31 October, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group today launched the roll out of its fleet’s new anti-bullying and domestic violence designs.

In late 2018, Council received a grant under the NSW Community Safety Fund for funding towards the delivery of two projects to raise awareness about bullying and domestic violence in the community.

The latest project is the design and installation of a series of vinyl “skins” with key “no violence” and “no bullying” messages that have been installed on four of Council’s waste and water truck fleet.

“This is a proactive and highly visible campaign that aims to highlight that, as a community, we will not tolerate verbal or physical violence of any kind,” Crime Prevention Working Group Chair Cr Colleen Fuller said.

“We hope the community will support it. This project speaks volumes about what we value as a community and is an initiative that has already generated excitement and strong praise from support services.

“The designs have been developed in consultation with key stakeholder groups including the Gunnedah Community Action Team, and young people, and are consistent with two strong hashtags that operate in our community - #gunnedahsaysnotoviolence and #gunnedahsaysnotobullying.

Purple is a domestic violence colour and blue connects to both mental health and bullying awareness initiatives operating around the country.”

Councils’ Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton said “Speak Up” and “Speak Out” were recognised calls to action.

“To maximise the reach of the messaging, each truck will carry one domestic violence skin and one bullying skin, positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle,” Ms Hilton said.

“We hope that as the trucks travel around our Shire and on the roads and highways, they will receive favourable attention by locals and visitors, and add to the reputation that the Shire has of being welcoming, inclusive and safe.”

The first project to be funded through the Community Safety Fund was the design and installation of street banners in the CBD.

For more information on the project please contact Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton on 02 6740 2100.

Photo caption: The mobile message on Gunnedah Shire Council’s waste and water fleet.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

Australia Day 2020 Award nominations are now open. The Australia Day Committee is seeking nominations for people or groups who exhibit good citizenship and community qualities. Nomination can be made in a variety of categories. This year the categories are:Citizen of the Year Award (21 and over)

Young Citizen of the Year Award (20 and under)

• Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy
• Community Organisation and/or Event Achievement Award
• Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
• Sportsperson of the Year (21 and over)
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year (20 and under)
• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under)
• Sports Team of the Year Award
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award – Coach of the Year

Nomination forms are now available online or from the Gunnedah Shire Library Conadilly Street, The Civic Centre on Chandos Street or the Gunnedah Shire Council Building on Elgin Street.

Award winners will be announced in January 2020 during our Australia Day Dinner. All community members are encouraged to come along and enjoy the festivities. Please note nominations close 5.00pm Friday 10 January 2020, so get in early to avoid missing out.

30 October 2019

Gunnedah businesses are embracing new initiatives to bring the city Christmas dollar to drought-stricken regional New South Wales.

At least six local businesses have joined the Facebook/Instagram @BuyfromtheBush campaign which showcases products from towns facing drought.

Two have also joined the NSW Government’s Buy Regional hub, an online site that links to the websites of regional shops and sellers.

Martina Boyle, from Marval Designs, said she believed the Buy Regional hub was a fantastic initiative for rural New South Wales.

“It’s such a great idea,” Martina said. “Both the Buy Regional hub and the Buy from the Bush campaign are exactly what all of our small businesses need right now.

“Right across the country, people need to know that there are all these amazing things out here.”

Jodi Dolbel, from Enchanted on Conadilly, said she was stunned by the instant response to her listing on Buy Regional.

“I got to work the day after the listing went up and my inbox was full of sales,” Jodi said.

“That is awesome for the first day, it has far exceeded my expectations.

“City people are asking the question about what they can do to support us, and the answer is to buy from us.”

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle urged shops and sellers from the shire who were not part of the initiatives to look at joining.

“Strong small businesses go a long way to keeping our economy healthy,” she said.

“If you have a website, the Buy Regional initiative is a great option, and for those who have a social media presence, @BuyfromtheBush is getting a lot of attention.

“Our businesses have beautiful products on offer, and might be just the Christmas present someone from the city or outside our area is looking for. This can broaden our horizons and bring in some-much needed business.”

To find out more about Buy Regional, visit www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/regional-nsw/buy-regional-this-christmas/ or take a look at Buy from the Bush on Facebook or Instagram.

