Local seniors across the Gunnedah Shire are being encouraged to enjoy new experiences, continue learning, impart their skills, and have fun in the lead up to the 2019 NSW Seniors Festival.

With the theme ‘Love your Life’, the festival celebrates older people in the community and encourages them to live active and connected lives.

The 2019 NSW Seniors Festival will be held from Wednesday 13 February - Sunday 24 February.

Find out what's happening in the Shire in the 2019 NSW Seniors Festival Program!

6 February 2019

Easier access to water in parts of the Shire is one step closer as Gunnedah Shire Council’s application to the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program to install standpipes was successful.

At the October Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors voted to lodge an application to install 24-hour self-service water standpipes in Gunnedah, Mullaley, Tambar Springs and Curlewis as part of the program.

Acting Mayor Rob Hooke said the project will see standpipes equipped with a self-serve automated dispensing system to make it easier for people across the Shire to access potable water for farming and domestic use (both small and large users).

“This project was identified as a priority for the local community, which continues to be adversely affected by drought. This permanent water infrastructure solution will not only benefit the Shire now through the current drought but will improve access to water for the community into the future,” Cr Hooke said.

“Work on this project will also benefit the local economy, through the procurement of local supplies and resources.”

The project will commence in the next month and will be completed by June 2019. The standpipes can be accessed via credit card or with a data card obtained from Council. The new standpipes will be in addition to the two currently in use on O’Neill Road – which will be updated to use the same system.

As part of the program, up to $1 million was made available to Gunnedah Shire Council to deliver infrastructure and other community projects as part of a drought relief package. The package aims to stimulate local spending, provide employment and use local businesses and suppliers in delivering projects that will have a long-lasting benefit to rural communities.

Council also put out an expression of interest to the community, local businesses, and service and sporting groups to submit proposals for projects that met the funding guidelines. Council is currently in the process of submitting applications for the shortlisted projects identified during that process.

Photo Caption: Standpipes will be installed in Gunnedah, Mullaley, Tambar Springs and Curlewis as part of the program.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

1 February 2019

Twenty-four local young people in Gunnedah looking to pursue tertiary studies have received a helping hand from the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

More than $30,000 was distributed to the successful recipients at a ceremony at The Civic on Thursday afternoon.

Gunnedah Shire Councillor Ann Luke said the Fund is designed to ease financial pressures on students and their families for the future benefit of rural communities.

“This is one of the biggest years to date the Fund has had financially thanks to the generosity of the community, and major sponsors including Apex Club of Gunnedah and eIMEx,” Cr Luke said.

“We are proud to be able to support our local students in taking their first steps towards the next stage of their lives.

“Congratulations to this year’s recipients and best wishes for the future.”

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Committee and Gunnedah Shire Council congratulate the following recipients:

• Sophie Perkins – Bachelor of Social Work
• Jaxon Holbrook – Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Commerce
• Whitney Mansfield – Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws
• Casey Egan – Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood)
• Ashleigh Burns – Bachelor of Accounting
• Allison Clark – Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts
• Laura Watterson – Bachelor in Health Science (Paramedicine)
• Larissa Whelan – Bachelor of Primary Education
• Georgia Anderson – Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
• Kyra Carlyon – Bachelor of Business
• Clayton Small – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours in Aerospace)
• Amy Vincent – Bachelor of Nursing
• Sirrah Harris – Bachelor of Agriculture
• Emmerson Tull – Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws
• Brianna Hagan – Bachelor of Secondary Teaching (Health and Physical Education)
• Emma Kennedy – Bachelor of Business
• Krystal Jauja – Bachelor of Paramedicine
• Pennie Broekman – Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts)
• Maria Ortiz – Bachelor of Journalism/Bachelor of Communication and Media
• Maja Heath – Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
• Haylee Murrell – Bachelor Rural Science
• Carla Douglas – Bachelor of Nursing
• Jessica Moore – Bachelor of Communication
• Jordyn Ralph – Bachelor of Nursing

For more information on the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or contact Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: The 2019 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund recipients were announced at a ceremony at The Civic on Thursday.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

29 January 2019

The local economy has once again received a boost thanks to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program. Five local businesses have received a slice of funding from Round Two (2018/2019) of the program.

Representatives from each business were invited to a ceremony at Council Chambers on Tuesday afternoon to accept the funding.

Successful recipients in Round Two include:

• Annie’s Kitchen
• Ameloriate Yoga, for expansion and marketing of yoga and dietetics small business
• Goodness and Gracious, for Little Galahs
• Sunburnt Treasures, for strengthening women
• Cobb’s Exhaust 4x4 Centre, for rebranding and renovations

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Council continues to commit to supporting local businesses, aiming to help stimulate innovation, economic growth, development, employment and investment.

