17 December, 2020

Gunnedah Shire has once again wowed the Christmas light judges with a display guaranteed to put the community in a festive mood.

Gunnedah has a new Santa Street this year, with Silversmith Place taking the coveted title for the best neighbourhood effort from last year’s winner Kamilaroi Road.

The Christmas Lights Competition winners for 2020 are:
• Best Decorated House – 5 Sanders Place, Gunnedah
• Best Nativity Scene – 11 Thomson Place, Gunnedah
• Best Christmas Theme in a Village – 98 Furphy Road, Curlewis
• Santa Street – Silversmith Place, Gunnedah
• Judges’ Choice Award – Oaktree Retirement Village
• Best Dressed Shopfront Window – Mari-Ann Florist, Gunnedah.

These winners have been presented with Gunny Money Gift Cards.

Curlewis Progress Association also awarded a second place in Curlewis to 13 Pullaming Street and a third to 23 Poole Street.

Gunnedah Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke said people’s efforts in decorating their homes and businesses added to the spirit of Christmas in the community.

“Gunnedah has a great tradition of colourful Christmas lights,” Cr Hooke said.

“It’s wonderful to see that even in this difficult year, people have really embraced the festive season and created displays that bring a smile to the faces of children and adults. It’s a big effort, but it really does add to the joy of Christmas-time.

“Congratulations to not only the winners, but to everyone who wants to share their love of the season with a tree in the window or a wreath on the door.”

This year, Gunnedah Shire Council has also co-ordinated a Christmas lights map. To take a look before you take the family for a drive, visit Council’s Facebook page or go to https://www.google.com.au/maps/d/edit?mid=1TkIGHieJwrjGzly4spaPxOHe_tw4vZPE&usp=sharing

Caption: Some of the winners in the Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights competition at the presentation.

December 16, 2020

Gunnedah’s town centre will be an even safer place with the addition of 24 high definition closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

The completion of the Western Central Business District CCTV Safety Enhancement Project sees a further 24 cameras installed at various locations from the Elgin Street to Chandos Street roundabouts, ensuring the main street has full coverage.

Chair of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Crime Prevention Working Group Councillor Colleen Fuller said Council had secured a $32,910 grant as part of the fourth round of the $10 million NSW Community Safety Fund, which supports innovative crime prevention projects across the State. Council provided an additional $15,000 towards the project.

“We are committed to supporting not only the safety of our community and our visitors, but to the security of our local business owners,” Councillor Fuller said.
“We want our town centre to be a hub where people can gather together safely no matter what time of the day or night it is and go to community events and support local retail outlets.

“Our quality of life and the liveability of our community is part of what makes Gunnedah such a great place to be.”

The project was identified after Council’s Crime Prevention Working Group undertook a walking review of the closed circuit television (CCTV) network in the Gunnedah CBD. The review was conducted to revisit the current locations of cameras and determine future approaches to maintaining and expanding the network.

The CCTV network will allow real-time monitoring of high-traffic areas and will help police keep a closer eye on the CBD, which will in turn support them in their efforts to secure successful prosecutions, sending a clear message to perpetrators that if they do the wrong thing, they will be caught and they will face the consequences.

Gunnedah Police Station’s Inspector Michael Wurth said he commended the work done by the Gunnedah Shire Council, in particular members of the Crime Prevention Working Group, for ensuring the initiative came to fruition.

“CCTV is one of a number of investigative tools that are available to police to prevent, disrupt and respond to incidents of crime,” Inspector Wurth said.

“I also encourage the owners of all businesses, along with residences of houses that have CCTV at home, to register their CCTV online at: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/register_my_business_cctv_details

“The online site has further information regarding security of information including your details and what consent is required from you before NSW Police Force can use any imagery.”

The Council CCTV network in the town centre now includes 62 cameras between Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club and Livvi’s Place in Conadilly Street.

Caption: Chair of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Crime Prevention Working Group Councillor Colleen Fuller and Gunnedah Inspector Michael Wurth in Gunnedah’s CBD where 52 council cameras are now in place.

ENDS

Media contact: (02) 6740 2100.

16 December, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is planning for the economic future of Gunnedah Shire, and is seeking input from the community.

