5 October 2018

Seven local businesses have received a slice of $7750 in funding from Round One (2018/2019) of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.
Representatives from each business were invited to a ceremony at Council Chambers on Thursday afternoon to accept the funding.
Successful recipients in Round One include:

• Commercial Hotel Curlewis, to revamp and regenerate
• ODU Sportswear, for website development
• Kinfolk Student Cafes, for development of branded marketing collateral
• Provincial Printery, for business expansion Annie’s Kitchen, for start-up costs
• Impact Solutions, for a promotional campaign

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Business Partner Program is a key element of Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc and Gunnedah Shire Council to attract new business opportunities, or to expand existing businesses in the Gunnedah Shire by providing an assistance package as an incentive.
“This is very timely awarding this round of funding in October, being Small Business Month,” Cr Chaffey said.
“As a proactive Council, striving for growth and sustainability for our Shire, it is important to recognise local businesses and start-ups, and the vital role they play in our community and the local economy.
“I am pleased to see from the significant amount of applications Council received, businesses looking to generate employment and value add, as well as support regional benefit and economic growth.
“Council is proud of this Program that actively encourages new industry to set up in the area, as well as nurtures our existing businesses to encourage increased productivity, sustainability, growth and employment.”
Round Two of the Business Partner Program will open on Wednesday, 19 October, with applications closing at 5.00pm on Wednesday, 31 October.
For more information contact Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Round One 2018/2019 Business Partner Program recipients. Back from left: Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns, Cr David Moses, Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann and Cr John Campbell. Front from left: Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle, Cr Ann Luke, Sakthivel Jayarman (ODU Sportswear), Tracey Reid (Impact Solutions), Cr Jamie Chaffey, Kirstie Lawlor (Kinfolk Student Cafes), Mel McCulloch (Commercial Hotel Curlewis), Jenna Patterson (Kinfolk Student Cafes) and Lisa Davis (Kinfolk Student Cafes).

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

4 October 2018

Councillors Colleen Fuller and David Moses will lead the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group, which held its first meeting for the 2018/2019 year on Tuesday night.

Cr Fuller, who has held a position on the committee for 16 years, was re-elected as Chair of the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group for a two-year term. Cr Moses, in his second year on the committee, was elected as Deputy Chair for the ensuing term.
“The Crime Prevention Working Group is a very progressive committee and with three new members on board we will be able to take a fresh approach to tackling crime prevention,” Cr Fuller said.

“It is great to be working closely with local Police and the Gunnedah Liquor Accord on the issues our Shire experiences. I am looking forward to also working closely with our local education providers and community groups to look at initiatives to tackle the juvenile incidences within our community.
“We will be continuing our focus on domestic violence, as well as CCTV programs and are committed to securing funding for more street lighting and targeting illegal dumping, to ensure a safer community for all,” she said.

“We will be determined to follow our Crime Prevention Plan, which outlines the community’s key priorities and concerns for our Shire, for the remainder of the term.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey congratulated Councillors Fuller and Moses on their dedication to the committee.

“I congratulate Cr Fuller on being re-elected to this very important working group, her contributions in previous terms have been recognised and we look forward to her leadership over the next term,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Thank you to Cr Moses for also putting his hand up for the Deputy role, and welcome to Councillors Rob Hooke and John Campbell, we look forward to their positive contribution in leading the Crime Prevention Working Group on community initiatives and developing practical strategies for dealing with and preventing local crime,” Cr Chaffey said.

“A number of long-standing committee members as well as some fresh faces will continue to work together to improve the overall safety of our Shire and reduce crime.”

