31 October, 2024

Gunnedah Shire Council is once again partnering with the Salvation Army for the annual Gunnedah Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal.

Now in its 11th year, the Christmas Toy Appeal aims to connect the community through compassion by calling on residents to donate toys for distribution to local families in need over Christmas.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Colleen Fuller said Council was proud to partner with the Salvation Army to help make the festive season a little brighter for families who may be struggling.

“Last year the Appeal saw over 350 items donated to the Salvation Army for distribution to local families, highlighting the compassion and generosity of the Gunnedah community,” said Cr Fuller.

“The Salvation Army does a tremendous job supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community and as the rising cost of living continues to impact families, they are expecting to see an increase in demand for services following a challenging year.

“By adding an extra gift under the tree this year, you can help bring joy to local family facing tough times.

“I encourage those in a position to donate to get involved and help spread the Christmas cheer.”

New and unwrapped gifts can be placed under the Christmas tree located at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building (63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah) and at the Gunnedah Shire Library (291 Conadilly St, Gunnedah).

Gift ideas include toys, clothing and accessories, books, sporting goods, games, beauty products and gift vouchers. Locals are also encouraged to consider selecting gifts appropriate for older children.

For health and hygiene reasons, food items and pre-loved toys are unable to be donated.

Donations must be received before 5pm, Friday 06 December 2024 and will be distributed to local families in the lead up to Christmas.

31 October 2024

Round 2 of the Section 356 Arts and Cultural Small Grants and Round 2 of the Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program have opened.

Gunnedah Shire Council has a small amount of unallocated funds for the Section 356 Small Grants Program and is calling on arts and cultural groups and community and sports groups to put in their applications.

The Section 356 program has been in place for 20 years and is designed to aid the continuation of existing local projects or help funds that meet the needs of our growing community. Groups must meet eligibility criteria and provide documentation to support their application.

In the past, the grants have helped many organisations deliver exciting projects that have allowed Gunnedah Shire residents to discover something new or enrich the pastimes and sports they already enjoy.

To find out more about eligibility and apply, visit:
• For the Section 356 Arts and Cultural Small Grants: Section 356 Arts and Cultural Grants - Gunnedah Shire Council (nsw.gov.au)
• For the Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants: Section 356 Community and Sports Grants - Gunnedah Shire Council (nsw.gov.au)
Both rounds close at 5pm on Friday, 22 November 2024.

Caption: Some of the recipients of a 2023 round of the Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants.

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

30 October, 2024

Hundreds of Gunnedah Shire students saw high-flying inspiration in action today at an Aussie FMX event hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council, sponsored by Boggabri Coal and the NSW Government through the Community Recovery Officer Program.

The show, that features some of Australia’s top freestyle motocross riders including Aussie FMX director and three-time world record holder Brodie Carmichael, encourages kids to pursue their passion with the possibility of turning it into a career.

Riders perform tricks from a ramp, but also engage with a young audience about their hopes and dreams.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said the idea to bring the show to Gunnedah had been raised by Councillor Juliana McArthur and attended by Deputy Mayor Kate McGrath.

“Having a young population who are resilient and encouraged to overcome challenges for a brighter life is vitally important to our Shire,” Ms Frater said.

“The performers in the Aussie FMX show not only showcase an extraordinary degree of talent, but they tell their own stories, and connect with students who might be becoming disengaged with their education and their own journey.

“It was wonderful to see the Gunnedah High School and St Mary’s College students today really enjoying not only the spectacular stunts, but the message the riders brought to them. A big thank you to our sponsors Boggabri Coal and the NSW Government through the Community Recovery Officer Program for helping us to make this happen.”

Other agencies in attendance supporting the event were NSW Police, Australian Red Cross, Centacare New England North West and PCYC.

The show was held at the Gunnedah Showground and included a sausage sizzle and presentations from youth facilitators about life skills and building positive influences.

Caption: Brodie Carmichael talks to Gunnedah High Students at the Aussie FMX event in Gunnedah today.

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21 October 2024

It’s big, it’s accurate, and it will help Gunnedah Shire face disasters like the floods of 2021-22.

The Big Map - a 15m x 9m aerial photograph that allows people to actually walk across the Shire - is at the centre of a series of Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) sessions to be held in Gunnedah and Narrabri early November.

DRA Emergency Management Specialist and National Resilience Manager Adam Moss said the Big Map project brought together stakeholders and the community to take a bird’s eye view of flooding across the Shire.

“The Big Map is a connector,” he said. “It’s an interpretation tool that connects a community and enables people to work together to see the bigger picture and understand the potential risks and hazards they face in the area they live.”

DRA Resilience Manager Shari Bent said weather events were continuing to increase in severity and frequency.

