October 1, 2020

Gunnedah’s creativity is in full bloom at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, following the launch of the Spring into September exhibition last Friday.

In August the gallery called on residents to submit spring themed artwork and colouring-in for the community based exhibition now on display.

Gunnedah Shire Library joined in the creative output with a spring themed creative writing competition encouraging budding authors of all ages to put pen to paper.

Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the competition has helped boost community spirit and provide accessible cultural experiences.

“Spring into September is all about getting Gunnedah locals involved with something creative and light-hearted during a time that has been challenging for everyone,” Ms Mackley said.

“I have been impressed with both the quantity and quality of works submitted; proving Gunnedah is a nursery for budding artistic talent.”

The following winners of the colouring-in and writing competitions were congratulated at the exhibition opening.

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery colouring-in competition winners:

• Under 7 years: Alexander Byron
• 8-12 years: Erised Oosthuizen
• Ages 12 and over: J.S Clark

Gunnedah Shire Library writing competition winners:

• Under 7 years: Matilda O’Keefe
• Under 12 years: Clare Chapman
• 13 years: Wesley Law
• Young at Heart: Rachel Jones

The Spring into September exhibition continues until Friday October 30, 2020.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

October 1, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has formed a new working group to build the Shire’s skills base and provide more local training opportunities.

During the September Council Meeting Councillors voted to form the Skills and Training Working Group. Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Deputy Rob Hooke and Councillor Colleen Fuller were nominated as Council’s representatives. They will be joined by seven community representatives, including two from Gunnedah TAFE and two members of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce.

Council is currently seeking additional nominations for community representatives, one each from a small, medium and large business in the Gunnedah Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor and Working Group Chairman Jamie Chaffey said the working group will allow for greater collaboration between employers, vocational education providers and government.

“The Skills and Training Working Group will be a unified voice to advocate for our communities skills and training needs,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Community representation on the group allows us to hear directly from employers about training needs and helps us match these with solutions.

“A skilled, sustainable workforce will assist our local businesses in employing more local staff and will empower individuals to upskill and seek new opportunities right here in Gunnedah.”

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 next Friday, October 9. The application form can be found here.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

September 30 , 2020

October is NSW Small Business Month, and Gunnedah Shire Council is asking small business owners to help celebrate by sharing their start-up stories.

Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson said Council was holding a competition called Share Your Start-up Story to showcase the strong role small business plays in the Shire’s economy.

“We have more than 1100 small businesses in the Gunnedah Shire, and they cover a huge diversity of services and products,” Ms Wilson said.

“Our small businesses provide critical support for our industries and are themselves an irreplaceable and very vibrant part of our economy.

“We would like people to share their stories as an inspiration to those who have been through similar journeys or are thinking about starting their own business. It’s also a wonderful way to get to know more about our local businesses.

“We have three great prizes on offer:

– A Mindful Business Hub Membership (valued at $499) including:
o Lifetime access to the Mindful Business Hub digital course platform for one new member
o 12 weeks access to the Mindful Business Community support Facebook group
(The Mindful Business Hub is a 12-week online program for regional small business owners, helping you to release your blocks, learn the tools, cement your goals and create your very own Mindful Business Strategy)

- Two Cats Creative Business Reboot Package (valued at $600), including:
o Four business headshot photographs
o One blog or business profile story

- Country Horizons Writing Services Package (valued at $200), including:
o Your choice of writing services, such as a blog post, article for a newsletter, web page content or profile creation.

“Three entrants will be drawn randomly as winners on November 13.”

Entrants can submit their story of up to 300 words including how they came to do business in Gunnedah Shire, and why the Shire is the best place to do business on https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QHD3CHQ 

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

September 30, 2020

There is still time for residents to have their say about future plans for recreation spaces in the Shire, following the extension of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Open Spaces Survey.

The survey aims to measure how residents use and value open spaces for recreation. Open space land includes parks and playgrounds, reserves, sports fields and courts and green corridors with pathways or trails.

