January 19, 2022

UPDATE: The Raft & Craft Race has been cancelled following a safety inspection of the river.

Break out the zinc cream, prepare for a sausage sandwich brekky and get your paddles in order – Australia Day is on its way to Gunnedah!

Our celebrations rival anywhere in this wide brown land, with utes draped in the Aussie flag, new citizens taking the oath and a bonza barbie by the pool.

Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Committee chair Cr Rob Hooke said the Australia Day 2022 Event Program was packed tighter than a primary school hat-rack.

“All our favourites are back,” Cr Hooke said. “The Australia Day 2022 Event Program combines the solemnity of the occasion with some cracker events like Aussie Fest 2022 at Donnelly Fields.

“The Australia Day Awards Dinner will be held on January 25, where Gunnedah will pay tribute to those who make an outstanding contribution to our community. Our Australia Day Ambassador, farmer and president of the National Farmers’ Federation Fiona Simson, will share her story as the guest of honour.

“Breeza is the first cab off the rank with its breakfast starting at 8.30, with the Rotary brekky also getting underway in Gunnedah at Anzac Park from 9am.

“Morning events include a church ceremony under the gums at Anzac Park followed by a citizenship ceremony. There’s also Aussie Fest 2022 at Donnelly Fields, Summer Playground with free entry all day at Gunnedah Memorial Pool, and fun and games at Kelvin and Tambar Springs.

“In the afternoon, there’s a free screening of Kangaroo Jack at the Civic, along with free entry all day to the Gunnedah Memorial Pool, the Water Tower Museum and the Dorothea Mackellar Centre. There are other events at venues throughout the Shire – it’s a big Australia Day this year in the villages - and a chance for Curlewis families to jump on a free bus to join the fun at Gunnedah Memorial Pool.

“This is a true-blue chance for all our residents to show their pride in being Australian in a thousand different ways, while still observing COVID-safe advice.”

Take a look at the full Australia Day Events Program here.

Caption: Australia Day in full swing in 2021 as Raft and Craft Race competitors cross the line.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

January 18, 2021

As Gunnedah welcomes in a new team of Councillors, Gunnedah Shire Council’s End of Term Report for the past five years shows this term will build on very solid foundations.

“This has been an unprecedented term in many respects, not the least of which has included the challenges of a record drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the opportunities presented by economic stimulus through local government by the State and Federal governments not seen since the Second World War,” an introduction by Mayor Jamie Chaffey and General Manager Eric Groth states.

Highlights of achievements detailed in the introduction to the report include:

• Continued financial security and sustainability despite the significant environmental challenges faced during the term
• Delivery of a works program unparalleled in both scope and volume for Council
• Tremendous success in attracting grant funding for infrastructure and community service projects which have enabled significant project delivery
• The delivery of a large tranche of strategic planning including finalising Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement and substantial progress on the Economic Development Strategy, Housing Strategy, Open Space Strategy and Destination Management Plan review
• Bedding down of an enterprise-wide audit and risk management framework, including internal audit and audit and risk committee.

The report details Council’s progress in implementing the Community Strategic Plan during the 2016-21 term, a term extended by 15 months due to COVID-19.

It includes a host of facts and figures about what has been achieved through Council during that time, including:

• A growth in population from 12,491 (2016) to 12,690 (June 2020)
  • A decrease in unemployment from 8% (2016) to 5.1% (June 2021)
  • 1416 resolutions were adopted by Council
  • $97,122 was distributed to Community Scholarship recipients in partnership with the community
  • $410,738 was provided to local businesses under the Business Partner Program
  • 23,239 customers requests were processed
  • There were 286,957 visits to the Gunnedah Shire Library
  • 450ha of parks, sports fields, open space/bushland reserves and cemeteries were maintained by Council staff
  • 43,182 tonnes of domestic waste were received at the Waste Management Facility
  • 12,141 tonnes of waste was diverted to recycling at the Waste Management Facility

To take a look at the Gunnedah Shire Council End of Term Report, visit https://bit.ly/3IjXbnb

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

January 11, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council has elected a Mayor and Deputy Mayor at the first meeting of the newly elected Council.

Cr Jamie Chaffey has been elected unopposed as the Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council and Cr Robert Hooke has been elected as the Deputy Mayor.

The positions are decided through a ballot of the elected members.

Cr Jamie Chaffey, who has been the Gunnedah Shire Mayor for the past five years, said he was “humbled” to have the support of Councillors to continue in the role with the newly elected Council.