Photo Caption: Councillor Colleen Fuller, right, and Councillor David Moses, left, will lead the Crime Prevention Working Group.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

5 September 2018

In an effort to think differently about waste and promote sustainability, Gunnedah Shire Council is once again participating in the nationwide Garage Sale Trail and would like to encourage the community to get involved.
Garage Sale Trail is a big weekend of garage sales in communities across Australia in October. The event aims to get the community thinking about the waste they generate and how some of it can be reused before it reaches the local tip.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron hopes the Garage Sale Trail will not only help participants and charities earn a little extra cash, but will highlight that the old adage remains true; one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
“Waste is a growing issue. As a nation, the amount of waste we churn out has grown six times faster than the population and in fact, the average Australian family now produces enough waste to fill a three bedroom house every year,” Mrs Cameron said.
“While recycling is one solution, reusing items you no longer want is even better.
“Hosting a stall at Council’s Garage Sale is free and all the buyers and sellers will be in the one place.”
The average household in the 2017 sale sold 75 items, at over 15,000 registered garage sales and stalls.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, 20 October at the Gunnedah Showground from 9.00am to 2.00pm. To register a stall visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au/sale/1046 or collect a registration form from Council’s Administration Building, Elgin Street, Gunnedah.
For more information contact Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo Caption: Garage Sale Trail will once again be held at the Gunnedah Showground.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

28 September 2018

CMCA Rally changed traffic conditions
There will be changes to traffic conditions on the roads for the commencement of the CMCA Rally at the Gunnedah Showground on Friday, 5 October and Saturday, 6 October.
Increased traffic is expected on South Street, Marquis Street, George Street and Wandobah Road as motorhomes and campervans are directed to enter the Gunnedah Showground via View Street entrance.
A traffic controller will be stationed at the Wandobah Road and George Street intersection for traffic traveling east through to the View Street intersection, from 7.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday, 6 October.
Road closed signage will be located at the intersection of Short Street and View Street, and the intersection of Kilcoy Street and View Street.
Residents and visitors are urged to follow directional signage and drive to the conditions to ensure safe traffic management.

REMINDER TO SHOWGROUND USERS | As the CMCA Rally rolls into town and event organisers begin to setup, the Gunnedah Showground will be closed to all users from September 27 to October 17. As the CMCA Rally is a large scale event, this means there will be no access to the grounds, without prior approval from the CMCA.

At the end of this week, a large number of volunteers will be working on the grounds as they construct a mini village within the showground. You will start to notice plenty of new faces around town shortly, so please help give our visitors a warm welcome.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

27 September 2018

Give a warm welcome to the CMCA Rally
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey calls on residents to help make our visitors welcome as more than 1400 people begin to roll into town for the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) Rally (October 6-13, 2018) at the Gunnedah Showground.
Cr Chaffey said this is Gunnedah’s chance to show new visitors the Shire’s vibrant and diverse community, and what makes it unique.
“There is so much for our visitors to discover and I encourage everyone to make them feel most welcome and showcase our warm Gunnedah country hospitality,” Cr Chaffey said.
CMCA Rally Manager Paul Flynn said excitement is building with the members preparing for the Gunnedah Rally.
“What stands out about Gunnedah is it is an RV-Friendly Destination; the town presents itself well and we are aware of the ongoing tourism needs during the drought,” Mr Flynn said.
“We started thinking about coming to Gunnedah for a Rally five years ago.
“It helped that the Council has been very active in pursuing the Rally to be held in Gunnedah.”
Cr Chaffey acknowledges the importance of the eight-day event.
“The flow on economic benefits of hosting the Rally in Gunnedah couldn’t have come at a better time with impacts of drought being felt throughout the business community. Promoting Gunnedah to people who might like to move here and encouraging visitation is a critical component of Council’s economic development strategy,” he said.
“Everyone who lives in Gunnedah knows that it’s the best place in the world to be and this event gives us the opportunity to promote our little patch of paradise to people from all over Australia.”
The Rally is holding an open day on Saturday, 13 October for the public to attend.
“If you are interested in meeting the members, having a look at some of the motorhomes and campervans that will be on site, or taking a look at the markets, head along to the open day at the Showground,” Cr Chaffey said.
The Showground has now been handed over to the CMCA and Rally volunteers are busily constructing a mini village in the showground to prepare for the commencement of the Rally on October 6.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Tourism Supervisor Chris Frend hang up the CMCA street banner ready for the Rally.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

