13 November 2019

This Christmas, it is more important than ever to share with those who are struggling.

Gunnedah Shire Council and the Salvation Army are again joining forces to bring a little bit of Christmas to those in need through the Community Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal.

“Christmas is a time for giving, and there are people in our community who are having a tough time of it during the drought,” Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“This is a wonderful way people can give just a little that could make a big difference to families who are feeling the pinch. No one wants children to go without at Christmas.

“Last year, Gunnedah Shire residents and businesses donated more than 200 items, showing just how generous our community can be.

“This appeal adds to the wonderful work done by the Salvation Army and other local emergency relief and support services during the year.”

The Community Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal focuses on the collection of food and toys for distribution by the Salvation Army to local individuals and families who are facing tough times over the Christmas period.

The appeal is boosted by the annual Library “Food for Fines” initiative which invites library members who may have incurred library fines to instead donate a non-perishable food item to the value of the fine.

Residents can show support and give to a child and family in need this Christmas, by placing an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item under one of the Christmas trees located at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre at 63 Elgin Street, or Gunnedah Shire Library at 291 Conadilly Street.

For health and hygiene reasons, pre-loved toys cannot be accepted and only in-date canned and/or non-perishable food items are encouraged for donation. For easier identification and distribution, residents are asked not to wrap their items.

The final collection date at both locations will be Friday, December 13, 2019.

For more information about how you can get involved, contact Debra Hilton, 02 6740 2100.

Caption: Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Librarian Christiane Birkett, Marika Wallis from the Salvation Army, and Gunnedah Shire Council Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton with presents for the Christmas tree at Council’s Elgin Street offices.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 02 6740 2100

November, 2019

A new exhibition showing more than 50 Gunnedah women as they have never been seen before will open at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on November 22.

More than 18 months in the making, Sirens of Gunnedah is a collection of conceptual portraits by Gunnedah photographers Alyssa Barwick and Marie Low.

Assisted by a “Siren Squad” of volunteer hair stylists, make-up artists and a whole range of groups including the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum, Alyssa and Marie have created unusual portraits which even the subjects themselves have not yet seen.

“It started as an idea to create something special for women during this difficult time - not just a portrait, but a whole experience,” Alyssa said.

“Some of the women have used this to do something they have always wanted to try - to see themselves as something other than what they are in their everyday lives. We want to surprise both our Sirens and their families and friends with an image that captures another side to them.

 “Sirens of Gunnedah has also allowed us to explore a style of portraiture we both love.”

Marie said the exhibition had been named after the mythical Sirens who sang a bewitching song to sailors.

“Sirens has two meanings - the mythical temptresses and the beautiful women of stage and screen,” Marie said.

“This exhibition looks at the Siren song of each of these women aged between 16 and 80 - whether that be as a screen legend of the past or something entirely different.

“Sirens of Gunnedah has been an amazing journey for us - we have had so much help and support from the Gunnedah community, and we can’t wait for them to see what we have been working on.”

All of the portraits have been shot in Gunnedah.

Those who attend the opening night are invited to dress in vintage or retro costume - something other than what they might wear everyday.

Entry is free, but donations at the door will go to Share the Dignity.

Alyssa Barwick and Marie Low would like to thank their Siren Squad, in particular, Addicted to Hair, Bryce Ellis, SL Beauty, Ebonee Gerrard, Gunnedah Water Tower Museum, Top Hat Costumes and One of a Kind Gunnedah.

To find out more about Sirens of Gunnedah, contact Alyssa Barwick on 0423 009 151 or Marie Low on 0417 476 592.

Photo caption: Gunnedah photographers Alyssa Barwick (left) and Marie Low are nearly ready to reveal Sirens of Gunnedah.

November 12, 2019

A colourful wall hanging on display at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery is a reminder that creating can also be about caring.

Polly Montgomery of Sunburnt Treasures received an Empowering Our Communities grant through Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network to hold wellness sessions through QOE Health.

In one of these sessions, those who attended created a long table weave with the use of materials sourced and donated from the community.

“We are holding a number of workshops over 12 months,” Polly said.

“The wellness group decided to have a community weave session to get everyone involved in talking and being creative. Even the men were in there getting into it.

“It is an activity that makes people feel welcome and comfortable.”

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the weave was representative of a great group activity.

“The community getting together and weaving is such an ancient tradition,” she said.

“This colourful piece is a reminder of the ways we all interact with each other and support each other during difficult times.”

Photo caption: Polly Montgomery from Sunburnt Treasures and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Lauren Mackley with the long table weave.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

7 November, 2019

Gunnedah can now lay claim to one of Australia’s top memorials.

Representatives from the Gunnedah Historical Society last night attended the Australian Street Art Awards after the new murals at the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum were nominated for an award.

The Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Murals were nominated for “Best Memorial or Monument" in the inaugural Australian Street Art Awards at Australia’s Art of Attraction Tourism Summit.