Feedback gained through the survey will inform Council’s overall Open Spaces Strategy and help shape a 10 year vision for future use and development of sports and recreation spaces.

Council Public Facilities Manager Ashley Gardner said that since the survey opened there has been good community participation, with over 200 responses received.

“Gunnedah Shire residents have indicated so far that walking is the top recreational activity and that connections are important, with the ability to use open spaces with friends, family and pets,” Mrs Gardner said.

“We have had a strong pool of responses from Gunnedah and Curlewis residents; however we would still like to hear from more community members, particularly those from villages.

“If you live in Breeza, Carroll, Emerald Hill, Kelvin, Piallaway, Tambar Springs or Mullaley there is still time to get involved. This will ensure we develop a clear picture of recreation needs across the whole Shire.”

The online survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OpenSpaceStrategy_CommunitySurvey

The results and findings will be used for future planning for the provision of outdoor sports and recreation areas.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

September 29, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has launched an extensive and exciting marketing campaign to bring new investment and residents to Gunnedah Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey today announced the start of a campaign that will bring some of the best of Gunnedah into businesses and living rooms across the country.

“This campaign promotes Gunnedah Shire as the first choice to live, to work and to invest,” Cr Chaffey said. “It is in itself a great investment for Gunnedah, attracting people and businesses to help build our future.

“We have already made the choice – we know just how amazing our Shire can be - but it might not be until someone from a metropolitan area sees our people and landscapes on their television, or someone reads about it in an industry publication, that they realise the full scope of what Gunnedah has to offer.

“Regional living is more affordable and offers so much for people looking to invest or bring up a family.

“These videos and advertisements feature real people and real businesses who are achieving great things in our Shire.

“This year has made many people reflect on their lifestyle choices. Gunnedah Shire is ideally placed for anyone looking for a tree change and for an enviable family lifestyle.

“We are really proud of our Shire – of our innovative and resilient businesses, our beautiful open spaces and our facilities. And things are only getting better with projects such as the Gunnedah Koala Park, the saleyards precinct upgrade and funding for a new hospital.

“We have significant employment opportunities and this is just a great place to live. Attracting more investment and more families can only help our community to grow even stronger.”

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said the marketing campaign was part of Council’s Invigorate Gunnedah COVID-19 Recovery Package.

“We know 2020 is turning into the year of the tree change, and this campaign positions Gunnedah to be recognised as the ideal place to expand their horizons,” Ms Hoddle said.

“We have so many great people and innovative stories, that it was hard to feature just a selection in our marketing campaign, but we really think what people are going to see is the real Gunnedah. It is a vibrant and progressive shire with a strong sense of community.

“These stories will be seen in television advertising, across social media and in digital and print marketing. We are targeting both the industries where there are employment opportunities, and the places where people might be considering the future for themselves and their family.

“We know that Gunnedah is the first choice for people to live, work and invest in, but we want to make sure the message spreads, and other people know it too.”

Caption: Launching the new campaign: (From left) Gunnedah Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle (front), Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce president Juliana McArthur, Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson at the launch.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

September 23, 2020

All Signs Lead to Gunnedah

A double-sided electronic event sign will be installed at the Oxley Highway east of Gunnedah, following approval at the September Gunnedah Shire Council Meeting.

The digital noticeboard offers an additional platform of communication with both residents and visitors and uses colourful imagery to welcome visitors and promote sporting, cultural and business events.

The sign will be approximately 8 metres high and over 2 metres wide, visible from up to 85 metres away.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Jamie Chaffey said the vibrant, inviting signage at a main entrance was a great way to encourage visitors to stop and spend time in the region.
“We have an exciting calendar of events here in the Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Chaffey said. “Sport, agriculture, art – there really is something for everyone.

“This signage will help us promote these events to a wider audience of travellers, and has an added benefit of keeping the community informed about what’s happening around town.”

The installation of the new sign is part of Council’s Economic Development Strategy (EDS) and the Destination Management Plan (DMP), aimed at increasing tourism yield and greater promotion of the Gunnedah Shire.

