July 24, 2023

New faces for working groups

Three new faces will join two Gunnedah Shire Council working groups.

Council this week endorsed Troy Silver as a community representative on the Gunnedah Shire Council Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, and Sharon Aldridge and her alternate Sally Wilson as Community Corrections representatives on the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group.

Nominations for the Skills and Training Working Group, the Economic Development Working Group, the Business Partner Program Advisory Group, the Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group, and the Australia Day Working Group are open.

For further information, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au, or contact the Manager Economy & Growth on (02) 6740 2100.

Council to apply for Growing Regions Program Round 1

Gunnedah Shire Council will apply for Australian Government Growing Regions Program Round 1 funding to go towards a new animal impound facility.

Council will seek funding of approximately $2.2 million to go towards the project. Escalating construction and labour costs have put the total for the project well above initial estimates and the funding made available last year through the Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5. Council will also contribute additional funds.

The Gunnedah Animal Impound Facility would deliver a safe, accessible, legislatively compliant, secure community facility that supports current and future animal impounding and rehoming requirements.

Amended Asset Management Policy on display

Gunnedah Shire Council’s amended Asset Management Policy has been endorsed by Council to be placed on public exhibition for 28 days.

The policy, which is required under the Local Government Act 1993, contains the principles and guidelines by which Council will manage its assets so that current and future local community needs can be met in an affordable way.

The policy can be viewed at the Gunnedah Shire Council administration building in Elgin Street, or online here.

Caption: Council will seek funding towards a new Gunnedah Animal Impound Facility.

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

July 14, 2023

Planning for the Gunnedah Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference on 23-24 November 2023 is well underway, with a line-up of notable and knowledgeable speakers already confirmed.

Speakers will include 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame, and 2020 Young Australian of the Year finalist Hunter Johnson, NSW Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism Yasmin Catley, social researcher and futurist Mark McCrindle, and crime prevention and community safety specialist John Maynard.

The two-day conference is aimed at local government and practitioners in community safety and crime prevention and is being organised by Gunnedah Shire’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference Working Group.

CEO of the Grace Tame Foundation, Ms Tame has turned her traumatic experience into advocacy and is dedicated to eradicating child sexual abuse in Australia, and supporting survivors of child sexual abuse.

Fellow speaker Mark McCrindle is a social researcher, best-selling author, influential thought leader and TEDx speaker. He is a trusted advisor and sits on the board of a number of different organisations, after having developed his reputation as an expert demographer, futurist and social commentator.

Hunter Johnson leads The Man Cave, a preventative mental health and emotional intelligence charity that has impacted the lives of 20,000 young men across Australia. He also works as an advisor to The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (QCT), a charity supporting young people throughout the Commonwealth alongside Prince Harry, the President of QCT.

Yasmin Catley was sworn in as New South Wales’ first female Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism in April this year.

Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference Working Group Chairperson Colleen Fuller said members were excited about the high-calibre of the speakers.

We also have speakers from Cyber Security NSW, NSW Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Just Reinvest NSW, NSW Police Engagement and Hate Crime Unit, Department of Communities and Justice, Qld Police and City of Logan, with more to be announced soon.

“This exceptional line-up of speakers are leaders in their fields and experts in topics ranging from rural crime to counter-terrorism, youth justice, cyber crime, crime trends, and domestic, family and sexual violence,” she said.

Cr Fuller said the conference was the ideal opportunity for delegates to network, exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate on projects and initiatives that contribute to building strong, safe and connected communities. To date, delegates from within NSW, Northern Territory, Queensland and Victoria have already booked for this event.

The working group includes a range of elected representatives, Council staff and representatives from local support services, Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, business and industry, and interested community members.
“We are also thrilled to announce that Tamworth Family Support were first to come on board as a Silver Sponsor,” Cr Fuller said. “A range of community organisations have added their support as Local Partner sponsors including Gunnedah Family Support, Gunnedah & Districts Liquor Accord, Gunnedah Workshop Enterprises and Gunnedah Miners Support Incorporated.”

The event will be held in the Gunnedah Town Hall and Smithurst Theatre, and tickets are on sale at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gunnedah-crime-prevention-community-safety-conference-23-24-nov-2023-tickets-630533220837.

