August 21, 2020

Three new community projects are among the initiatives included in funding following Gunnedah Shire Council’s call for new community resilience projects late last year.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Hooke said Gunnedah Shire Council had worked with the Federal Government to deliver great results through the federal Drought Communities Program.

“The community came to us with some important projects we were able to progress through to the Federal Government for consideration,” Cr Hooke said.

“Among those that were successful were the Kelvin Community Hall, Gunnedah Conservatorium and the Gunnedah Junior Rugby Club.

“The Kelvin Community Hall will now be able to enjoy a better water supply and have a more reliable supply on hand for emergency services. The improved water supply will also mean native trees can be planted around the hall.

“Gunnedah Conservatorium proposed two really interesting projects called Create Gunnedah Hear Me and Create Gunnedah See Me. One will nurture songwriting, production and performance among our young people, and the other project will work towards a cabaret show for adult performers.

“Another great result is funding to upgrade the Gunnedah Junior Rugby Club canteen. I know this will be a popular project among our young rugby players and their families.

“All of these projects are initiatives that have far-reaching benefits for the community, and include employment or use of local businesses.”

Photo Caption:(From left to right) Kelvin residents Sue Cox and Brett Waters, Gunnedah Shire Council Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Hooke, and residents Michael Roberts, Denise Roberts and Ingrid Allen-Thomas.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

August 20, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council have been involved in a number of discussions with DMMS ahead of the society’s lease and funding agreements, renewal – including a recent meeting with the Mayor, General Manager, Staff and members of the society. 

The Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society is a valued organisation in Gunnedah and beyond, and is the recipient of one of the most significant financial contributions awarded to an arts organisation in the Gunnedah Shire. 

It is generally Council's policy not to comment on contractual arrangements, but due to the media interest surrounding this matter solicited by DMMS, Gunnedah Shire Council would like to clarify that funding for the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society has not been significantly reduced. It will remain at the same level, excluding CPI increases.

It is part of any local government body's responsibility to make financial decisions that deliver value for money for its community, and as such Council regularly reviews its budgetary decisions to ensure there is a strong return on investment on behalf of the community. The community benefit study which will be undertaken, is part of the review process.

Community groups who receive benefits such as - in the case of the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society - a nominal rent, must demonstrate satisfactory performance and utilisation of premises.  The society has been offered a further two-year renewal option providing all requirements are met.

This is a decision made during uncertain economic times where Council's budget must stretch to aiding businesses and community organisations struggling from the impacts of drought and COVID-19. There are a large number of beneficial community organisations who also need the support of Council and we need to be assured there is ‘enough to go around.’

We would like to offer a number of clarifications below

·         The Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society lease was due for renewal, hence the reason for the review of the lease.

·         Councillors believe the society may be concerned Council is reacting to derogatory comments towards the community and its members made by the Society’s president on national radio on June 21^st 2020. This is not the case. 

·         We have reviewed the society’s financial position and believe this will not significantly impact them given the sizeable amount of funding they receive from a number of sources including a Federal Government Contribution and contribution from local organisations.

Gunnedah Shire Council remains a proud supporter of the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society and Poetry Awards, contributing substantial funds towards its ongoing operation, and hopes to remain in strong partnership with the society into the future.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

August 18, 2020

This week is traditionally AgQuip week, and while COVID-19 has put the event on hold for a year, Gunnedah can still celebrate the field days that bring so many people to our Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said there were inventive ways people could mark the occasion without actually going to the event.

“AgQuip has been a huge part of the Gunnedah calendar for 45 years,” Ms Hoddle said.

“While we might not be able to enjoy the full AgQuip experience, we can still bring a little of the atmosphere to Gunnedah in 2020. We are challenging people to kick up a bit of dust in their AgQuip boots and take a selfie with their AgQuip hat.

“They can enjoy the traditional treat of a steak sandwich at one of our cafes or restaurants and, if they are feeling especially nostalgic for AgQuip, visit one of the farm machinery businesses in the Shire.

“If people post their AgQuip 2020 selfies on social media with the hashtag #AgQuip2020, we can have our own virtual AgQuip.

“These are among the biggest field days in the world and are really important to the region’s economy. This is one way to keep our spirits up and let the world know Gunnedah is still open for business.”

