07 December 2018

This holiday break if you plan on building or landscaping on your property, make sure you are aware of underground pipes and cables before you dig.

Gunnedah Shire Council is part of the Dial Before You Dig campaign to reduce accidents and damages associated with underground infrastructure.

Council’s Chief Engineer Daniel Noble said it is easy to access information about the location of underground pipes and cable networks via the free national service.

"The Dial Before You Dig program can provide assistance to anyone who is doing excavation work, whether you are a homeowner landscaping your yard or large contractors doing major excavation works,” Mr Noble said.

“It is designed to prevent damage to infrastructure and disruption to services, as well as improving public safety.”

Mr Noble said Dial Before You Dig acts as a single point of contact for the public to receive information about underground networks.

“By making it easy for people to get the information they need, they can hopefully avoid the costs, disruptions and dangers associated with unexpectedly digging into underground infrastructure,” he said.

Gunnedah Shire Council recommends obtaining accurate information about a work site to significantly minimise the risk of injury and personal liability.

To use this free service, visit www.1100.com.au, phone 1100 or download the app ‘Dial Before You Dig’ to your mobile device.

Photo: This holiday period, Gunnedah Shire Council Chief Engineer Daniel Noble wants you to be prepared and dial before you dig.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

6 December 2018

Gunnedah Shire Library has won the NSW Public Libraries Association Innovation in Outreach Services Award for its ‘Bookends’ initiative at the recent Switch On Conference in Coffs Harbour.
The Library launched ‘Bookends’ in April 2018 as an after school literacy program designed to connect young children with local seniors who can help and encourage the children to develop their literary skills.
Gunnedah Shire Council Librarian Christiane Birkett said the one-on-one assistance makes a big difference in a child’s reading development and is what makes the program so successful.
“Participants can ‘borrow’ a senior for a 20 minute block, and during this period, they will select a number of books from the shelves to read to the senior,” Ms Birkett said.
“Providing children with a one-on-one learning environment enables them to learn at a rate that suits their level of ability and can progress in a fun and safe way.
“Children stay keen to learn with the myriad of activities and engaging stories that feature in the lessons.”
Ms Birkett said the program also provides parents with a way to track the learning progress of their children including the number of books completed and the learning milestones achieved.
“By linking ‘Bookends’ to the ‘1000 Books Before School Program’, children are offered reward incentives for their work,” she said.
The award is highly regarded in the library sphere, with ‘Bookends’ winning by showing its creativity, innovation, effectiveness and commitment to the outreach program.
“The program launched in time for Seniors Week and with the co-operation of the Pensioners’ Guild, GoCo and school teachers, which has allowed us to engage with a number of enthusiastic seniors that are available to interact and assist the youth in our community,” Ms Birkett said.
Council’s Director, Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann is pleased the library staff were recognised for their great work.
“I would like to congratulate library staff, children and the seniors on all their hard work and help with this program,” Mr Formann said.
“In particular I would like to recognise our Librarian, Christiane Birkett, who manages a wonderful and multi-award winning facility for the Gunnedah community.”
The program runs every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 3.00pm until 5.00pm and Friday afternoons from 3.00pm until 4.00pm.
‘Bookends’ seeks to help readers sound words out, build the child’s word bank, enhance fluency, teach children to automatically and accurately read books by building on their comprehension and understanding.
To find out more, book your child in to the program or sign up as a helper, please contact the Gunnedah Shire Library on (02) 6740 2190.

Photo: Gunnedah Shire Library rewarded for ‘Bookends’ initiative. Left to right: Robyn Draper, Librarian Christiane Birkett and Yvonne Reading.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

5 December 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council welcomed four new Australian Citizens at a naturalisation ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Hardeep Singh, of India; Ms Puneet Kaur, of India; Mr Albert Law, of Malaysia; and Ms Ivy Tieh, of Malaysia made the pledge to Australia during a ceremony performed by Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Councillor Rob Hooke in the Council Chambers.

Cr Chaffey outlined the responsibilities that follow embracing Australian values.

“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.

“Citizenship brings responsibilities and duties – to obey the laws, to register on the Electoral Roll and vote, to serve on a jury if called to do so, and to defend Australia should the need arise.

“Citizenship also brings civil and social rights – the right to express your cultural heritage and beliefs coupled with a responsibility to accept the rights of others to express their heritage and beliefs.

“Since 2012, Gunnedah Shire has welcomed 63 adults and 10 children as Australian Citizens and I am proud to congratulate our four newest, and wish them and their families well in their future endeavours.”

All citizens were gifted with native trees from Gunnedah Shire Council to mark the occasion.

Photo: Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke, Ivy Tieh, Albert Law, Hardeep Singh, Puneet Kaur and Mayor Jamie Chaffey.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

23 November 2018

Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery will be showcasing a collection of hand crafted potted art works from the Gunnedah Pottery Club members in their upcoming exhibition, ‘Clay Works Past and Present’.