For more information on the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference, contact Debra Hilton, Council’s Community and Social Planner on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference Working Group Chairperson Cr Colleen Fuller (left) and Conference Coordinator Debra Hilton.

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

July 12, 2023

Gunnedah Shire will again host royalty this week to mark the first anniversary of the Shire’s Sister City Relationship with Kolomotu’a, in the Kingdom of Tonga.

A delegation led by Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, the High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Commonwealth of Australia, will be in Gunnedah from Friday, July 14, to Monday, July 17.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the celebration of the first year of this special relationship would cement the ties between the two regions, and was an opportunity to raise money for a new library for the Government Middle School of Kolomotu’a.

“A Gunnedah Shire delegation of business representatives, community and Council members visited Kolomotu’a in the Kingdom of Tonga in October last year, a visit that was designed to help us better understand how to progress the relationship and achieve our joint vision,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The four key areas we are pursuing in our partnership are arts and culture, sports, education and employment and the economy. This visit will help in strengthening those partnerships, with tours of agricultural businesses, a mine, aged care and education facilities.

“This will also be an opportunity for Gunnedah Shire residents to see the Princess and help celebrate the Sister City relationship. Not only will Her Royal Highness be in attendance at the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce Gala Ball on Saturday, July 15 at the Town Hall, but will be hosted at a special Welcome Event at Wolseley Park at 9.15am on that day, and a Combined Church Service at Gunnedah Town Hall at 10am on Sunday, July 16.

“There will also be a farewell event at Pensioners Hill Lookout with a picnic lunch at 12pm on the Sunday and members of the public are welcome to attend.”

The picnic lunch will be by gold coin donation, or people are invited to bring their own lunch – and a picnic rug or chairs. Money raised will go to the Middle School of Kolomotu’a.

There are various events being held to raise money for a new library for the Government Middle School of Kolomotu’a. School principal Lose Kuluka said the school’s library was destroyed in the devastating tsunami in January 2022.

“Having a library after it was damaged by a tsunami would be a huge accomplishment for our school,” Lose said. “The loss of a library was terrible since it served as the foundation of knowledge, learning and curiousity.

“Having a library would be a triumph and victory over difficulty and hardship.”

The Gunnedah Shire delegation visited the school in October and were touched by the joy and resilience of both the students and staff, who were continuing school life despite the challenges.

The Gunnedah community are invited to join the celebrations and help this wonderful Sister City relationship to grow.

Where you can see the delegation from Kolomotu’a:
• Welcome Event at the Wolseley Park rotunda at 9.15am on Saturday, July 15
• At the rugby union game at Gunnedah Rugby Club at 2pm on Saturday, July 15
• At the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce Gala Ball on Saturday, July 15 at the Town Hall (tickets available through https://www.gunnedah.org.au/event-details/gunnedah-chamber-of-commerce-gala-ball)
• At the Combined Church Service at the Town Hall at 10am on Sunday, July 16
• At the Farewell Event and Barbecue at Pensioners Hill Lookout at 12pm on Sunday, July 16 – bring your lunch and picnic rug, or enjoy lunch for a gold coin donation. Funds raised will go to a new library for the Government Middle School of Kolomotu’a.
The visit is just the beginning of fundraising opportunities to assist in healing for Kolomotu’a following the tsunami.
Caption: Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho and young people from Gunnedah during the royal visit for the signing of the Sister City Agreement last year.

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

July 11, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey has expressed his shock and disappointment over a revised scope and design for Gunnedah Shire’s new hospital.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors were briefed this week by NSW Health about the latest plans for the long-promised Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment.
“We were absolutely appalled by the backpedalling on what has been promised to the Gunnedah community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“After all of the much-touted community consultation, all of the promises – including one from the ultimately successful Labor Government – we are left with a design that delivers nowhere near the services and facilities we desperately need.

“Council’s own community survey in March 2021 resulted in page after page of people expressing confusion, frustration, anger and in some cases disgust with the poor level of services available in our Shire. We had been assured a new hospital would go some way towards alleviating these life and death concerns.”

Cr Chaffey said Council was advised the new scope would include a new acute service building with an emergency department, a new maternity, birthing and inpatient unit, and a refurbished entry.

“Where is our promised infusion unit that will provide renal dialysis and oncology services? Where is the new theatre and day surgery? Where are the new medical imaging, new back of house, new plant room, new community health facilities, dental services, new front of house and the landscape we have all seen artwork of?