Some AgQuip challenges:

• Post selfies with your AgQuip hat, boots and weird bits of machinery
• Seek out the best steak sandwich you can find
• Buy those new boots and that new hat in Gunnedah instead of out at AgQuip
• Get some dust on those new boots!
• Check out the biggest piece of machinery you can find at one of the dealers in Gunnedah Shire and get a selfie with a giant wheel
• Go to the pub for dinner and Zoom call your mates who would usually be here for AgQuip
• Daub yourself in dust and watch rodeo videos
• Buy yourself or your mate a Gunny Money voucher and build your own showbag from goodies and lollies in town and in the villages
• Be inspired for a new DIY project strolling the aisles of local retailers
• Swap past AgQuip yarns with friends at the pub or a café.

And remember to post your #AgQuip2020 adventures on social media!

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Caption: We might not be able to go to AgQuip in person this year, but we can still get that Gunnedah superhero spirit happening.

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

17 August, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has announced a new round of the Business Partner Program targeted at street beautification and activation.

The additional round is part of the second phase of Council’s Community Resilience Business Recovery Package - Invigorate Gunnedah.

Invigorate Gunnedah saw a boosted allocation of $200,000 towards the Business Partner Program and the addition of the new round, supporting local businesses wanting to improve the appearance of their premises to apply for grants of up to $1,000 for signage and façade upgrades.

Projects eligible under the new round of the Business Partner Program include:

• Installation of new or improved business signage; and
• Painting or upgrades to the façade.

Business Partner Program Advisory Group chair Cr Ann Luke said the increased contribution to the Business Partner Program will allow more businesses to access the program during difficult times.

“Since its inception the Business Partner Program has delivered nearly $300,000 in funding to almost 100 local businesses. The boost to the program through Invigorate Gunnedah will help more businesses adapt and innovate, ensuring they are on the front foot when this pandemic passes,” Cr Luke said.

“Vibrant shop fronts will encourage more people to stop and spend locally. The grants also have flow on economic benefits for local tradespeople completing the upgrades and their suppliers as well.

“In such an uncertain year, programs such as this allow for us to focus on the positive things and plan for the future. I encourage all businesses with commercial facades or signage to consider if there is a project they could use this grant for.”

Applications are now open and will close on September 30, 2020. For more information and to apply online visit https://gunnedah.smartygrants.com.au/BPP2021SF.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

August 13, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council and Hunter New England Health have joined forces to hold a Community Information Day on August 22 to link the community with the health and support services available to them.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said when things happen in people’s lives and they are faced with a stressful situation that causes a need for help, it could be challenging to know where to turn.

“Our community has been dealing with a lot in the last four years, with the extended period of drought, the onset and effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and, during 2020, many other tragic events that have touched the lives of many in our community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We understand it can be very confusing trying to understand where to find help and which service providers offer the type of assistance you need.

“Gunnedah Shire Council and Hunter New England Health have agreed to the benefits of holding a community event to inform our community and provide the opportunity for members to engage with representatives from the many providers of health and support services in our region.

“These will include mental health services, counselling services and support services to help with day-to-day challenges including finances and charity assistance.

The information day will be for people of all ages and all walks of life.

“This event will be held in our Town Hall where the doors will open at 9am and close at 2pm.”

The Community Information Day will be held on Saturday, August 22 and will include a COVID Management Plan, with social distancing, sanitiser and electronic check-in at the door and COVID marshalls.

“We have a strong network of support services in Gunnedah Shire, but people need to be aware of what they are, what they provide, where they are and whether they are suitable for their needs,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This day offers a free and friendly opportunity to speak to representatives from participating organisations.”

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

13 August, 2020

More than $28,000 will go to 15 Gunnedah Shire businesses and organisations for new projects under the latest round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.

Business Partner Program Advisory Group chair Cr Ann Luke said this round had attracted 24 applications which were considered by the advisory group.

“The Business Partner Program has been a hugely successful Council initiative that has helped get close to 100 projects off the ground,” Cr Luke said.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has recognised the worth of this program during the difficult time of COVID-19 and has significantly stepped it up this year to encourage the resilience of our local businesses.

“We announced the special round aimed at improving a business’ online presence in April, as part of the Community Resilience COVID-19 Business Support Package.

