October 15, 2021

Round Two of Gunnedah Shire Council’s 2021/22 Business Partner Program is now open and local businesses are invited to apply for a slice of funding.

Chair of the Business Partner Program Advisory Group Cr Ann Luke said the Business Partner Program has been designed to help maximise the potential of local businesses.

“Gunnedah businesses have been extremely resilient throughout the pandemic and thankfully, many are beginning to recover from the impacts,” Cr Luke said.

“These grants will help build our economic resilience by supporting new businesses on their start-up journey and assist existing businesses to enhance and grow their operations.

“We have also updated the guidelines to strengthen the program, with a key focus on encouraging business expansion and employment outcomes.

“From smaller scale items such as a website upgrade, to a game changing project that will bring growth to our Shire, we are open to applications from all businesses. I hope we can help a wide range of organisations capitalise on new opportunities.”

Applications for the latest round of the Business Partner Program will close at midnight on Sunday, October 31, 2021. For guidelines and to apply, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and click on the “Business & Industry” tab and then “Business Grants & Funding”.

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Caption: Past Business Partner Program recipient Goodness & Gracious - (from left) Olivia Carter, owner Susie Martin and Leanne Smith.

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

October 14, 2021

The Gunnybalds are coming to Gunnedah!

Next year, Gunnedah Shire will pay tribute to a collection of our friends and neighbours in a portrait exhibition in the tradition of the famous Archibald Prize.

So it is time to get painting, drawing and creating!

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Jacinta Cipolla said the Gunnybalds were a great way to celebrate who we are.

“Gunnedah is a place of characters and of talented artists,” Ms Cipolla said.
“The Gunnybalds brings them together to create a truly memorable and local exhibition. This is an opportunity to capture the spirit of someone you admire, or maybe someone who fascinates you. It is time to let your creativity go wild to help make an exhibition that will really reflect who we are.

“While the exhibition is not until April 2022, we are putting the call out early to get people thinking about who they might like to paint or draw. We want this exhibition to be as representative as possible of the amazing people we have in our community.”

The exhibition will include two categories – junior (17 and under) and open (18 and over), with works to be submitted by April 4, 2022. All artworks must depict an image of a local Gunnedah Shire community member past or present, and the artist must reside in the New England North West Area.
Keep an eye out on The Civic’s website – thecivic.com.au – and Facebook page for more details.

Captions:

Untitled: An untitled Jean Isherwood portrait.
Mikie Maas: Well-known artist Jean Isherwood’s portrait of Mikie Maas.

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

October 11, 2021

Stay-at-home orders in Gunnedah have been lifted today, with the Shire transitioning to state-wide restrictions as part of the NSW Government’s Reopening NSW roadmap.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s face-to-face services have started to reopen with the Elgin Street Administration Building opening this morning, and the Gunnedah Memorial Indoor Swimming Pool, Gunnedah Shire Library, Civic Cinema, Cultural Precinct and Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre all open from tomorrow.

In line with the new NSW Public Health Order, customers visiting the Indoor Pool, Library, Cultural Precinct, Civic Cinema and Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre will need to show proof of double vaccination on entry. Children under 16 are exempt from this restriction.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Jamie Chaffey said that health and safety should be paramount when reopening.

“While the switch to roadmap settings today is a light at the end of the tunnel for those residents and businesses impacted by yet another lockdown, safety should remain front of mind for everyone.

“There are still several active COVID-19 cases in Gunnedah Shire and in the neighbouring Tamworth Local Government Area, so we need to be on high alert.

“I thank the community for taking this threat seriously and complying with the most difficult of restrictions for what is now close to two years. We are in a position now to enjoy some new freedoms, but we need to do so responsibly so this hard work is not wasted.

“While our first dose vaccination rate is high, our second dose numbers still need to catch up. The recent Royal Flying Doctors Service Pfizer clinics have no doubt helped boost our second dose numbers, but vaccines do take a couple of weeks to be effective so we need to follow all health advice to ensure everyone is protected.

“Keep checking in, wear a mask, get tested if sick and if you have not yet had your vaccination, I urge you to consider making an appointment.”

