20 August 2019

Saleyard users are urged to have their say on a new draft masterplan for the precinct that advises a way forward for the next 20 years.

Gunnedah Shire Council Chief Financial Officer Damien Connor said the draft Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Precinct Masterplan would be on public exhibition for comment until September 9.

“Gunnedah Regional Saleyards are the fourth largest cattle selling centre in NSW, and the eighth in Australia,” Mr Connor said.

“Over the past 10 years, the saleyards have averaged about 120,000 head of cattle. That’s more than $100 million a year.

“It’s an important facility for Gunnedah Shire and it’s critical that we plan ahead to ensure it not only stays that way, but caters for whatever the future of the industry might hold.

“This masterplan looks at both the short and longer-term phases to keep the saleyards at the top of its game.”

The draft Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Precinct Masterplan notes that in 2017-18, the saleyards were estimated to have generated $16.8 million in industry output for Gunnedah businesses, $9.1 million to Gunnedah’s gross regional product and supported about 60 full-time equivalent jobs, providing $4.6 million in wages and salaries.

The draft masterplan recommends a number of significant infrastructure projects, potentially staged over time including:

• Removal of the sheepyards
• Relocation of the canteen and carpark as part of a multi-use building on the same side of the highway as the saleyards
• Technology improvements to keep pace with advances in the industry
• Lighting, nightwatchman’s office, ramp upgrades and security fencing
• Yard reconstruction and expansion
• Central roof
• Truckwash

“The saleyards have been operating since 1919 and times have changed,” Mr Connor said. “The industry is continuing to change, and planning ahead means we will be well placed to not only adapt, but to take advantages of the opportunities this could present for Gunnedah.”

The draft masterplan is the result of community and stakeholder consultation, economic and industry research.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors voted to adopt the draft masterplan to go on public exhibition at this week’s council meeting.

View the Draft Saleyards Masterplan online here, visit Gunnedah Shire Council’s site at AgQuip, or visit the council offices at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

The draft masterplan along with all feedback received will subsequently be reported back to Council for consideration and adoption of the final Saleyards Masterplan.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah’s Saleyards in action.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

16 August 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council will trial an early opening of the outdoor facilities at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex this year.

Prompted by public requests and predictions of a hot summer ahead, Gunnedah Shire Councillors this week voted to accept a proposal to open the outdoor pool from Saturday, October 5, 2019 – four weeks ahead of the usual annual date.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the results of the trial would help decide the opening dates for the summer season in the future.

“Over the years, we have received requests for the outdoor pool to open early,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We now have a new, amazing outdoor pool that is ideal for beating the summer heat. Our advice is that the Australian Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a hotter-than-average summer, so we think this is the ideal time to trial this change.

“If people want to see this become a permanent change, we urge them to come along and use the pool complex.

“There are, of course, significant costs associated with having the pool open for an extra month, and we will need to see that people are taking full advantage of this longer outdoor swimming season.”

The new outdoor pool and facilities at the complex were opened in December 2018. The upgrades included a new 50m pool, a children’s wet play area and new dry playground, a new pavilion, new amenities and kiosk, a new water filtration system, refurbishments to the existing amenities in the 25m pool enclosure, and improved disability access across the complex.

Photo Caption: The opening of the new outdoor facilities in December 2018.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

14 August 2019

Gunnedah is once again part of the Garage Sale Trail in 2019, offering an opportunity to be part of a great community program.

The 2019 Garage Sale Trail will take place on October 19 and 20, and Gunnedah Shire residents are encouraged to either hold their own garage sale, or get together for a stall at the Gunnedah Community Markets on October 19.

“The Garage Sale Trail is not only a great day’s shopping, but is a fantastic way to give some of those items a new life with a new owner,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Communications and Cultural Services Eliza Gallen said.

“The initiative is Australia’s biggest waste education and re-use program.

“Holding garage sales on the same weekend gives people a chance to attract a greater number of customers, and to register online with the Garage Sale Trail.

“Community groups, neighbours and sporting groups could seize the day to hold a joint fundraising garage sale.

“And for those who like to shop for something unusual, it’s an opportunity to do a whole lot of bargain hunting on the same weekend.”

Registrations for the 2019 Garage Sale Trail are open on www.garagesaletrail.com.au 

To book a stall at the Saturday, October 19 Gunnedah Community Markets, contact Kyle at TRAC on 0439 609 502.

In 2018, the Garage Sale Trail saw:

• 3.2 million kilograms of unwanted items re-used
• 18 million people reached by the re-use education campaign
• 350,000 Australians involved.

