Gunnedah Shire Council will host a range of free activities to celebrate Local Government Week with the community. The events and activities aim to showcase the services Councils provide to local communities.

Local Government Week will be held from Monday, 31 July to Sunday, 6 August, with this year’s theme - ‘Discovery, Diversity, Democracy’ – promoting Council working with the community to create a strong, cohesive and vibrant Shire.

“Gunnedah Shire Council is striving towards being an innovative and proactive organisation. The recent community consultation and subsequent adoption of the Community Strategic Plan has highlighted areas of priority. We’re excited about and committed to delivering services that meet the needs of the community. Local Government Week is a time that we can show the community some of the services that are available to them – so be sure to come along and see what’s on offer.” Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said.

In conjunction with National Tree Day, keep an eye out for Gunnedah Shire Council’s Tree Pop-Up Event at the Smithurst Theatre Forecourt from 12:00pm-1:00pm on Monday, 31 July.

Community members are invited to attend a morning tea with GoCo staff. It’s the perfect opportunity to find out more information on the services they provide, how to access them and the vital role that volunteers play in GoCo. If you’ve got questions about Aged care, disability support, community transport, community hub options or Aboriginal support – this is the place to have them answered.

Young residents in the Gunnedah Shire are invited to a Meet and Greet with Gunnedah Youth Council on Wednesday, 2 August at 4.30pm. It’s a great place to have a chat about options for Young people in the Shire. You can also find out about joining Gunnedah Youth Council and some of the amazing activities on offer for members. There will be pizza to nibble on and plenty of other like-minded young people to chat to. GYC is your chance to make a difference.

Other activities include a Gunnedah Shire Library tour and morning tea on Thursday, 3 August from 10:00-11:00am, and a Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery tour and morning tea on Friday, 4 August from 10:00am-12:00pm. Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley will host an art class as part of the gallery tour.

Celebrations will conclude with a free movie screening of three-part series War on Waste from 2:30pm on Sunday, 6 August at The Civic Theatre to highlight Gunnedah Shire Council’s focus on correct waste management. War on Waste presenter Craig Reucassel is on a mission to see if the nation as a whole can do better when it comes to waste management. There will also be an intermission with nibbles provided.

A full program of events and activities can be found below and on Council’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/gunnedahshire

For more information or enquiries phone Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner (02) 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey together with the Gunnedah Ministers Fraternal invites members of the community to save the date for the 2017 Mayoral Dinner.

This year, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley, Governor of New South Wales, has accepted an invitation to be a guest at the event and will speak on his life as a Christian in his current role.

For the past 20 years, an Annual Mayoral Breakfast was held for community leaders, however, to welcome the Governor of NSW to the community and to share this rare opportunity, a Mayoral Dinner is behind held at the Gunnedah Town Hall.

“The Mayoral Dinner aims to bring the whole community together, to build relationships, enjoy fellowship and enhance community spirit,” Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“We are very honoured the 38th Governor of NSW has accepted our invitation and we would like to give everyone in the community the opportunity to attend and to hear His Excellency speak.

“Prior to his appointment as Governor in 2014, His Excellency served for 42 years in the Australian Army, with time as Chief of the Defence Force – his life experience will be a welcome addition to our evening,” he concluded.

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson will perform the Master of Ceremonies at the event, to be held on Wednesday, 13 September, 2017 from 6:30pm.

Tickets are $30 per head and include a two-course meal. Tickets can be purchased online at ww.thecivic.com.au or in person at Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Office or the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre. Ticket sales close at 5:00pm on Friday, 1 September, 2017.

For more information or enquiries please phone (02) 6740 2100.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council has started work on plans to create vibrancy in the Gunnedah Shire as part of its Community Strategic Plan (CSP).

Council adopted its 10-year Community Strategic Plan at its June Ordinary Meeting , which highlights the community’s vision to enhance streetscapes and open spaces in Gunnedah and its surrounding villages.
“Council engaged with a number of community groups across a variety of forums on ideas to enhance Gunnedah’s streetscapes and downtown precinct, which were in line with Council’s CSP,” Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

“Some ideas included planter boxes installed in the main street and establishing garden beds at the main entrance points to Gunnedah.

“Council has started work on these projects to see the ideas come to fruition for our community,” she said.
Parks and Gardens staff have designed and installed a planter box at the front of the Northern Inland Credit Union in Conadilly Street, to trial the initiative before more boxes are installed as part of the main street enhancement project between Elgin and Chandos streets.