Alcohol zones change an opportunity for restaurants and cafes

Gunnedah’s Alcohol Free Zones will remain unchanged for another four years, but restaurants and cafes will be now able to apply for outdoor licensing.

Gunnedah Shire Council voted at this month’s Council Meeting to endorse exemptions to the Alcohol Free Zones in the Gunnedah CBD to include licensed outdoor dining and alfresco areas, providing the operators have the relevant approvals under the NSW Local Government Act, the NSW Roads Act and with Liquor and Gaming NSW.

Alcohol Free Zones have been in place in Gunnedah for more than 14 years and are a crime prevention and community safety initiative to reduce binge drinking and alcohol-related assaults in public spaces. They are reviewed every four years and the current Alcohol Free Zone declarations remain in place until 30 June 2024. Penalties apply for infringements.

The recommendation was put to Council after consultation with stakeholders including the Gunnedah Liquor Accord, the Crime Prevention Working Group and other councils.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH
Monday 5 October 2020
Collection will be on Tuesday 6 October 2020.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CURLEWIS
Monday 5 October 2020
Collection will be on Wednesday 7 October 2020.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Should you have any enquiries regarding the recycling collection please contact RECYCLIT on (02) 6742 1522.

THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND GREENWASTE COLLECTION.

Please ensure bins are placed out the night before collection date, as contractors are not obliged to accept late bins.

If you have any enquiries regarding these changes please contact Council’s Customer Services Team on 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager

September 23, 2020

Gunnedah is getting ready for a big NSW Small Business Month, with a full program of activities to help the Shire’s small businesses grow. The program culminates with a special event – Friday Night with Mia Freedman via Zoom on Friday, October 30, in a presentation available only to businesses in Gunnedah Shire. Mia is the co-founder and chief creative officer of the very successful Mamamia Women’s Media company, with an audience of more than five million women each month. Mamamia also has the largest women’s podcast network in the world.

Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson said Council was excited to present a program of events that centred on the 2020 NSW Small Business Month themes that are designed to help businesses reboot, upskill and look to the future:

• Building your brand on social media
• Working with digi-tech
• Financial foundations
• Research, plan, do
• Futureproof your business, and
• Your team and you.

“Gunnedah has a strong small business sector that is continuing to show its resilience by growing, even during this difficult economic time,” Ms Wilson said.

“Council’s program, funded through the Community Resilience COVID-19 Business Recovery Package Invigorate Gunnedah with help from the NSW Government, supports our vibrant small businesses in helping them to reach their full potential, through events such as: Xero – both at the basic and advanced levels; Get Shiny on Socials; Fundraising in the Arts, and Mindful Branding.

“It is very exciting to have Mia Freedman on board for an exclusive Gunnedah Shire event this year. Mamamia is an enormous success story and Mia is an inspiration worldwide. Her Zoom presentation will help people learn about harnessing the power of disruption to grow your business. This is an incredible opportunity for our small business owners.

“We really encourage everyone to take a look at the events and book for the sessions that suit them. All events are free.”

Gunnedah’s Small Business Month events are:
• Introduction to Fundraising in the Arts presented by Este Darin-Cooper from Creative Partnerships Australia on Wednesday, October 7 at 6.30pm at the Creative Arts Centre, Chandos Street.
• The 2 Rivers Business Basics Workshop presented by Lorrayne Fishenden of 2 Rivers on Thursday, October 8 at 10am at the Creative Arts Centre.
• Mindful Branding Presentation by Taylah Hudson from the Mindful Business Hub on Thursday, October 8 at 6pm at the Creative Arts Centre.
• Xero Basics for Small Business presented by AMH Bookkeeping on Monday, October 12 at 5.30pm at the Creative Arts Centre.
• Get Shiny on Socials – Masterclass Series part 1 presented by Keira Gifford from Raw Confetti on Tuesday, October 13 at 5.30pm at the Creative Arts Centre.
• Funding Fundamentals presented by Monica Davidson of Creative Plus Business, on Wednesday, October 14 at 5.30pm via Zoom.
• Xero Advanced for Small Business presented by AMH Bookkeeping on Monday, October 19 at 5.30pm at the Creative Arts Centre.
• Get Shiny on Socials – Masterclass Series part 2 presented by Keira Gifford from Raw Confetti on Tuesday, October 20 at 5.30pm at the Creative Arts Centre.
• Get Shiny on Socials – Masterclass Series part 3 presented by Keira Gifford from Raw Confetti on Tuesday, October 27 at 5.30pm at the Creative Arts Centre.
• Friday Night with Mia Freedman – a special Zoom presentation for Gunnedah by Mamamia co-founder and chief creative officer Mia Freedman on Friday, October 30 at 6pm.

