16 April, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has joined a state-wide call for the Federal and NSW governments to step up their economic support for local government during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a Mayoral Minute at this week’s Council meeting, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah Shire Council was already suffering the consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

“We fully understand and support the partial lockdown Australia is in, but it comes at a cost,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Gunnedah Shire Council is a major employer and the supplier of many essential services for our Shire. In addition to this, we are implementing measures to help our local businesses through this incredibly hard time.

“We are in a sound financial position but are also facing the impact of closures of services such as the pool, the cinema, cultural and sporting facilities. We are struggling with the last three years of compounding financial impacts of drought and now COVID‐19.

“Council has faced increased costs and at the same time is experiencing declining revenue as more and more ratepayers are forced into financial hardship. The impacts are escalating.

“Like other local government authorities around our state and the nation, we need to look to the future and ensure we can continue to support our community. It is critical that the local government sector receive adequate funding and resources to coordinate and deliver the goods and services needed as we navigate through, and recover from, natural disasters and the new challenges presented by COVID-19 without being forced to look to increase our residents rates and charges to fund any future shortfall.”

Council is seeking:
• Urgent Federal and NSW government delivery of comprehensive and multifaceted financial support and stimulus packages to local government to enable them to continue to operate effectively and provide essential services during the COVID‐19 pandemic
• An increase in Financial Assistance Grants payments to 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue
• Stimulus funding to councils for projects that will help sustain council operations and boost local economies, such as increasing or bringing forward existing programs or introducing new programs
• Increased access to TAFE, VET and other apprenticeship opportunities that council staff can undertake to address skill shortages, especially for staff in non‐essential services who are unable to be redeployed.

Cr Chaffey has also commended the NSW and Federal governments on their strong leadership during the pandemic and committed to working in partnership with both tiers of government to protect community health and sustain our population and local economy.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

16 April 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has announced a $1.6 million COVID-19 Business Support Package to help local businesses through this challenging time.

The package includes new measures to reduce some of the charges businesses face, as well as introducing a new Business Partner Program round to assist in developing ways to adapt to changes in spending.

Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the COVID-19 Business Support Package was aimed at protecting the Shire’s economy and residents’ livelihoods.

“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on both health and economies throughout the world,” Cr Chaffey said.
“Our own Shire is no different. Many businesses in Gunnedah are already feeling the strain. This partial lockdown, while essential, is brutal on our businesses, and we all need to work hand-in-hand to ensure our economy remains strong and resilient.

“We have consulted with the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry to put together the COVID-19 Business Support Package.

“The package includes some measures Council had already taken to ease the financial strain, including providing relief from interest on overdue rates and not escalating overdue debts during this time. But we have also included new measures, carefully weighed to ensure Council remains financially strong and able to deliver essential services.

“These measures include: a reduction of some water and sewer charges; an additional round of the Business Partner Program to help businesses adapt to meet changed consumer spending patterns; extending the waiving of street trading fees; a new approach to planning and compliance; and a strong focus on our Local Procurement Policy.

“We will also be looking at a further COVID-19 Community Resilience Business Recovery Support Package to help our businesses when this threat is over.

“Many businesses have already shown resilience and creativity during this lockdown, adapting quickly to diversify their operations, and they are to be congratulated.

“Gunnedah Shire has survived and thrived through some real challenges in the past. We can again. This package is aimed at working alongside the measures introduced by the Federal and State governments to protect our economy and make sure we are ready for the recovery phase.”

The objectives of the COVID-19 Community Resilience – COVID 19 Business Support Package are to:

1. Provide fees and charges relief to small business;
2. Provide relief from interest on overdue rates, annual charges and fees whilst ever Council’s Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is activated;
3. Provide assurance that Council will not escalate overdue debts whilst ever the Council BCP is activated;
4. Support local employment and local purchasing;
5. Encourage business diversification and capacity building;
6. Communicate updates from all tiers of Government and Non-Government to the business sector;
7.  Further support to those businesses in need due to the pandemic impacts where any significant gaps are identified in the Federal and State packages.

Gunnedah Shire Council already has in place an escalated Capital Works Program ($28 million) and Community Resilience Program ($3.2 million) in response to the unprecedented drought impacting the community, which will also assist in alleviating some of the economic impact of the COVID19 pandemic.

To take a look at Gunnedah Shire Council's COVID-19 Business Support Package, click here.

Caption: Vera and Robert Banks of Soil Futures Consulting were recent recipients of a grant through the Business Partner Program to create a website.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

15 April, 2020

The cast of Gunnedah’s newest sculpture has been completed, with installation of the tiles now in progress.

