaven Coal, Santos, Boggabri Coal, PRAMS (Paediatric and Maternity Support), Forsyths Accounting and Financial Services, Rotary Club of Gunnedah, Rotary Club of Gunnedah West, Club Gunnedah, Discount Drug Store, Orica, Barber St Practice, McArthur Legal, Namoi Valley Bricks, Gunnedah Vet Clinic and Daracon.

This year, a new scholarship was added, "The Pamela Helen Rickard Scholarship".

Very generous sponsors, who have asked to remain anonymous, have donated a substantial amount of funds for this scholarship, which are to be disbursed as $2,500 per student, per year, with a maximum of three full-time students per scholarship year, to attend the Australian National University in Canberra.

The sponsors have created the scholarship in honour of Pamela Helen Rickard, who was the Dux of Gunnedah High School in 1969. Pamela attended the Australian National University from 1970 to 1972, undertaking a combined Asian Studies/Economics degree and was a prize-winner in Economic History.

This year, the inaugural Pamela Helen Rickard Scholarship went to Clare Canham, who will study a Bachelor of Political Science at the Australian National University.

The 2025 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund recipients are:
• Eszter Apro – Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business at Macquarie University
• Zara Bartlett – Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood at University of Sydney
• Hollie Bennett – Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours)(Radiation Therapy) at University of Newcastle
• Clare Canham – Bachelor of Political Science at Australian National University
• Emma Doyle – Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Criminology (Honours) at University of Newcastle
• Lewis Donaldson – Bachelor of Communication at Charles Sturt University
• Rachel Fairfull – Bachelor of Nursing at University of New England
• Josie Gallagher – Bachelor of Education K-12 at Charles Sturt University
• Maya Gallagher – Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at University of Newcastle
• Courtney Hobden – Bachelor of Rural Science at University of New England
• Henry Johns – Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics at University of Newcastle
• Amelia Lush – Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science/Bachelor of Psychological Science at Griffith University, Gold Coast
• Madison McDonald – Bachelor of Agriculture at University of New England
• Kaleb McIlveen – Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) at Marcus Oldham College, Victoria
• Cameron Neader – Diploma of Engineering at University of Newcastle
• Rosie Snape – Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Human Rights at Australian Catholic University Brisbane
• Chloe Sumpter – Bachelor of Nursing at University of Wollongong
• John Mark Villegas – Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) at University of Newcastle

January 22, 2025 

The Australian Government is providing up to $55 million for Round 8 of the Mobile Black Spot Program.

This program will co-fund projects to provide new resilient mobile coverage in regional and remote areas of Australia that are prone to Natural Disasters, including bushfires, cyclones, and floods.

The focus on areas impacted by, or at risk of, Natural Disasters reflects the increasing exposure of many regions to these events, and the need for communities.

This Round is funded under the Government's Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia and applications must be lodged by Wednesday 30 April 2025.

Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging residents to participate in a community survey on mobile phone coverage, which is vital for our local industries and road safety.

This is an opportunity to provide feedback about mobile coverage and inform future policy/program design and we hope you can take a few minutes to complete the following survey by no later than February 2, 2025

Here's the link : https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S7R3DS6 .

20 January 2025

Eight Gunnedah Shire artists will transform the walls of the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery next month with The Art of Still Life exhibition.

Artists Kristie Farquhar, Anne Knight, Julie Laurie, Jenny Mathews, Lyn Pratt, Louisa Riordan, Fonda Shae and Helen Stanley have joined forces to present a vibrant collection of still life art that will open at 6pm on Friday, February 7.

Artist Fonda Shae said the works cross genres of medium from 2D to 3D works including printmaking, painting, drawing, sculpting and pottery.

“Working alongside these talented women has been a joy,” Fonda said.

“Each piece reflects our shared passion for still life, and the process of creating this exhibition together has been deeply rewarding.

“The Art of Still Life is more than an exhibition; it’s an invitation to experience the beauty and depth of still life in all its forms. Visitors are encouraged to explore the works and participate in a series of still-life-inspired events throughout February.”

The exhibition will be held in conjunction with a number of workshops, including a Valentine’s Day Still Life Workshop with Fonda Shae on Friday, February 14 at 6pm.

No experience or materials are necessary, and people are invited to bring a date or a friend, and maybe even a bottle of wine to enjoy with canapes, good company and a fun art session. For $20, participants can create their own romantic-themed still life artwork to take home. Tickets are available at www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1325428

Arts Gunnedah will also host two events - a Helen Stanley Still Life workshop on Saturday, February 8, and a Still Life in the Studio Workshop on Saturday, 22 February with Louisa Riordan. More details will be available on the Arts Gunnedah Facebook page.

The Art of Still Life exhibition will continue at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery until Sunday, February 23. Entry is free and there will be artworks for sale.

Caption: A print by The Art of Still Life contributing artist Anne Knight.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

17 January 2025

At an Extraordinary Meeting held this week, the Gunnedah Shire Council unanimously endorsed an application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) and associated Minimum Rate increase to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Background

This decision follows several months of consideration and engagement with the community by Council on the SRV, commencing in May 2024 with Council endorsing the draft 2024/25 Operational Plan and Budget. This report contained information that Council’s financial outlook was not financially sustainable and that an SRV needed to be considered.

Council subsequently determined an SRV proposal for a permanent cumulative 38.88% increase to be implemented over two years and undertook community engagement on this proposal during August and September last year. Following consideration of feedback from the first round of community engagement,

Council endorsed a revised SRV proposal for a permanent cumulative 37.67% increase to be implemented over two years. This increase includes the rate peg that would ordinarily apply. The revised SRV proposal caps the increase on Residential, Business and Farmland rate categories at 15% per year (32.25% cumulative) with the balance to be sourced from the Mining rating category. A second round of community engagement was held from Thursday, 7 November 2024 to Thursday, 19 December 2024 where the community was provided the opportunity to make submissions with their views on the revised SRV proposal.

Council received 27 formal submissions, and these were considered as part of the final determination on whether to proceed with applying for an SRV at the meeting. Submissions were received from Whitehaven Coal and the NSW Minerals Council in response to the increased differential, resulting in an 85.13% cumulative increase over two years, that would be placed on the mining category from the revised SRV proposal. While many of the respondents indicated that they did not want an SRV, there was also strong support for levels of service to be maintained or improved, which is not possible without an SRV.

What happens now?

Council will make applications for a Special Rate Variation and associated Minium Rate increase to IPART. Applications for the 2025-26 financial year are required to be submitted by 3 February 2025 and details about the process for SRV applications can be found at the following link - https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Local-Government/Reviews/Special-Variations-Minimum-Rates/Special-Variations-and-Minimum-Rates-2025-26 . Following Council’s lodgement of the application by February 3, IPART will undertake further community consultation with a view to a determination in May or June.

Quotes from Mayor Colleen Fuller:

“This has been a difficult but necessary process for Council to undertake.

“Whilst we recognise that, if approved by IPART, an SRV will be an added impost to any households or businesses that are struggling financially, the pressure will be lower in this revised SRV proposal for Residential, Business and Farmland categories and higher for the Mining sector than the original SRV scenario that we considered.

“It is also important to point out to our community that the impact will be partly offset by Council's resolution at its Ordinary Meeting in December 2024, that a freeze be placed on increases to Waste Management and Sewerage Annual Charges during the proposed Special Rate Variation implementation period.

“Council has also resolved to strive to find at least $930,000 through efficiency gains and operational savings over the next three years.”