Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
3 September, 2024
Gunnedah’s Wandobah Reserve – Off Leash Dog Park will open this Saturday, and dogs of Gunnedah and their owners are invited!
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the Off Leash Dog Park had been created at the request of dog owners throughout Gunnedah and would provide a place where dogs could play and mingle within a fenced area.
“The Wandobah Reserve – Off Leash Dog Park is an important new park for our Shire,” Mr Bartlett said.
“It is a secure fenced area where dogs and their owners can enjoy a bit of exercise and socialising.
“The construction and final design of the Off Leash Dog Park is a direct result of an extensive amount of community consultation that was undertaken as part of the project. The features include a secure double gate entrance, separate yards for large and small dogs, clear signage, bins, dog waste bags, agility equipment, water fountains for both owners and dogs, seating and also lighting for safe entry and exit.
“The park includes play equipment for the dogs that has utilised materials from other Council facilities, offering a great environmentally and budget-friendly solution.
“We invite dog owners to come and take a look and enjoy the park, remembering to please follow the information on the signage and to be mindful of other users.”
The Wandobah Reserve – Off Leash Dog Park will officially open with an event from 10am to 11am this Saturday, 7 September. The event will include a Best Dressed Dog Competition run by the Animal Welfare League of NSW Gunnedah, with free microchip checks and Companion Animal Register updates available.
Caption: Awaiting the final touches: The Wandobah Reserve – Off Leash Dog Park will open on Saturday.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
27 August 2024
A new exhibition to open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, 6 September is an adventure into the transformation of the human body from infancy through to old age.
Manilla’s Marilynne Barnes, whose own journey as an artist has seen her work with other talented artists and study fine arts, works in a variety of mediums and styles but remains true to one subject.
“Quite often, my exhibitions look like they have been done by different people,” she says. “I just can’t settle on one style. The only thing that is constant is the human form.”
Fascinated with the shape and language of the human body, Marilynne Barnes creates works that range from drawings to acrylics to oils, and often mixes mediums to achieve the desired mood.
The exhibition – A Lifetime of Change – will feature more than 40 works, many of them new, with artworks for sale.
“These are paintings and artworks of different stages of life, both male and female, from children through to adolescents and old age,” she says.
Everyone is invited to the opening of A Lifetime of Change at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 6pm on Friday, 6 September with free entry. The exhibition is open every day until Friday, 11 October with free entry.
For more information, visit www.thecivic.com.au
Caption: A section of Marilynne Barnes’s work The Golden Glow.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
19 August, 2024
Two community drop-in sessions will be held this week for people who want to learn more about the draft Master Plans for Kitchener Park, Wolseley Oval, the Showground and the Riverine Precinct (including Donnelly Fields), which are all currently on public exhibition.
The following drop-in sessions will be held outside Gunnedah Newsagency in Conadilly Street:
- Thursday, 22 August, 2024 – 3-5pm
- Friday, 23 August, 2024 – 9-11am
The draft Master Plans provide Council with direction for these four much-loved open spaces and have been created following community consultation for each site.
The documents are available for review at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or on Council’s website at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
If you have feedback on the draft plans on exhibition, please make a submission via the following methods:
- Email council@infogunnedah.com.au with the name of the plan in the subject line. Please include your name and contact details
- Complete an online form via the Contact Us section of Council’s website
- Post your submission to Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah, 2380 or hand it over the counter at Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.
Submissions will be accepted through until 5pm on Monday, 23 September 2024.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
15 August, 2024
A draft Gunnedah Memorial Park Cemetery Master Plan that plans for the 50 years ahead is now on public exhibition.
The draft Master Plan has been created by consultants Locale Consulting following stakeholder meetings and a community survey asking people for their feedback about the future of this important part of our community.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the draft Gunnedah Memorial Park Cemetery Master Plan included a blueprint for significant expansion of the cemetery.