Photo Caption: It’s time to make a bit of money out of your unwanted items, help upcycle and join the Garage Sale Trail.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

14 August 2019

What would you like to see in Gunnedah’s cultural precinct in the future?

The Cultural Precinct Masterplan is underway, but Gunnedah Shire Council wants to hear what you need, and your ideas for the future of this space.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said project Leaders Dunn & Hillam architects would be consulting the public about their ideas for the masterplan with a series of events during AgQuip.

“Gunnedah Shire residents take great pride in our cultural precinct which includes Gunnedah Town Hall, the Smithurst Theatre, the Civic Theatre, the Creative Arts, the Visitors Information Centre, and now the empty block of land next to the Smithurst,” Mr Formann said.

“The precinct has been the home of debutante balls, thousands of eisteddfod performances, great movies and has showcased talented local artists. It’s a hub for community groups and cultural activities.

“It’s time to take a look at how this space could work even more successfully for our community into the future.

“There are opportunities to look at progressive ideas to match the way in which our shire is growing and diversifying. The more input we get from the community, the better our precinct will reflect the needs of Gunnedah.”

The masterplan will guide the future development of the precinct.

Opportunities to come and have a say:

Community Workshop: 4-6pm, Tuesday, August 20th; Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre
All are welcome to attend this open workshop, but people will need to register via here.

NightQuip: 5-9pm, Tuesday, August 20
Stop by the NightQuip stall, and share your thoughts on the major design, and your ideas on what you would like to see in the Cultural Precinct Masterplan.

AgQuip Stall: 9am - 1pm, Wednesday, August 21 - Gunnedah Shire Council Stall
We’re aiming to talk to locals, as well as those from further afield, who may want to access Gunnedah’s Cultural Precinct for events or be part of the arts community.

Pub Chat: 5pm-8pm, Wednesday, August 21 - The Gunnedah Hotel
This is a space for us all, so we’re coming to you. Save the date, and come pull up a chair and let us know how you think we can shape a cultural precinct that serves the whole community.

Online Survey: We will be launching an online survey to make sure we didn’t miss anything. We want to hear your opinions, ideas, and suggestions for creating an updated, inclusive cultural precinct. Keep an eye out for the Community Online Survey link, coming soon.

Photo Caption: The Civic is part of Gunnedah’s much-loved cultural precinct.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

14 August 2019

Gunnedah residents are invited to come to a community meeting with a view to establishing a new multicultural group for the shire.

Gunnedah Shire Council is holding a meeting at 4pm on Sunday, August 25 to hear from the founder of Multicultural Tamworth Eddie Whitham.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said establishing Multicultural Gunnedah could be a great addition to the shire’s voluntary organisations.

“Multicultural Tamworth has become a genuine success story,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It helps support migrants in a range of areas including education, housing, employment and language difficulties, but it also provides a link for people with similar stories.

“Multicultural Gunnedah is a group that could go down the same path, as well as helping to promote harmony and inclusion in our shire.

“Not only would it assist those with different cultural backgrounds, but it would help strengthen our multicultural appeal and celebrate the many cultures that make up our region.”

The event will be held at the Smithurst Theatre in Conadilly Street. People are invited to bring a traditional dish of their choice to share.

For catering purposes, please RSVP to Alexandra O’Keefe on 6740 2152 or email alexandraokeefe@infogunnedah.com.au by Wednesday, August 21.

Photo caption: Come along and help form a new group for the shire – Multicultural Gunnedah.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

8 August 2019

New South Wales Rural Fire Service has advised that the Bush Fire Danger Period will begin on Sunday 1st September 2019 for the Liverpool Range District.

The Liverpool Range District incorporates the Local Government Areas of Gunnedah Shire Council, Liverpool Plains Shire Council and the Upper Hunter Shire Council.

For more information please view the NSW RFS Liverpool Range Bush Fire Danger Period Media Release here.

6 August 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council and Northern Inland Regional Waste will hold the Annual Chemical CleanOut day on August 31.

Now is the time to clean out your household chemicals in preparation for a free chemical collection at Gunnedah Waste Management Facility Community Recycling Facility (CRC).

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste Sheridan Cameron said this was an opportunity to get rid of the chemicals that could be accumulating in your shed.

“We encourage residents to drop off their household cleaners, garden, pool and hobby chemicals and household poisons on the CleanOut day,” she said.

“We also encourage residents to drop off their problem wastes such as fluorescent globes and tubes, car and household batteries, motor oils and fluids, paint, gas bottles and fire extinguishers at the Gunnedah Community Recycling Centre. Residents have access to this facility all year round.

“Household quantities will be accepted.

