9 May 2018

Gunnedah’s Waste Water Management Facility has undergone an $8.1 million major remodel to future-proof Gunnedah’s sewerage treatment works until 2038.

Gunnedah Shire Council secured $1.98 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Resources for Regions Program for the project, and allocated the remaining funds from its own budget for the works.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey officially opened the Plant on Wednesday afternoon.

“The $1.98 million contribution by the NSW Government to the Gunnedah Waste Water Treatment Plant is an investment in the future of Gunnedah,” Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said.

“The plant has not been upgraded since 1968 and was in need of improvement to enable additional treatment volume to support a strong and growing Gunnedah. This upgrade is about meeting residential and business needs on the horizon as Gunnedah continues to expand to meet growth in both the mining and agricultural sectors.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Chaffey said the project was in the planning for a number of years and work commenced in 2017 after a successful contractor was chosen.

“Gongues Construction was contracted for the works and has put in a fantastic effort ensuring this project has come in under budget and on time. I would also like to commend Council staff for their forward-thinking and initiative shown throughout this project,” Cr Chaffey said.

Council’s Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan said the major upgrade included the replacement of the inlet works, inlet pumping station, amenities building, digester, telemetry system and the sludge feed averaging tank for a new sludge drying system. New infrastructure includes a septic receival unit, a dewatering building and a dedicated switchboard room, roadworks and fencing.

“Some of the equipment replaced was nearly 80 years old,” Mr Sheridan said.

“The dewatering building has allowed the plant to enter the world of modern technology. It has the ability to dry treat sludge to 28 per cent dry solids, where most other technology sits at around 18 per cent. It also replaces the old drying beds which were really labour intensive and unsightly. We are really pleased with the outcome.”

Cr Chaffey said the major upgrade was initiated to increase the efficiency and modernise the treatment process, improve workplace health and safety and increase the capacity of the plant for future growth of the shire.

“Gunnedah is in a unique position as one of few rural towns in NSW still experiencing growth and it is important we strive to see our infrastructure match this expected growth,” Cr Chaffey said.

Council opted for the multi-million dollar upgrade over a complete rebuild, which would have cost upwards of $35 million.

Photo: Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey officially open the Gunnedah Waste Water Treatment Plant.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

8 May 2018

All roads lead to Gunnedah for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow in June as this bounty of belly laughs rolls into town.

Come along to the jam-packed, tour-de-comedy, featuring funnymakers from Australia and beyond, showcasing everything from stand up and sketch, to satire and song, in one side-splitting show.

Each year, the show is becoming better than ever, and this year it’s back by popular demand. A busload of Australian stars, talented newcomers and international performers will tour more than 80 destinations in Australia, including Gunnedah.

This year’s line-up includes Josh Earl, Sharul Channa, Suzi Ruffell, Tom Cashman and one more yet to be announced.

The show will be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Saturday, 16 June 2018, with doors opening from 7.00pm. A cash bar will be in operation and food will be available to purchase.

Tickets are $40 per adult, $35 concession, or a group booking of 10 people is $350. Tickets are available at www.thecivic.com.au or in-person at The Visitor Information Centre, Chandos Street or Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building, Elgin Street.

Warning: Performances often contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 16 years or older.

For more information please phone Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100

2 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has provided a boost to the arts and culture scene, with more than $16,000 granted to local groups under the new Arts and Cultural Funding Program.

Following submissions, a selection panel was appointed and recommended a total of $16,751.00 in grant funding to be distributed among five groups. The following funding was endorsed by Council at April’s Ordinary Council Meeting:

• Gunnedah Pottery Club $1400.00 to assist with workshop costs
• Gunnedah Embroiders Guild $851.00 to assist with tutor fees
• Arts Gunnedah $5000.00 to contribute to the Annual Arts and Ceramics Exhibition
• Two Rivers Arts Council $3000.00 to contribute to the Two Rivers Dance Collective and Big Circus Show
• Gunnedah Conservatorium $6,500.00 to assist with hosting the community choir, youth choir, community orchestra and to assist with costs for musical production, Chicago

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said the new program was adopted by Council at the February Ordinary Council Meeting and has enabled multiple arts and culture groups to apply for funding to support their programs and services.