Council has commissioned consultants SC Lennon & Associations to prepare the Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2021-25.

People who would like to help shape this new vision and framework for economic development can now fill in a survey – and go into the draw to win a $100 Gunny Money Gift Card.

The Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2021-25 will focus on the things Council can do to help stimulate, attract and maintain business activity, investment and employment in the Shire. It will guide the economic development roles and functions of Council.

It will also provide Council with a blueprint to focus its support and promotion of economic development for the next four years.

The survey takes no more than five minutes to complete and is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/gunnedaheconomicdevelopment

Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said more than 50 people attended focus group workshops about the strategy last week, and about 50 people dropped in to a pop-up stall in Conadilly Street.

“We encourage as many people as possible to have a say in the development of our Shire,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Everyone has an interest in keeping our economy strong, whether it be from an employment perspective, a business perspective or they would like to ensure there is a variety of job opportunities for their children when they finish school.

“It’s easy to have your say and make sure it is heard by taking this quick survey.”

The survey closes on Friday, January 29, 2021.

ENDS

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

December 11, 2020

People interested in employment or supply opportunities for the new Inland Rail have been invited to an information session in Gunnedah.

Contractors for Phase 1 Narrabri North to North Star, Trans4m Rail (a joint venture between John Holland and SEE Civil) will host a Meet the Contractor information session for people to learn more about how to get involved with the project.

Information session details:

• Date: Monday, December 14 from 11:00am to 12:30pm
• Location: TAFE NSW, Gunnedah Campus.

The project team is looking to fill a number of roles from the region, including local construction, operation, communication and maintenance roles, including: project/site engineers, OHS advisors, community engagement officers, office administrators, document controller, labourers, machine operators, surveyors, concretors and steelfixers.

The team will also source local plant, equipment, materials and people to support rail works, roadworks, earthworks, bridge and drainage construction.

To register your interest in attending the session, please email inlandrail@artc.com.au

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December 10, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council’s administration building, GoCo and the Gunnedah Library will close for the Christmas break at 12pm on Wednesday, December 23, and will re-open on Monday, January 11.

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.

There will be alterations to the recycling collection schedule in Gunnedah, Curlewis and Carroll over the holiday period, see here for further details. Residents are encouraged to download the Recycle Coach App to receive updates about their collection.

The Gunnedah Saleyards will cease operations following the sale on Tuesday, December 15 and will reopen for the sale on Tuesday, January 5.

A full list of opening hours for Council facilities over the Christmas-New Year break can be found here.

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.

ENDS

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

26 November, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is asking local businesses and the community to help renew the strategy paving the way for future growth and investment in the Shire.

The Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2021-2025 will guide the economic development roles and functions of Council. It will also provide Council with a blueprint to focus its support and promotion of economic development for the next four years.

Sasha Lennon of consultancy firm SC Lennon & Associates, engaged by Council to prepare the strategy, will be in Gunnedah to meet with local business and community stakeholders, from December 1-3, 2020.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said community input was a vital part of the strategy’s development.

“It is critical that Gunnedah Shire Council know and understand our community’s views on the road ahead for growth and investment,” Cr Chaffey said.

“There will be multiple opportunities for residents, businesses and groups to contribute their thoughts on the Shire’s needs and priorities.

“Community involvement in the preparation of the strategy will ensure the consultants are well-informed to deliver a strategy with vision and a practical plan of action. Our strong economy is something we have all built together, and we will work together to ensure we remain resilient.”

The new strategy will be based on detailed economic research and analysis, as well as engagement with businesses, key agencies and the community, to envision a future Gunnedah Shire economy that is diverse, strong and sustainable.

Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said initial consultations were an important early step in the strategy development process and there would be a number of ways both residents and businesses could contribute their ideas.

“The community will have the opportunity to contribute their ideas at a Main Street Pop-up, outside the newsagency on the morning of Wednesday, December 2, and a number of focus group sessions are planned, at a variety of times to suit different schedules,” Ms Hoddle said.

Sessions to provide input into the strategy:

Tuesday, December 1:
• Lunch session – 12.30pm to 2pm at the Council Training Room, 63 Elgin Street
• Drinks and nibbles session – 5.30pm to 7pm at Gunnedah Hotel

Wednesday, December 2:
• Drinks and nibbles session – 5.30pm-7pm at the Courthouse Hotel

Thursday, December 3:
• Breakfast and coffee session – 7.30am to 9am at the Verdict Café.