“We have spoken to local businesses at the location and if we receive positive feedback on the planter box that will give us the green light to install up to 22 more in the downtown precinct,” Manager Public Facilities Geoff Phillips said.

“The boxes are constructed, planted and to be maintained by Council staff and would be installed behind the trees already planted on the roadway, meaning parking in the area will not be impacted. The idea is to predominantly plant flowering perennials to ensure durability and vibrancy throughout the year,” he concluded.

Council has also established garden beds at the three main entrances to town as part of the project, with plans to plant the Elgin Street and Chandos Street roundabouts also in the pipeline. Solar lights will be installed at the entrance points to Gunnedah to showcase the vibrancy at night.

For more information on Council’s Community Strategic Plan visit www.infogunnedah.com.au 

PHOTO CAPTION: Council’s Parks and Gardens staff member Troy Collison worked on the planter box in Conadilly Street.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Council resolved to sign a Memorandum of Understanding at last night’s Ordinary meeting to enter into discussions with Lianyungang Agricultural Development Group Co Ltd on agricultural trade and investment opportunities within the Gunnedah Local Government Area (LGA).

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey recently met with the Director of the large state-owned Chinese enterprise, discussing the company’s desire to investigate opportunities, with a specific focus on the establishment of a multi-species abattoir (beef and lamb) in Gunnedah.

“I am very delighted to receive the support from the Councillors to sign the MoU,” Cr Chaffey said.
“This is just the first step in achieving one of our major goals of creating a more diverse and stable economy by value-adding to some of the rich agricultural products that are produced in our region.

“There is no guarantee that this will come to fruition, however Gunnedah Shire Council will be looking at any opportunities to ensure and sustain growth in our shire. As our community continues to grow it is critical we focus on ensuring there are jobs for all people within our community now and into the future, from young to mature, from skilled to unskilled,” he said.

“We have a strong vision to ensure that all we do in the economic development space will give every opportunity for our youth of today and tomorrow to stay in this great shire to build their lives and futures, and the future of the region.”

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns said with the recent appointment of a Manager Economic Development, Charlotte Hoddle, and alignment with the Namoi Joint Organisation, Council is committed to ensuring the sustainable growth of the region’s economy.

“It is important to discuss all investment opportunities to safeguard the future of our region,” Mr Johns said.
“The potential of bringing an abattoir to Gunnedah would have a huge flow-on effect within the local economy from the farm gate to the retail and residential sector. It is important that we look towards stability within our economy to assist when hard times arise.”

Cr Chaffey said council has been developing concepts and plans and considering all opportunities with the view of value-adding to Gunnedah’s rich agricultural commodities.

“Value-adding specifically in the processing of the raw product guarantees development and jobs into the future,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have been casting our net not just locally, or throughout Australia, but we are actively looking internationally for investment partners, that will assist us to deliver on our direction.”

Lianyungang Agricultural Development Group Co Ltd has a registered capital of five billion Yuan, 30 subsidiary (holding) companies and more than 1200 employees.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the support of Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth, Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns and Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah’s war on drugs continues, with a collaborative community event staged on Friday to raise awareness of the negative impact of illicit drugs, and the misuse of legal drugs, such as alcohol. 

Gunnedah Shire Council, Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group and Gunnedah Community Drug Action Team joined forces with Gunnedah resident Judith Law to host the ‘Say No to Drugs Walk’ at Wolseley Park.

The initiative was a result of a request made to council by local resident Judith Law, to replicate a past event. 

Gunnedah Shire Council Social Planner Debra Hilton said the event was also significant because it coincided with the 40th anniversary of the murder of long-time drug campaigner Donald Mackay in Griffith in 1977.

She said the walk was an opportunity to educate and raise awareness in a very visible way.

“Being aware of the reasons children and adults use and become at- risk of being either dependent or addicted to drugs or alcohol is an important step,” Ms Hilton said. “We know that children and adults use drugs for a whole range of reasons.

“Research has shown overwhelmingly that working as a collective and bringing all sectors of the community together – to address and respond to drug related issues – is the most effective long-term strategy for building a stronger, more resilient and safe community.”

Ms Hilton said Gunnedah Shire is a “caring community” and that everyone can take an active role in doing what they can by increasing knowledge around drug use and to educate others.