“The new program brings Council’s process for distributing funds for arts groups into line with what occurs for sporting and community organisations, resulting in a fairer system,” Mr Formann said.

“The panel assessed the applications on their merits and ensured a fair distribution by prioritising projects which would have significant benefit to local arts and cultural programming in the Gunnedah community.”

Gunnedah Conservatorium Director Rebecca Ryan spoke in favour of the program.

“Council should be commended for taking this direction. It allows organisations to tailor and develop their programs to meet the community’s needs,” Ms Ryan said.

It is anticipated a second round of funding will be open for applications in June.

“A new round of funding is expected to open in the second half of this year, which will give organisations a second opportunity, or those that missed out in this round, to apply,” Mr Formann said.

Photo Caption: Successful recipients of grants from the Arts and Cultural Funding Program were invited to a presentation at Gunnedah Shire Council. Back from left, Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley, Hilda Morris (Gunnedah Embroiderers’ Guild), Trish Conway (TRAC), Director Corporate and Community Services (Colin Formann), Councillor David Moses, Councillor John Campbell. Front: Rebecca Ryan (Gunnedah Conservatorium), Jennifer Budden (Gunnedah Embroiderers’ Guild), Shirley Urquhart (Arts Gunnedah), Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Julie Goodwin (TRAC), Pat Tobin (Gunnedah Pottery Club) and Jenni Carlin (Gunnedah Pottery Club).

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

2 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is undertaking community consultation regarding a proposed location for an off-leash dog area.

Council’s Open Space Strategy has identified Athol Gallen Park, off Walter Rodd Street, as a suitable location due to its size and accessibility. The proposal includes fencing (1.2 metres high), seating, waste bins, a water point, concrete pathways and signage.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Public Facilities Geoff Phillips said Athol Gallen Park has the supporting infrastructure already in place, with carparks in both Walter Rodd Street and Winder Place, shaded trees and multiple access points for pedestrians and vehicles.

“Gunnedah currently has only one dog off-leash area, being the Woolshed Reserve in Maitland Street. This reserve is unfenced due to being in the floodplain. Feedback received by Council consistently calls for a fenced area,” Mr Phillips said.

“Athol Gallen Park has access from Ashford’s Watercourse walk and cycle way, Winder Place, Walter Rodd Street, as well as Baxter Street. There is already parking for six to seven vehicles and sufficient shade.

“At this stage, we are just trying to gather people’s thoughts and views. We hope that, if approved, an off-leash area will encourage people to exercise their dogs there. It’s important to provide a secure recreational area for them to get outdoors and to encourage responsible pet ownership as well.”

Council has developed a survey to seek feedback from residents of the Gunnedah Shire, on the proposed location. All data and comments from the survey will be reviewed and a report will be presented to Council for consideration.

The Athol Gallen Park - Dog off-leash area (Gunnedah) survey can be accessed online or a hard copy can be obtained from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building in Elgin Street. The survey must be submitted by 5.00pm on Thursday, 31 May 2018.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Public Facilities Geoff Phillips at Athol Gallen Park.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

Eather Drive in memory of the late Edward 'Clyde' Eather is a section of roadway extending west from Oxley Highway to the intersection of Ruvigne and Wilkinson Roads, Gunnedah.

The proposed road name will be publicly exhibited for a period of 28 days from Tuesday, 1 May 2018.

The proposed road name plan can be viewed online or in person at Council's Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah between the hours of 8.30am and 5.00pm.

Map of Proposed Road Naming - Eather Drive

Any person wishing to comment on the proposed road name may do so in writing, with submissions to be received by no later than 5.00pm, 28 May 2018.

Any submission should be addressed to:

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER
Gunnedah Shire Council
PO Box 63
Gunnedah, NSW 2380

Join the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow as it comes to Gunnedah in 2018! Come along to the jam-packed tour-de-comedy, featuring funnymakers from Australia and beyond, showcasing everything from stand-up and sketch, to satire and song in one side-splitting show! You won’t want to miss it when this bounty of belly laughs rolls into town.