The Rainbow Serpent water feature has been taking shape offsite through Waterforms International to ensure structural integrity of the large artwork, before it is installed outside the Gunnedah Civic.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the construction schedule had been delayed by the challenges of social distancing and social isolation, but the sculpture was due to be installed in Gunnedah in May.

Following that time, there will need to be work on installation, connection of utilities, repaving and function tests, with the hope it will be fully completed in June.

“The story of the Rainbow Serpent, as told by the late Ellen Draper, is about restoring balance,” Ms Mackley said.

“In times like this, the completion of this project is a symbolic restoration of balance and hope for our future.”

The water feature incorporates mosaic tiles by a dedicated group of local Indigenous women. Shirley Long, Janet Wanless, Delma Jones, Ellen Draper, Gloria Foley, June Cox, Alison Cox, Rita Long and Cindy Foley became the core group of artists who met regularly for more than two years to create the glass mosaics that adorn the surface of the Rainbow Serpent Water Feature.
These women have been advocating for the completion of this project for just under 20 years.

“We are so happy with the progress so far. Waterforms International are doing a wonderful job and the serpent looks unbelievable,” Janet Wanless said.

“We are so overwhelmed and excited the project is finally taking shape and coming to life. It has been a long journey.”

In 2019, the project was awarded $155,725 through the NSW Government Regional Cultural Fund in December 2018, adding to the council's 54 per cent contribution to the total.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

April 9, 2020

Many of us might be isolated at home at what is a very uncertain time, but our creativity and connections can help turn this challenge around.

Gunnedah Shire Council is asking all our people who are using their time to create something new, to share their creations.

Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said #Gunnedahcreates was a new initiative to not only keep our existing artists and creatives inspired, but to celebrate the wonderful ideas people of all ages are coming up with.

“We are asking all poets, photographers, musicians, artists, weavers, woodturners and creatives to capture a piece of your creative world,” Ms Mackley said.

“You might be learning a new song, developing skits at home with the kids, an artist in your studio or a weaver on your loom.

“All we are asking you to do is to capture a video or a pic and post it on social media with #Gunnedahcreates so we can create a virtual platform of all of the wonderful ways we can continue to create in the face of adversity!

“Let’s continue to show the world how #Gunnedahcreates.”
Information is posted on the Civic’s Facebook page and Council is encouraging people to post their pics and videos on Instagram. You can also send your pics via message to the Civic’s Facebook page.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

9 April, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey is reminding people that home is a good place to be this Easter break.

“It might be mandatory to stay at home this Easter, but that can be a very good thing,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This is a wonderful time to spend with your family, have an Easter egg hunt, enjoy a special meal together and think of the many things we have to be thankful for.

“Easter 2020 might look very different to any Easter we have celebrated before, but it reminds us of all the things that are most important in our lives – the people we love.

“Gunnedah Shire is doing well, and I urge you to continue that good work. Stay at home, celebrate Easter, and look forward to a time when things will return to life as we know it. Be kind to each other, be respectful and maybe even rediscover some of the things that made family life together memorable in the past – board games, sharing a joke, just enjoying each others’ company.

“Happy Easter to everyone in our Shire. While this time is a stressful one for many, you are still allowed to enjoy some of the best things in life.”

Gunnedah Shire residents are reminded:

Regulations state you MUST stay at home, unless you are going to:
• work (where you can’t work remotely)
• school or an educational institution
• shop for food and essentials
• get medical care or supplies, or
• exercise.

Other than those reasons, you can only leave your home if you have a reasonable excuse, including to
avoid injury or illness or escape a risk of harm, access childcare or attend a wedding or funeral – each of which have their own limited number of people. Usual Easter church services will not be held at churches, but may be streamed.

There are strict penalties in place for not meeting these regulations.

Further information:

Police are the responsible body for the enforcement of public health orders. If community members have concerns about breaches to COVID-19 health orders, they are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
• Anyone seeking the latest information on COVID-19 should visit or call:
o NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
o Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/
o Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
• The Australian Government’s ‘Coronavirus Australia’ app is now available for download, providing health updates and a virtual symptom checker.
• Australians can also access updates via whatsapp by downloading the WhatsApp application, then visiting www.aus.gov.au/whatsapp
• The Gunnedah Community Roundtable has created a Facebook page to help connect the community to information regarding service closures, community groups and other helpful resources. You can follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Gunnedahcommunityroundtablemeeting/
• Following the closure of the Gunnedah Shire Council administration building in Elgin Street to face to face visitors, the customer service team remains available for enquiries through phone: (02) 6740 2100, email: council@infogunnedah.com.au or by visiting www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

6 April, 2020

Most of you would now be aware that a case of Coronavirus has been confirmed within Gunnedah Shire.