“In June, we announced a special COVID-19 Business Partner Program round that encouraged online development for 22 businesses. Council has dedicated $200,000 this year to supporting worthy projects that assist new businesses or expand existing businesses and organisations.

“The boosted allocation of $200,000 towards the Business Partner Program is an initiative included among a range of measures in the second phase of the Community Resilience Package aimed at business recovery. The package, Invigorate Gunnedah, also includes an additional round to assist businesses in improving their appearance, with up to $1000 available for signage and façade upgrades. The round opens on 17 August and closes 30 September.

“This round will help 15 of our businesses and organisations, including significant support for a renovation of the Royal Hotel at Tambar Springs.

“The advisory group has been impressed by the level of innovation and optimism this round of applications shows.”

Successful applications for this round of Business Partner Program funding were:

• Royal Hotel, Tambar Springs - $10,000 towards a renovation
• The Beauty Loft - $2000 towards a makeover for the business
• Two Souls Boutique - $2000 for a new business start-up
• Stacey McAllan Legal - $1900 towards a Legal Dispute Resolution Centre
• BPA Civil and Mining Pty Ltd - $1700 towards business and employment marketing
• Men’s Retreat Barbershop - $1500 towards a shop upgrade
• Micah Barnes Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning - $1500 towards advertising
• Gunnedah & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry - $1400 towards recovery engagement with Gunnedah businesses
• Two Cats Creative - $1000 towards signage and backdrop
• Healing with Bowen - $1000 towards advertising and marketing
• Practical Health Consulting - $1000 towards an upgrade
• Jade Punch Art - $1000 towards a home office set-up
• Gunnedah BnB - $1000 towards business start up
• Carwash 2380 - $750 towards social media and brand awareness campaign
• Gunnedah Serviced Apartments - $500 towards upgrade of website and signage

Caption: Stacey McAllan from Stacey McAllan Legal is among the successful applicants for the latest round of the Business Partner Program.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

12 August, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has taken out top honours in two categories at this year’s Local Government Awards, for librarian Christiane Birkett’s outstanding individual contribution and the Rainbow Serpent Water Feature Project.

Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett received the RH Dougherty Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution, with the award recognising and encouraging greater understanding and communication by councils with the communities they serve.

Under the leadership of Mrs Birkett, the Gunnedah Shire Library has delivered several award winning programs to the Gunnedah community. Most recently the Brain Training Expanded program was recognised in the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards for continued delivery to seniors during the COVID-19 library closure period.

Judges of the RH Dougherty awards commented, “[w]hat a great person Christiane Birkett is! Her passion to assist the community in particular to impart knowledge and her love, obviously, for books! The Brain Training initiative is a great idea! A great success story indeed.”

Council’s Rainbow Serpent Water Feature Project was also successful, receiving the Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award which celebrates outstanding achievement by local government organisations in strategic planning for arts and culture.

Judges commented that the water feature is “[a]n extraordinary story of persistence and admirable Aboriginal-led art. The capacity to engage not only with the women creating the sculpture but the support of the community is innovative.”

Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said that Council is honoured to be recognised for this important cultural initiative, and acknowledged the efforts of local Kamilaroi artists in bringing the project to life.

“Shirley Long, Janet Wanless, Delma Jones, Ellen Draper, Gloria Foley, June Cox, Alison Cox, Rita Long and Cindy Foley advocated for the completion of this project for almost 20 years,” Ms Mackley said.

“The water feature is now permanently installed in front of the Cultural Precinct as a celebrated cultural asset that preserves and celebrates the culture, history and experiences of these strong and determined women.”

The Rainbow Serpent Water Feature is positioned outside The Civic Theatre on Chandos Street as a part of Gunnedah’s Cultural Precinct. This is a permanent structure and is open for the community to visit.

To learn more about library programs and initiatives, contact the library on (02) 6740 2190.

Photo Caption: (From left to right) Artist Gloria Foley, Cr Owen Hasler and Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley, alongside the completed water feature.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

August 11, 2020

Another three projects submitted during a Gunnedah Shire Council call for community resilience projects will go ahead with significant benefits for the community.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said he was pleased to announce Carroll Progress Association, Gunnedah Tennis Club, and the Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group had been granted funding through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program.