COVID-19 testing is available locally at the Gunnedah Hospital, Laverty Pathology drive through clinic at Donnelley Fields and Ochre Health drive through clinic at the Gunnedah Showground. For a full list of clinics and operating hours, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/clinics.aspx.

The NSW Government roadmap for easing restrictions is available at www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/easing-covid-19-restrictions. Further information about Gunnedah Shire Council services can be found at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

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

October 11, 2021

Gunnedah Shire will exit lockdown with the rest of the state on October 11 in line with the NSW Government’s Reopening NSW roadmap.

Gunnedah Shire Council will be reopening facilities over the next two days, with increased hygiene measures and safety protocols in place. The following services are set to reopen:

Open Monday, October 11:

• Elgin Street Administration Building, and
• Livvi’s Place Playground,

Open from Tuesday, October 12:

• Gunnedah Shire Library,
• Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre,
• Gunnedah Cultural Precinct,
• The Civic Cinema, and
• Gunnedah War Memorial Swimming Pool (Indoor pool only, see information below)

Due to NSW Public Health Order Vaccination Requirements and the minimum level of staffing required to operate Aquatic Facilities, only the indoor pool will be open from October 12-17. The indoor pool will operate from Tues-Sat 5:30am-7pm and 9am to 6pm Sunday.

Under the Public Health order, only swimming classes, lap swimming, squad training and rehabilitation activities will be permitted. A further update will be provided later this week for pool operations from October 18.

In line with public health orders, customers visiting the Indoor Pool, Library, Civic Cinema, Cultural Precinct and Visitor Information Centre will need to be fully vaccinated. These restrictions will be in place until December 1. Children under 16 are exempt.

Before entering these facilities you will be required to present a digital or printed copy of:

• Your COVID-19 digital certificate, or
• Immunisation history statement.

Anyone with a medical exemption will need to provide a COVID-19 medical clearance notice or COVID-19 medical exemption form.

These protocols are mandated by the NSW Government and we ask that you be respectful of our staff who are required to ask for proof of vaccination. For those yet to have two doses of a vaccine, we are still here to help over the phone on 67402100 or online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

There are still several active COVID-19 cases in Gunnedah Shire and in the neighbouring Tamworth Local Government Area, so we need to continue to be on high alert and follow all health advice.

To view the NSW Government roadmap for easing restrictions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/easing-covid-19-restrictions. For health advice, a list of case contact locations and testing clinic information go to www.health.nsw.gov.au.

October 6, 2021

The Gunnedah Saleyards redevelopment has reached an exciting milestone with Joint Regional Planning Panel approval of the development application lodged by Gunnedah Shire Council in March.

The saleyards precinct upgrade received an announcement of $14 million in funding from the NSW Government in September 2020 and has been supported by a Gunnedah Shire Council co-contribution of $3.56 million.

Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said it was exciting to see the project moving forward.

“This project capitalises on Gunnedah’s strengths in agriculture, creating opportunities to grow our already successful beef base and access new online markets,” Mr Groth said.

“We are excited to have the NSW Government’s support for positioning Gunnedah among the national leaders in this industry. From its beginnings in 1919, the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards has grown to become the fourth largest selling centre of cattle in New South Wales, and the eighth largest in Australia.

“With the redeveloped Gunnedah Saleyards facility, we will be at the forefront of technology and ready for the opportunities of the future.”

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said that now approvals had been granted on the new saleyards, investors in the Gunnedah Shire can have confidence of the future growth of the region’s protein industry.

“This project represents a $14 million investment in the future of the Gunnedah Shire,” Mr Anderson said.

“Gunnedah already sees around 120,000 head of cattle move through the yards each year representing over $100 million in sales and this $14 million investment will support and grow that local industry well into the future.

“This facility will be a state-of-the art and will bring our local agriculture industry to the forefront of modern practice and technology.”