The Gunnedah Pottery Club was granted funds from Gunnedah Shire Council's Arts and Cultural Fund to host a workshop with nationally acclaimed potter Max Powell, in July 2018.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley said the exhibition will showcase some of the works developed through the workshop as well as others created by the club at workshops held in the Gunnedah Pottery Shed at the Gunnedah Showgrounds.

“The Gunnedah Pottery Club is a committed and creative group in the art scene of the Shire, and its membership is growing every year,” Ms Mackley said.

“It is great to see the result of a creative process in exhibition form where there will be a lot of works for sale by some of Gunnedah’s greatest artists.

“There are several different techniques used in the pottery; from hand, wheel, coil and slab, with some stunning glazes,” she said.

Pottery Club member Anne Pickett has been potting for more than 40 years and still enjoys her craft.

“I’ve potted since the 1970’s and will be potting until I can’t,” Mrs Pickett said.

“I enjoy it; it is peaceful for me and I won’t be giving it up in a hurry.”

Local potter, Jenni Carlin agrees with Mrs Pickett’s sentiments.

“Pottery is great for the soul. I find being in the zone during wheel work is a place of peace and presence," Mrs Carlin said.

The official opening of the Gunnedah Pottery Club exhibition ‘Clay Works Past and Present’ is from 6.00pm on Friday, 7 December at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street Gunnedah. Drinks and light refreshments will be available.

The exhibition continues until Monday, 14 January 2019.

Photo Caption: Local potters Pat Tobin and Anne Pickett will have works on display at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery from 5 December.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

22 November 2018

A new hospital is at the top of the wish list as Gunnedah Shire Council moves to advocate for its top priorities in the lead up to the State and Federal elections.

A Mayoral Minute was put forward at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting, recommending that Councillors endorse the pursuit of a new hospital for Gunnedah as its highest priority ahead of next year’s elections.

In the Mayoral Minute, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the time for “band-aiding an ageing and inadequate facility was over”.

“Our community, hospital patients, and the medical and allied health care professionals and other staff that work within the hospital deserve better,” Cr Chaffey wrote.

“A new hospital is seen as being of the utmost priority to ensure access to quality medical facilities, services and equipment for our community.”

The Mayoral Minute was presented by Acting Mayor Rob Hooke on behalf of Cr Chaffey and was endorsed unanimously by Councillors.

“To continue into the future as a Shire driving growth, and attracting and retaining residents, we need state-of-the-art medical facilities to match. The hospital is something we will be pushing strongly for,” Cr Hooke said.

Councillors also moved to advocate for increased police numbers, additional phone towers to eliminate black spots, TAFE redevelopment and reinstatement of apprentice courses, road funding and a processing precinct.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Acting Mayor Rob Hooke in support of advocating for a new hospital at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

19 November 2018

It’s that time of year again - Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on the local community to donate for the Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal.

Council’s 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.

In addition to the Appeal, the Library is once again hosting its ‘Food for Fines’ initiative, where Library members can donate a non-perishable food item to the value of any Library fine they may have accumulated. For the first time, this year Council will also be running an ‘Adopt a Farming Family’ appeal encouraging residents to provide extra support to a local farming family in need.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal initiative is now in its fourth year and has provided hope to many in that time.

“Each year we receive more and more items, proving once again what an extremely compassionate and generous community we have,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The appeal provides a great way for all of us to reach out and help others, at what is such a special time of year. This year we have decided to also encourage local residents to support our farming families who are going through tough times.”

In a year that has been particularly difficult with the drought, Cr Chaffey said the Salvation Army is a beacon of help to many.

“The Appeal will complement the wonderful work of the Salvation Army and other local emergency relief and support services during what is their busiest time of the year, and even more so now resources are stretched from drought-affected families,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to get involved, however they can, and support those in need this Christmas.”

Residents can 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 Administration Building (63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah) or Gunnedah Shire Library (291 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah).

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. The final collection date at both locations will be Friday, 14 December 2018.

For more information or to register to ‘Adopt a Farming Family’, contact Gunnedah Shire Council Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: The Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal is now in its fourth year and was launched today by Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton, and Salvation Army’s Major Gaye Day and Captain Richard Day.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

16 November 2018

Gunnedah residents will see work beginning this month (November 2018) on the new $62 million Gunnedah road over rail bridge, ahead of schedule.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson met with Daracon and RMS at the site on Friday, 16 November to announce early works are to commence.

The project aims to reduce congestion on local roads, provide safer traffic solutions for now and into the future as the region grows.

- The project is funded by the NSW Government as part of the Bridges for the Bush program
- Daracon Group has been contracted by Roads and Maritime Services to deliver this project
- Work will be carried out from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays
- Work will be suspended during the Christmas period, between 24 December 2018 and 6 January 2019

Another benefit of building the overpass includes a shared pedestrian and cyclist path on the eastern side of the bridge and a new roundabout at the intersection of Oxley Highway and View Street.

The bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2021.

16 November 2018

New banners in the Shire share a singular message about domestic violence and bullying; Gunnedah says no to violence.

Gunnedah Shire Council received a grant of nearly $17,000 for a crime prevention campaign towards domestic violence and bullying from the State Government’s Department of Justice.