The murals made the finalists as one of the top five “Best Memorial or Monuments” in the country.

Gunnedah representatives Cr Owen Hasler and Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley attended the awards ceremony at Marcoola Beach in Queensland.

“Street Art and Silo Art has become a significant movement across the country that is transforming landscapes to culturally immersive experiences and has changed the tourism trails of Australia, especially for the grey nomads,” Ms Mackley said.

Gunnedah’s Vietnam Veteran Memorial Mural Project was one of the three finalists for the category, alongside Emu Park: Centenary of ANZAC Memorial and Great Southern Line ANZAC Story.

The winner of the category was Emu Park: Centenary of ANZAC Memorial, a boardwalk with a timeline of World War I’s many major battles.

“Although the Gunnedah Historical Society Vietnam Veterans’ Project did not win, it is quite an accomplishment to make it to the final three in the country,” Cr Hasler said.

“It provided some great exposure for the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum and the wonderful work of the Gunnedah and District Historical Society.”

 The Vietnam’s Veterans’ Watertower Mural Project was funded by the Drought Communities Program to help support and stimulate regional economies.

The project has seen a sizeable increase of visitor numbers to the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum and to Gunnedah.

Other categories at the awards included: Best Street Art Trail, Best Rural Art, Best Business Mural, Best Street Art Festival and Event with the Best of the Best going to Thallon’s Silo Mural “The Wateringhole”.

There were also categories for Best Nomad Attraction or Tour, Best Grey Nomad Council Free-stay Caravan Park and Best Grey Nomad Community and Commercial Caravan Park.

The awards were accompanied by keynote speakers and panel discussions identifying street art as the single biggest art movement in the last 50 years, with the power to save and transform many regional and remote economies.

Everyone is welcome to go to Gunnedah’s Anzac Park to see The Gunnedah Vietnam Veterans’ Water Tower Museum Project and see this creative and moving community initiative.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley and Gunnedah Shire Councillor Owen Hasler at the Australian Street Art Awards.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

7 November 2019

It’s time to make a magnificent meal out of Gunnedah’s gastronomic delights.

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on the shire’s restaurants and cafes to each come up with a signature dish, give it a themed name and create a whole new food adventure.

The aim is to create the Great Taste of Gunnedah food trail through Gunnedah and the villages to encourage not only locals, but visitors to go on a gastronomic journey to discover some of the great dishes the Shire has to offer.

“Gunnedah Shire has a growing number of cafes and restaurants where innovative people are turning their talents to create new dishes,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Communications and Cultural Services Eliza Gallen said.

“It’s time to create our own food trail.
“We would love our food places to join in this trail by creating a signature dish and giving it a creative name that pays tribute to one of our amazing people or places.

“This is a great way to showcase a delicious side to our Shire.”

Maverick Bistro has already embraced the idea, coming up with a delicious dessert called Dorothea’s Delight. Restaurant manager Jodi Hayne said Dorothea’s Delight is a warm gluten-free choc-hazelnut cake served with home-made dulce de leche icecream.

If you want to join the food trail, please email Gunnedah Shire Council at council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo caption: Yum! Maverick Bistro restaurant manager Jodi Hayne and chef Tanya Pearson with Dorothea’s Delight.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

6 November 2019

Gunnedah Shire has some amazing people and it’s time to celebrate them.

Nominations are now open for the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards 2020 and Council needs your help to find our outstanding citizens.

“This is an opportunity to say thank you to some of the people who help make Gunnedah Shire a great place to live,” Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“We all know someone who has made a difference, whether it is through helping out the people next door, or putting hundreds of hours into charity work.

“They could be businesspeople or volunteers, sportspeople or retired people who are enriching the community.

“We need as many people as possible to nominate citizens so we can recognise the contribution these people have made.”

There are 11 categories in Gunnedah Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards for 2020. They are:

• The Citizen of the Year Award (21 and over)
• The Young Citizen of the Year Award (20 and under)
• The Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award
• The Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy (for 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).
• The Community Organisation and/or Event Achievement Award
• The Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
• The Sportsperson of the Year Award (21 and over)
• The Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award (20 and under)
• The Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under)
• The Sports Team of the Year Award
• The Ivan Towns Memorial Award (in recognition of the work done by a coach).

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, January 10, 2020, and the award ceremony will be held on Saturday, January 25 at Gunnedah Town Hall.

To nominate and find out more, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Nomination forms are also available from the Gunnedah Shire Library in Conadilly Street, The Civic Centre on Chandos Street, or the Gunnedah Shire Council Building on Elgin Street.

If you would like assistance with nomination completion and understanding the categories, contact Jacinta Cipolla at Gunnedah Shire Council on 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Australia Day is a great time to recognise the contributions of our citizens.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

6 November 2019

A Find Your Feet Training Day and Employment Expo will be held for drought-affected workers on Wednesday, November 13.