Limited spots are available due to COVID-19 Safety requirements. Please book your place through https://augsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/3910

Caption: Businesses and the community are being invited to have their say ahead of drafting of the Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2021-2025.

ENDS

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

24 November, 2020

Two local Gunnedah Creatives, Anne Bell and Maree Kelly, feature in the nationally toured exhibition Art Word Place coming to Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery in December, 2020.

Art Word Place was on exhibition at The Tamworth Regional Gallery in November 2019, as part of Regional Arts NSW’s Artstate event and has also been on display at the Regional Australia Institute in Canberra from March 9- June 9, 2020.

Art Word Place focuses on the interplay between text and image and was co-ordinated by Caroline Downer, Executive Director, Arts North West.

Eighteen writers from the Arts North West region have been commissioned to create a short poem based on their home landscape. Selected artists have then drawn on this composition as the basis and inspiration of a new work capturing the identity and sense of place of the New England North West. There are recurring themes – of rivers, plains and sky, of drought, of adversity but also of optimism.

“There are depictions of drought and bushfire ravaged lands, of sky and clouds, of adversity and of the challenges in this landscape,” Caroline Downer said.
“But then there is also the representation of strength, of resilience and of perseverance. Here we have the works with more optimism; the river, the majestic mountains, the glimpse of a new day, the detail of new growth and a sense of hope.”

Curlewis artist Maree Kelly said had enjoyed working with her friend Anne Bell to create a painting inspired by Anne’s poem Resonance.

“Anne’s words evoked for me a snippet of hope, the smell of rain, early morning light, hope before the sun came up and bared the hard dry ground, teasing and giving hope rather than depicting just how hard the drought was impacting on us – generations of families looking for even just a glimpse of rain,” Maree said.

Art Word Place will be exhibiting at The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery throughout December and January with the Official Opening from 1pm Friday 18 December, 2020. The exhibition continues until 3pm Sunday 31 January, 2021.

Participating artists: Bernard Alberecht, Gabi Briggs, Leah Bullen, Peter Champion, Jan Clark, Sharon Gilmour, Michelle Hungerford, Nancy Hunt, Paula Jenkins, Maree Kelly, Rowen Matthews, Liz Munro, Liz Powell, Max Powell, Jo White.

Participating writers: Nicole Alexander, Anne Bell, Michael Burge, Esther Gardiner, John Heffernan, Lizzie Horne, Heather Kerridge, Yvonne Ledingham, Yve Louis, Lucy Munro, Bronwyn Parry, Helena Pastor, Virginia Tapscott, Michael Thorley, Nate Weatherall.
Places: Armidale, Ebor, Deepwater, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Inverell, Invergowrie, Manilla, Moree, Narrabri, Quirindi, Rocky River, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Uralla, Walcha, Warialda and Yarrowyck.

Caption: Maree Kelly and Anne Bell (Knight) have worked together to contribute to the Art Word Place exhibition.

ENDS

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

November 23, 2020

Do you know someone who makes the Gunnedah Shire a better place? It’s time to nominate outstanding local citizens for Gunnedah Shire Council’s 2021 Australia Day Awards.

The Australia Day Awards recognise and honour the positive contributions of local individuals and groups who work tirelessly to enrich the Gunnedah Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Council is proud to celebrate the achievements and contributions of local citizens through the Australia Day Awards.

“Nominating someone for an Australia Day Award helps us celebrate everyday heroes who make a real and positive difference in the community and inspire others,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The 2021 awards will be especially significant as they will highlight the strength, resilience and capacity of the Gunnedah community when faced with adversity.

“This year there is an additional category for Environmental Citizen of the Year, recognising a local eco-warrior who has made efforts to preserve the environment.

 “As part of the 2021 Australia Day celebrations, grants have also been made available for villages to host diverse and exciting events. I look forward to seeing festivities planned across the Gunnedah Shire.”

