Gunnedah Shire Council's Community Safety team is currently investigating the illegal dumping of asbestos on Grain Valley Way, Goolhi.

Sometime between late afternoon on Monday 4, September, and the early morning of Tuesday 5, September, a person or persons have dumped several hundred kilograms of asbestos containing material on the side of Grain Valley Road, north of Goolhi Road.

Council is now appealing for witnesses who travelled this road between these times and may have seen a light to heavy rigid vehicle in this area, or have dash cam footage.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Council's Community Safety Team on 02 67402100, or online at www.ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au .

The Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging local businesses to apply for funding through its Business Partner Program Round Two 2023/24.

The popular program aims to support projects that stimulate economic activity in the Gunnedah Shire with all applications considered on individual merits and priority given to those demonstrating they can help generate employment and grow population in the region.

Councillor Colleen Fuller urged local businesses to be proactive about securing themselves a slice of the funding available.

“This is wonderful opportunity for locals to potentially expand their business or bring to life an idea that requires financial support. It is well worth going through the simple process of applying, especially during these tough economic times,” she said.

Applications are open until October 31, 2023 and the Program Guidelines and Application Form can be found at https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/business-support/business-grants-funding/item/959-business-partner-program .

For any questions regarding the Program and application process please contact the Economic Development Team on (02) 6740 2100.

5 September, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council will host a number of free workshops in September.

They are:

The Gunnedah Shire Demographic Workshop

Join Glenn Capuano from .id for an informative and engaging demographic workshop.

.id stands for “informed decisions” and id’s work is to provide decision-makers within government, industry and the community with accurate, accessible, easy-to-use information about communities and how they are changing.

When: Friday, September 8, 2023 at the Smithurst Theatre in Conadilly Street.

Session 1: 9am-10am Gunnedah Shire Demographic Snapshot:

• An overview of statewide trends in population during and after the pandemic.
  • How the Census played out in Gunnedah and northern New South Wales.
  • How is Gunnedah’s population changing, which age groups are moving in and out, and where from and to?
  • Changing socio-economic and cultural diversity characteristics.
  • Who is working from home – who moved in for the tree change but works elsewhere?
  • Housing – how affordable is it, who is in housing stress and where?
  • Economic characteristics of Gunnedah – main industries and value of the economy.

Friday, September 8, 2023.

Session 2: 10.30am-12pm Profile .id Tools Made Easy:

• How to use the .id toolkit (profile, atlas ad economy.id) to tell the changing story of Gunnedah Shire.
  • Dominant-emerging analysis, how to use it to tell the story.
  • Using datasets like migration data and SEIFA data to pinpoint locations within Gunnedah which are different from the main trend.
  • Using the economic impact and event tools to look at how the economy would change if industry changes happened.
  • Mapping changing characteristics in atlas.id.

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1109640

The DisABILITY Planning Workshop

Gunnedah Shire Council and Carers NSW have partnered to present a unique opportunity for the community to have their say on how to enhance access in the Gunnedah Shire.

A free three-hour workshop is aimed at support services, carers, people with disability and any interested community members and organisations.

With an additional focus on disaster-preparedness, attendees will explore concepts of community attitudes and behaviours, liveability and employment, and work to identify ways to remove barriers, improve access opportunities and celebrate an inclusive, welcoming and resilient community.

Ideas will directly inform Gunnedah Shire Council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan and Carers NSW Care 2 Prepare Project.

When: Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the Smithurst Theatre in Conadilly Street.

9.30am-12.30pm

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/disability-workshop-planning-for-access-inclusion-in-the-gunnedah-shire-tickets-693824887917?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council will host two workshops in September for business people and community members.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

29 August, 2023

This Friday, art will take on human form with the opening of Body of Work at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

This vibrant exhibition features a collection of 14 mannequins, each reimagined by a talented artist from the New England North-West region.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said Body of Work brought something modern and colourful to the gallery.

“The Body of Work exhibition is testament to the creativity we have in this region,” Ms Frater said.

“The artists have each taken a mannequin and made it distinctly their own work. From the inspiration of nature, to cultural creativity and drama, and from textiles to glass mosaic work and digital projection – this exhibition is truly something different.

“Come along to see this adventure into art.”

The exhibiting artists are:
• Lisa Almagro
• Karen Balsar
• Waabii Chapman-Burgess
• Kathy Creamer
• Awan Eveleigh
• Amanda Gwalter
• Tania Hartigan
• Jodie Herden
• Tess Reading
• Joanne Stead
• Emma Stilts
• Wendy Thompson
• Jessica Tribe
• Jody White

Body of Work opens at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 6pm on Friday, September 1, and will continue until Friday, September 29.
To find out more, visit https://www.thecivic.com.au/art--exhibitions

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

Aladdin and his Magic Smartwatch will entertain Gunnedah families at The Civic during the month of October.

Written by A.J Bailey and staged by Jally Entertainment, Aladdin and his Magic Smartwatch is a 50-minute live theatre show suitable for audiences aged 3 to 11 years old.

