10 December 2019

The green light is now on for Gunnedah’s brightest competition, the Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition 2019.

Gunnedah Shire Council recently announced entries are now open, and is looking for as many households and businesses as possible to make this year’s display a really special one. Entries will close on Friday.

Whether you have a shopfront or go Christmas-mad at home, there is a category for just about everyone - but you must have your nomination in.

The six categories for the Christmas Lights Competition, includes the title of Santa Street, awarded annually for the street with the best and brightest light displays.

The Santa Street award comes with a winners’ plaque and a $100 Gunny Money Gift Card.

Other categories are:
• Best Decorated House for a prize of $200 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Nativity Scene for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Christmas Theme in a Village for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Judges’ Choice Award for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Dressed Shopfront Window for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card.

The competition closes at 5pm on this Friday, December 13, and will be judged by Councillors on Tuesday, December 17, with the winners to be announced on Wednesday, December 18.

Entry forms are available online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and hard copies can be picked up from Gunnedah Shire Council, Gunnedah Shire Library or the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.

Completed nomination forms can be submitted in person to Gunnedah Shire Council at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, via email to council@infogunnedah.com.au, or by mail to Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition, PO Box 63, Gunnedah NSW 2380.

Photo caption: Sparkling display – A Gunnedah house decked out in Christmas lights.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

4 December, 2019

There is still time to apply for a helping hand in tertiary studies next year, with the closing date for applications for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund extended until Thursday, December 19.

It’s a very hectic time of year – and a hectic time of life! – but just a little time spent filling in an application could ease the financial strain.

Last year, 24 young people were given a headstart through the scholarship fund in tertiary courses from Bachelor of Paramedicine through to Bachelor of Agriculture.

More than $300,000 has helped out about 350 students during the 15 years since the scholarship began.

Chair of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Working Group Gae Swain said the fund was one way to make the transition to tertiary education a little easier.

“Many young people have to move away to pursue their dreams of a career that requires a tertiary education,” Cr Swain said.

“There are all sorts of costs involved including the purchase of essential study materials and equipment, accommodation and fees.”

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship is made possible through the sponsorship of local businesses.

The sponsorship is open to students under 25 who have completed their secondary or tertiary preparation studies within a 100km radius of Gunnedah and whose family’s principle place of residence is within Gunnedah Shire. They must have been accepted into an approved tertiary course (minimum Certificate IV).

For the full eligibility conditions and to apply, visit gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/ztvv0nm1epq9m6 or Gunnedah Shire Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Applications close on Thursday, December 19, 2019.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

28 November 2019

The NSW and Federal governments have heard Gunnedah’s call to boost community and economic resilience during this time of drought.

The NSW Government and the Federal Government have agreed to contribute $1 million each to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community Resilience Program.

Earlier in the month, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton announced that $1 million dollars would be allocated to Gunnedah in the second round of the Drought Communities funding program and today, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson announced that the State Government would also contribute $1 million dollars to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community resilience program.

Council has already allocated $1 million this financial year, alongside an additional $200,000 to put towards new initiatives, community consultation and look at emergency assistance for people in crisis, as well as a co-ordinator to drive and oversee the program, bringing the total for the fund to $3.2 million.

“We are very grateful to the NSW and Federal governments for recognising the real need for this targeted program and matching our initial contribution,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“This drought has created an economic crisis across rural NSW. Gunnedah is leading the way in putting in place a plan to identify exactly what is needed to not only answer the urgent needs of the community, but to help stimulate the economy.

“We must go beyond just patching the problem. Gunnedah Shire Council is helping to build the diversity and resilience of our community so we meet not only these challenges, but the challenges of the future.

“We have already begun the work of looking at how we can make the most difference through the Community Resilience Program.”

Cr Chaffey said the State and Federal governments had already contributed millions of dollars to drought relief. The additional allocation would allow drought responses tailored specifically to Gunnedah Shire.

Photo caption: Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson MP and Gunnedah Mayor Councillor Jamie Chaffey.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

27 November 2019

Parents and motorists are being reminded to park safely and legally in school zones, particularly at this very busy time of the year.

There are many school and social events on towards the end of the year, and Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging greater safety around schools by urging people to follow the rules and not park in bus zones or no-stopping zones.

Gunnedah Shire Council Regulatory Services Co-ordinator Wade Berryman said drivers needed to stay on the alert for pedestrians and buses while in school zones.

“Road safety is critical around schools where children and traffic combine at drop-off and pick-up times,” Mr Berryman said.

“Students – especially young children – can get very distracted and may not understand the road rules. We urge people to be very aware of what is going on around them, and courteous with other drivers and pedestrians.
“You cannot park in bus zones and you can only stop in no-parking zones for two minutes, and you must stay within 3m of your vehicle.