“This is a great chance to get rid of those problem wastes safely and responsibly.”

Items can be dropped off at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility Community Recycling Facility at 418 Quia Road between 9am and 4pm on August 31, Gunnedah.

For more information, call the Environment Line on 131 555 or visit www.cleanout.com.au 

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

7 August, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council supported by the Gunnedah Ministers’ Fraternal will hold a Prayer for Rain on Sunday, August 18.

The event will be held at the Smithurst Theatre from 4pm.

“Our community has been doing it tough during this extended time of drought,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“It is impacting on everyone, from our farming families to our small businesses and community groups.

“This is an opportunity for us all to come together in a show of hope and faith and jointly pray for rain. By standing together, we can support each other during this difficult time, and our voice can only be stronger.

“This is our fourth part of a continuing focus on council working with the Minister’s Fraternal. We know the importance of making these opportunities available to the community. I invite all our community members to add their voices to this prayer.”

Light refreshments will be served.

To RSVP, contact Alexandra O’Keefe by Friday, August 16 on 6740 2152 or alexandraokeefe@infogunnedah.com.au

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

8 August 2019

Gunnedah’s current Cultural Precinct is a collection of buildings that house many lively community groups and cultural activities; it’s the hub for many of the region’s artists and creatives, and the keeper of Gunnedah’s unique stories. But as our community continues to grow and diversify, our hub is diversifying too.

We’re planning for the future, by creating a masterplan that will detail the expansion and redesign of the precinct; honouring the rich history that defines the place, while also better catering to the communities’ evolving wants and needs. The precinct is a space for our whole community; which is why we want ideas, opinions, and input from those who know it best.

Whether you’re deeply involved with our current arts scene, or see a new opportunity for the Cultural Precinct, we want to hear from every member of our community.

Our project Steering Committee and Dunn & Hillam Architects will immerse themselves in the community, to hear how you think we can build a Cultural Precinct that reflects the diverse and rich tapestry of Gunnedah:

Community Workshop; 4-6pm, August 20th; Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre
All are welcome to attend this open workshop, where the design and engagement consultants leading the project, Dunn & Hillam Architects, and JOC Consulting, want to gather your thoughts, ideas, and experiences to help us shape a space that reflects our rich history, whilst leading us in to the future.

Register Here

NightQuip: 5-9pm, August 20th
Stop by our night-market stall, and let us know your thoughts on the major design principles we’re considering for the space, and share your ideas on what you would like to see in the Cultural Precinct Masterplan.

AgQuip Stall: 9 am - 1pm, August 21st - Gunnedah Shire Council Stall
We’re aiming to talk to locals, as well as those from further afield, who may want to access Gunnedah’s Cultural Precinct for events or be part of the arts community. We’re excited to hear exactly how we can make the space a better fit for your purposes today, but also hear about other cultural initiatives that need a home in this important precinct.

Pub Chat: 5pm-8pm, August 21st - The Gunnedah Hotel
This is a space for us all, so we’re coming to you; after all, some of the best ideas are first mapped out on the back of a coaster. Save the date, and come pull up a chair and let us know how you think we can shape a cultural precinct that serves the whole community.

Online Survey: We will be launching an online survey to make sure we didn’t miss anything. We want to hear your opinions, ideas, and suggestions for creating an updated, inclusive cultural precinct. Keep an eye out for the Community Online Survey link, coming soon.

2 August 2019

Work on Gunnedah’s Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground will soon be underway, with contractor Daracon expected to take possession of the site early next week. The existing park will be decommissioned and the first sod will be turned at a ceremony on Friday, 16th of August 2019 at 11:00am at the Wolseley Park site.

The idea for Livvi’s Place began when Gunnedah mum Ashley Bender campaigned for an inclusive playground by presenting a petition with more than 300 signatures to council.

Gunnedah Shire Council formed a partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation in 2013. Touched by Olivia has partnered with developers, other businesses and recently with Variety, the Children’s Charity, to create more than 24 inclusive playspaces across Australia.

The playground has been made possible by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, a large community contribution and Gunnedah Shire Council and will include a treehouse tower, a sensory garden walk, a flying fox and a specially-designed swing.

“Construction is expected to be completed in late December – so the park will be a great Christmas present for the community and the working group who have worked to realise this amazing project,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Chief Engineer Dan Noble said.

“The site is being accessed through the carpark on Tempest St and impact on traffic is expected to be minimal” Mr Noble concluded.

There are a number of alternatives for people wanting to visit a playground including the new play equipment at Donnelly Fields, the park located on the northern side of Wolseley Park and the playground at Lions Park.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.