“About half of the site of the Gunnedah Memorial Park Cemetery has been developed as the green and respectful space where many of our community’s loved ones are remembered today,” Mr Bartlett said.
“We would like to have a seamless transition to the southern part of the site, and this draft master plan provides us with a framework to plan ahead.
“62% of respondents to the community survey preferred the second option, which was for a lawn-style cemetery combined with a partial natural area to the west. Alongside the formal part of the Memorial Park, people wanted to see a native garden area with a memorial garden space with walking trails, reflective seating areas, memorial spaces, and a large central shelter.
“This draft Master Plan includes this along with providing for improved pedestrian access to all areas, signage and traffic flow. It provides for a natural extension of what is already a space that allows people to remember their loved ones in peaceful surroundings.”
Survey respondents identified five aspects as being most important for future planning of the Memorial Park. They are:
- Good access, such as pathways, particularly for older people
• Ensuring that the cemetery is safe and secure
• Having places for cremated remains to be interred
• Having beautifully maintained gardens
• A naturally beautiful environment using native plants and trees.
The draft Master Plan includes the existing partnership with the areas of the cemetery – the chapel, crematorium and memorial garden area in front of the chapel – owned by Lightfoot Funerals.
To view and find out how to put in a submission about the Gunnedah Memorial Park Cemetery Master Plan, click here. Submissions will close at 5pm on Monday, 14 October, 2024.
Caption: Gunnedah Memorial Park Cemetery includes a significant additional area that will be developed in years to come.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
15 August, 2024
Motions for the 2024 Local Government NSW Annual Conference
Gunnedah Shire Council will submit six motions for consideration by the 2024 Local Government NSW Annual Conference on Sunday, 17 November, 2024 in Tamworth.
Councillors voted yesterday at their final Ordinary Meeting for this term to submit the following motions:
1. That LGNSW request that the NSW Government review the pension discount amounts so that they are more equitable and reflect current circumstances. That pension discounts are to be fully funded by the NSW Government and indexed annually by CPI to bring NSW in line with the other states.
2. That LGNSW request that the NSW Government provide a pool of funds out of which regional and rural local governments can apply for funds to support accessible public pools.
3. That LGNSW request that the NSW Government, as a matter of urgency, review obstetric services in Gunnedah and Tamworth with the aim of allowing women to give birth in their local area.
4. That the State Government call on the Federal Government to restore to Local Government the Federal Assistance Grants to 1% of federal taxation revenue.
5. That the State Government works with NSW councils to address the systemic funding issues that are giving rise to many councils continuing to seek large increases in general rates by way of Special Rate Variations, and that existing sources of funding provided to local government be reviewed and higher levels of funding be directed into ongoing operational support instead of competitive special purpose grants to assist councils to become financially sustainable.
6. That LGNSW rejects the NSW State Government Ministerial Statement of Expectations Order 2024 regarding establishing of targets and expectations for average development assessment timeframes for NSW local government councils without allocation of additional resourcing and funding or the targets will lead to unintended negative outcomes on development within local communities.
Council looks to support Community Fun Day
Council has moved to endorse $2,250 each year as a financial contribution towards the delivery of the NAIDOC Community Fun Day for the 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27 financial years.
The NAIDOC Community Fun Day, organised by the Gunnedah NAIDOC Week Committee, has been postponed from NAIDOC Week in July to Sunday, 29 September in consideration of the cold weather impacts on Elders.
Gunnedah Shire Council has supported the Community Fun Day at Wolseley Park for more than 12 years.
The Council resolution to continue support for the event will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days, and can be viewed at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
Council adopts disABILITY Inclusion Action Plan
Gunnedah Shire Council has adopted the Gunnedah Shire disABILITY Inclusion Action Plan 2024-2028.
The Gunnedah Shire DisABILITY Inclusion Action Plan 2024-2028 Enhancing Access: Cultivating Inclusion outlines the measures put in place to ensure people with disability can access general supports and services available in the community and can participate fully in the community.