There are 12 categories in Gunnedah Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards for 2020. They include:

• Citizen of the Year Award (21 and over),
• Young Citizen of the Year Award (20 and under),
• Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award,
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy,
• Community Organisation and/or Event Achievement Award,
• Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award,
• Sports Person of the Year Award (21 and over),
• Junior Sports Person of the Year Award (20 and under),
• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under),
• Sports Team of the Year Award,
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award, and
• Environmental Citizen of the Year Award (open age category).

Nomination forms are available online or physical copies can be collected from the Gunnedah Shire Library, at the Cultural Precinct or the Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building.

Nominations close Friday, January 15, 2021, with winners announced at the 2021 Australia Day Dinner on Monday, January 25, 2021. Tickets for the Australia Day Awards dinner are available at www.thecivic.com.au.

Village Progress Associations, Hall Committees and community groups are invited to apply for up to $500 in funding to facilitate community celebrations and can visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/N8MPSCB to submit an application. Submissions close December 10, 2020.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications team (02) 6740 2100.

December 20, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has formed a new Skills and Training Working Group to build the Shire’s skills base and provide more local training opportunities.

The working group will facilitate greater collaboration between employers, vocational education providers and government, advocating for the community's skills and training needs.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Deputy Rob Hooke and Councillor Colleen Fuller have been nominated as Council’s representatives. They will be joined by several community representatives, including two from Gunnedah TAFE and two members of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce.

Council is currently seeking additional nominations for business and community representatives.

Representatives will be required to attend working group meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month at 3.00pm at the Gunnedah Shire Council Chambers in Elgin Street.

Applications for business representatives close at 5pm on Friday, December 4. The application form can be found here.

November 20, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has voted unanimously to engage the NSW Rural Doctors Network to look at solutions to the Shire’s critical general practitioner shortage.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Shire was at a historically low level of general practitioners, at a ratio of approximately one general practitioner to 3000 residents. That is believed to be one of the highest ratios in the Hunter New England Health area.

“While responsibility for health services rests with the State and Federal governments, we cannot sit by and watch the level of concern this issue is causing our community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I have received numerous representations from residents in our community expressing a great level of distress with the inability to gain an appointment to see a Gunnedah-based general practitioner.

“The implications of this shortfall are enormous. Not only is great pressure being placed on the dedicated practitioners we do have, but preventative check-ups are not happening and people are being forced to travel to see a doctor which is impacting on those practices. It is causing stress on people’s health, families and jobs, and is a handbrake to attracting new people to our otherwise very progressive economy.

“It makes sense to find solutions with the people who best understand the problem – and that is health professionals. The NSW Rural Doctors Network can work with our local health professionals to look at short, medium and long-term approaches to our situation.”

Council voted to engage NSW Rural Doctors Network, at no cost, to:

1. Collaborate with Gunnedah Shire Council, Hunter New England Health and other key stakeholders to identify a short, medium and long term approach to address General Practitioner shortages within Gunnedah Shire;
2. Consult with representatives from the Barber Street Medical Practice, Northwest Family Medical Centre, and the community of Gunnedah Shire;
3. Deliver to Council a Strategy which will list actions to address identified issues that will include but is not limited to a General Practitioner attraction and retention strategy for Gunnedah, and which Council can utilise to advocate through local State and Federal members to their respective governments to achieve the identified outcomes.

As part of these deliberations, Council voted to update and exhibit the Gunnedah Shire Council Medical Professionals Support Policy to include the provision of accommodation for doctors through subsidised rental accommodation.

Gunnedah Shire Council has also endorsed a submission to the NSW Government’s inquiry into health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote

Council’s submission outlines concerns with the shortage of general practitioners.

“Local GPs are effectively running a crisis medical service and preventative practice is non-existent,” the submission says.

“Those lucky enough to get an appointment with a local GP face long waits and appointments are significantly delayed or not sought until a health complaint has escalated to a critical level. The concept of an annual health check-up with a local GP is a luxury that is simply not attainable for many local people. The complete lack of preventative care has a compounding effect, creating further demand on local services and in turn further escalating an increasingly desperate situation.

“Undoubtedly, this will lead to a continuation of the ongoing decline in local health outcomes when compared against a metropolitan population and it may be many years before the full extent of this problem is apparent in health statistics.”

ENDS

Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.