20 September 2018

Councillor Jamie Chaffey was re-elected as Mayor of Gunnedah Shire for his second term in a vote at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting (19 September).

Cr Chaffey will be supported by Cr Rob Hooke, after he was elected as the new Deputy Mayor for the two-year term.

The election was attended by community members, family of the Councillors and several dignitaries, including Walcha Shire Mayor Eric Noakes, Liverpool Plains Shire Mayor Andrew Hope and former Gunnedah Shire Mayor Bill Weakley.

Upon accepting the role of Mayor, Cr Chaffey said he was humbled to have the support of his fellow Councillors and looks forward to having the privilege of serving as Mayor of Gunnedah Shire for another two years.

“Congratulations to Cr Rob Hooke on his appointment as Deputy Mayor. I believe with this team we can continue to lead a Council that achieves great things together,” Cr Chaffey said.

During the meeting many of the Councillors paid tribute to outgoing Deputy Mayor Gae Swain, with Cr Chaffey acknowledging Cr Swain as a pillar of strength and guidance during his first two years on Council.

“Cr Swain has made an enormous contribution to this Shire, having served on Council for 23 years; as Mayor for nine years and as Deputy Mayor for six years,” he said.

“In the 33 years of Gunnedah Shire, Cr Swain has been the longest serving Mayor, and has been a light for myself and the organisation.”

In the Mayoral Minute tabled for the Council as a half-term report, Cr Chaffey outlined many of the great things the current Council has been involved with.

“There are a large number of decisions already made by Council that have taken big strides towards improving our great community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This Council is responsible for the 10-year Community Strategic Plan; for almost $24 million in grants, over $115 million delivered, or to be delivered, in major projects; as well as a number of strategies for improvement of our community’s excellent quality of life.

“It is a glowing indication of the vision for the community and an outstanding effort by all the staff and Councillors involved.

“Thank you for your consistency and motivation; and thank you for the opportunity to represent you again as Mayor.”

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

19 September 2018

The publication of Gunnedah’s first Youth Zine has been a great success and is now available for collection. During Youth Week 2018 (13-22 April) Gunnedah Youth Council, supported by APEX Club of Gunnedah, held a magazine making workshop with professional artist Daniel Stanley. Mr Stanley collated the submissions into a collection of art, poetry and essays from some of the young minds of Gunnedah.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong said the Youth Zine Project provides an opportunity for young people within the Gunnedah Shire to showcase their talents, values and perspectives in a creative format.

“It was really wonderful to see the initiative of the contributors and the diversity of submissions received for our first issue,” Ms Emojong said.

“There are poetry and opinion pieces, artwork and ideas for the future of Gunnedah; it is heartening to see young people utilising the platform for self-expression.

“The magazine (or zine for short) is a great way to collaborate, be creative, and allow young people to speak about what is important to them.”

Gunnedah Youth Council Chair Aidan R de Luzuriaga recently attended an APEX meeting to present the committee members with a copy of the zine, and to thank them for their support. Mr R de Luzuriaga said due to the success of the first zine, Gunnedah Youth Council is looking into avenues to continue the initiative. The publication of the first issue is not the end of the project according to Ms Emojong.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has organised for Daniel Stanley to run a free, two hour magazine design session during the spring school holidays on Friday, 5 October,” Ms Emojong said.

“This workshop will enable contributors to learn artistic skills, refine their zine submissions, and learn the art of successful zine creation.”

To attend the design session for the second edition of the Youth Zine Project, register online at www.thecivic.com.au. For a copy of the Gunnedah Youth Zine First Edition, visit The Civic, Chandos Street, Gunnedah or Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building, Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Youth Council presents the Youth Zines to the APEX Club of Gunnedah; Pictured, back from left: Aidan R de Luzuriaga, Aylish Flannery and Heather Lidwinski. Front: Emma Kersley, Donna Austin, Allyson Hoban, Erin McCabe, and Sewa Emojong.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

18 September 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council welcomed three new citizens yesterday at a special ceremony held on Australian Citizenship Day (September 17). Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Gae Swain performed the ceremony, welcoming Karen Crumbley, of United Kingdom, Jill Fulwood, of Britain and Lesley Idzerda, of Britain.

Cr Chaffey outlined the duties and responsibilities of the new citizens as they took a pledge to uphold Australian values.

“I am proud to be authorised as a person who may conduct this citizenship ceremony on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia. This is a very significant honour in the role of a Mayor,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Our ceremony recognises that citizenship is a common bond made meaningful because it embraces an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of all people.