The three versions of the plan – a text version, an easy-read version and the full version - include 10 objectives and 48 actions across four focus areas. The plans can be viewed at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
14 August 2024
Gunnedah Shire is lucky enough to have an amazing Cultural Precinct featuring the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, the Civic Cinema and the Visitor Information Centre, as well as permanent art installations.
Community groups and schools can book free tours through Gunnedah Shire Council to introduce members or children to the Cultural Precinct.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy & Growth Susan Frater said this was a wonderful opportunity to take an in-depth look at the Shire’s vibrant cultural facilities.
“Whether it is for 15 minutes or a full hour, there is plenty to see at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct,” Ms Frater said.
“There are murals, installations and interactive activities as well as a rich history behind the buildings and murals. It can be an opportunity to take an up-close look at an exhibition and see it from a different perspective.”
Groups must be supervised by an organiser/teacher/supervisor and groups are welcome to bring morning tea. There will be a cost if the group requires coffee, tea and biscuits.
To discuss a tour, contact the Civic on 6740 2100 or email council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
13 August, 2024
Gunnedah Shire will once again host Australia’s biggest field days when AgQuip opens on August 20.
AgQuip brings the world to Gunnedah and Gunnedah to the world as thousands of visitors flock to the field days site on Black Jack Road.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy & Growth Susan Frater said Gunnedah Shire was at the heart of this important event.
“AgQuip is a born and bred Gunnedah Shire event that has played a huge role in bringing innovation to the agricultural community over more than 50 years,” Ms Frater said.
“We welcome all the exhibitors, visitors and sponsors to AgQuip and to Gunnedah, and invite them to spend time in our great Shire, whether it is through shopping, dining, accommodation or some of the many other attractions we have to offer.
“Gunnedah Shire Council is a sponsor of AgQuip, and we congratulate ACM Agri on once again making this wonderful event a reality.”
The community is asked to be patient on the roads during the AgQuip Field Days on Tuesday, 20 August to Thursday, 22 August while Gunnedah Shire hosts AgQuip visitors.
There will be changes to traffic conditions between 7am and 7pm on these days. Blackjack Road will be closed at the Oxley Highway intersection and motorists are requested to use Hunts Road instead.
Please drive carefully and according to conditions, and pay heed to road signage.
Gunnedah Shire Council will have a stand at the AgQuip Field Days in Pavilion 2. Staff will be available on site throughout the three days.
Caption: The Gunnedah Koala out and about at the AgQuip Field Days in 2023.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
5 August, 2024
It was a cold Gunnedah Shire July, but the statistics show Gunnedah warmed up with a good movie or a great book.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy & Growth Susan Frater said the number of movie-goers almost doubled in comparison with the same period last year.
“This July, 2930 people went to the movies at the Civic Cinema in Gunnedah,” Ms Frater said. “That’s a big increase on the 1584 people who visited the cinema in July 2023.
“Following the pandemic period when the movie industry was hit hard, we have seen blockbuster movies on our big screen, and July brought us great entertainment in the form of films like Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Locals weren’t the only people enjoying the cultural precinct. The latest statistics from the Visitor Information Centre show 12,100 people dropped in to find out more about Gunnedah Shire in the year to 30 June 2024.
And over at the Gunnedah Shire Library, our community was also finding an escape from the July cold weather with a good book – whether it was online, audio or in the traditional paperback or hardback version.
Ms Frater said there were 1561 books borrowed in July in addition to all of the online resources available at the Library, including the digital platform Hoopla that allows Library members instant access to read, watch and listen to more than one million titles.
“It’s great to see our community embracing the wonderful resources we have available in Gunnedah Shire at the Civic Cinema and the Library,” Ms Frater said.
“There are many great movies coming soon, and the library has an incredible selection of books and resources of all kinds.”