“Gunnedah Shire continues to be an area of strong regional growth and it’s important for Council to acknowledge the benefits new industry or business growth can have on our community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I congratulate the successful recipients on showing initiative and for contributing to our vibrant, diverse business community.”

Round Three of the Business Partner Program is now open, with applications closing at 5.00pm on Thursday, 28 February.

For more information contact Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Round Two recipients were announced on Tuesday afternoon. Pictured, back from left, Councillor Ann Luke, Councillor David Moses, and Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns. Middle: Michelle Cobb, Amelia Smith and Mayor Jamie Chaffey. Front: Makayla Cobb and Sienna Cobb.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

29 January 2019

Australia Day 2019 celebrations kicked off with the annual triathlon, followed by a Church Service and Citizenship Ceremony at Anzac Park.

Many activities were hosted throughout the day at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool and at AussieFest at the Gunnedah Rugby Club.

The community were treated to a sausage sizzle by Rotary Club of Gunnedah and a free screening of Kangaroo Jack was shown at The Civic.

Gunnedah welcomed Australia Day Ambassador Warwick Nowland and his family to the Shire. Mr Nowland attended the Australia Day Awards Dinner and was present at a number of events throughout Australia Day.

A number of community organisations and businesses hosted Australia Day celebration across the Shire, which were widely supported throughout the day.

Council thanks everyone for coming out and supporting the celebrations and hopes to see everyone again next year.

29 January 2019

A Gunnedah Show and Pony Club stalwart; young agricultural achiever; and a strong advocate for community services have taken out the Citizen of the Year category honours in the Gunnedah Australia Day Awards 2019.

Some of Gunnedah Shire’s most dedicated and community-minded citizens were honoured at a special ceremony at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Friday night.

Australia Day Committee Chair and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rob Hooke said the Awards are an opportunity to celebrate those who have made a significant contribution to the local community.

“The recipients and nominees of this year’s Australia Day Awards deserve to be recognised for their excellence, dedication and tireless efforts to make the Gunnedah Shire a better place,” Cr Hooke said.

“I often remind myself how lucky we are to live in the Gunnedah Shire. Woven throughout all facets of this community one can find a helping hand, a kind word, a feeling of safety and above all a sense of belonging and this can be seen from the diversity and number of nominees we have received.

“Our wonderful volunteers define who we are and help make this such a vibrant, progressive and caring society and lay down the fabric for us all to grow and prosper.

“Congratulations to this year’s successful recipients and thank you for your dedication to our community.”

This year’s award winners are:

• Young Citizen of the Year Award: Haylee Murrell
• Citizen of the Year Award – 21-40 years: Kate McGrath
• Citizen of the Year Award – 40+ years: George Avard
• Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award: Michael Broekman
• Cultural Award: Ronald McLean
• Community Organisation Achievement Award: Gunnedah Show Society
• Community Event Achievement Award: Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards
• Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award: Ron Rickard
• Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year Award: Adam McGuirk
• Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year Award: Zoe Flemming
• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award: St Mary’s College Boys Tennis Team

Special guests included Gunnedah’s Australia Day Ambassador, two-time world superbike champion Warwick Nowland; The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Assistant Minister for Education, Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Councillors.

Guests enjoyed performances from the Gunnedah Youth Choir and Jac Dalton.

The Australia Day Awards are held each year and the community is encouraged to think about a “local legend”, service or organisation they would like to see recognised ahead of next year’s event.

Biographies on all nominees can be found on Council’s website at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Photo Caption: Photo 1: Australia Day Award Nominees – Photo by Hayley Hausefeld. Photo 2: Citizen of the Year George Avard – Photo by Hayley Hausfeld. Photo 3: Australia Day Dinner Official Cake Cutting – Photo by Marie Hobson.

More photos available on request.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

29 January 2019

Gunnedah joined towns and regions across the country in welcoming the nation’s newest citizens on Australia Day 2019 at a ceremony near the Dorothea Mackellar Statue, Anzac Park.

Rebecca Joyce, of Ireland; Reinier Coetzee, Linda Nortje, Marlon Martin, Riana Martin, Jude Martin, and Tre Martin, all of South Africa, pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people on Saturday morning.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey presided over the ceremony and said it was great to see so many local community members present to share in the celebration.