The event will be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Saturday, 16 June 2018 from 7.30pm.

Tickets:

• Concession: $35.00
• Adult: $40.00
• Group Booking Discount (10+): $35.00 per ticket

Tickets can be purchased at www.thecivic.com.au or in person at the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre, Chandos Street or Gunnedah Shire Council Office, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Warning: Performances often contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 15 years or older. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the venue.

Monday, 23 April 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has resolved to provide financial and in-kind support to the Gunnedah Show Society for the upcoming Energy Innovation and Mining Expo (eIMEx).

Gunnedah Show Society approached Council seeking support for the event at the March Ordinary Council Meeting.

Council moved at last Wednesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting to provide up to $15,000 of in-kind support, as well as a $20,000 financial contribution to the Expo.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said eIMEx has the potential to become a large scale, recurring event, with flow on effects for the broader community.

“There are huge benefits for the community should this event become well-established and successful over a number of years,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is important to recognise the economic benefits that will flow on from the hosting of such an event. Early estimations outline a significant economic impact for our region as we expect to see both exhibitors and visitors from a wide area including Victoria, NSW and Queensland, as well as internationally.”

Cr Chaffey said Gunnedah is well-positioned to hold such a unique event that will showcase innovation in both sectors.

“Coal mining has a long history of over 140 years in the Gunnedah basin and is the burgeoning strength in Australia, with a forecasted long enduring future. Recent approvals and early works for solar projects in our Shire indicate our region is well suited for renewable energy developments,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The nearest similar event to this scale is in Mackay, Queensland, which is held in July every second year. There has previously been an expo held in Muswellbrook, but not in recent years.

“Congratulations to the Gunnedah Show Society for their efforts in developing this event, the committee has a proven track record of getting things done.”

The Energy Innovation and Mining Expo will be held at the Gunnedah Showground in early November 2018.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council shows support to Energy Innovation and Mining Expo at Council’s April Ordinary Meeting.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

18 April 2018

Australia’s favourite ‘kidult’ comedians, The Listies, are bringing their best-smelling book Ickypedia: A Dictionary of Disgusting New Words to the Gunnedah stage.

Ickypedia will be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Saturday, 5 May from 1.00pm.

Ickypedia is a seriously silly show that answers all of life’s unimportant questions: How do you take a smellfie? What exactly are udderpants? And what happens if you never ever clean your room? With snot monsters, bubble machines and toilet paper guns, it’s a mix of clowning, slapstick, and improvised chaos that the whole family will enjoy.

Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly, formerly of Gunnedah, make up the comedy duo, The Listies. Forming in 2008 after meeting a university, their show ‘More fun than a Wii’, went on to be the first kids show to be nominated for the prestigious Melbourne International Comedy Festival Best Show Award.

Since then they’ve toured from the Sydney Opera House to South Korea, from Edinburgh to Malaysia, and all over Australia. They have won awards, including the 2013 Sydney Critics Award for Best Children’s Production, and received countless rave reviews.

“This is one for the kids and a performance not to be missed, as The Listies promise a hilarious, fun show, full of laughs,” Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce your children to the theatre, and an experience they won’t forget.”

Tickets are $15.00 (under 15 years of age), $25.00 (15+), or a family ticket can be purchased for $60.00 (family of four). Tickets are available at www.thecivic.com.au 

Photo caption: The Listies, Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly. Photo: Andrew Wuttke.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

18 April 2018

A number of events and services will be held throughout the Gunnedah Shire on ANZAC Day to commemorate the fallen and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by men and women of war. 

Veterans and servicemen and women from across generations of armed conflicts bearing their medals will assemble and lead marches, joined by family members, school children, and emergency service personnel.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service - Gunnedah
The Gunnedah RSL Sub-branch has organised the official commemorative proceedings for ANZAC Day, Wednesday, 25 April 2018, in Gunnedah.
The Dawn Service begins at 5.30am at the Cenotaph Memorial on Conadilly Street, with Gunnedah Salvation Army Captain Richard Day leading the prayers of the ceremony.