I know we had all hoped we would escape this threat without a single case, and that this news is hard to hear. We all have loved ones and friends we are anxious to keep safe. We are also, of course, concerned for the health of the person who has contracted the virus.

What we need to remember is that we have already implemented the measures needed to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Many people are self-isolating, many are working from home, and everyone MUST be social distancing.

Gunnedah Shire Council and many other organisations have moved their business from face-to-face services to over the phone, online and email. And Council has already put in place the second stage of our Coronavirus Response Strategy to help keep our community safe and healthy.

The challenge for all of us now is to follow the regulations and guidelines to the absolute letter.

There are more than one million cases worldwide and, to date, only one confirmed in Gunnedah. We need to do our best to keep it that way and not become complacent as we move through the weeks and months ahead.

Under Federal Government regulations, people should not be leaving their homes unless they have a reasonable excuse involving:

• Obtaining food or other goods and services
• travelling for the purposes of work or education if the person cannot do it at home
• exercise
• medical or caring reasons.

In addition, the Order directs that a person must not participate in a gathering in a public place of more than two people. Exceptions include gatherings of members of the same household, and gatherings essential for work or education.

There are very strict penalties for people anywhere who do not comply.

I would like to particularly congratulate the compliance of those who are required to attend the saleyards. Our saleyards are an important part of our economy. To allow them to keep running, we ask that you only attend the sale if absolutely essential and if you do, please strictly observe social distancing.

Our playground equipment around the Shire remains closed, and we thank people for helping to keep our community safe by abiding by these precautions.

Also, I would like to again thank those who are continuing essential services and who are working in the vital areas of health and emergency services.

Gunnedah is a strong community. We can get through this, and we are all working to make sure we get through it in the best way possible. Take care of each other and keep doing the right thing. Stay strong, safe and respect each other.

Further information:

Police are the responsible body for the enforcement of public health orders. If community members have concerns about breaches to COVID-19 health orders, they are encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
• Anyone seeking the latest information on COVID-19 should visit or call:
o NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
o Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/
o Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
• The Australian Government’s ‘Coronavirus Australia’ app is now available for download, providing health updates and a virtual symptom checker.
• Australians can also access updates via whatsapp by downloading the WhatsApp application, then visiting www.aus.gov.au/whatsapp
• Following the closure of the Gunnedah Shire Council administration building in Elgin Street to face to face visitors, the customer service team remains available for enquiries through phone: (02) 6740 2100, email: council@infogunnedah.com.au or by visiting www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100

3 April, 2020

Please note: The deadline for application for Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants has been extended until 5pm, June 24.

While community groups have been left unable to carry out many of their regular activities, this could be a good time to plan for improved programs and new projects in better times to come.

Council’s annual Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program is now open and eligible groups are invited and encouraged to apply.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said 2020 was proving to be a difficult year for everyone with almost all activities cancelled due to the Coronavirus, but the grants were going ahead to allow people to look forward to a return to their favourite groups and activities.

“This grants program has been in place for more than a decade and is designed to support the work and interests of our not-for-profit, charitable, community and sporting groups,” Cr Chaffey said.

“These are tough times, but the importance of these groups has not been forgotten. This is a way to offer funding opportunities to plan for better times ahead.

“The level of funding available under the program is dependent on the project, but it can be up to $5000, which can be a fantastic financial lift for some of our smaller groups. Applicants have a longer timeline - until June 30, 2021 - to complete their project.

“Council recognises the valuable contribution these community groups and sporting clubs make to the fabric of our community and in particular the volunteers that work tirelessly to keep those organisations functioning. When assessing the applications, priority will be given to those projects and initiatives that not only benefit organisations but also the broader community.”

Due to the restrictions around COVID-19, applications can be completed one of two ways:
1. Download the Section 356 Small Grants Community Sports Application Form, and prior to the closing date, return the completed form with the required attachments to council@infogunnedah.com.au.
2. Complete the application via Survey Monkey and forward the required attachments separately to council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Information and forms are also available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton on 0400 921 706 or by emailing debrahilton@infogunnedah.com.au

The 2020-2021 funding round closes at 5pm on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH

Friday 10 April 2020
Collection will be on Thursday 9 April 2020.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Wednesday evening as collection will begin early on Thursday.

Monday 13 April 2020
Collection will be on Tuesday 14 April 2020.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CARROLL

Friday 10 April 2020
Collection will be on Thursday 9 April 2020.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Wednesday evening as collection will begin early on Thursday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CURLEWIS

Monday 13 April 2020
Collection will be on Wednesday 15 April 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 during the June Long Weekend please contact RECYCLIT on 67421522.