If you need assistance in starting an Instagram or Facebook account, contact Charlotte Hoddle at Gunnedah Shire Council on 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Susie Martin from Goodness & Gracious is a supporter of the Buy from the Bush campaign.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

30 October 2019

Gunnedah Shire people have been invited to have their say about regional digital connectivity at a community drop-in session hosted by the NSW Government.

The event, to be held at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Wednesday, November 6 from 5pm to 7pm, is an opportunity for people to learn more and have their say about digital connectivity.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle encouraged Gunnedah Shire residents to use the opportunity to make their experiences and their digital connectivity needs known.

“The session is part of the NSW Government’s Regional Digital Connectivity Program which includes $400 million investment in a faster and more reliable digital network to regional NSW,” Ms Hoddle said.

“The focus is on mobile coverage, internet and data, and farm and water digital needs.

“People who would like to learn more, or who want to be heard on these matters that are as critical here as they are in any other part of the state, should ensure they can go along.

“Digital connectivity is key to our economic growth and future, and we need to be on an equal platform with metropolitan businesses.”

Those who can’t make it to the session can still have a say by completing a survey at https://tinyurl.com/ConnectRegional or pick up a hard copy of the survey at Gunnedah Shire Council in Elgin Street or Service NSW centres including the centre at 387 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

30 October 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council has wound up its NSW Small Business Month program, with about 150 people and 80 local businesses taking part in events.

The final event on the calendar was the Wellness for Working Women session held on Tuesday, October 29 at the Civic, with about 50 Gunnedah women enjoying the evening.

The event, hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council and supported by Country Horizons and Stylista Rista, was chaired by Ange McCormack from Country Horizons with a panel of businesswomen for a discussion.

This was followed by presentations from local people about self-care, self-belief and resilience. The evening finished with a performance by entertainer Sheila Work.

Tracie Finlay, of Just Country, said she had “absolutely loved” the Wellness for Working Women event.

“I loved the honesty of the presenters,” she said.

“It’s very hard to talk about yourself and hard to open up. That for me was just great.

“I’d love to see this event happen again.”

The NSW Small Business Month program included 13 events ranging from business breakfasts to workshops and webinars about various aspects of business.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said it had been a comprehensive schedule of events held at an important time for local businesses.

“It is a difficult economic time, and these events were aimed at building resilience and skills to help keep our businesses growing and healthy,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Strong businesses of all sizes help secure the shire’s economic future, with the benefits felt right throughout the community.”

Photo caption: Gunnedah women enjoy the Wellness for Working Women event held as part of Gunnedah Shire Council’s NSW Small Business Month events.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

The Australia Day Working Group is calling for Expressions of Interest to cater for the annual Australia Day Dinner.

Saturday, 25 January 2020 at 7pm | GUNNEDAH TOWN HALL

To receive the specification document email council@infogunnedah.com.au or phone Council's Events & Engagement Officer Jacinta Cipolla (02) 6740 2113.

Quotation submissions close 5pm, Friday 15th, November 2019.

Eric Groth
General Manager

18 October 2019

Gunnedah has many talented women in the workplace, and Gunnedah Shire Council is helping build a network through the Wellness for Working Women event.

Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson said the event was part of Council’s full program for NSW Small Business Month.

“Gunnedah has a really vibrant network of working women across a huge range of industries,” Ms Wilson said.

“Business can be hard for anyone and, along with our partners for this event, Country Horizons and Stylista Rista, we wanted to create an arena for people to talk about the challenges and the solutions. Sharing experiences can be very powerful.

“The themes for the event are maintaining resilience and self-belief.

“Along with the panel, the event will start with networking drinks and will be followed by short presentations from local businesswomen with tips on wellness for working women. There will also be stalls at the event, and the $15 ticket price will include refreshments and a gift bag.”

The evening will be chaired by Ange McCormack of Country Horizons, with Taylah Hudson of Wander + Collect, Renee Williams of Life in Alignment and Marie Low of Two Cats Creative on the panel.

Lifestyle sessions will be hosted by Ameliorate Yoga, Gunnedah Massage Therapies, Crossfit Gunnedah, The Skin Studio, N+K&E and Stylista Rista.

This will be followed by entertainment by Sheila Works.