“This is the biggest privilege as Mayor – to give those people that have chosen Australia, not only as their home, but a place to be proud of and to raise their families, the opportunity to become Australian Citizens,” Cr Chaffey said.

“There are many benefits to welcoming International community members into our Shire, including enriching social cohesion and promoting multiculturalism. We are blessed to live in a community that embraces cultural diversity and the fresh ideas and unique stories from all over the world that our new citizens bring.”

Since 2012, Gunnedah Shire has welcomed 69 adults and 11 children as Australian Citizens. Citizens were gifted with a native tree from Gunnedah Shire Council to mark the occasion.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire welcomed seven new Australian Citizens on Australia Day. Pictured from left: Rebecca Joyce, Linda Nortje, Reinier Coetzee, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Tre Martin, Riana Martin, Jude Martin, Marlon Martin, and the Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Each year our nation celebrates the achievement and contribution of eminent Australians through various awards for Australia Day. Gunnedah boasts a community brimming with high achievers and quiet achievers!

The event is held at the historic Gunnedah Town Hall and attendees can enjoy a three course meal catered for by The Verdict.

Gunnedah’s Australia Day Ambassador Warwick Nowland, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Councillors are invited as special guests at the dinner, which celebrates the people who make up Gunnedah’s wonderful community.

The prestigious award categories include:

• Citizen of the Year Award - 21-40 years
• Citizen of the Year Award - 40+ years
• Junior Citizen of the Year –13 years and under
• Young Citizen of the Year Award - 21 years and under
• Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy
• Cultural Award
• Community Organisation Achievement Award
• Community Event Achievement Award
• Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
• Male and Female Sportsperson of the Year
• Junior Male and Female Sportsperson of the Year
• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award
• Sports Team of the Year Award
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award – Coach of the Year

The Australia Day Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday, 25 January at the Gunnedah Town Hall from 7pm. Tickets are available at www.thecivic.com.au 

Australia Day Awards 2019 - Nominees

21 January 2019

Round three (2018/2019) of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program is now open, inviting established local businesses and start-ups to apply for a slice of funding.

The program is designed to support and nurture existing businesses in increasing productivity, sustainability, growth and employment; and to attract new businesses and economic activity in the Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said since the program’s inception, Council has provided more than $100,000 in funding to local businesses to support growth initiatives that have led to increased employment and output in the Gunnedah Shire. 

“We are open to fresh, new ideas to grow your business and bring economic expansion to our Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Types of assistance can include start-up costs, website or technology updates, training, support, and business expansion. Applications are not limited to these suggestions, as they are assessed on a case-by-case basis.”

Round three closes 28 February 2019. Please note the guidelines and application forms have been updated and can be found in the Economic & Business Development section at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

For more information regarding the Business Partner Program contact Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Mayor Jamie Chaffey says the Business Partner Program is “open for business”.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

22 January 2019

Apex Gunnedah Inc has secured naming rights for this year’s Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund (GCSF) round, thanks to the club pitching in $5000 towards the cause.

Apex is the 2019 Platinum sponsor, and its members have been fundraising throughout the last 12 months with supporting the GCSF in mind.

The GCSF Working Group has been overwhelmed by the donations and support received for this year’s GCSF round.

“In spite of the harsh conditions the community has faced due to the drought, local businesses, organisations and individuals have banded together to make this year’s fund one of the strongest we’ve had for several years,” GCSF Working Group Chair, Councillor Gae Swain said.

“We were also very lucky to receive a generous boost from Northern Beaches Council and Lane Cove Council, of which Gunnedah Shire Council has had Sister City ties for a number of years.

“On behalf of the Working Group, I express my sincere thank you to everyone who has donated and allowed us to continue this important program in 2019.”

eIMEX was also a major sponsor for this year’s funding round, with more than $5000 contributed from an auction held during the expo.

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fun is an initiative of the local community and provides financial support for local youth choosing to further their skills and knowledge through tertiary education.

The Working Group has been busy assessing applications, with the 2019 recipients to be announced in the coming weeks. Sponsors and donors of the 2019 GCSF will be formally acknowledged at the GCSF presentation ceremony to be held at 4.00pm on Thursday, 31 January 2019 at The Civic.

For more information about GCSF, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Apex Gunnedah Inc has thrown its support behind the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund. Back from left: Heather Lidwinski, Aylish Flannery, Allyson Hoban, Lisa Beasley, Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong, Donna Austin and Nicholas Beasley. Front from left: Emily McKenzie, Archer Cannon, Cooper Cannon, James McKenzie, Madisyn Beasley, Zali Beasley, Sarah McKenzie and Hannah Beasley.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.