“Your decision to accept Australian citizenship is a public recognition of your commitment to Australia and your family.”

Cr Swain said that choosing to embrace Australian values publicly was a significant decision made by the new citizens.

“Our three new citizens are what I call ABCs; Australians by choice. This is not something most Australians get to choose and makes your decision all the more special,” Cr Swain said.

Gunnedah Shire Council gifted the new citizens with native trees to mark the occasion.

Cr Chaffey was pleased to welcome the new citizens and acknowledged many of their friends and family who were present to mark the special occasion.

“The importance of holding this ceremony is to celebrate our multiculturalism, which makes us more aware and resilient as a community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“In the words of our new Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, The Hon David Coleman, ‘it’s now your responsibility to join us in building an even stronger nation’.”

Photo caption: New Australian citizens Jill Fulwood, Lesley Idzerda and Karen Crumbley with Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Gae Swain.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

6 September 2018

It is your childhood story but not like you remember.

Gunnedah Shire Council, Arts North West and Windmill Theatre Co have teamed up to bring Gunnedah a very special children’s live theatre performance of ‘Big Bad Wolf – the most misunderstood character in fairy tale history’.

Described as a bit of a loner, the Big Bad Wolf has no friends, but then he does have incredibly sharp teeth, yellow eyes and his own ideas about personal hygiene.
Luckily, one girl is brave enough to double-check this wolf’s bad press and an unlikely friendship is born.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said the performance is a clever and whimsical story that will delight children and adults alike.

“The retelling of the story of the Big Bad Wolf will have the whole family laughing along,” Ms Mackley said.
“The story is fun and thought-provoking, having you wonder why you were so scared of the Big Bad Wolf in the first place.”

The team at Gunnedah’s Cultural Precinct is encouraging everyone to come dressed as their favourite fairy tale character, with two family movie passes up for grabs, for the scariest and the funniest costumes.

The ‘Big Bad Wolf – the most misunderstood character in fairy tale history’ will be held on Saturday, 20 October at The Civic, 83 Chandos Street, from 5.00pm.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for children under 15 and $80 for two adults, two children. Bookings are essential. Tickets are available online at www.thecivic.com.au, or in person at Gunnedah’s Visitor Information Centre, Chandos Street Gunnedah or at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building, Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Photo caption: The Big Bad Wolf comes to The Civic.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

4 September 2018

As part of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex Upgrade, the Eric Arnold Heated Pool will be closed from Monday, September 10 to Friday, October 5, 2018, while works are undertaken for the refurbishment and maintenance at the indoor facility.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure Services Daniel Noble said the closure dates will assist the contractor, Hines Constructions Pty Ltd, and Council staff to carry out the necessary works.

“During the closure period a new filtration and sanitation system to the 25 metres pool will be installed and refurbishment of the amenities and entry areas will be undertaken by Hines Constructions Pty Ltd,” Mr Noble said.

“While the facility is closed, Council staff will also undertake maintenance works on the 25 metres pool, including repainting the pool shell.”

Preparations will begin on Friday, September 7 to permit the start of the refurbishment works the following week.

Mr Noble advised the pool will remain open during this preparatory work with small disruptions to some areas of the concourse.

“Council appreciates that the closure may cause some inconvenience, however the scheduled works will markedly improve the amenity and quality of the heated pool facility,” he said.

The heated pool will re-open at 5.30am on Saturday, October 6 2018.

Photo caption: Eric Arnold Heated Pool closed for refurbishments.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

4 September 2018

Bush fire season was brought forward to the start of September, with dryer and hotter conditions contributing to the extended season.

Until the end of the Bush Fire Danger Period, people wishing to light a fire in the open will require a permit, which are free and can be obtained from the Liverpool Range Zone Control Centre or NSW Fire and Rescue Gunnedah.

NSW Rural Fire Service announced the early commencement of Bush Fire Danger Period from 1 September for the Liverpool Range and urges residents to pay attention to the danger ratings in case of a Total Fire Ban.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure Services Daniel Noble urges residents to be prepared and make sure to obtain a fire permit.

“We know the risk of fires is higher in dry times, so it becomes even more important for everyone to be vigilant and careful,” Mr Noble said.

“If you have any doubt, contact the Liverpool Range Zone Control Centre and put a Bush Fire Survival Plan in place.”

Information about Total Fire Ban declarations is published at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au 

For more information call the Liverpool Range Zone Control Centre on (02) 6746 5800 or the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).