In this story, Aladdin trades his old lamp for a new Smartwatch but things start to go awry and strange things happen.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater is encouraging families to come and see the show which has enjoyed plenty of acclaim throughout regional Australia.

“Aladdin is a character that has captured the imagination of generations for many years and this quirky and entertaining take on the original is a fun show that I’m sure young families in our community will really enjoy,” Ms Frater said.

Aladdin and his Magic Smartwatch will take the stage at The Civic on Thursday, October 12 at 10.30am and 1pm.

Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased online - http://2hqy76getc80ta4ca79kr1gc0g.live.abccinema.co.nz/movie/aladdin-and-his-magic-smart-watch

New laws for food businesses under Standard 3.2.2A

Recent changes to the Food Standards Code have introduced new requirements for all businesses that prepare and serve food in NSW.

From Friday 8 December 2023, businesses that process unpackaged, potentially hazardous food, and serve it ready-to-eat, are required to:

• have a qualified onsite Food Safety Supervisor;
• ensure all food handlers are trained in food safety and hygiene; and
• be able to show their food is safe.

Businesses that only slice, weigh, repack, reheat or hot-hold potentially hazardous food they have not made themselves, for example for example slicing fruit or reheating meals provided by a caterer, are required to:

• have a qualified onsite Food Safety Supervisor, and 
• ensure all food handlers are trained in food safety and hygiene.

The changes affect most retail and hospitality food businesses, as well as school canteens, childcare and out of school hours (OOSH) services, charities and not-for-profits that regularly sell food, delis, supermarkets, coffee vendors and correctional centres.

See the NSW Food Authority website for more information:

• Standard 3.2.2A quiz for businesses
• Standard 3.2.2A – Frequently asked questions
• Food Safety Supervisors
• Free Food Handler Basics training
• Showing food is safe

Registering your Food Business:

All food businesses must either:

• Notify Council of their food activity details (This depends on the type of business. Check if this applies to your business).
• Hold a NSW Food Authority licence (This applies to food businesses in sectors covered by regulation under the Food Act 2003).
• Notify the NSW Food Authority of their food activity details (This depends on the type of business. Check if this applies to your business).

Temporary Food Stalls (TFS):

Temporary food stalls include any structure set up for a specific, occasional event, such as a fete, fair, market or concert. All food stalls must be registered with Council before conducting business. There are fees associated with this application. Applications must be lodged no less than 10 business days prior to the event to ensure your approval is issued on time.

The NSW Food Authority provides a comprehensive guide of your responsibilities of operating a temporary food stall.

Mobile Food Vendors (MFV):

Mobile food vendors are vehicles which are used for on-site food preparation such as hamburgers, hot dogs and kebabs, one-step food preparation such as popcorn, fairy floss, coffee and squeezing juices or any type of food including pre-packaged food.

In addition to applying to operate a mobile food vending vehicle, an inspection must be carried out prior to approval or renewal, or as requested. Vehicles registered outside of the Gunnedah Local Government Area are required to seek approval to operate in our area.

The NSW Food Authority have put together a Guidelines for Mobile Food Vending Vehicles which provides the food safety standards and requirements that need to be met along with a convenient checklist that allows operators to identify any key issues that they may still need to meet prior to operating.

Private Land Use (MFV only):

The State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) allows mobile food vending vehicles to trade from private land subject to certain criteria. Certain development standards apply including a requirement for the consent of the landowner, a limit of one vehicle per site and the hours of operation being restricted to 7am to 7pm in residential zones. Notification to Council is still required.

23 August, 2023

NOTICE OF PROPOSED HAZARD REDUCTION WORKS PORCUPINE RESERVE APEX ROAD, GUNNEDAH - SATURDAY 26-28 AUGUST 2023

The Liverpool Range District will be undertaking Hazard Reduction Works in the Porcupine Reserve, Apex Rd, Gunnedah. Works will be undertaken East of Porcupine Lookout and are set to commence from 11am on Saturday 26 to Monday 28 August, 2023.

Crews will undertake backburning of the area throughout the day and evening and will be supported by aircraft during day light hours.

This is a significant hazard reduction for the area as it creates a Strategic Fire Advantage Zone for properties east of the lookout. Whilst all efforts will be made to minimalise smoke impacts to the area, It is anticipated that there will be some smoke over the roads and in the village itself for the duration of the burn.

As the prescribed burn will generate smoke, hot embers and heat, it is important that you consider the following:
• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes;
• Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns;
• Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage;
• Remove washing from clotheslines;
• Ensure pets have a protected area;
• If you are driving a vehicle, slow down, keep windows up and turn headlights on; and
• If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities. If smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice.

Should any further information be required, please contact the RFS Liverpool Range on (02) 6746 5800 between 9am and 4.30pm weekdays. You can also obtain additional information on prescribed burning and property preparedness by accessing the NSW Rural Fire Service website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

If weather conditions become unfavourable on the scheduled burn day, the hazard reduction burn will be postponed until conditions become suitable.
We also ask that motorists take care on the roads in the vicinity the burn area to allow our crews to safely conduct their work. Road Access to the Porcupine Reserve, via Apex Rd, Gunnedah will be closed for the duration of the Hazard Reduction.