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 (02) 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager

March 30, 2020

Gunnedah Shire residents have been urged to follow increased Australian Government measures to halt the spread of Coronavirus.

As uncertain times continue, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said now was the time people could help make a difference to the trajectory of the virus.

“The message is clear – if you can stay home, stay home,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This is a really tough time for our people and our businesses. I know residents want to support our local retailers and service providers – they are the people next door or even our own families – but the shape of that support will have to now take a different form.

“The Australian Government has set strict limits on the number of people in gatherings – only two unless there are special circumstances. Travel should be restricted to essential tasks, and those who are over 70, over 60 if they have existing health conditions, or over 50 for Indigenous people with health conditions should be self-isolating where possible.

“It would be easy for us to feel that the risk is not among us, but, however lucky we seem to have been to date, that could change at any time.

“I urge you to stay at home if you can to look after yourselves and the rest of our community. On behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council, I would also like to thank those who have no option but to still be at work – emergency service workers, health care staff, supermarket and pharmacy staff – there are many people who have to head off every day to work.

“We have taken unprecedented steps at Council to enable a large percentage of our staff to work from home while we continue to provide the services Gunnedah Shire needs.

“Our priority is always the health and safety of our Shire residents and our staff, as well as the provision of services.”

Gunnedah Shire Council remains in the orange stage of its yellow-orange-red Coronavirus Response Strategy, finding ways to continue business while following all Coronavirus precautionary measures.

All face-to-face services have ceased, but Council’s Customer Service staff, along with all staff, are still at the end of the phone, or online, to help with enquiries.

Further information:

Police are the responsible body for the enforcement of public health orders. If community members have concerns about breaches to COVID-19 health orders, they are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone seeking the latest information on COVID-19 should visit or call:

• NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au  
• Australian Government Department of Health – www.health.gov.au
• Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080 
• The Australian Government’s ‘Coronavirus Australia’ app is now available for download, providing health updates and a virtual symptom checker. 
• Australians can also access updates via whatsapp by downloading the WhatsApp application, then visiting www.aus.gov.au/whatsapp 

The Gunnedah Community Roundtable has created a Facebook page to help connect the community to information regarding service closures, community groups and other helpful resources. You can follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Gunnedahcommunityroundtablemeeting

Following the closure of the Gunnedah Shire Council administration building in Elgin Street to face to face visitors, the customer service team remains available for enquiries through phone: (02) 6740 2100, email: council@infogunnedah.com.au or by visiting www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

27 March, 2020

As we approach the end of the second major week of the Coronavirus pandemic in Australia, Gunnedah Shire Council wishes to thank the majority of the community for their flexibility and understanding during this unprecedented situation.

Many Gunnedah Shire services and facilities have closed their doors to in-person contact. Despite these new challenges it is heartening to see Gunnedah Shire residents quickly adapting to this new way of life. The community has discovered new ways to support each other and stay connected despite requirements for physical distancing and self-isolation.

Gunnedah Shire Council remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the health and safety of the community. The clear, continuing recommendation from health and government authorities is that people must remain home wherever possible.

Police are the responsible body for the enforcement of public health orders. If community members have concerns about breaches to COVID-19 health orders, they are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone seeking the latest information on COVID-19 should visit or call:

• NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
• Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/
• Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
• Send ‘hi’ to +41 79 781 87 91 on whatsapp to connect with updates from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Today

• The upcoming local government elections in September have been postponed. The NSW Government recently announced these will now occur in September 2021. The current Gunnedah Shire Councillors will continue to hold their civic offices until this time.
• The Gunnedah Showground remains open with pedestrian access for use that complies with state and federal government guidelines.
• Camping in NSW National parks is not permitted from today, 27th March.
• The Gunnedah Community Roundtable has created a Facebook page to help connect the community to information regarding service closures, community groups and other helpful resources. You can follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Gunnedahcommunityroundtablemeeting/

Changes to Council Services

Following the closure of the Gunnedah Shire Council administration building in Elgin Street to face to face visitors, the customer service team remains available for enquiries through phone: (02) 6740 2100, email: council@infogunnedah.com.au or by visiting www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Payment Options

For payment of accounts, please refer to alternate payment methods on your rates and charges notice or water usage account. Other payments include mailing a cheque, direct debit, or online or telephone payments using BPay or BPoint.

A reminder that if you are experiencing financial difficulty during this time, Council has moved to freeze interest accrual against rates, fees and charges that are currently outstanding or may become outstanding and will cease the escalation of any accounts to formal debt recovery.

Appointments

Planning and rates appointments are being conducted over the phone or through email, please contact Council to arrange this.

Documents

If you have a physical document to submit to Council, a drop box has been established outside the Elgin Street premises to aid this process.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.