“As a group of elected members, we have a big responsibility ahead of us,” Cr Chaffey said. “Our community expects strong and effective representation, and we can’t lose sight of that.

“We need to advise the State and Federal governments on the needs of our community as we have in the past, very effectively.

“I really do look forward to, and am excited about, what’s ahead. We already have a strong list of projects to go on with in our delivery of the operational plan.

“There may be challenges. We faced challenges including COVID-19 in our last term, but as a united body, I am sure that we can do it again if it is needed.”

Cr Hooke said it was “a privilege and an honour” to be re-elected as Deputy Mayor.

“One of the main objectives of my role will be to make sure we have a very collegiate Council working towards the goals and aspirations we have enunciated over the last 12 months, with the focus being health and economic development,” Cr Hooke said.

Nine Councillors were elected at the December local government election. They are: Jamie Chaffey, Colleen Fuller, Murray O’Keefe, David Moses, Kate McGrath, Ann Luke, Juliana McArthur, Robert Hoddle and Robert Hooke.

These Councillors today attended an extraordinary meeting of Council, where they took an oath or affirmation of office declaring they would undertake the duties of the office of Councillor in the best interests of the people of Gunnedah and Gunnedah Shire Council, and would faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act 1993.

Caption:

Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke shake hands following the mayoral ballot.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

January 6, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has expressed its disappointment at the action of vandals that has led to the closure of the Orange Grove Rd Bridge until a new one is constructed.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said police had been informed after vandals set fire to the bridge on Wednesday night, causing significant structural damage.

“It is truly disappointing that people have vandalised this bridge to a point where it is no longer safe to remain open,” Mr Bartlett said.

“This bridge has already been earmarked for replacement, with construction due to start before May this year, but this closure will cause problems for residents along the road, for primary producers and for school bus services.

“We have no choice but to close the bridge until the new one is constructed. This thoughtless act will continue to inconvenience drivers and has occurred at a time when our Shire is already facing the major task of repairing roads damaged by the recent floods.

“Council will be required to close Orange Grove Road in the area of the bridge, with notification at either end of this lengthy road.”

Anyone who has information about the vandalism of the bridge is urged to contact Gunnedah Police.

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

January 5, 2021

The very popular Gunnedah Shire Council Business Partner Program is back in 2022, ready to help Gunnedah Shire businesses grow in innovative ways.

The Business Partner Program encourages business expansion and new businesses, helping to boost employment and keep the Gunnedah economy humming.

Round Three of the Business Partner Program has now opened.
Gunnedah Shire Council Acting Director of Planning and Environmental Services Wade Hudson said the guidelines had recently been changed to ensure the focus stayed on business expansion and employment.

“The Business Partner Program has been a true success story, helping hundreds of local businesses get started or expand their horizons,” Mr Hudson said.

“The program supports a wide range of initiatives, from business training, to website costs and transitioning to a larger premises. It is a great opportunity for business owners to get a little help in achieving their next business dream.”

The Business Partner Program offers grants that must have a co-contribution of 25% of the project cost from the applicant.
Applications will close at midnight on Monday, February 28.

For guidelines and to apply, click here.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

January 4, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is welcoming in a new year with a newly elected Council.

The nine Councillors elected in the December 2021 local government election were formally declared by the NSW Electoral Commission as:

• Jamie Chaffey
• Colleen Fuller
• Murray O’Keefe
• David Moses
• Kate McGrath
• Ann Luke
• Juliana McArthur
• Robert Hoddle
• Robert Hooke.

The formal declaration of election results is attached here.

Students about to set out on the next stage of their learning journey can apply for a helping hand through the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

The fund has now opened for applications for local people under 25 who are embarking on their tertiary education adventure.

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund has helped more than 380 Gunnedah students meet some of the costs associated with pursuing their chosen education.

Since the Fund’s inception 19 years ago, more than $370,000 across more than 387 scholarships has been awarded to local students. Scholarships have covered many disciplines including accounting, agriculture, allied health, animal science, law, architecture, arts/theatre, civil engineering, education, information technology, medicine, nursing and social work.

Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging students currently considering their tertiary study options to apply for the scholarship fund, which is open to all local students under 25 wanting to further their training and education at university, TAFE, or an accredited training organisation.

A scholarship can help with expenses like:

• Purchasing textbooks,
• Relocation and other travel costs,
• Living expenses, and
• Contribution towards tuition fees.