“And there has been no mention of the absolute commitment to 48 beds – how many beds will our new hospital provide?

“We are deeply shocked at what we have learnt, and horrified on our community’s behalf to be told the original master plan would only be delivered if new funding appeared or ‘someone won the lottery’.

“This is not a laughing matter. It is the health of our community. It appears the Inquiry into Health Outcomes and Access to Health and Hospital Services in Rural, Regional and Remote NSW has absolutely fallen on deaf ears.”

Cr Chaffey has written to the NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park to request his intervention to ensure the Gunnedah Hospital delivers everything that has been promised.

Caption: Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey with previous announcements about the Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment and designs showing the original and scaled-back versions.

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

July 4, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council is looking for a number of community and business members to nominate for five different working groups.

The Skills and Training Working Group, Economic Development Working Group, the Business Partner Program Advisory Group, Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group and Australia Day Working Group are committees that work together with Council to further specific opportunities and inititatives, or events for Gunnedah Shire.

• The Skills and Training Working Group aims to proactively advocate for resources to address training gaps and skills shortages in Gunnedah Shire and provide support to Gunnedah Shire businesses to source skilled and unskilled workers.
• The Economic Development Working Group brings together groups with an interest in driving economic growth in the Gunnedah Shire and facilitates networking within the business community. The group assists in identifying and driving the economic development priorities.
• The Business Partner Program Advisory Group assists Council and staff in the assessment of applications under the Business Partner Program. The program aims to promote economic growth in the Gunnedah Shire by encouraging business growth and innovation.
• The Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group brings together local schools, volunteer and cultural groups, businesses and interested parties to foster existing and targeted Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships both nationally and internationally.
• The Australia Day Working Group coordinates, promotes and supports events and activities to celebrate Australia Day.

“Council works closely with the community to help achieve the actions identified in the Gunnedah Shire Community Strategic Plan,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The working groups are vitally important in making good things happen for our community. They bring together representatives from across our Shire to further new ideas, new opportunities and to tackle issues in a practical way.

“Our working groups are a great example of local government working in true partnership with the community.”

Group members are appointed for two-year terms, and the working groups meet bi-monthly.

Nominations for each working group close at 5pm on 31 July , 2023. Applications forms are available at the Council Administration Centre in Elgin Street, or click below for:

• The Skills and Training Working Group
• The Economic Development Working Group
• The Business Partner Program Advisory Group
• The Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group
• The Australia Day Working Group.

Further information is available by contacting Susan Frater, Manager Economy & Growth at Council on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: Committee members can help make good things happen for our community, including events such as Australia Day.

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

29 June, 2023

The July School Holiday Program is packed full of fun activities for energetic youngsters.

One of the key highlights is the free Gunnedah Colour Run on Tuesday, 11 July from 10am to 2pm, funded by the NSW Government. Register from 10am to 10.45am on the corner of Carroll and Maitland streets and join the run from 11am (various start times for different age groups). Finish up at Donnelly Fields with music and a barbecue.

Gunnedah Shire Library will host Book Buddies and Crafty Creations in Gunnedah and Curlewis, with a Dr. Seuss theme. There is also a trivia afternoon on Wednesday, 12 July (don’t forget to dress-up!) and a scavenger hunt that will run throughout the holidays. Find all the colourful characters! Ring the Library on (02) 6740 2190 to book or find out more.

Over at The Civic Theatre, catch $11 movies Spider-Man Across the Spider-verse (prizes for best-dressed!) and Elemental on 6 and 13 July. There’s also a free screening of Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One on Wednesday, 12 July and a free screening of Monsters, Inc. at the PCYC on Friday, 14 July. Free transport and a barbecue dinner are on offer.

Kids full of beans? Head along to Gunnedah PCYC for laser tag, multi-sports, turbo touch and paint ‘n’ shake. Looking for something different? Join free creative workshops from 3-7 July for Years 3 to 6 and ages 12 to 18 and sing, act, write and perform with direction from musician Sewa Emojong and animator Isla Mowbray. To find out more, visit www.gunnedahconservatorium.com.au.

View the School Holiday Program here:https://www.thecivic.com.au/youth.

Caption: The popular Colour Run is making a comeback in the July School Holiday Program.