“Communities now more than ever need to understand the possible risks and hazards ahead,” she said. “Walking the Big Map is a unique way to explore where you live and gain new perspective on these threats to your communities. Once communities understand these risks and hazards, they can work together to identify ways to mitigate better prepare for next time.”
Gunnedah Shire Council Community Recovery Officer Karen Grimm said the project was a step forward in working with stakeholders and the community to assist in future preparedness and recovery readiness planning and events.

“Local knowledge is critical in understanding and preparing for future events,” Ms Grimm said. “People who have lived and worked through previous disasters know exactly what effect they had and where.

“The Big Map sessions are a great, visual way to take our disaster readiness to the next level. Local community knowledge combines with stakeholder information, science and government and organisational expertise to work towards better ways forward.”
Gunnedah Shire Council Local Emergency Management Officer Wade Berryman said there would be two sessions in Gunnedah Shire, one on Friday, 1 November for key stakeholders, emergency services and local government representatives, and one on Saturday, 2 November for the community.

“Not only is this a great opportunity for the community, but the Friday event will be very important in bringing together the on-the-ground agencies,” Mr Berryman said.

“The session will help us to further identify areas at risk and provide an opportunity to talk about roles and responsibilities, assist in working towards practical steps to follow as events unfold, and find out where the gaps exist.

“When we are prepared and all agencies work together according to a well-considered plan, the outcomes for the community can be improved.”

Acting Chief Superintendent Matthew Kirby - Zone Commander NSW SES said the NSW SES was excited to be involved in the Big Map community events in Gunnedah and Narrabri.

“The NSW SES is pleased to be partnering with Disaster Relief Australia, the Minderoo Foundation, and Gunnedah and Narrabri Shire Councils to deliver the Big Map events in early November.

“During the flooding events of 2021 and 2022, both Gunnedah and Narrabri experienced significant flooding. Giving community members the opportunity to view their flood risk on a 15m by 9m aerial photograph and map allows for a far better understanding of the impact of flooding in and around their community, hopefully ensuring they are better prepared during future flooding events.

“The NSW SES is committed to continuing its flood preparation and response activities across the New England North West. Events like the Big Map, ensure we can continue to educate and equip communities with the skills and knowledge to identify and manage flooding hazards across the region.”

The Gunnedah Shire community Big Map event will be held from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday, 2 November, 2024 at the PCYC in View Street. The event is free, but participants are asked to register at https://disasterreliefaus.org/what-we-do/community-resilience-plans/big-map/ or email resilience@disterreliefaus.org

A Narrabri Shire community Big Map event will be held from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Sunday, 3 November 2024 at the Main Auditorium, The Crossing Theatre, Narrabri. It is free and participants can register on the links above.
The session will include presentation and discussions, however, people are welcome to drop in during that time.

Caption: The Big Map sessions give people a bird’s eye view of the Shire and allow participants to identify areas at risk.

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

18 October 2024

Finding and applying for the right grant to assist your community or not-for-profit organisation can be tricky.

Gunnedah Shire Council will hold a free Getting Grant Ready Workshop for local community and not-for-profit groups at 9.30am on Tuesday, 26 November.

“Grants are an important way for our local groups to expand and explore new initiatives,” Gunnedah Shire Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton said.

“This Getting Grant Ready Workshop, which is an initiative of Gunnedah Shire Council supported by NSW Government, is specially designed to make the process of grant writing easier, and ultimately more successful.

“Council already has a Funding Finder (available at https://grantguru.com/au/gunnedah ) to help identify relevant grants. This workshop will help equip attendees with the skills to maximise their opportunities to access funding for projects that build their organisation’s long-term sustainability and build on our Shire’s liveability and community amenity.”

The workshop would be ideal for volunteers who are often the grant writers for their clubs, village associations, hall committees or sporting groups. It is being supported by the NSW Reconstruction Authority as a project that works towards community-focused recovery under the National Principles for Disaster Recovery.

Participants will help empower groups to identify future needs and challenges, and source funding to deliver solutions.

The session, which will run from 9.30am until 2.30pm at Gunnedah Town Hall, will be hosted by seasoned and successful grant writer Trudi Bartlett.

This workshop is free, but places are limited and bookings are essential.

The Getting Grant Ready Workshop will be held at 9.30am to 2.30pm on Tuesday, 26 November, 2024 at Gunnedah Town Hall in Conadilly Street.

Bookings can be made through www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1302627

October 16, 2024

At the first Gunnedah Shire Council meeting following the NSW Local Government Election in September, Councillors have elected Cr Colleen Fuller as Mayor and Cr Kate McGrath as Deputy Mayor.