24 September 2018

This year commemorates the Centenary of Anzac and preparations are well underway for a Remembrance Day Concert and Ceremony to be held at the historic Tambar Springs Cenotaph.
The event will commence at 10.00am on Sunday, 11 November 2018.
Centenary of Anzac Working Group Chairperson, Cr Owen Hasler, said the event will be an important occasion in the Shire’s calendar.
“The Remembrance Day Ceremony at Tambar Springs recognises the Tambar Cenotaph’s 100-year anniversary in 2018, making it one of the earliest memorials in Australia,” Cr Hasler said.
“It is fitting that we are able to acknowledge this on Remembrance Day, marking 100 years since the end of World War One.”
The Centenary of Anzac Working Group received financial support from the Federal Government through an Armistice Centenary Grant and funds from both the Tambar Springs Progress Association and the Gunnedah RSL Sub-branch.
“The funding will allow work to be undertaken in the park area surrounding the Cenotaph and has given us the flexibility to conduct an expanded program on 11 November,” Cr Hasler said.
Local historian, Ron McLean, is compiling a booklet depicting the history of the monument and the role of a number of the Tambar Springs district “diggers” who received decorations as a result of their service and sacrifice in World War One.
A new sign designed by Mr McLean depicting the history of the monument will be erected at the entrance to the park.
Tambar Springs Progress Association Secretary Robyn Styles said they are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase their community.
“We are looking forward to the ceremony and are happy to jointly fund the event and help conduct the historic day,” Ms Styles said.
“Those who attend will not be disappointed with our hospitality and they will get to see the marvellous view that we have overlooking the great Liverpool Plains to the east of the village.”
The program will commence at 10.00am, with performances by the Gunnedah Shire Band, singer Tammy Clark and students from the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music, as well as guest speakers.
The formal Remembrance Day Service will begin at 10.55am, followed by a minute silence at 11.00am.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton will lead the list of official guests at the event.
The Centenary of Anzac Working Group has conducted 12 major events over the last five years in recognition of the sacrifice made by ex-servicemen in World War One, and Cr Hasler encourages everyone to attend the final event in the program.
“Given the historic significance of this monument at Tambar Springs, we believe the Remembrance Day Service will be a worthy one.”

Photo Caption: Tambar Springs R.S.L. Sub-branch member Carol Lees, Gunnedah R.S.L. Sub-branch President Peter Clarke, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and Centenary of Anzac Working Group Chair Cr Owen Hasler prepare for the Remembrance Day Centenary of Anzac event.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

 21 September 2018

The GCSF is an initiative of the local community and provides financial support for local youth choosing to further their studies in tertiary education.

Gunnedah’s Kustiani Tuckerman received a scholarship in 2018 and is most appreciative to the community for the funds that helped with the start-up costs of her engineering degree.

“I haven’t seen anything else like the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund, and neither have any of the students I attend Wollongong University with,” Miss Tuckerman said.

“The best part is the flexibility of the funds; it meant I could purchase my textbooks upfront and sign up for the university AFL team.

“I am really grateful for the town’s generosity.”

Since the GCSF’s inception 15 years ago, over $300,000 across more than 330 scholarships has been awarded to local students. Scholarships have covered many disciplines where students travel away to study at university or apply for traineeships or apprenticeships locally.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong said GCSF relies wholly on sponsorship from local businesses and organisations.

“The amount of money and the number of recipients who receive funds depends on the sponsorship and donations from community organisations and businesses who would like to see youth move ahead in tertiary education,” Ms Emojong said.

“There are many benefits to being a supporter of the GCSF, not least of all providing opportunities for local students to pursue their career goals.”

Miss Tuckerman offered a piece of advice for those considering applying to the GCSF.

“You should do it! Have a well-rounded resume, think about it before you submit and don’t leave it too late,” she said.

