September 29, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is planning for future tourism opportunities and calling for community participation in the creation of a new Destination Management Plan (DMP).

Council has commissioned consultants Jenny Rand & Associates to prepare the Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan 2022-26.

The plan will provide a focused list of strategies to develop the Gunnedah destination and identify opportunities to boost tourism and maximise visitor spend locally.

Residents and visitors who would like to help shape this new framework for tourism can now fill in a survey – and go into the draw to win a $50 Gunny Money Gift Card.

Council Manager of Customer and Community Relations Charlotte Hoddle said the new DMP would be an important tool for Council to set out actions to build and manage Gunnedah’s tourism industry.

“This new plan will help guide future tourism initiatives in the Gunnedah Shire and ensure a direction consistent with regional and State priorities,” Ms Hoddle said.

“As well as evaluating our current tourism assets, residents are encouraged to share some of the big ideas they have seen on their own travels that could be implemented in the Gunnedah Shire.

“The DMP will also be an integral tool for tourism operators and community groups when applying for grant opportunities. Following the online survey we will have more targeted consultation with tourism operators and community organisations.

“Having these groups involved in the renewal of the DMP will ensure the consultants are well-informed to deliver a plan with vision and a practical plan of action.

“The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete, so it’s easy to have your say and make sure it is heard.”

To participate in the resident and visitors survey, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GWCCB6D

Copies are also available at the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre, Council’s Elgin Street Administration Building and the Gunnedah Shire Library.

Responses close at 5pm on Friday, October 29.

ENDS

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

September 28, 2021

Gunnedah is one step closer to a new animal impound facility, after a Development Application was lodged for an extensive upgrade of the current facility.

A concept design has been prepared for the facility on Quia Road which includes shelter and exercise runs for 18 dogs, a dedicated cattery, office space, public reception area, veterinary treatment room and free range exercise yards.

Gunnedah Shire Council has already received part funding for the project, gaining $388,909 in Phase Two of the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.

Council Director of Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said completion of the project will support the welfare of impounded animals and create more opportunities for rehoming animals locally.

"Our pets truly are part of our families and we thank our Federal Member for his support of this exciting upgrade,” Mr Johns said.

“The existing facility is more than 20 years old and with Gunnedah Shire companion ownership rates rising steadily we frequently operate at or over capacity.

“The new facility will have increased capacity and a modern design, helping ensure lost pets are cared for in a comfortable, safe space that is compliant with current and foreseeable regulations and practices.

“This upgrade will also create new opportunities for Council’s Regulatory Services team to assist in micro-chipping animals, deliver responsible pet ownership programs and work with our rescue organisations to provide more options for local rehoming.”

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said it’s great to see Gunnedah Shire Council putting its LRCI funding to good use.

“The upgrade to the Gunnedah Impoundment Facility will not only provide a more comfortable place for animals in need to rehoming, but the construction will create employment for local builders and contractors which is especially important as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Coulton said.

“This is exactly the type of work the Federal Government is proud to support – creating local job opportunities, while delivering lasting benefits.”

Following the approval of the Development Application, Council will call for tenders and quotations for the final design and construction.

Caption: (from left to right) Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Council Compliance Officers Paul Zaicos and Toby Jaeger, Council Regulatory Services Coordinator Wade Berryman with Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.

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

September 28, 2021

Gunnedah’s Civic Cinema is welcoming mums, dads, carers and their bubs to relax and enjoy a movie together, with the launch of the new monthly ‘Civic Bub Club’.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Jacinta Cipolla said the screenings were a great way to unwind and catch up with other parents.

“The Civic Bub Club sessions screen the latest films dedicated to carers with babies, with no pressure to leave the cinema if your baby cries,” Ms Cipolla said.

“We all know that babies can be restless and loud when it comes to outings, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the chance to go out and enjoy a good movie with your bub.

“It's the perfect escape for mums and dads. The cinema lights are dimmed and the movie volume lowered for sensitive ears.

“Attendees will also receive a free cup of coffee with every ticket purchased, or even a babycino.”

The first screening of the Civic Bub Club will be Free Guy staring Ryan Reynolds, held this Friday, October 1 at 10:30am. Tickets are $16 for each parent or carer.

To book a ticket, visit www.thecivic.com.au.

Caption: Child friendly screenings are returning to the Civic.

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

September 28, 2021

Dorothea Mackellar’s poem My Country is a work rich in Australian imagery, an imagery that is brought to life through a new exhibition named after the famous poem.

