18 September 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council welcomed three new citizens yesterday at a special ceremony held on Australian Citizenship Day (September 17). Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Gae Swain performed the ceremony, welcoming Karen Crumbley, of United Kingdom, Jill Fulwood, of Britain and Lesley Idzerda, of Britain.

Cr Chaffey outlined the duties and responsibilities of the new citizens as they took a pledge to uphold Australian values.

“I am proud to be authorised as a person who may conduct this citizenship ceremony on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia. This is a very significant honour in the role of a Mayor,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Our ceremony recognises that citizenship is a common bond made meaningful because it embraces an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of all people.

“Your decision to accept Australian citizenship is a public recognition of your commitment to Australia and your family.”

Cr Swain said that choosing to embrace Australian values publicly was a significant decision made by the new citizens.

“Our three new citizens are what I call ABCs; Australians by choice. This is not something most Australians get to choose and makes your decision all the more special,” Cr Swain said.

Gunnedah Shire Council gifted the new citizens with native trees to mark the occasion.

Cr Chaffey was pleased to welcome the new citizens and acknowledged many of their friends and family who were present to mark the special occasion.

“The importance of holding this ceremony is to celebrate our multiculturalism, which makes us more aware and resilient as a community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“In the words of our new Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, The Hon David Coleman, ‘it’s now your responsibility to join us in building an even stronger nation’.”

Photo caption: New Australian citizens Jill Fulwood, Lesley Idzerda and Karen Crumbley with Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Gae Swain.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

6 September 2018

It is your childhood story but not like you remember.

Gunnedah Shire Council, Arts North West and Windmill Theatre Co have teamed up to bring Gunnedah a very special children’s live theatre performance of ‘Big Bad Wolf – the most misunderstood character in fairy tale history’.

Described as a bit of a loner, the Big Bad Wolf has no friends, but then he does have incredibly sharp teeth, yellow eyes and his own ideas about personal hygiene.
Luckily, one girl is brave enough to double-check this wolf’s bad press and an unlikely friendship is born.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said the performance is a clever and whimsical story that will delight children and adults alike.

“The retelling of the story of the Big Bad Wolf will have the whole family laughing along,” Ms Mackley said.
“The story is fun and thought-provoking, having you wonder why you were so scared of the Big Bad Wolf in the first place.”

The team at Gunnedah’s Cultural Precinct is encouraging everyone to come dressed as their favourite fairy tale character, with two family movie passes up for grabs, for the scariest and the funniest costumes.

The ‘Big Bad Wolf – the most misunderstood character in fairy tale history’ will be held on Saturday, 20 October at The Civic, 83 Chandos Street, from 5.00pm.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for children under 15 and $80 for two adults, two children. Bookings are essential. Tickets are available online at www.thecivic.com.au, or in person at Gunnedah’s Visitor Information Centre, Chandos Street Gunnedah or at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building, Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Photo caption: The Big Bad Wolf comes to The Civic.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

4 September 2018

As part of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex Upgrade, the Eric Arnold Heated Pool will be closed from Monday, September 10 to Friday, October 5, 2018, while works are undertaken for the refurbishment and maintenance at the indoor facility.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure Services Daniel Noble said the closure dates will assist the contractor, Hines Constructions Pty Ltd, and Council staff to carry out the necessary works.

“During the closure period a new filtration and sanitation system to the 25 metres pool will be installed and refurbishment of the amenities and entry areas will be undertaken by Hines Constructions Pty Ltd,” Mr Noble said.

“While the facility is closed, Council staff will also undertake maintenance works on the 25 metres pool, including repainting the pool shell.”

Preparations will begin on Friday, September 7 to permit the start of the refurbishment works the following week.

Mr Noble advised the pool will remain open during this preparatory work with small disruptions to some areas of the concourse.

“Council appreciates that the closure may cause some inconvenience, however the scheduled works will markedly improve the amenity and quality of the heated pool facility,” he said.

The heated pool will re-open at 5.30am on Saturday, October 6 2018.

Photo caption: Eric Arnold Heated Pool closed for refurbishments.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

4 September 2018

Bush fire season was brought forward to the start of September, with dryer and hotter conditions contributing to the extended season.