The event, hosted through Namoi Unlimited, will include training in career planning, job hunting, first aid and white card (general construction induction training.

The three areas are:

• 10am to 2pm – drought support assistance. Help will be on hand to talk about and assist people access the support that is available.

• 10am to 2pm - Local employers will be on hand to talk about the opportunity for casual work in the community.

• From 9am onwards - training in a number of courses including first aid, white card, and a new course called #WTF – What’s the Future?, which looks at each business, some support mechanism and individual assistance, such as resume writing.

People will need to register for training before the day at www.namoiunlimited.nsw.gov.au

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said the event was a good opportunity for people who were confused about drought assistance, as well as those who were looking at their employment options.

“Impacts of the drought are felt throughout the community, and as well as those who might need immediate assistance, there are people who want to increase their employment chances,” Ms Hoddle said.

“This is a practical way to make connections and learn new skills.

“For those who meet the short eligibility criteria, there is no charge for the training, and we would urge people to take advantage of this opportunity.”

To find out more about the Find Your Feet event to be held at the Smithurst Theatre in Conadilly Street, Gunnedah, on Wednesday, November 13, visit www.namoiunlimited.nsw.gov.au

The event is one of five being hosted in the region, with others at Nundle, Walcha, Bingara and Quirindi.

Photo caption: Dry times: The Find Your Feet event is being held to assist those looking for help or greater employment opportunities during this difficult time.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Gunnedah Shire is known for its Australia Day enthusiasm – and Gunnedah Shire Council grants for our villages can help add to the excitement.

Progress associations, hall committees and community groups within Gunnedah Shire’s villages have been invited to apply for grants to host community celebrations on Australia Day, January 26, 2020.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said the Australia Day Working Group – through Gunnedah Shire Council – was making up to $500 for each village available for appropriate events.

“Each of our shire villages has its own unique community and atmosphere, and it’s wonderful that these grants can assist in sharing the celebrations around Gunnedah Shire,” Mr Formann said.

“Traditionally, our Shire has really embraced the Aussie spirit. We’d love to see that continue with events in Breeza, Carroll, Curlewis, Emerald Hill, Kelvin, Mullaley and Tambar Springs.”

Applications can be made through a survey link on http://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/ before Tuesday, December 10.

Photo caption: It’s time for the Shire’s villages to think about Australia Day activities.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

31 October, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group today launched the roll out of its fleet’s new anti-bullying and domestic violence designs.

In late 2018, Council received a grant under the NSW Community Safety Fund for funding towards the delivery of two projects to raise awareness about bullying and domestic violence in the community.

The latest project is the design and installation of a series of vinyl “skins” with key “no violence” and “no bullying” messages that have been installed on four of Council’s waste and water truck fleet.

“This is a proactive and highly visible campaign that aims to highlight that, as a community, we will not tolerate verbal or physical violence of any kind,” Crime Prevention Working Group Chair Cr Colleen Fuller said.

“We hope the community will support it. This project speaks volumes about what we value as a community and is an initiative that has already generated excitement and strong praise from support services.

“The designs have been developed in consultation with key stakeholder groups including the Gunnedah Community Action Team, and young people, and are consistent with two strong hashtags that operate in our community - #gunnedahsaysnotoviolence and #gunnedahsaysnotobullying.

Purple is a domestic violence colour and blue connects to both mental health and bullying awareness initiatives operating around the country.”

Councils’ Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton said “Speak Up” and “Speak Out” were recognised calls to action.

“To maximise the reach of the messaging, each truck will carry one domestic violence skin and one bullying skin, positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle,” Ms Hilton said.

“We hope that as the trucks travel around our Shire and on the roads and highways, they will receive favourable attention by locals and visitors, and add to the reputation that the Shire has of being welcoming, inclusive and safe.”

The first project to be funded through the Community Safety Fund was the design and installation of street banners in the CBD.

For more information on the project please contact Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton on 02 6740 2100.

Photo caption: The mobile message on Gunnedah Shire Council’s waste and water fleet.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

Australia Day 2020 Award nominations are now open. The Australia Day Committee is seeking nominations for people or groups who exhibit good citizenship and community qualities. Nomination can be made in a variety of categories. This year the categories are: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 and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
• Sportsperson of the Year (21 and over)
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year (20 and under)
• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under)
• Sports Team of the Year Award
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award – Coach of the Year

Nomination forms are now available online or from the Gunnedah Shire Library Conadilly Street, The Civic Centre on Chandos Street or the Gunnedah Shire Council Building on Elgin Street.

Award winners will be announced in January 2020 during our Australia Day Dinner. All community members are encouraged to come along and enjoy the festivities. Please note nominations close 5.00pm Friday 10 January 2020, so get in early to avoid missing out.