My Country is a series of paintings by Gunnedah artist Maree Kelly that will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, October 29.

Maree says her paintings respond to the colour, the drama and the emotion of the poem.

“The artworks revisit the collection of watercolours created by Jean Isherwood in the 1980s with a contemporary perspective, exploring the Gunnedah region’s distinctive landscapes and the poet’s connection to the area,” Maree Kelly says.

Maree’s paintings capture the imagery that has long represented Australian’s love for their country, with artworks that open a window into lines such as “Her beauty and her terror”, and “the hot gold hush of noon”.

Maree says the exhibition also reflects the importance of the landscape in her own work.

“My work is based on my observance, understanding and connection to the natural environment that surrounds me,” she says.

“My family have lived in the Gunnedah area for generations, and I feel a strong sense of connection to the land. For this series of work, I took inspiration from the words of the poem and developed artworks that reflect a contemporary interpretation of the Gunnedah area’s landscape.”

My Country will be on display at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery until Sunday, November 28.

The Jean Isherwood water colour collection remains on permanent display at the Mackellar Centre in South Street, Gunnedah.

To find out more about Maree Kelly’s exhibition or to book for the opening on Friday, October 29 at 6pm, visit www.thecivic.com.au

Caption: Maree Kelly with some of the works for the My Country Exhibition.

ENDS

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

September 22, 2021

Plans for next weekend’s inaugural Harvest Gunnedah festival remain in full swing, with a new ticketed event format announced to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.

A long lunch is now planned, featuring a menu curated by festival ambassador Paul West of the popular television series A River Cottage Australia

Harvest Gunnedah Committee Chair Cr Colleen Fuller said the festival was shaping up to be a great event, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.

“Given the current uncertainty surrounding large events, the Harvest Gunnedah committee decided to change up the format, allowing for a pared back, COVID safe lunch where locals can gather and enjoy good food and each others company,” Cr Fuller said.

“Lunch and bus transport to and from the event is included in the ticket price and there will be live entertainment provided by Rennie Adams, Steve McCauley and the Gunnedah Conservatorium. An onsite bar will also be available.

“We are delighted Paul West can still be in attendance. Paul is a high profile chef and has worked in all areas of food production, from WWOOFing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) around Australia, growing fruit and vegetables, to cooking in the bistro of Melbourne’s renowned Vue de Monde.

“The River Cottage host will be chatting to local producers over the course of the day, and there will be plenty of opportunities to eat, discover and celebrate Gunnedah’s fantastic local produce.”

Harvest Gunnedah will be held at the Gunnedah Riverside Racecourse from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, October 2. Tickets are $60 per person, or $300 for a table of 6. Tickets can be purchased from www.harvestgunnedah.com.

Caption: TV chef and farm-fresh food guru Paul West has curated a menu for the first Harvest Gunnedah festival.

ENDS

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

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Gunnedah Shire Council is following the NSW Health regulations. Opening hours or restrictions of Council services and facilities may be subject to change following changes to those regulations.
We are committed to the health and safety of Gunnedah Shire residents and our staff, and the continued delivery of essential services. Please follow current health recommendations and get tested if you show symptoms.

COVID-19 Information

For more information about COVID-19, visit or call:

• NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au 
• Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
• Service NSW COVID-19 Hotline 13 77 88

To find your nearest COVID-19 testing clinic visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics

For information about COVID-19 vaccines and to make a booking, visit the Australian Government Department of Health.

September 17, 2021

The Royal Flying Doctors pop-up vaccination clinics held at Gunnedah, Mullaley and Curlewis over the past five days has proven a landmark success, with 2,784 people rolling up their sleeves to be vaccinated.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was inspiring to see so many people line up to protect their family, their community and their country.

“This most recent big push on top of the continuing efforts of our local GP clinics, pharmacies and other health providers is exactly what was needed to boost our vaccination rates,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I am deeply proud of what this community has been able to achieve in just a few days. We were among the first in the country to be able to offer vaccinations to our young people between 12 and 15, and have managed to win another fight against this pandemic.

“Thank you to all those who lined up to be vaccinated. With a positive COVID-19 case confirmed in Gunnedah Shire yesterday, it’s reassuring to see so many people taking up this opportunity and doing their part to protect our community.

“My greatest appreciation is to the people and organisations who have made these vaccination clinics possible. Our Federal Member, the Honourable Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, went into bat on behalf of his constituents and made sure the Pfizer vaccine was available.