Until the end of the Bush Fire Danger Period, people wishing to light a fire in the open will require a permit, which are free and can be obtained from the Liverpool Range Zone Control Centre or NSW Fire and Rescue Gunnedah.

NSW Rural Fire Service announced the early commencement of Bush Fire Danger Period from 1 September for the Liverpool Range and urges residents to pay attention to the danger ratings in case of a Total Fire Ban.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure Services Daniel Noble urges residents to be prepared and make sure to obtain a fire permit.

“We know the risk of fires is higher in dry times, so it becomes even more important for everyone to be vigilant and careful,” Mr Noble said.

“If you have any doubt, contact the Liverpool Range Zone Control Centre and put a Bush Fire Survival Plan in place.”

Information about Total Fire Ban declarations is published at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au 

For more information call the Liverpool Range Zone Control Centre on (02) 6746 5800 or the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).

Photo caption: Bush Fire Danger Period began 1 September 2018.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

4 September 2018

The Australian Government Mobile Service Centre "Golden Wattle" is visiting the Gunnedah Shire.
When: Friday, 14 September, 9.00am to 12.30pm
Where: Near Mullaley Park, Nombi Street, Mullaley.

The Australian Government Mobile Service Centre’s are travelling to rural and regional communities to provide community members with information and access to government services. They are currently visiting drought-affected communities delivering a range of human services including assistance through the expanded Farm Household Allowance measure.

There are a number of services they can provide and assist you with.

• new claims for most Centrelink payments
• updating your information in their records
• confirming documents and supporting information, such as certifying copies of birth certificates
• how financial matters may impact your payments
• payment and service options to suit your needs
• child support payment and service options
• rural payment entitlements for eligible farmers
• Medicare transactions
• Medicare registrations
• social work support and referrals
• access to Self Service Terminals
• help with using online accounts and Express Plus mobile apps
• free hearing health checks for people 16 and over

They give information, assistance and support to rural and regional residents, including:

• older Australians
• families
• students
• job seekers
• people with disability
• carers
• farmers
• self-employed people

The Australian Government Mobile Service Centre’s can help with emergency on the ground support for Australian Government disaster recovery efforts.

You do not need to book, just show up on the day and bring any paperwork you think is appropriate.

31 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is currently in the process of upgrading the town water supply in Curlewis by installing a pipeline from Gunnedah to Curlewis. Construction is progressing well with approximately half the pipeline already installed.

Contractors will commence the installation of the water main in Pike Street on or around 6 September 2018, weather permitting. Every effort will be made to limit interruptions wherever possible, however unavoidable interruptions to traffic flow and property access may be experienced intermittently during the construction period. Further notification will be provided to residents affected prior to any interruption to the water supply. It is expected interruptions will occur when connections are made to the existing infrastructure.

For more information on the Curlewis Pipeline Project, please visit the Major Projects section of Council’s website.

If you have any special requirements during this period please do not hesitate to contact the contactors TCM Civil Pty Ltd. TCM Civil’s representative is Mr Trevor Heise and he can be contacted on 0418 495 606 or email trevor.heise@tcmcivil.com.au 

Should you have any questions relating to the changed conditions or the project please contact Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au 

30 August 2018

Council will be holding an auction of abandoned motor vehicles to be held at Gunnedah Shire Depot, Bennett Road Gunnedah on Saturday, 22 September 2018. Viewing of the vehicles will begin at 9:30 am with the auction commencing at 10:30 am.

All prospective buyers should register on site prior to the commencement of the auction and will be required to provide valid photo identification.

Payment and removal of all vehicles is required on the day of the auction – cash only.

The following motor vehicles have been impounded by Council in accordance with Section 16 of the Impounding Act 1993 and will be offered for auction if not claimed beforehand by the owners.

Note: Appropriate closed in footwear must be worn on site at all times.
All attendees must be over 16 years of age.
All prices that are bid are considered to include GST. All items have a reserve price.

Any further enquiries, please contact Council’s Planning & Environmental Services on 02 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager
Gunnedah Shire Council
PO Box 63
GUNNEDAH NSW 2380

29 August 2018

Emerge yourself in the vibrant and colourful artwork from Nemingha-based artist Shannon Woodward this September and October at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

Shannon has been painting for more than 20 years and her 2018 collection of works ‘Siren Dance after Midnight’ boasts some of her most romanticised cubist styles, according to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley.