Hiccup, a children’s live theatre show produced by Windmill Theatre Company, will come to the stage at The Civic in Gunnedah on Friday, 15 September.

Recommended for children aged between 4-10 years old, this 45-minute show is a rocking outback adventure to find the great hiccup cure.

A sleep-deprived camper, a cheeky quokka and an emu with a penchant for creating wild inventions awake to discover that a koala has come down with a stubborn and ear-shatteringly loud case of the hiccups.

The three embark on an epic journey through the night that sees them frantically eat, sing and invent their way towards a cure before the sun comes up.

“Hiccup is a very funny musical focussing on the importance of working together, finding friendship and how to stop the hiccups,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said.

“This will be a wonderfully entertaining show for young members of our region to enjoy. There’s a morning show or an early afternoon show, so we’re hoping parents and carers can attend when it suits their schedules.”

WHEN

Friday, 15 September
Session 1: 10.30am
Session 2: 1pm

LOCATION

The Civic Theatre, 83 Chandos St, Gunnedah NSW

TICKETS
$15

 For bookings or more information http://2hqy76getc80ta4ca79kr1gc0g.live.abccinema.co.nz/movie/hiccup

AgQuip kicks off in Gunnedah next Tuesday for its 50th Anniversary Year, with Gunnedah Shire Council on board as a sponsor.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah was the birthplace of AgQuip, with the first field days held in 1973 through the efforts of a small but visionary group of primary producers and volunteers.

“The AgQuip Field Days were not only an ingenious idea, but they were so successful that the legacy has been carried on for half a century, and become one of the biggest field day events in the Southern Hemisphere,” Cr Chaffey said.

“AgQuip, now held by ACM Rural Events, has cemented Gunnedah Shire’s reputation as the birthplace of innovation in agriculture. People from around the country and around the world gather here to see the future of farming.

“Each year, our Shire buzzes with the excitement of tens of thousands of exhibitors, sponsors and visitors who are here to see cutting-edge technology, technical demonstrations and the latest in efficiency and sustainability.

“AgQuip also shines a light on the Gunnedah Shire community and just how enviable our lifestyle can be. Our people are ambassadors for this beautiful part of New South Wales, and our organisations and businesses underpin the success of this important event.”

Cr Chaffey said with the influx of visitors would come the usual increase in traffic, and called on residents to be patient on the roads over the three-day period of AgQuip.

Traffic arrangements for AgQuip, Tuesday, 22 August to Thursday, 24 August:

• The overpass bridge will be open to heavy vehicles only between the hours of 7am to 10.30am and 2.30pm to 6pm. It will be open to all traffic outside these hours (pending traffic volumes).

• View Street and Wandobah Road will be detoured via Hunter Street between 7am and 10.30 am, and 2.30pm and 6pm. Those roads will be open to all traffic outside these hours. Normal bus route access will be available at all times.

• Black Jack Road will be closed at the Oxley Highway intersection between 7am and 7pm. Motorists will need to use Wandobah Road access.

The Gunnedah Shire Council stand is located at site number AA-BB/09, which is in the Education Pavilion.

Gunnedah Shire Council has awarded $39,435 towards the projects of ten community and sporting organisations under the 2023-24 Section 356 (Community and Sports) Small Grants Program.

Council’s Section 356 (Community and Sports) Small Grants Program has been in place since 2005 and is aimed at supporting the work of local not-for-profit, charitable community and sporting groups and organisations.

Among the biggest beneficiaries of $17,219 in Section 356 Community Grants was the Gunnedah Pre-School, which will receive $4,959.70 towards the purchase of soft mats, a crash mat and other equipment.

The Tambar Springs Progress Association will receive $4,920 for connection of electricity supply to the Community Recreation Centre, and the Gunnedah Rural Museum will receive $4,540 to purchase an A3 laser printer and photocopier.

Other community groups that were successful in securing funding included;

Allawah Cottage - $1,508.18 for purchase of new washing machine and dryer.

The Shepherd Centre - $1,292 for the delivery of an early intervention program for deaf children and their families in the Gunnedah Shire.

A total of $22,215.12 was allocated under the Section 356 Sports Grants.

Local sporting groups that were successful in their applications include the Gunnedah Swimming Club, which will receive $5,000 for the purchase of a new timing system, the Gunnedah and District Kennel Club will receive $5,000 towards purchase of insulation for its canteen roof, and the Gunnedah & District Pony Club will receive $4,224.50 to refit a new clubhouse first aid room.

The Gunnedah & District Football Club will receive $4,908.82 for the purchase of LED stadium lights and the Gunnedah Gymnastic Centre has been allocated $3,081.80 towards the purchase of two smart TVs.

Gunnedah Shire Council Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke congratulated the successful recipients.

“The Section 356 (Community and Sports) Small Grants Program is a vital funding source for our local sporting and community groups and Council is thrilled to be able to support their ongoing development to help ensure that they continue to play an important part in the every day lives of people living in our Shire,” Cr Hooke said.