ANZAC Day March and Mid-Morning Service - Gunnedah
The ANZAC Day March will begin at 10.30am, proceeding from Marquis Street and continuing down Conadilly Street. The official service begins at 11.00am at the Cenotaph Memorial on the corner of Elgin and Conadilly streets. The commemorative address will be led by Anglican Minister Scott Dunlop. The assembly point for the march will be the corner of Marquis and Elgin streets, outside Mitre 10 from 10.00am. The Veteran’s Cars will lead the procession, commencing at 10.30am.

ANZAC Day March and Service - Breeza
Organised by the Breeza Progress Association, the annual Breeza ANZAC Commemorative March will commence from 8.30am, with all participants asked to gather at the Old Cenotaph, before marching to the new Cenotaph near the park.

ANZAC Day – Curlewis
The march for the Dawn Service in Curlewis will proceed from the corner of Goran and Pike streets at 5.15am. Participants are asked to assemble at 5.00am. The morning ANZAC Day March in Curlewis will take place from the Commercial Hotel at 8.45am to the Cenotaph, with a service to begin at 9.00am.

ANZAC Day – Tambar Springs
The Tambar Springs Dawn Service will be held at 5.30am at the Tambar Springs War Memorial, breakfast will follow at the Royal Hotel, Tambar Springs.
A mid-morning service will take place at the Premer Lions Park from 10.45am, with lunch afterwards. Serving members will receive a complimentary lunch.

ANZAC DAY – Goolhi
Just over the border from the Gunnedah Shire, Goolhi will hold a sunset service from 5.30pm at the Goolhi Hall, followed by dinner.

2018 ANZAC Tribute Concert
The concert has been organised by the ANZAC Working Group and will be held on Sunday, 22 April at Pensioners Hill prior to ANZAC Day and aims to educate those in attendance on the effects of war. This is a free community concert commencing from 4.00pm and will include three sessions (approximately 45 minutes to one hour each, with 20 minute intermissions). The concert will include performances of traditional war tunes by the national award-winning Gunnedah Shire Junior Band, well-known songs from the last century by students of the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music, and war poetry readings and extracts from letters, read by school students. A barbecue will be held by Rotary Club of Gunnedah West. A golf buggy will be available to assist people to get to the top of the hill. Community members are asked to bring a picnic rug or chair and gather together to enjoy a sunset atop one of Gunnedah’s vantage points, while paying tribute to the men and women of war.

There is also free admission to the Water Town Museum from 11.30am on Anzac Day!

Anzac Working Group Chair and Councillor Owen Hasler said it is important to recognise the effects of wartime involvement and the sacrifices of soldiers, veterans and their families.

“Everyone in the community is invited and encouraged to participate in ANZAC Day ceremonies and events. We hope our community will unite to show support and pay tribute to our ANZACs and the role servicemen and women have played in defending our nation in the past, now, and into the future,” Cr Hasler said.

Photo caption: Veterans, service personnel, and community members gather in Breeza each year to march and pay their respects at a service at the Cenotaph.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

16 April 2018

Council is seeking written applications from Gunnedah Shire residents to fill the following positions on its Crime Prevention Working Group.

2 Community Representatives and 1 Youth Representative

Nominees must over 18, a resident of the Gunnedah Shire with strong community links and have a demonstrated commitment to, and/or understanding of, crime prevention and community safety

The Crime Prevention Working Group takes a collaborative approach to crime prevention, focusing on causes of crime and its functions as guided by the Gunnedah Shire Crime Prevention Plan. The Group meets bi-monthly on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 5.00pm.

Information regarding membership can be obtained from Council’s Community and Social Planner on 02 6740 2100.

The Crime Prevention Group Nomination Form can be downloaded from below or obtained from Council’s Administration building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Completed forms can be returned to 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or emailed to council@infogunndah.com.au