“The wonderful people at the Royal Flying Doctor Service are hosting these clinics, providing a professional service that our community has been very grateful to receive. Thank you.

“Thanks must also go to: the Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Services and Hunter New England Health, who assisted in administering the vaccinations; to Winanga-Li who organised the clinic lines like clockwork and also were key in advocating so strongly for this clinic to happen; the SES who helped with traffic control; our team at Gunnedah Shire Council who helped keep things running smoothly; and Rotary Club of Gunnedah, whose members offered a smile and a lollipop and kept an eye on people who had just received their vaccinations. GoCo also provided free transport to the clinics.”

The clinic will return in about three weeks for second vaccinations. Details will be available ahead of that time on Gunnedah Shire Council’s Facebook page.

Caption: Team effort: The Royal Flying Doctor Service, Winanga-Li, Hunter New England Health, Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service, Gunnedah SES, Rotary Club of Gunnedah and Gunnedah Shire Council teamed up for the 5 clinics.

ENDS

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

September 17, 2021

School holidays are here and Gunnedah Shire Council’s School Holiday Program has a variety of activities to keep kids entertained.

The program features an outdoor art workshop with artists Danny Stanley and Sophie Honess, ‘Under the Sea’ themed storytelling and craft at Gunnedah Shire Library and a tennis skills coaching clinic.

The Civic Cinema is also hosting $10 screenings of Paw Patrol: The Movie and Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon at 10:30am each Thursday during the holidays.

Council Manager of Customer and Community Relations Charlotte Hoddle said the September program featured something for everyone, with options for the active kids and the creative kids.

“While we were not able to plan our usual extensive program due to COVID restrictions, we’ve pulled together an exciting range of activities,” Ms Hoddle said.

“This will be a great opportunity for kids to get out into the community and have some fun.”

To view the full program, click here.

Caption: The Louis Tennis Academy Clinic is always a school holiday favourite.

ENDS

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

September 17, 2021

Gunnedah Shire has welcomed five new citizens at an Australian citizenship ceremony as part of Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.

The conferees from four countries, including Canada, Mongolia, Fiji and the United Kingdom became Australian citizens at a ceremony at the Smithurst Theatre.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Australian Citizenship Day. Gunnedah Shire Mayor Cr Jamie Chaffey said Australian Citizenship Day was an opportunity for all Australians in their community, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on and celebrate what’s great about being Australian.

“COVID-19 restrictions will result in fewer citizenship ceremonies than usual this year, however we still want to mark this important occasion and welcome new Australians to our community”, Cr Chaffey said.

“Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for us all to reflect on the contributions of citizens to our local communities. There is no greater privilege than our citizenship, and as Mayor it is always an honour to see these new Australians through the final stages of their citizenship journey.

 “I encourage everyone in the Gunnedah Shire to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship on September 17 as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.”

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day and Australian citizenship, visit www.citizenship.gov.au.

Caption: (From left to right) Graham Montgomery, Michelle Carter, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Mark Shanahan, Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke, Narantuya (Nara) Batsukh and Iliesa Hanimo Navatu all attended today’s citizenship ceremony.

ENDS

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

September 16, 2021

This morning NSW Health advised of a positive COVID-19 case in the Gunnedah Shire, with fragments of the virus also detected in a sample taken from the Gunnedah Sewage Treatment Plant on Monday, September 13.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said while the community awaits further information about the case, it was important to be alert but remain calm.

“This case is currently under investigation with information for the community to be provided by NSW Health when accurate information is available,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This person is currently in isolation and I wish them a speedy recovery.

“At this point we believe the case has been in isolation since before they were infectious, however investigations are still ongoing. In the meantime, we need to remain vigilant. It is vitally important we go out and get tested even if we are experiencing only mild COVID-19 symptoms. Please continue to follow the advice that Hunter New England Health are providing.

“I also strongly urge residents against panic buying. We know from experience that we have secure supply chains and do not need to worry.

“Today’s news is a timely reminder to continue to boost our vaccination rate, and this week’s Royal Flying Doctor Service vaccination clinics have come at a good time. If you have not yet had your vaccine I encourage you to come forward and get it done.

“If we continue to look out for each other, lift our vaccination rate and follow all restrictions, I know we will get through this and can look forward to getting back to a more normal way of life soon.”

For a full list of testing locations visit https://bit.ly/39bnaNY.  Information on local vaccination options is available at https://bit.ly/3nDhC7e. For further health advice and updates refer to NSW Health. 

ENDS

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