In Gunnedah Shire, Councillors vote to elect the Mayor every two years, and have elected to vote in the Deputy Mayor for 12 months.

Cr Fuller said she was delighted to take on the role of Mayor.

“It’s an honour to be declared as the Mayor of Gunnedah Shire after 21 years as a Councillor in this wonderful Shire,” she said.

“I look forward to working with Deputy Mayor Kate McGrath and our fellow Councillors to deliver great things for Gunnedah. Thank you to our Gunnedah Shire Councillors and to the community for putting your faith in me. This is truly an amazing place to live and to work, and it we know it will continue to get even better.”

Cr McGrath said it was the first time Gunnedah Shire Council had elected a female leadership team of Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

“It’s a historic day and I think it is quite fitting given we have a Council with a majority of female Councillors,” she said.

“Our goal will be to put the community’s priorities front and centre. I think we will work exceptionally well together. We have shared aspirations and will work towards moving forward with our functional and productive Shire.
“I would also like to say how very proud I am of Colleen Fuller and how happy I am to see her in this role after 21 years as a Councillor.”

Gunnedah Shire Council welcomed Councillors Colleen Fuller, Robert Hoddle, Robert Hooke, Ann Luke, Tammey McAllan, Juliana McArthur, Kate McGrath, Cameron Moore and Linda Newell.

All Councillors took either the oath or affirmation that they would undertake the duties of the office of councillor in the best interests of the people of Gunnedah and Gunnedah Shire Council, and faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act 1993 or any other Act to the best of their ability and judgment.

The first Gunnedah Shire Council Ordinary Meeting of the term will be held at 4.30pm on Wednesday, 30 October.

The following meetings will be held on Wednesday, 20 November 2024 and Wednesday, 11 December 2024 at 4.30pm before the meetings return in 2025 to the regular date and time of the third Wednesday in the month at 4.30pm. All Ordinary Council meetings are open to the public and are held in the Gunnedah Shire Council Chambers on Elgin Street, other than the March and September meeting which will be held in one of the villages.

Council will seek expressions of interest from village hall committees and progress associations to host one of these meetings.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Councillors, (from left) Juliana McArthur, Cameron Moore, Deputy Mayor Kate McGrath, Linda Newell, Mayor Colleen Fuller, Robert Hoddle, Ann Luke, Tammey McAllan and Rob Hooke.

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14 October, 2024

What is just as Australian as helping out a mate? Recognising a mate who makes Gunnedah Shire a better place!

Nominations for the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards 2025 have now opened and we are relying on you to let us know about someone who makes an outstanding contribution to our Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater says the Australia Day Awards are an important part of our Australia Day program.

“Over the years, Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Awards have allowed us to honour and pay tribute to some of our most amazing citizens,” Ms Frater says.

“Take a look at some of our recent Citizens of the Year – Marie Hobson in 2024, Mitchum Neave in 2023, Tracey Reid in 2022 and Ray Williams in 2021, alongside our Young Citizens for those years – Lewis Donaldson, Ellyn Blinman, Steven Hopwood and Aidan R de Luzuriaga. These are people who have each brought something unique to what it means to live in Gunnedah.

“Even being nominated for one of these awards shows how much we value those people who go the extra mile. And those who go on to win an award become a permanent part of Gunnedah Shire’s story.

“Please take a few minutes to think about the people you come across in Gunnedah Shire who make a difference, and nominate them for an Australia Day Award.”

There are 13 categories in the 2025 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards:

• Citizen of the Year (21 and over) – To a person who: has made an outstanding contribution to the residents or community; has made a significant contribution in a voluntary capacity; has shown care and compassion to others in the community; and/or displays citizenship and ethical leadership.
• Young Citizen of the Year (20 and under) – To a young person 20 years or under on 31 December 2024 who: has demonstrated commitment to the community through involvement in sporting, social or community issues; has shown a high level of achievement in their education, sporting, social, hobbies and community activities; and/or demonstrates involvement in extra-curricular activities (i.e. assisting others in the community).
• Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year – To a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community in a voluntary capacity.
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy – To a retired person who has continued to dedicate their time and efforts to impart their knowledge and skills to others in the community, and to assist people to attain higher goals in life.
• Community Achievement – To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through their dedication and efforts in a specific organisation, community initiative or civic duty.
• Cultural Achievement – To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through any means of cultural diversity.
• Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award – To a person who is a quiet achiever, lives quietly out of the public eye but is well known to family, friends and neighbours as someone who gives freely of their time to lend a neighbourly hand, without looking for anything in return. For example, feeding animals while neighbours are away, taking soup to a sick neighbour, providing transport for housebound people etc
• Sports Person of the Year (21 and over) – To a person who: has been a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah shire for the last 12 months; and has made a significant contribution to their sporting club or chosen sporting field.
• Junior Sports Person of the Year (20 and under) – To a person who: has been a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months; and has made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
• Sports Team of the Year – To a team who: have been members of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months; and have made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
• Junior Sports Team of the Year (20 and under) – To a team who: Have been members of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months, and have made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award – This award is in recognition of the work that is done by a coach, someone who is committed to training and passing on their knowledge.
• Environmental Citizens of the Year – Nominees may be recognised for work such as: efforts to preserve the environment within their local community; ability to foster partnerships that achieve litter reduction and recycling outcomes; use of the Return and Earn scheme to help fundraise for a meaningful cause. Individuals and organisations including schools, local businesses and community groups are eligible to receive this award. Winners of this award can go in the running for the state winner title.