“In particular our young people – in order to prevent drug taking and experimentation, and to minimise the harm and impact on not only the individual but the family and the community,” Ms Hilton said.

Crime Prevention Working Group Chair Colleen Fuller said the group will continue to target issues in the community.

“On behalf of Crime Prevention I believe that over many many years we’ve worked and seen changes and I think it shows in our community,” Cr Fuller said. “And we won’t rest on what we are doing.”

More than 100 community members united to walk the oval in support of the cause ending in the formation of a visible ‘No’ in the centre of Wolseley oval.

NSW Police, HealthWise, Gunnedah Family Support Home Base, Mackellar Care Services and Gunida Gunyah were among organisations represented at the walk.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council has received funding from the Department of Industry to bring vibrancy to Gunnedah’s CBD through the Future Towns Project.

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on the Gunnedah community to collaborate in projects of activation and street art and murals to bring vibrancy, action and creativity into Gunnedah’s CBD.

The Vibrant Precincts Project aims to foster connections, which strengthen cultural identity, and connection to place, in order to create a positive and prosperous community, and increase the economic success of Gunnedah.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said in May 2017, Council and People, Place and Partnerships held workshops and delivered consultation with the Gunnedah community sharing ideas of site activation.

“Throughout our consultations with Gunnedah’s local businesses and community groups some wonderful ideas were put forward and this subsidy will enable opportunities to build strong partnerships within our community and see some of these ideas become a reality,” Ms Mackley said.

More than $10,000 has been allocated to the two projects - Community CBD Activation Project and Street Art/Mural Project.

The Street Art/ Murals Project was allocated $6000 with murals to be delivered in three proposed sites within the Gunnedah CBD, including the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct Building and the alleyway joining Conadilly Street and Little Conadilly Street.

Council has allocated $4500 to the Community CBD Activation Project, offering nine $500 subsidies to community groups, arts and crafts groups, sporting groups and local businesses to collaborate and deliver projects within the CBD that will increase foot traffic and allow people to explore the CBD.

Applications open Wednesday 12 July, 2017.

Forms are available on below or at the Gunnedah Shire Council Office, 63 Elgin Street Gunnedah and Gunnedah Visitor information Centre, 81 Chandos Street, Gunnedah. All Applications must be submitted to council@infogunnedah.com.au by 5:00pm on Monday 31 July, 2017.

All submissions will be considered and selected by a panel. Successful applicants will be notified on Thursday 3 August, 2017. All projects must be delivered and completed by Wednesday 30 August, 2017.

For more information please contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer, Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au 

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

NAIDOC Week is here, and Gunnedah has celebrations for the whole community to enjoy. From 2 July to 9 July there will be a range of activities sharing Aboriginal culture and honoring the rich heritage of the Gamilaroi people.

“NAIDOC is a great celebration of Aboriginal culture, and the Gunnedah community coming together to recognise traditional language is really important” Gunnedah NAIDOC Committee Chairperson Cassy Aldridge said.
“We are really excited for the Annual NAIDOC march. This year, Aboriginal people are asked to invite a non-Indigenous person to march alongside them, to demonstrate unity and remember that Aboriginal history is the history of our land, our country; of all Australians.”

The NAIDOC march will start from the Red Chief Monument at 10.00am on Sunday 9 July and will finish at Wolseley Park with the Official Flag Raising Ceremony. The official proceedings will be followed by the Annual NAIDOC Community Fun Day which has free carnival rides, bubble soccer, art and craft, lingo bingo and other fun activities for all ages.

“The Community Fun Day at Wolseley Park will be amazing. There are so many things to enjoy, there’s something for everyone,” continued Ms Aldridge.

In 2017 the official NAIDOC theme is ‘Our Languages Matter,’ which acknowledges the connection language provides to ancestors, history and land. Gunnedah Shire Council will be celebrating language through sharing stories. Gunnedah Shire Libraries Toddler Time will feature “Stories of the Dreamtime.’

The Civic Cinema will feature a free ‘Cleverman Marathon’ on Saturday 8 July from 10.00am to 9.00pm, and a youth only screening of ‘Zach’s Ceremony’ from 6.00pm Wednesday 5 July.

The Annual NAIDOC Exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery ‘Marra Gigi through Guwaalay’ incorporates artworks from local artists, schools and community groups which reflect the theme ‘Our Language Matters’ from a local perspective, representing stories and language through visual and audio representations.