Crime Prevention Working Group Chair Councillor Colleen Fuller welcomed the funding.

“The low report rates on domestic violence make it almost impossible to know for sure what the true impact is on people and our community,” Cr Fuller said.

“We hope this campaign will be a visual warning to a potential abuser and, where domestic violence has already occurred, give people a pathway to seek support and have the confidence to come forward and report it.”

Last week, representatives from Gunnedah Shire Council, the Gunnedah Community Action Team and Crime Prevention Working Group assisted in raising the flags on Conadilly Street in Gunnedah to signal the start of the campaign.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey thanked the State Government and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson for supporting the campaign.

“You may have already noticed the eight flags hanging around Gunnedah, and soon you will see the street sweepers and garbage trucks wrapped in the anti-violence messaging as well,” Cr Chaffey said.

“In Gunnedah Shire we have no tolerance for any form of abuse or bullying.

“Our hard stance and previous community awareness campaigns have led to a significant reduction in reported incidents of domestic violence, but the target is, and should be, zero.”

Cr Chaffey said the campaign is an extended operation, so people are consistently reminded about the need to speak out and how they can find help.

“The flags will fly for the month of November to coincide with White Ribbon Day, and the trucks will have the vinyl vehicle wraps on them for at least a couple of years to continue in sharing the message,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Congratulations to the Crime Prevention Working Group with the support of the Gunnedah Community Action Team on this initiative.”

For more information on the campaign, contact Gunnedah Shire Council Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100.

If you, or anyone you know, are impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit www.1800respect.org.au

Photo Caption: Speaking out about violence. Left to right: Gunnedah Shire Council Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Crime Prevention Working Group Chair Cr Colleen Fuller, Tourism Supervisor Chris Frend, Inspector Michael Wurth and Gunnedah Community Action Team members Jess Blair, Dalton Dorrington and Melinda McCulloch.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

15 November 2018

A major water meter infrastructure upgrade is beginning in the Gunnedah Shire with the installation of automatic water meter devices at Gunnedah, Curlewis, Tambar Springs and Mullaley.

Fully funded by Gunnedah Shire Council, the project will see automatic water meter devices fitted at approximately 4500 homes and businesses throughout the Shire. The project will be commencing in December, with the devices to be installed by 30 June 2019.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan said the automatic water meter devices will be a useful tool for both Council and residents to more accurately monitor water usage and identify issues, such as leaks, faster.

“The automatic meter devices provide real‐time water usage readings,” Mr Sheridan said.

“Council and customers will be able to use a web-based management tool to constantly measure volumetric use and identify water leaks whilst more accurately monitoring pressure and flow throughout the network, ultimately reducing water bills and operational costs.”

Mr Sheridan said the data collected from the devices, such as daily and target usage, as well as cost per day will be a great asset for future water infrastructure planning.

"The reporting processes will allow Council to better monitor peak demand and plan for water upgrades, as well as be notified if the water meter devises are tampered with,” he said.

The automatic water meter devices replace existing meter devices and need to be installed by hand on every property with access to town water. The device battery lasts for approximately 15 years and does not incur any costs for the property owner.

Mr Sheridan said customers may experience periodic water interruptions while the devices are being fitted.

“There is a need to reach the water meter devices during the installation. Residents are asked to ensure the meters are accessible to avoid Council disturbing the gardens,” Mr Sheridan said.

“Council staff will let residents know ahead of time when they should expect works and water disconnections to be occurring in their area.”

The data will also be used for billing purposes. Customers will have the option to view their usage and compare it to the water bill provided to them by Council.

For more details about the project, please contact our customer service team on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan displays the automatic water meter device which will replace the old one.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

8 November 2018

Villages in Gunnedah Shire can apply for grants up to $500 to assist them in hosting events and activities for Australia Day 2019.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor and Australia Day Working Group Chair Rob Hooke encourages every village to apply for the funds made available specifically for Australia Day celebrations.

“Each village has their own atmosphere and community that is unique,” Cr Hooke said.

“By making available money that is dedicated specifically to the villages, the Shire will have diverse and exciting celebrations that are truly representative of Australia.”

Cr Hooke said all not-for-profit community groups and committees in the Shire’s villages can apply for up to $500, which can be used in a wide variety of ways.

“Perhaps you are looking to host a community event, support an existing event, advertise your Australia Day celebrations or purchase materials. There are many different ways you can be eligible for the grants,” Cr Hooke said.

All Australia Day activities fund applications will be assessed by a panel of the Australia Day Working Group. To apply, groups are encouraged to submit a letter or email outlining a brief description of the activity or event. Applications close 5.00pm, Friday, 7 December 2018.

Council is also calling on community groups, organisations or businesses to submit their Australia Day event information to be included on the annual Australia Day activities schedule. The schedule is distributed throughout the Shire to ensure all community events are acknowledged and well attended.

Residents are invited to attend the Australia Day Working Group’s next meeting at 5.00pm, Thursday, 22 November 2018, at the Gunnedah Council Chambers on Elgin Street.

For more information contact Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Looking forward to Australia Day in 2019.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.