This year, applications have been extended so students have time to wait for their HSC results and UAC offer before applying for a scholarship.
People who have already submitted an Expression of Interest will be contacted by Gunnedah Shire Council. Applications can be submitted HERE.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, January 28, 2022.

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Team on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s administration building, GoCo and the Gunnedah Library will close for the Christmas break at 12pm on Thursday, December 23, and will re-open on Tuesday, January 4.

The Gunnedah Memorial Pool will open every day except for Christmas Day, and the Gunnedah Waste Facility will open each day except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, with an early closure of 12pm on December 23.

The Civic Theatre will be closed from Friday, December 24 until Tuesday, December 28, and Saturday, January 1.

The Waste Management Facility will close early (12pm) on Thursday 23^rd and is also closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Bins, including recycling bins, will be collected as usual across the Christmas and New Year period.

The Gunnedah Saleyards will cease operations following the sale on Tuesday, December 14 and will reopen for the sale on Tuesday, January 11.

The Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Christmas Day only.

For more details on closures, please see our Christmas Closure Calendar.

Gunnedah Shire Council wishes everyone a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year break.

For urgent assistance over the Christmas closure, please phone the after hours service on (02) 6740 2100.

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

December 16, 2021

The winners of the Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition have been decided – and Gunnedah has a new Santa Street!

The bright lights and showmanship of Kurrajong Road have earned the street the coveted title of “Santa Street”, the award given to the most dazzling Gunnedah Shire street of all during the festive season.

The residents of 5 Sanders Place, Gunnedah have again taken the title of Best Decorated House.

The winners of the 2021 Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition are:
• Santa Street – Kurrajong Road
• Best Decorated House – 5 Sanders Place, Gunnedah
• Best Christmas Theme in a Village – 23 Poole Street, Curlewis
• Judge’s Choice Award (replaced the Nativity Scene category in which there were no entries) – Oak Tree Retirement Village
• Judge’s Choice Award – 21 Kurrajong Road, Gunnedah
• Best Dressed Shopfront Window – Goodness & Gracious

There are still nine nights before Christmas to enjoy the amazing Christmas lights displays in Gunnedah Shire. Oak Tree Retirement Village will have their gates open until 10pm each night up until Christmas to allow people to take a look at the lights, and Santa will visit Oak Tree on the afternoon and evening of Monday, December 20.

There will be a presentation for the Christmas Lights winners at 5.15pm on Tuesday, December 21 in front of the Gunnedah Community Christmas Tree in Brocks Court.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

December 15, 2021

A bold new exhibition about to open in Gunnedah celebrates a success story that has sprung from the pandemic.

Sunsets are More Beautiful at the Farm is an exhibition by Arushi Nayar featuring 20 pieces inspired by her life at a farm in Gunnedah.

Arushi’s work spans performance art, video, photography, painting, music and writing, and the Gunnedah exhibition includes 11 drawings, eight paintings and one video. She has a Bachelor’s degree in fine art from the National Art School in Sydney, and a Bachelor’s degree in mass media and mass communication from Indraprastha College at Delhi University, and her painting and drawings are including in collections across India, Australia, the USA, UK and Dubai.

But the pandemic meant Arushi found herself living in Sydney without a job. She considered returning to family in India, but decided the COVID-19 risks were too great. Then her friend Georgia Byriell invited her to come and stay on a farm in Gunnedah about six months ago.

“It is beautiful, I love the place,” she says. “I love the open skies, the sunsets, the horses and dogs, and the chooks. I’m now the chook lady.
“It’s been a journey.”

Arushi has celebrated that journey in the art which will be on display at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery from Saturday, December 18.
She will open the exhibition at 10.30 with a performance piece of her own writing and her own songs, alongside Dominic Goodwin-Hauck, Meg Clowes and Sandra Clark from the Gunnedah Conservatorium.

“The performance is my way of saying thank you to the friend who invited me here, my friends and my family, to Arts North West for the funding through New England North West Creative Projects, and to Gunnedah Shire Council for offering me this opportunity,” she says.

“I feel so grateful to everyone here. It’s not just the sunsets I love, it’s the people. They are very warm and welcoming in the community of Gunnedah.”

Arushi is now looking to make Gunnedah her home permanently.

Sunsets are More Beautiful at the Farm, a solo exhibition by Arushi Nayar, opens with a performance at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre at 10.30am on Saturday, December 18. The exhibition will continue through January.

Caption: A section of Arushi Nayar’s work Sunsets are More Beautiful at the Farm.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.