“It is really important that people obey the speed limits and the parking restrictions to ensure school zones are safe.”

Council’s tips to driving and parking safely near schools:

• Park safely and legally, even if it means walking further to the school gate.
• Slow down to 40km/h in the school zone and stay aware of crossings.
• Always park and turn legally around the school.
• Never double park - it puts children at risk.
• Manoeuvres such as U-turns and three-point turns are dangerous.
• Never park in a bus zone or in the school bus bay.
• Make sure your children use the safety door (rear footpath side door) to get in and out of the car.
• At a supervised crossing, observe the directions of the school crossing supervisor.
• Model safe and considerate behaviour for your child.

School zone parking offences can attract heavier fines than other parking offences, and the loss of two demerit points.

Photo caption: Watch out. It’s important to obey the road and parking rules around school zones.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

27 November 2019

It’s time to support Gunnedah Shire’s businesses this festive season – and it has just got easier.

The Why Leave Town Gunnedah Gift Card, renamed “Gunny Money”, is now available to purchase in store or online, with almost 100 Gunnedah businesses on board.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said Gunny Money was an amazing way to spread the love this Christmas.

“There is no purchase price or transaction fee when you buy a Gunny Money gift card within the Shire,” Ms Hoddle said.

“You just need to go to one of the participating purchase points, buy your gift card and have it loaded with the appropriate amount. It is valid for three years from the purchase date.

“It can then be redeemed at a huge variety of businesses, from cafes, motels and hotels, to gift stores, vets, hairdressers, and many, many other outlets.

“It means you can give a gift that will suit anybody, and the money will stay within our community. That is particularly critical during tough economic times.”

Staying local for your Christmas shopping has an added incentive for the month of December. Those who shop locally will have the chance to win one of five $100 Gunny Money gift cards.

To join the Shop Gunnedah campaign, post pics of your locally purchased Christmas gifts and tag #shopgunnedah and the name of the business where you made your purchase. Keep an eye out for more competition details on Council’s Facebook page.

“Gunny Money and Shop Gunnedah are both fun and very practical ideas to keep our economy humming,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Gunnedah has some amazing businesses offering wonderful products and services. This Christmas, if we can give gifts from our own Shire, we are giving much more than just the present.

“Get online and show off just what is available in Gunnedah Shire.”

Gunny Money Gift Cards can be purchased at: Gunnedah Shire Council, Enchanted on Conadilly, Goodness & Gracious, Gunnedah Locksmiths, Gunnedah Newsagency, Gunnedah Visitors Information Centre, Karen Carter Chemist and The Verdict Café. Cards can be purchased online at www.whyleavetown.com/gunnedah
Gunny Money Gift Cards can be redeemed at a huge range of businesses. Visit www.whyleavetown.com/gunnedah for the full list.

Photo caption: Merry Christmas! Shopping locally is now easier for Christmas with many businesses on board the Gunny Money Gift Card. Gunnedah Shire Council staff members Jocelyn Porter and Sophie Priestley show off the new cards.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

27 November 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council staff members will be visiting Gunnedah businesses that could benefit from street trading or footpath dining.

Earlier this year, Council announced it would waive fees for street trading and footpath dining applications for the next financial year to assist businesses during a difficult economic time.

“Waiving these fees this financial year is a way we can not only ease the burden a little, but encourage outdoor dining and street trading, which can add greatly to a town’s atmosphere and appeal,” Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said when the move was announced.

“Retail businesses in Gunnedah Shire are under increased pressure from not only the drought, but the impact of online shopping.

“This will activate our street spaces and make our shire even more welcoming.”

Staff will be popping in to talk to retailers and eateries to talk about the opportunity to apply for street trading and footpath dining for free.

The process for outdoor dining application has become easier through the use of a concierge service and online submission through https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/ Approval now lasts for seven years.

Those who would like to apply for street trading will need to fill in a paper application at Gunnedah Shire Council, but council staff can assist with that process.

Businesses who want to carry out street vending will need to include a copy of their public liability insurance.

A street trading application fee is usually $168 and a footpath dining application fee is usually $290.

Photo caption: Kez’s Café was the first Gunnedah Shire business to embrace the new application system for outdoor dining. Kerry Towns has a chat with a customer at one of their outdoor tables.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

29 November 2019

Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s time to light up Gunnedah for the Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition 2019.

Entries are now open for this popular competition which helps the Shire sparkle during the festive season, but make sure you put your nomination form in – and remind your neighbours!

There are six categories for the Christmas Lights Competition, including the hotly contested title of Santa Street, awarded annually for the street with the best and brightest light displays. The Santa Street award comes with a winners’ plaque and a $100 Gunny Money Gift Card.