View the full Gunnedah Small Business Month Calendar here. book for events, click here.

Caption: Mia Freedman will hold a special Zoom presentation for Gunnedah as part of NSW Small Business Month.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

September 17, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has voted to return its leadership team of Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke for the final year of this Council’s term.

The election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor was held by ballot in the Gunnedah Shire Council chambers this afternoon.

NSW local government elections had been scheduled to take place this month but, due to COVID-19, have been delayed until September 2021. Council votes every two years to decide who will hold the offices of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. In this case, Cr Chaffey and Cr Hooke will now hold those positions until the election next September.

Cr Chaffey, who was elected unopposed, said he was looking forward to continuing the work of the past four years to develop the exciting opportunities already underway.

“There is a tremendous amount of work going on across Gunnedah at the moment, and even more to come in the years ahead,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Our Koala Park and Hospital will be an awesome addition to the Shire. We also look forward to our new hospital becoming a reality, a state-of-the-art saleyards and finding new and innovative ways to improve our skills within the shire, and attract new people to this great place we live in.

“I’m honoured to have the unanimous support of Gunnedah Shire Council and look forward to working with Cr Hooke and our Council team to progress the many opportunities there are for our Shire.”

Cr Hooke said continuing with the leadership team would allow Council to work seamlessly towards achieving its vision for a strong, resilient Gunnedah Shire into the future.

“I’m excited about the year ahead,” he said. “Council, under the leadership of Cr Chaffey, has worked hard to open doors and get things happening in Gunnedah.

“The Shire, our community and our businesses, are in a really strong position, especially considering the difficult economic times we are all facing.”

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey (right) and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke have been re-elected.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

September 17, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council this week voted to allocate funds to plant the first eucalypt plantation for Gunnedah’s new Koala Park.

As the need for the drought-driven Farmer Army declines, Council has decided to reallocate $60,000 from Farmer Army projects to get a eucalypt plantation underway and ensure a food supply for the park’s koalas.

Gunnedah Shire Council Chief Engineer Dan Noble said following advice from an environmental consultant, two locations had been finalised for eucalypt plantations, the Koala Park site on the Oxley Highway and the Gunnedah Soil Conservation Research Station on the Kamilaroi Highway.

“It is now an opportune time of the year to start planting,” Mr Noble said.

“This funding will allow the sites to be prepared and trees to be planted to ensure they are tended and growing ahead of the opening of the new Koala Park.

“This is a really exciting project and, as well as local contractors, we are hoping we can get the community involved in helping to plant these trees.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was good to see work could soon start on this preparation for the koala park and hospital.

“The Koala Park will be an amazing addition to our Shire, and the hospital facility will help our koala population,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This move towards starting the plantation is a great result.

“While some funds have been re-allocated from the Farmer Army, the Farmer Army initiative will continue, and has been a great success story during the past six months.

“The rain this year has meant the demand for the Farmer Army has reduced, but we still have some members at work on projects like the Stock Road beautification and soon, the new temporary community garden near the Smithurst Theatre. A number of the Farmer Army members have actually been recruited to Council on a full-time basis.

“The Koala Park and the Farmer Army are an example of the great things that are happening in Gunnedah this year.”

Caption: Plans are underway for eucalyptus plantations that will feed the koalas at Gunnedah’s new Koala Park.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.