To find out more about the Civic Cinema, upcoming movies and the Civic Film Club, visit https://www.thecivic.com.au/
To find out more about what Gunnedah Shire Library has to offer, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/lifestyle/things-to-do/libraries-in-the-shire
Caption: Wendy Smith gets stuck into a good read in a cosy corner of Gunnedah Shire Library.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
2 August, 2024
Gunnedah Shire Council is planning for the future of the region, by considering the proposal of a Special Rate Variation (SRV) to maintain, and potentially enhance the services the community currently receives.
With initial community consultation on the SRV to be undertaken over the coming weeks, an SRV will allow Council to increase its general income above the rate peg, to provide the services and infrastructure desired by the community. SRVs can be either for a single year or over multiple years and can be permanent or temporary.
At Council’s ordinary meeting on 19 June 2024, Council endorsed the 2024/25 Operational Plan that included the action to begin consultation with the community about a potential SRV.
Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Hooke believes the Special Rate Variation will allow Council to deliver a bright future for the region.
“The difficulty Council faces around financially sustaining existing services and maintaining infrastructure within the existing income levels is not unique to our region and is one that many Councils across NSW are facing at this time,” Cr Hooke said.
“Like other Councils, we have been negatively impacted over time by the rate peg not keeping up with actual cost increases, reduced levels of financial assistance, cost shifting from other levels of government and an expanding infrastructure base, which is needed to support our growing community.
“The proposed SRV will ensure the timely maintenance of essential infrastructure like roads, bridges, sporting fields, playgrounds, and community facilities which we use every day, and would allow Council to work towards the communities’ future aspirations.”
The primary reasons Gunnedah Shire Council is investigating an SRV include:
1. To maintain current services: Ensuring council can continue to provide the same level of services and infrastructure maintenance.
2. Improving services: Enhancing or expanding existing services or adding new services to meet the needs of our growing community.
3. Financial sustainability: Addressing budget shortfalls and ensuring the long-term financial health of the council.
The potential application will be for a permanent SRV of 38.88% over two years. This will be comprised of a 24% increase in the first year (2025/26) and a 12% increase in the second year (2026/27). Both years include an assumed rate peg of 5%.
The proposed SRV would only apply to the rates portion of the bill (usually listed as the first item on the bill e.g., “Residential Gunnedah”) and not the separately listed essential charges such as waste and water.
Council will be engaging with the community over the coming weeks to gather feedback, share information and answer any questions around the proposed SRV. A series of drop-in sessions will be available for residents and ratepayers to attend, along with an online form for community members to provide feedback on Council’s website.
Council will hold the first of its planned community engagement sessions to discuss the proposed SRV at the Curlewis Community Hall next Monday, August 5, 2024 at 5:30PM.
Advise about other sessions will be made available on Council’s dedicated SRV website page at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au .
The SRV application process involves submitting a detailed proposal to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), outlining the reasons for the requested increase and how the additional revenue would be used. Community feedback is extremely valuable to the decision-making around the SRV, and it is important an application includes information direct from our community.
It is important that everyone understands that this a process to have the conversation regarding a potential SRV. Council will not make a final decision on an SRV application until later in the year, once the initial community consultation has been undertaken.
For FAQs, a handy rate calculator, or if you’re unable to attend one of the drop-in sessions and would like more information on the Special Rate Variation, visit Council’s website at:
www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/the-future-of-gunnedah/proposed-special-rate-variation
1 August, 2024
Works Services crews will be completing pre-reseal maintenance along Barber Street, including intersections, for the rest of the month (August).
his will include partial road closures (including whole small sections of the road) – please notify the traffic control staff if you need to access businesses within the closed zone and they will organise a method of access to the best of their ability. These works will also continue in other areas of Gunnedah and crews will notify the affected homes and businesses approximately one to two weeks before works commence via letter drop.
Gunnedah Shire Council appreciates your patience and understanding as we work to improve our roadways and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