“The audience will be lingering in the juxtaposition of the motion of the shapes,” Ms Mackley said.

“Shannon’s work has the ability to push the conventions of positive and negative space through her brilliance of composition. The result is a mesmerising collection of work that will be both calming and complex.”

Shannon has previously exhibited throughout the local region and with a Fine Arts Diploma under her belt enjoys exploring new compositions of layers, movement, colour and tone.

“Whether you consider yourself an art expert or you appreciate beautiful things, the exhibition is bound to delight you. The portraits of the female form are simple and graceful, filled with multiple personalities; just like in real life,” Ms Mackley said.

The official opening of Shannon Woodward’s Exhibition ‘Siren Dance after Midnight’ is from 6.00pm on Friday, 7 September at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street Gunnedah.

Drinks and light refreshments will be available. The exhibition continues until Friday 21 October, 2018.

Photo caption: Shannon Woodward art exhibition ‘Siren Dance after Midnight’

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

28 August 2018

As thousands of visitors passed through the gates of the 2018 Commonwealth Bank AgQuip last week, Gunnedah celebrates another successful year of its premier event.

The local community has seen AgQuip grow from humble beginnings on Gunnedah’s Riverside Racecourse in 1973 to the major showcase of agricultural equipment, lifestyle and innovation that it is today. This year has been one of the toughest years recorded for the agricultural industry; however Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said it did not stop people from coming together for the largest agricultural exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Commonwealth Bank AgQuip is always a tremendous event and we are very proud that its home is in Gunnedah,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Every year this great event brings people from interstate and across the region to Gunnedah to see the very best in agricultural innovations and services. It is also a chance for our producers to get together and socialise; either over a steak sandwich or walking the aisles to check out all that is on offer.

“The size and diversity of AgQuip always astounds visitors and this year was no different; visitors are always impressed with the scale of the event. Those who attended for the first time gave very pleasing feedback with some already attempting to book accommodation for next year”.

The three-day event attracts a consistent 100,000 visitors each year and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was welcoming to see the event well supported again this year.

“As AgQuip is all packed up for another year, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the AgQuip team of Fairfax Rural Events, capably led by Kate Nugent, on another successful event and thank them for their continued faith in the agricultural sector, AgQuip itself, and the Gunnedah community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“AgQuip has once again remained industry relevant, evolving and demonstrating new technology and information for the agricultural sector each year.”

Cr Chaffey said the atmosphere was one of comradery from fellow Aussies and although sales were down from previous years, exhibitors welcomed the national and international brand exposure and the future sales from those looking.

“It was wonderful to see visitors and exhibitors acknowledging the tough times through having and supporting not-for-profit drought assistance organisations, as well as general and mental health professionals on site,” he said.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in making AgQuip another success. It didn’t rain but it poured with community spirit, and that is why I love living and working in Gunnedah.”

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Commonwealth Bank Event Organiser Kate Nugent and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson at the official opening of AgQuip 2018.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

28 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is pleased to announce a $3.85 million boost from the Federal Government will go towards improving the 17.4 kilometre unsealed section of Grain Valley Road.

The investment falls under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP). With the total upgrade estimated at $8.2 million, Gunnedah Shire Council has also applied for further funding from the State Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program to complete the project.

The road is a significant route for bus and truck drivers, as well as residents and tourists, connecting the Mullaley and Boggabri townships.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey made the announcement on Friday with Mullaley residents, after the news came from Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton’s office.

“I am happy to announce funds have been dedicated to seal the Grain Valley Road,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This is welcoming news for many people and is a testament to the great work of local residents and business owners who have been advocating for the upgrade for years.”

Cr Chaffey said it was pleasing to see the Federal Government’s dedication to improving the livability and productivity of regional areas.

“Thank you to the Federal Government, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and our MP Mark Coulton for their hard work, support and advocacy to make this happen for the residents of our Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Improving Grain Valley Road will allow for better investment and industry in the area, quicker and safer travel times and improve productivity for heavy vehicles and freight transport.”

Cr Chaffey said sealing the road could also help reduce repairs and maintenance costs for motorists.

Photo caption: Mullaley Bus owner Russell Keam, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, President of the Mullaley School P&C Sheryl Martin and School Principal Benjamin Carter celebrate the news of the funding.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.