Photo caption: Bush Fire Danger Period began 1 September 2018.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

4 September 2018

The Australian Government Mobile Service Centre "Golden Wattle" is visiting the Gunnedah Shire.
When: Friday, 14 September, 9.00am to 12.30pm
Where: Near Mullaley Park, Nombi Street, Mullaley.

The Australian Government Mobile Service Centre’s are travelling to rural and regional communities to provide community members with information and access to government services. They are currently visiting drought-affected communities delivering a range of human services including assistance through the expanded Farm Household Allowance measure.

There are a number of services they can provide and assist you with.

• new claims for most Centrelink payments
• updating your information in their records
• confirming documents and supporting information, such as certifying copies of birth certificates
• how financial matters may impact your payments
• payment and service options to suit your needs
• child support payment and service options
• rural payment entitlements for eligible farmers
• Medicare transactions
• Medicare registrations
• social work support and referrals
• access to Self Service Terminals
• help with using online accounts and Express Plus mobile apps
• free hearing health checks for people 16 and over

They give information, assistance and support to rural and regional residents, including:

• older Australians
• families
• students
• job seekers
• people with disability
• carers
• farmers
• self-employed people

The Australian Government Mobile Service Centre’s can help with emergency on the ground support for Australian Government disaster recovery efforts.

You do not need to book, just show up on the day and bring any paperwork you think is appropriate.

31 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is currently in the process of upgrading the town water supply in Curlewis by installing a pipeline from Gunnedah to Curlewis. Construction is progressing well with approximately half the pipeline already installed.

Contractors will commence the installation of the water main in Pike Street on or around 6 September 2018, weather permitting. Every effort will be made to limit interruptions wherever possible, however unavoidable interruptions to traffic flow and property access may be experienced intermittently during the construction period. Further notification will be provided to residents affected prior to any interruption to the water supply. It is expected interruptions will occur when connections are made to the existing infrastructure.

For more information on the Curlewis Pipeline Project, please visit the Major Projects section of Council’s website.

If you have any special requirements during this period please do not hesitate to contact the contactors TCM Civil Pty Ltd. TCM Civil’s representative is Mr Trevor Heise and he can be contacted on 0418 495 606 or email trevor.heise@tcmcivil.com.au 

Should you have any questions relating to the changed conditions or the project please contact Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au 

30 August 2018

Council will be holding an auction of abandoned motor vehicles to be held at Gunnedah Shire Depot, Bennett Road Gunnedah on Saturday, 22 September 2018. Viewing of the vehicles will begin at 9:30 am with the auction commencing at 10:30 am.

All prospective buyers should register on site prior to the commencement of the auction and will be required to provide valid photo identification.

Payment and removal of all vehicles is required on the day of the auction – cash only.

The following motor vehicles have been impounded by Council in accordance with Section 16 of the Impounding Act 1993 and will be offered for auction if not claimed beforehand by the owners.

Note: Appropriate closed in footwear must be worn on site at all times.
All attendees must be over 16 years of age.
All prices that are bid are considered to include GST. All items have a reserve price.

Any further enquiries, please contact Council’s Planning & Environmental Services on 02 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager
Gunnedah Shire Council
PO Box 63
GUNNEDAH NSW 2380

29 August 2018

Emerge yourself in the vibrant and colourful artwork from Nemingha-based artist Shannon Woodward this September and October at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

Shannon has been painting for more than 20 years and her 2018 collection of works ‘Siren Dance after Midnight’ boasts some of her most romanticised cubist styles, according to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley.

“The audience will be lingering in the juxtaposition of the motion of the shapes,” Ms Mackley said.

“Shannon’s work has the ability to push the conventions of positive and negative space through her brilliance of composition. The result is a mesmerising collection of work that will be both calming and complex.”

Shannon has previously exhibited throughout the local region and with a Fine Arts Diploma under her belt enjoys exploring new compositions of layers, movement, colour and tone.

“Whether you consider yourself an art expert or you appreciate beautiful things, the exhibition is bound to delight you. The portraits of the female form are simple and graceful, filled with multiple personalities; just like in real life,” Ms Mackley said.

The official opening of Shannon Woodward’s Exhibition ‘Siren Dance after Midnight’ is from 6.00pm on Friday, 7 September at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street Gunnedah.

Drinks and light refreshments will be available. The exhibition continues until Friday 21 October, 2018.

Photo caption: Shannon Woodward art exhibition ‘Siren Dance after Midnight’

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.