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

28 June, 2023

The Gunnedah Shire Local Housing Strategy has been adopted by Council, providing direction for housing in the Shire for the next 20 years.

The Strategy will help to guide future residential growth in the Shire, facilitate an increase in the supply of innovative and affordable housing options and provide clear guidance for Council in providing sustainable housing options.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the document sets a direction for future residential planning proposals that align with the Strategy’s vision for the future.

The Strategy includes five key directions, accompanied by 15 strategies and 32 actions for Council to implement and encourage housing diversity and choice, and increase affordability in meeting the needs of its future population. They are:

Direction 1: Deliver greater housing diversity to suit changing needs

Direction 2: Support healthy, safe, socially engaged and well-connected communities

Direction 3: Strengthen community resilience

Direction 4: Provide great places to live

Direction 5: Deliver well-planned rural residential development.

Specific actions include considering incentives for affordable housing, encouraging secondary dwellings as an alternative affordable housing option in all residential zones, investigating public land for conversion to housing in partnership with housing providers, and investigating Curlewis for the potential for more residential land.

Cr Chaffey said the Strategy includes a study of the urban areas of Gunnedah, and to some extent the villages, and identifies opportunities for an additional projected 580 dwellings over the next 20 years to 2041.

“In the current climate, housing is at the forefront of many people’s minds as it is a key factor in employment. It’s imperative there is available housing in the Shire so we can fill our local workforce shortage which covers a wide variety of sectors,” he said.

“This Strategy lays out the pathway for Gunnedah to step into the future. It will be a vital tool to help Council plan ahead for the inevitable expansion of our progressive and growing Shire.”

The document has been prepared in accordance with the Department of Planning and Environment’s (DPE) Local Housing Strategy Guideline which sets out the suggested framework for housing strategies. The Strategy is also informed by a wide range of plans and strategies including the New England North West Regional Plan 2041, the Gunnedah Community Strategic Plan 2017-2027, Future 2040 Local Strategic Planning Statement, the Gunnedah Local Environmental Plan 2012 and the Gunnedah Development Control Plan 2012 (The DCP).

A number of submissions were received by Council in support of the Strategy when it was placed on public exhibition in October 2021.

Council’s Team Leader of Building and Strategic Projects Blake O’Mullane said the Strategy had since been updated to include the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census data to ensure the data reflected the current and most accurate information for the Shire.

“The Strategy is the most comprehensive strategic analysis of housing development in the Gunnedah Shire and also assesses more current and likely future implications for the Gunnedah community from development demands and public infrastructure changes," he said.

“It will help to inform the way Council approaches planning, zoning and development decisions.”

To view the Strategy, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/development/landuse-planning/land-use-strategies

Caption: The Local Housing Strategy provides direction for housing in the Shire for the next 20 years.

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

27 June, 2023

Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Citizens of the Year and new Australia Day Working Group Chairperson are encouraging residents to start thinking about who they can nominate for the 2024 Australia Day Awards.

Councillor Juliana McArthur has taken over the reins of the working group from former Chairperson Cr Rob Hooke and is looking forward to seeing plenty of award nominations.

“It’s never too early to start thinking about those in our Shire who deserve to be recognised for their valuable contributions to our community,” Cr McArthur said.

“They are quiet achievers and we don’t want them to go unnoticed. One of those quiet achievers is Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Citizen of the Year, Kamilaroi man Mitchum Neave, who in January was recognised for his ongoing commitment to many volunteer community organisations including the NSW Rural Fire Service’s Piallaway brigade and Rural Fire Service Association Liverpool Plains Branch.

“Mr Neave is also part of the Breeza Progress Association, Min Min Aboriginal Corporation, Kamilaroi Gomeroi Gamilaraay Youth Trust and NSW’s regional Closing the Gap committee.

“Another one of the Shire’s quiet achievers is Young Citizen of the Year Ellyn Blinman who is a former Captain of Gunnedah High School. Ellyn has been awarded numerous accolades in her young life. She is known for her team work, leadership skills, and social and community contributions.

“It’s locals like Mitchum and Ellyn who underpin the fabric of our community and we know there are many more out there like them.

“We want to know about you. We want to recognise you because our community is only as good as the people who serve it, including the volunteers who give so much – but also gain great rewards.

“Our leaders today can help the next generation going through.”