The application outlines a range of upgrades and innovations, including:

• Construction of a multi-purpose administration building, comprising of office and administration spaces, a café and outdoor dining area and amenities;
  • Construction of multiple roof structures over the existing yard and pen areas,
  • Construction of new feed store and workshop sheds;
  • Improvements to infrastructure including gates, fencing, gantries and watering systems;
  • A new drive-through truck wash capable of accommodating road trains;
  • Bitumen sealing of internal roads and internal lighting upgrades;
  • Construction of off-street car parking for light vehicles and a parking/queuing area for heavy vehicles;
  • Technological improvements including wi-fi and high-speed internet to facilitate on-line sales and other smart technology applications;
  • Fenced containment of the site and major security upgrades;
  • Upgrades of cattle loading/unloading ramps;
  • Making the site more self-sufficient through the installation of up to 1 megawatt of solar panels and installation of Water tanks with the capacity to hold 1,324kl through major stormwater harvesting and reuse facilities.

It is anticipated the project will be completed in 2022.

Caption: The Gunnedah Saleyards redevelopment will ensure the facility is ready for the opportunities of the future.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

October 5, 2021

Following the announcement of multiple positive COVID-19 cases in Gunnedah Shire, the Gunnedah Shire Local Government Area has returned to lockdown until Monday, October 11.

Under the stay at home rules, everyone must remain at home unless they have a reasonable excuse to leave. Reasonable excuses include: shopping for essential items, medical care or caregiving, for essential work that cannot be completed from home and outdoor exercise with a member of your household or one other person. Schools have also moved to online learning.

Gunnedah Shire Council has moved back to the orange stage of the yellow-orange-red Coronavirus Response Strategy, with non-essential facilities closed for face-to-face services.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said that news of another lockdown was disappointing; following what had been only a short time out of lockdown.

“Our thoughts are with those people who have caught the virus and I wish them a speedy recovery. We need to be mindful of their privacy at this time and I urge the community not to speculate and to instead look to NSW Health for updates,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This is not the news we wanted to hear, but we know that it’s in the best interest of our community to limit movements, abide by the stay-at-home orders and get tested so that we stop any potential spread.

“Council is working to ensure the health and safety of our staff and residents and has closed face-to-face facilities. Council staff are still available to assist you over the phone on (02) 6740 2100 or online.

“Thank you to those who have already come forward for testing. We are working with our Local Member to increase testing availability, with the main clinic having reached capacity early today.

“This is an important reminder that we need to continue to lift our vaccination rate. As at October 3, 89% of the Gunnedah Shire population aged 15 and over have received one dose, while 46.4% are fully vaccinated which is a great result.

“If you haven’t had a vaccine, or still need to get your second dose, I encourage you to contact your GP or pharmacy to make a booking. The Royal Flying Doctor Service are also back in Gunnedah this week providing first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Walk-in vaccinations are available at the Gunnedah Showground tomorrow between 9:30 and 4, at the Mullaley Hall on Thursday from 10:30-2:30 and at Curlewis Hall on Friday from 10:30-2:30.

“News of another lockdown will be particularly difficult for our business community, so please continue to support local wherever you can. I hope that this will just be for a brief period and we can get back to a more normal way of life soon.”

From Tuesday, October 5 the following Council facilities have closed temporarily:

• Elgin Street Administration Building,
• Gunnedah Shire Library,
• Gunnedah Cultural Precinct, including the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Civic Cinema, Town Hall, Smithurst Theatre and meeting rooms,
• Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre,
• Gunnedah War Memorial Swimming Pool,
• Livvi’s Place Playground,
• Gunnedah Showground, exceptions apply for drive through medical clinics and exercise in line with restrictions, and
• GoCo Gunnedah Office. Staff will continue to deliver essential services.

Gunnedah Waste Management Facility will remain open for essential services with contactless payment only.

For further information about Gunnedah Shire Council services, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/gunnedah-shire-covid-19-advice. For health advice, testing clinic locations and case alerts, refer to www.health.nsw.gov.au.

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

October 4, 2021

Following the announcement of multiple positive cases in Gunnedah Shire and associated case contact locations, NSW Health have announced the Gunnedah Shire Local Government Area will return to lockdown from midnight October 4 until October 11.

Under the stay at home rules, everyone must remain at home unless they have a reasonable excuse to leave. Reasonable excuses include: shopping for essential items, medical care or caregiving, for essential work that cannot be completed from home and outdoor exercise with a member of your household or one other person.

Given these developments, Gunnedah Shire Council will move back to the orange stage of the yellow-orange-red Coronavirus Response Strategy, with non-essential facilities to close for face-to-face services. Council staff are still available to assist you over the phone on (02) 6740 2100 or online.