For more information about NAIDOC community events please contact NAIDOC Committee Chairperson Cassy Aldridge on 6743 0999

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Safer Sharps Disposal

Gunnedah Shire Council, in conjunction with various organisations, provides sharps disposal bins across the Shire for people with diabetes and other users of lancets, syringes and pen needles. The community is encouraged to dispose of sharps responsibly to reduce health and safety risks for workers at our waste and recycling centres.

Public sharps bins:

• Vernados Carpark, Little Barber St
• Pump House opposite Rugby Park, Wandobah Rd
• Gunnedah Waste Management Facility

Single use sharps bins:

• Brocks Court Wolseley Park (mounted on toilet block wall)
• O’Keefe Pavilion, Wolseley Park
• Mornington Park, Anzac Parade (mounted on toilet wall block)
• Gunnedah Community Health Centre, Marquis St
• Gunnedah Hospital, Marquis St
• Hagley/Osmond Chemist and Karen Carter Chemist (Conadilly St)

For more information please see our Sharps flyer below:

Gunnedah Shire Council is once again inviting applications from eligible community and sporting groups for financial assistance under its annual Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program.

The program has been in place for more than a decade, and is designed to support the work of local not-for- profits, charitable community and sporting groups and organisations.

“The level of funding available under the program is dependent on the project but can be up to $5,000” said Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor, Jamie Chaffey.

“The financial program is designed to aid the continuation of existing local projects or help fund projects that meet the needs of our growing community and I would encourage all our local groups to take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity for funding from Council” continued Cr. Chaffey.

Community Small Grants applications shall meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Addresses existing gaps in service or community development
• Addresses issues and/or recommendations outlined in the Gunnedah Shire Community Strategic Plan
• Promotes community development and seeks to address issues of access and equity
• Improves collaboration with other organisations/groups in the Shire
• Has involvement from volunteers and self-help initiatives, which build upon Council’s contribution
• Includes consumer/user participation in management of the project
• An innovative and creative approach to identified needs

Sports Small Grants applications are required to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Improves participation in their organisation or sports activities
• Addresses safety concerns
• Supports, trains and/or enhances volunteers
• Addresses issues identified within the Gunnedah Shire Community Strategic Plan

“We are looking forward to seeing some very creative ideas and projects and as Council seeks to support the development and continuity of local organisations, priority will be given to those applications that not only benefit their organisation but also the broader community,” Cr Chaffey said.

Application forms and guidelines are available from Council’s administration building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, the Shire Library or can be online under our Section 356 Community and Sports Grants page. Applications close 5.00pm Tuesday 25 July, 2017.

Further information is available by contacting Debra Hilton on 02 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au. 

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

At last night’s council meeting, Gunnedah Shire Council endorsed the 2017- 2027 Community Strategic Plan.

Council recently completed a wide range of engagement activities to understand the community’s ideas for the Gunnedah Shire, now, and into the future. The feedback, discussions and concerns that were raised have been considered and have helped guide many of the key themes that are represented in the plan.

The Community Strategic Plan is the highest level of strategic document of Council, identifying the community’s priorities that guide Council’s direction over 10 years. It identifies the themes and broad adjectives relating to key issues facing the Gunnedah Community.

“We’re excited to present a plan that has been developed in consultation with the community. Some examples of key initiatives presented include a water equalisation proposal, shade cloths in the parks, a reduction in fees and charges for users of the Town Hall and Civic, beautification of the entrances to town and improvements to the Villages” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director of Business Systems and Governance Colin Formann said.

“We’re really happy to present the final version of Community Strategic Plan to the community. Engaging with the community has enabled Council to take into consideration to a diverse number of ideas from across the community, and as a result, there are some really exciting visions and ideas that are represented in the CSP. It’s important to have ideas and aspirations for our community, but also important to have to have a plan as to how we achieve these goals – which is why the Community Strategic Plan is so important.“ Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The plan brings community groups and other tiers of Government together, so we’re all working toward a shared vision for the future of our community,” he continued.

“I’m elated that we are committing to the inclusive playground and that funds have been made available for the Curlewis pipeline in 2018/2019. Both these projects will require partner funding – and we’re committing to making them happen. There are some really great outcomes for the community that have come from the Community Strategic Plan and the Delivery and Operational plans,” he concluded.

A full copy of the Community Strategic Plan is available at www.infogunnedah.com.au.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.