Mr Neave encouraged residents to nominate those around them who worked tirelessly to make the Shire a better place.

“I encourage people to step up and be nominated. A lot of people don’t know we’ve got a lot of volunteers in the community who do a lot of work,” he said.

“It is a valuable thing and you go down in history … you leave a legacy.

 “We need to encourage the young ones to take up the baton when we’re not here any more, and carry on our legacy.”

Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Young Citizen of the Year Ellyn Blinman said the community should embrace the opportunity to highlight the achievements of those around them.

“There are so many young people doing good for our community. They’re so deserving of that recognition [and] I think more people need to voice their opinions about that,” Ellyn said.

“Even just being nominated is such an achievement ... [it’s] so huge for a young person who is about to go start their life.”

Information on the 2024 Australia Day Awards will be available on Council’s website later in the year.

Cr McArthur said the Australia Day Working Group was also looking for more community members to join.

“We’d love to see some new faces in the group and welcome nominations from Shire residents,” she said.

To nominate for the Australia Day Working Group, contact Council’s Economy and Growth team on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Captions:

Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Citizen of the Year and new Australia Day Working Group Chairperson Cr Juliana McArthur are encouraging residents to consider who they can nominate in the 2024 Australia Day Awards.

Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Young Citizen of the Year Ellyn Blinman at the Australia Day Awards in January.

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

26 June, 2023

Gunnedah Shire residents will be able to take advantage of a number of free veterinary services on Wednesday, 5 July from 9am to 1pm.

The Animal Welfare League NSW’s Mobile Vet Truck (MVT) will be rolling into the Gunnedah Showground on Wednesday, 5 July, offering free health checks and microchipping, and free dog C3 vaccinations and cat F3 vaccinations.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager of Community Safety Wade Berryman said Council had partnered with Animal Welfare League to bring the MVT to Gunnedah.

“I urge residents to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to take preventative action and protect their pets,” Mr Berryman said.

“It has been two years since the Mobile Vet Truck has been in town and we’re happy to partner with the Animal Welfare League NSW once again to make microchipping and vaccination services more accessible to our residents.

“The dog C3 vaccination protects against canine parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis viruses, and the cat F3 vaccination protects against Feline Panleukopaenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Calicivirus.”

Owners are asked to ensure cats are transported in a carrier cage and dogs are kept on a lead. Litters are not permitted, and services will be limited to three pets per household.

Residents are asked to bring a mobile device to sign in.

The Animal Welfare League Mobile Vet Truck will be at the Gunnedah Showground South Street entrance between 9am and 1pm on Wednesday, 5 July. No appointments are necessary.

For more information, contact Animal Welfare League NSW on helpingpets@awlnsw.com.au or Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire residents can take advantage of free veterinary services, thanks to a partnership between Council and the Animal Welfare League NSW.

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

June 26, 2023

Gunnedah Shire is the home of a rich Aboriginal heritage, and NAIDOC Week is the time to acknowledge the huge part this ancient culture plays in our region.

Almost 16% of our population identify as being of Aboriginal origin, according to the 2021 Census, and the area is home to a wealth of stories and legends.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said NAIDOC Week, which runs from Sunday, July 2 to Saturday, July 8, was an opportunity to recognise the history, culture and achievements of all Aboriginal people.

“The theme this year is ‘For our Elders’ and it is a great way to acknowledge the cultural knowledge holders, the trailblazers, the advocates and leaders across the generations,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Our heritage and community is so much richer for our Aboriginal history, and for all the contributions First Nations people make to our Shire today.
“This week, it is time to celebrate this timeless culture, and the continuing role it plays in our community.”

Among the events and activities planned for NAIDOC Week is the Cumbo Gunnerah run from Breeza to Abbott Street, Red Chief Memorial on Sunday July 2. The street march which would normally follow the run has been replaced this year by a walk around Wolseley Oval with the community and Elders, followed by a breakfast Barbecue at the Park with local police and the Community Fun Day which will open at 11am.

As well as the Community Fun Day, Gunnedah Shire Council is hosting the annual NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, which opens at 1pm on Friday, July 7 and continues until Thursday, August 3.

There will be a special free screening of We Are Still Here, a production that includes a cinematic response from ten indigenous filmmakers from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to the anniversary of James Cook’s landing. We Are Still Here will screen at 3pm on Thursday, July 6.

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