Wellness for Working Women will start at 5.30pm at the Civic on Tuesday, October 29. Tickets are $15 and are available through sa2.seatadvisor.com, or take a look at the Facebook event page, Small Business Month: Wellness for Working Women.

Photo caption: The Wellness for Working Women event aims to bring together Gunnedah women to talk about resilience and self-belief.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 October 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is creating a planning blueprint for the next 20 years, but needs to hear exactly what is important to shire residents and businesses.

Work is starting on the Shire’s first Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), the plan that will guide the future of Gunnedah Shire to 2040.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said this would be a key document for managing the use of the Shire’s land.

“We need to move into the next two decades with a clear plan of how we want our land use to look in 2040,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The Local Strategic Planning Statement will take into account exactly what is important to our residents and businesses. It will look at the mix of land use, the priorities we have for our Shire, and will create a vision for a community that is ready to take advantage of future opportunities.”

What is the LSPS?

• The Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) is a document that will:
• Determine how Gunnedah Shire Council will manage land in the Shire for the next 20 years
• Tell us how growth and change will be managed in the future
• Describe the special characteristics and community values of the area that should be retained
• Support the priorities of our Community Strategic Plan
• State agencies will use the LSPS to inform their infrastructure planning and service delivery for schools, hospitals and transport.

Have Your Say - You can get involved in a number of ways:

• Complete the Online Survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GunnedahLSPS
• Attend a Community Session at the Council’s Training Centre, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah NSW 2380. Numbers are limited to 2 per organisation. RSVP to planning@infogunnedah.com.au or phone: (02) 6740 2120  |  Friday 18 October, 12.00pm to 2.00pm
• Visit us at the Community Markets at Wolseley Oval, Conadilly Street, Gunnedah NSW - Saturday 19 October, 8.00am to 11.30am
• Use our online social pinpoint mapping tool at https://localeconsulting.mysocialpinpoint.com.au/gunnedah-lsps
• Email us at planning@infogunnedah.com.au
• ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

17 October, 2019

Eleven young Gunnedah people were given a special presentation by Gunnedah Shire Council today for their initiative in cleaning up graffiti.

“Muck-up Day” for Year 12 students had led to a mess at a Gunnedah park, and another group of students took the initiative to clean it up.

Jessie Betts, Ben Glennister, Coby Higgins, Taryn Maher, Chelsea McArthur, Ashleigh Mills, Helena Pease, Desmond Tuckerman, Zac West, Angelica White and Ashley White were presented with certificates today in recognition of their community spirit.

“We understand the end of school can be a reason for celebration and these things happen on muck-up day,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“What doesn’t happen so often is a group of young people getting together to clean it up.

“These are the sorts of actions that make us feel positive about the future. This shows leadership and initiative and is part of what makes Gunnedah the great place it is.”

Cr Chaffey also wished Year 12 Gunnedah Shire students all the best in their HSC exams which start today.

Photo caption: Students with their community spirit certificates following a presentation at Gunnedah Shire Council. Absent: Taryn Maher, Chelsea McArthur and Ashley White.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

17 October 2019

Spin yourself until you’re dizzy, compare your reflexes to a Formula 1 driver and see your fingertips under the microscope with the Shell Questacon Science Circus.

The Gunnedah Town Hall will be overflowing with exciting hands-on science exhibits when the Science Circus and their colourful semi-trailer roll into town for an exhibition of their “pop-up” science centre.

The Gunnedah Pop-up Science Centre will be held at Gunnedah Town Hall on Wednesday, October 23 from 4-7pm.

“This is an opportunity for hands-on science and technology experience that is great fun,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Communications and Cultural Services Eliza Gallen said.

“This is a really exciting program for students and means they can learn more about STEM areas with a range of interactive science shows including flying rockets, freezing cold liquid nitrogen and gooey slime.”

The Science Circus comprises 16 postgraduate students studying a Master of Science Communication (Outreach) at The Australian National University. The students tour with the Science Circus around Australia engaging people with science and technology through visits to communities.

The Shell Questacon Science Circus is an initiative of Shell, The Australian National University and Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre.

Admission is: adult $6, students/concession $5, family $18, children under 5 and Q Club members free. Tickets are available on entry. There will be a small shop.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Photo caption: The Pop-Up Science Centre will bring a host of interactive exhibits to Gunnedah.

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.