Other categories are:

• Best Decorated House for a prize of $200 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Nativity Scene for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Christmas Theme in a Village for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Judges’ Choice Award for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card
• Best Dressed Shopfront Window for a prize of $50 Gunny Money Gift Card.

The competition closes at 5pm on Friday, December 13, and will be judged by Councillors on Tuesday, December 15, with the winners to be announced on Wednesday, December 18.

Entry forms are available online and hard copies can be picked up from Gunnedah Shire Council, Gunnedah Shire Library or the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.
Completed nomination forms can be submitted in person to Gunnedah Shire Council at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, via email to council@infogunnedah.com.au, or by mail to Gunnedah Shire Christmas Lights Competition, PO Box 63, Gunnedah NSW 2380.

Photo caption: Who will win the coveted Santa Street title in 2019?

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

28 November 2019

A fundraiser from a galaxy far, far away will bring the forces of good to bear on the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

The third and final instalment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy – The Rise of Skywalker – is coming to the Civic Theatre on Thursday, December 19 at 6.30pm.

The conclusion of the epic trilogy and the nine-part Skywalker Saga will premiere at a Star Wars Fundraiser Night to raise money for the scholarship fund.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the screening of the final episode of the epic series would be an event to remember.

“Whether you’re a Star Wars rookie or a Wookiee, The Rise of Skywalker is something you won’t want to miss,” Ms Mackley said.

“Star Wars fans span the generations and all of them are welcome at this special event.

“This is a great opportunity to break out your inner Chewbacca, Princess Leia or Poe Dameron. Get dressed up in the Star Wars theme and join in the fun. There will be themed food and prizes for the best dressed Star Wars fans and a lucky door prize.”

The cost of the premiere is $25 which will help raise funds for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund, a program which helps young Gunnedah Shire residents on their journey to tertiary education.

To buy tickets to this trip to another galaxy, visit www.thecivic.com.au

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

27 November 2019

Five Gunnedah Shire businesses will get a helping hand with their latest initiatives through Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.

Council have endorsed the allocation of $11,750 to five applications recommended by the Business Partner Program Advisory Group.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the program provided funds for new or growing businesses at a critical time.

“We are in the middle of challenging economic times and it is very encouraging to see new businesses starting up and existing businesses adding another string to their bow,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Council is really pleased to be able to provide practical assistance to our small businesses which contribute so much to our economy and our community.

“Small businesses have benefitted from more than $200,000 in total since this program began.”

Chair of the Business Partner Advisory Group Ann Luke said round two of the 2019-20 Business Partner Program had seen some very strong applications.

“Five businesses will be given an incentive to help their ideas grow,” Cr Luke said.

“The Business Partner Program aims to support local people and local employment. This round of funding has seen some great applications that demonstrated a clear economic or employment benefit to the Gunnedah Shire.”

The successful applicants for the latest round of the Business Partner Program were:
• Carroll Store - $6500 for internal renovations
• Blush and Bloom Skin & Beauty - $3000 for start-up costs
• BTS Blinds & Awnings - $750 for advertising package
• Rome Mortgage Services - $750 for brand awareness
• GW Group - $750 for website design

Photo caption: Mayor Jamie Chaffey (left) and Cr Ann Luke (fourth from right) with Business Partner Program recipients and council staff.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

26 November 2019

Economic development is looking very strong following the inaugural Economic Development Forum held in Gunnedah this month.

Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) held its first Economic Development Forum recently, with local government Economic Development Managers from Gunnedah, Glen Innes, Moree Plains, Liverpool Plains and Armidale Regional Councils, as well as AusIndustry in attendance.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said Gunnedah Shire’s own economy was showing great resilience during a challenging time, and the forum was a great opportunity to share both those challenges and strengths.

“It was exciting to see this initiative kick off in Gunnedah,” Ms Hoddle said.

“It is really valuable to pool our knowledge and share what has worked for our Shires. If we work together, we can build our economic bases, learn about other initiatives and opportunities, and create a sustainable future.”

RDANI Chair Russell Stewart said the inaugural event had been so successful, it would be held regularly.

“This is the start of something really positive for the region,” Mr Stewart said.

“We’re all busy, so it is tough to take a day out to get together but this forum was extremely worthwhile and greatly appreciated by the Economic Development Managers.”

RDANI Executive Director Nathan Axelsson said economic development managers were invited to the forum from the 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) that make up the Northern Inland region.

“Our aim was to facilitate the exchange of information on the latest Regional Development Australia Northern Inland projects, grant and funding opportunities, best practice and the barriers to economic development efforts in our local councils,” he said.

“Our Local Government Areas are interconnected and a big-picture regional approach just makes sense.”


Photo caption: Economic Development Managers meet at the Economic Development Forum held in Gunnedah this month.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.