“We called for new projects late last year to stimulate local spending, provide employment and use local businesses and suppliers while delivering a long-lasting public benefit,” Cr Chaffey said.

“These are three of the wonderful projects that met those requirements.

“It’s exciting to see the Carroll Sportsground on its way to being restored as the heart of the sporting community in Carroll. Congratulations to the Carroll Progress Association for taking on this project which will have not only sporting benefits, but will provide a gathering place and make the Carroll community even stronger.

“The Gunnedah Tennis Club has also come up with a great project to install LED lighting at the popular Wolseley Park courts. This will mean greater energy efficiency, more even lighting and less light spill for nearby residents. Gunnedah has some great tennis talent, and this will make the courts better for both those who are heading for big things, and those who just want to have a bit of fun.

“I would also like to congratulate the Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group (GULG) on their projects to improve the popular walking and recreation areas of Porcupine Reserve and Pensioners Hill Reserve.

“The initiative includes rehabilitation of some of the Porcupine walking track, installing bollards at the perimeter of the reserve to prevent four-wheel-drive damage, and new directional signs.

“At Pensioners Hill, GULG have created new garden beds with native plants and installed a new eagle bench which is a work of art.

“Gunnedah Shire Council is really pleased to have been able to work with these groups to secure federal funding through the Drought Communities Program, and we look forward to the results.

“These are projects that are help to build our resilience during times of drought and beyond.”

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke with Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group chair Mark Kesby (left) and member George Truman (right).

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

August 11, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is offering groups and individuals the opportunity to have a piece of Gunnedah’s history in your home.

The seating has been replaced at the Civic Cinema, and the old chairs are now up for sale.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the royal red chairs were first installed nearly 20 years ago, in 2001 when the Civic was first built.

“Going to the movies has always been a much-loved part of life,” Ms Mackley said.

“These seats have given cinema-goers a front row (and a back row) seat for classic cinema moments from Shrek to The Notebook and King Kong.

“The chairs are part of Gunnedah’s history, from a child’s first performance to their first time seeing a movie on the big screen.”

There will be three viewing days for individuals and community groups who are interested in purchasing chairs.

Individuals and groups must prebook a ticket for the viewing days on Seat Advisor through the ‘Buy tickets’ link at www.thecivic.com.au

The viewing days and times will be:
• 3.30-5.30pm Monday, August 17
• 3.30-5.30pm Tuesday, August 18
• 3.30-5.30pm Wednesday, August 19.

Chairs will be for sale and collection. The purchaser must organise their own removal and transport. A nominal fee will be charged for each seat depending on the amount of seats purchased and the chairs condition.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

August 11, 2020

An innovative exhibition inspired by the importance of space in artworks will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, August 21.

“The Space Between” is an exhibition by Hayley Ward and Patricia Petersen that explores the use of space within a painting based on ideas and philosophies from Asia.

Patricia Petersen has just returned from studying significant contemporary Asian ink brushwork artists in Singapore, China and Japan, which inspired her artworks.
“I have always been fascinated by the Asian concept of giving respect and equal importance to the painted and unpainted space of a painting,” Patricia said.

“Traditionally, the painted area can be seen to energise the white space. Paul Gauguin, who was influenced by Japanese wood block prints stated that ‘The most important in art is what is not stated’.”

Hayley Ward explores the Japanese practice of Boro and the concept of Wabi-Sabi using found objects and encaustic wax paint.

Boro are well-used Japanese textiles that have been mended or patched together using sashiko (little stabs) stitching. Wabi-Sabi relates to a particular Japanese aesthetic and celebrates the earthy, imperfect and variegated.

“I hope to bring attention to the overlooked beauty of worn and discarded objects that are no longer valued and to encourage people to reassess our throwaway culture,” Hayley Ward said.

What: “The Space Between” Exhibition 2020
Official Opening: 6pm Friday, 21st August, 2020
Exhibition continues until: Friday, 18th September, 2020

Light refreshments provided.

Free tickets can be booked through the “Buy Tickets” link at www.thecivic.com.au Gunnedah Shire Council is asking guests to book a free ticket to attend the opening to ensure COVIDSafe protocols.

Captions:
Patricia Petersen works on an artwork

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.