Applications for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund are now open and close on Monday, 17 December 2018 for the 2019 round. To apply, visit the Gunnedah Shire Council website on www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

For more information about the Scholarship or to become a sponsor, contact Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: 2018 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund recipients Emily-Jane Hollingworth and Kustiani Tuckerman with Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100

20 September 2018

Councillor Jamie Chaffey was re-elected as Mayor of Gunnedah Shire for his second term in a vote at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting (19 September).

Cr Chaffey will be supported by Cr Rob Hooke, after he was elected as the new Deputy Mayor for the two-year term.

The election was attended by community members, family of the Councillors and several dignitaries, including Walcha Shire Mayor Eric Noakes, Liverpool Plains Shire Mayor Andrew Hope and former Gunnedah Shire Mayor Bill Weakley.

Upon accepting the role of Mayor, Cr Chaffey said he was humbled to have the support of his fellow Councillors and looks forward to having the privilege of serving as Mayor of Gunnedah Shire for another two years.

“Congratulations to Cr Rob Hooke on his appointment as Deputy Mayor. I believe with this team we can continue to lead a Council that achieves great things together,” Cr Chaffey said.

During the meeting many of the Councillors paid tribute to outgoing Deputy Mayor Gae Swain, with Cr Chaffey acknowledging Cr Swain as a pillar of strength and guidance during his first two years on Council.

“Cr Swain has made an enormous contribution to this Shire, having served on Council for 23 years; as Mayor for nine years and as Deputy Mayor for six years,” he said.

“In the 33 years of Gunnedah Shire, Cr Swain has been the longest serving Mayor, and has been a light for myself and the organisation.”

In the Mayoral Minute tabled for the Council as a half-term report, Cr Chaffey outlined many of the great things the current Council has been involved with.

“There are a large number of decisions already made by Council that have taken big strides towards improving our great community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This Council is responsible for the 10-year Community Strategic Plan; for almost $24 million in grants, over $115 million delivered, or to be delivered, in major projects; as well as a number of strategies for improvement of our community’s excellent quality of life.

“It is a glowing indication of the vision for the community and an outstanding effort by all the staff and Councillors involved.

“Thank you for your consistency and motivation; and thank you for the opportunity to represent you again as Mayor.”

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

19 September 2018

The publication of Gunnedah’s first Youth Zine has been a great success and is now available for collection. During Youth Week 2018 (13-22 April) Gunnedah Youth Council, supported by APEX Club of Gunnedah, held a magazine making workshop with professional artist Daniel Stanley. Mr Stanley collated the submissions into a collection of art, poetry and essays from some of the young minds of Gunnedah.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong said the Youth Zine Project provides an opportunity for young people within the Gunnedah Shire to showcase their talents, values and perspectives in a creative format.

“It was really wonderful to see the initiative of the contributors and the diversity of submissions received for our first issue,” Ms Emojong said.

“There are poetry and opinion pieces, artwork and ideas for the future of Gunnedah; it is heartening to see young people utilising the platform for self-expression.

“The magazine (or zine for short) is a great way to collaborate, be creative, and allow young people to speak about what is important to them.”

Gunnedah Youth Council Chair Aidan R de Luzuriaga recently attended an APEX meeting to present the committee members with a copy of the zine, and to thank them for their support. Mr R de Luzuriaga said due to the success of the first zine, Gunnedah Youth Council is looking into avenues to continue the initiative. The publication of the first issue is not the end of the project according to Ms Emojong.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has organised for Daniel Stanley to run a free, two hour magazine design session during the spring school holidays on Friday, 5 October,” Ms Emojong said.

“This workshop will enable contributors to learn artistic skills, refine their zine submissions, and learn the art of successful zine creation.”

To attend the design session for the second edition of the Youth Zine Project, register online at www.thecivic.com.au. For a copy of the Gunnedah Youth Zine First Edition, visit The Civic, Chandos Street, Gunnedah or Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building, Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Youth Council presents the Youth Zines to the APEX Club of Gunnedah; Pictured, back from left: Aidan R de Luzuriaga, Aylish Flannery and Heather Lidwinski. Front: Emma Kersley, Donna Austin, Allyson Hoban, Erin McCabe, and Sewa Emojong.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.