For application forms and to find out more, visit:
• www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/economic-development/australia-day, or
• www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events

Copies of the form can be picked up from Council in Elgin St from Thursday, 17 October. Nomination forms must be returned by 5pm on Monday, 9 December 2024.

Caption: Todd McKenney performs at the 2024 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards.

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2 October, 2024

The NSW Electoral Commission has issued the official declaration of results of the NSW Local Government Election.

The nine Councillors for this term of Gunnedah Shire Council (in order of the ballot paper) will be:

• Colleen Fuller (2375 total votes)
• Cameron Moore (676 total votes)
• Linda Newell (739 total votes)
• Ann Luke (850 total votes)
• Juliana McArthur (741 total votes)
• Kate McGrath (731 total votes)
• Robert Hooke (900 total votes)
• Robert Hoddle (779 total votes)
• Tammey McAllan (830 total votes).

Gunnedah Shire Council Acting General Manager Andrew Johns congratulated the nine Councillors who will represent Gunnedah Shire for the next four years.

An extraordinary Gunnedah Shire Council meeting will be held on a date to be determined this month to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and determine future meeting dates and times.

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

1 October, 2024

An eclectic collection from the Nimbin Artists Gallery will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at an event at 6pm on Friday, 18 October.

The exhibition, titled Nimbin Diversity, will include the works of 21 artists from the Rainbow Region of New South Wales, with a huge variety of works from Japanese print blocks to ceramics, and wildly colourful acrylics to timber artworks, mixed fibre birdbaths and felted textiles.

Nimbin Artists Gallery president Karen Welsh said the exhibition represented very different genres.

“Nimbin Diversity will feature some really bold artists,” Ms Welsh said. “We have Donna Sharam and her beautiful colourful work and Leigh Arnold who creates 3D work that is quite planetary and geometrical. We will have 3D glasses available to view his work.

“The exhibition also includes the work of Melissa Hume, who creates felted textile jackets.

“Paul Roguszka’s work is next level – finely crafted woodwork – and Nathan Dawson’s Mad Magazine-style art has a big following among younger artists.”

The exhibition will also include the books Unique: Creative Homes of Nimbin and Surrounds, by Mandie Hale, and Dying, Death and Beyond by Saskia Kouwenberg.

Ms Welsh said many of the artists were hoping to be in Gunnedah for the opening night, and most of the works would be for sale. The full list of artists included in the exhibition is: Pauline Ahern, Peter Aland, Leigh Arnold, Heather Bedell, Amanda Bragg, Nathan Dawson, Marty de Weerd, John Hosking, Melissa Hume, Claire L’Arrivee, Jenny Mac, Naomi Malone, Jasmine O’Shea, Paul Roguszka, Shannamay, Donna Sharam, Christine Spedding, John Storey, Yoko Tsushima, Ali Walker and Maureen Whittaker.

On Sunday, 20 October, exhibition artist Donna Sharam will hold a free artist’s talk at 10am at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery,
followed by a Picasso My Face art workshop between 1pm and 3pm for $60. Bookings are essential through www.thecivic.com.au

Key dates of the Nimbin Diversity exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery in Chandos Street, Gunnedah:

• 6pm, Friday, 18 October: Nimbin Diversity opens. The exhibition will continue until Friday, 22 November.
• 10am-12pm, Sunday, 20 October: Free artist’s talk with Donna Sharam. Listen and engage with Donna as she speaks about her creative practice. Donna will also have some of her artworks at the Gunnedah Country Markets at Wolseley Park on Saturday, 19 October.
• 1-3pm, Sunday, 20 October: Picasso My Face art workshop with Donna Sharam. Embark on a journey of self expression through the creation of your own artwork. Tickets $60, available through www.thecivic.com.au

Caption: A section of the colourful Temple Earth by Donna Sharam.

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