Thank you for your understanding. Further information in relation to Council services will be available tomorrow.

• A complete list of exposure sites can be found on the NSW Health website: https://bit.ly/NSW_CaseLocations
• For a list of COVID-19 testing clinics in Gunnedah, visit https://bit.ly/3kJYf9o. 

September 30, 2021

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey has written to NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research the Hon Brad Hazzard and the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon Greg Hunt requesting an urgent investigation into Hunter New England Health’s inaction in providing General Practitioner services to the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre (GRHC).

Cr Chaffey said he was compelled to elevate the issue due to the fact that despite Hunter New England Health (HNEH) taking over management of the centre almost fourteen months ago, there are still no additional GP services in the Gunnedah Shire.

“Today I have written to both the NSW and Federal Governments requesting they each undertake a comprehensive  investigation  into  Hunter  New  England  Health’s  inaction  in  providing  General  Practitioner services to the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Since signing an agreement offered by the Federal Government’s then Minister for Regional Health the Hon Mark Coulton MP on 7 August 2020 with full rights to operate the GRHC facility, and despite receiving several expression of interests from prospective GP services, HNEH have not been able to secure a service for the centre.

“I note HNEH have been able to secure a private general surgeon who works out of the facility for one day a month, and two skin cancer doctors who will visit quarterly, but this does little to resolve the current crisis our Shire faces in accessing GP services.

“A NSW Rural Doctors Network State of Play report released in February 2021 found that Gunnedah has a doctor-to-patient ratio of one general practitioner to 2670 residents, almost three times the recommended ratio of 1:905.

“The development of the $6.7 million dollar GRHC in 2012 was a community effort. The then Federal Government funded $4.3 million, and the remaining $2.4 million  shortfall  was  contributed  by  community  fundraising  and  donations  from  the  Shire’s  business  community. It is heartbreaking to watch this state-of-the-art facility lay dormant while our residents are forced to travel hours for basic medical services.

“To put it simply, enough is enough.  GP services are desperately needed in our community and it is my opinion that unless immediate action is taken by HNEH, the centre should be taken back by the Commonwealth and redistributed to an organisation that will commit and deliver on the provision of GP services.”

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

September 30, 2021

Some Gunnedah Shire Council Services will be closed or operating for reduced hours on Monday, October 4. Service changes include:

• Gunnedah Shire Council Elgin Street Administration Building – closed.
• Gunnedah Shire Library – closed.
• Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool – both pools open 9am to 6pm.
• Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre - open from 10am to 3pm.
• Civic Cinema – closed.
• Waste Management Facilities - open as normal.

There are no changes to kerbside collections.

We hope you enjoy the long weekend and as always you can contact our out of hours line for emergency requests on (02) 6740 2100.

September 30, 2021

As at September 12, 2021, 71.9% of the Gunnedah Shire population aged 15 and over have received one dose, while 36.9% are fully vaccinated.

You can contact your GP practice or pharmacy to make a booking for a COVID-19 vaccine, or attend a vaccination clinic.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service are returning to Gunnedah Shire for residents to receive their first or second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination on the following dates:

• Gunnedah: Basketball Stadium, Gunnedah Showground on Monday October 4, Tuesday October 5 and Wednesday October 6 – 9:30am to 4pm.
• Mullaley: Mullaley Hall, Nombi Street on Thursday October 7 – 10:30am to 2:30pm.
• Curlewis: Curlewis Hall, Goran Street on Friday October 8 – 10:30am to 2:30pm.

No appointments are required, just come along on the day with your Medicare card.

There are also several upcoming vaccination clinics throughout Gunnedah Shire run by Hunter New England Health (HNEH). They include:

• Rural Health Centre, Gunnedah – Saturday 16 October from 10am (AstraZeneca)
• Curlewis – Saturday 23 October from 9am (AstraZeneca)
• Tambar Springs – Saturday 30 October from 10am (AstraZeneca)
• Carroll – Saturday 6 November from 9am (AstraZeneca)

Bookings for all HNEH clinics are essential. To book, contact Gunnedah Hospital on 6741 8000 on weekdays between 8am and 4pm.