27 June, 2023

Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Citizens of the Year and new Australia Day Working Group Chairperson are encouraging residents to start thinking about who they can nominate for the 2024 Australia Day Awards.

Councillor Juliana McArthur has taken over the reins of the working group from former Chairperson Cr Rob Hooke and is looking forward to seeing plenty of award nominations.

“It’s never too early to start thinking about those in our Shire who deserve to be recognised for their valuable contributions to our community,” Cr McArthur said.

“They are quiet achievers and we don’t want them to go unnoticed. One of those quiet achievers is Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Citizen of the Year, Kamilaroi man Mitchum Neave, who in January was recognised for his ongoing commitment to many volunteer community organisations including the NSW Rural Fire Service’s Piallaway brigade and Rural Fire Service Association Liverpool Plains Branch.

“Mr Neave is also part of the Breeza Progress Association, Min Min Aboriginal Corporation, Kamilaroi Gomeroi Gamilaraay Youth Trust and NSW’s regional Closing the Gap committee.

“Another one of the Shire’s quiet achievers is Young Citizen of the Year Ellyn Blinman who is a former Captain of Gunnedah High School. Ellyn has been awarded numerous accolades in her young life. She is known for her team work, leadership skills, and social and community contributions.

“It’s locals like Mitchum and Ellyn who underpin the fabric of our community and we know there are many more out there like them.

“We want to know about you. We want to recognise you because our community is only as good as the people who serve it, including the volunteers who give so much – but also gain great rewards.

“Our leaders today can help the next generation going through.”

Mr Neave encouraged residents to nominate those around them who worked tirelessly to make the Shire a better place.

“I encourage people to step up and be nominated. A lot of people don’t know we’ve got a lot of volunteers in the community who do a lot of work,” he said.

“It is a valuable thing and you go down in history … you leave a legacy.

 “We need to encourage the young ones to take up the baton when we’re not here any more, and carry on our legacy.”

Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Young Citizen of the Year Ellyn Blinman said the community should embrace the opportunity to highlight the achievements of those around them.

“There are so many young people doing good for our community. They’re so deserving of that recognition [and] I think more people need to voice their opinions about that,” Ellyn said.

“Even just being nominated is such an achievement ... [it’s] so huge for a young person who is about to go start their life.”

Information on the 2024 Australia Day Awards will be available on Council’s website later in the year.

Cr McArthur said the Australia Day Working Group was also looking for more community members to join.

“We’d love to see some new faces in the group and welcome nominations from Shire residents,” she said.

To nominate for the Australia Day Working Group, contact Council’s Economy and Growth team on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Captions:

Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Citizen of the Year and new Australia Day Working Group Chairperson Cr Juliana McArthur are encouraging residents to consider who they can nominate in the 2024 Australia Day Awards.

Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Young Citizen of the Year Ellyn Blinman at the Australia Day Awards in January.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

26 June, 2023

Gunnedah Shire residents will be able to take advantage of a number of free veterinary services on Wednesday, 5 July from 9am to 1pm.

The Animal Welfare League NSW’s Mobile Vet Truck (MVT) will be rolling into the Gunnedah Showground on Wednesday, 5 July, offering free health checks and microchipping, and free dog C3 vaccinations and cat F3 vaccinations.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager of Community Safety Wade Berryman said Council had partnered with Animal Welfare League to bring the MVT to Gunnedah.

“I urge residents to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to take preventative action and protect their pets,” Mr Berryman said.

“It has been two years since the Mobile Vet Truck has been in town and we’re happy to partner with the Animal Welfare League NSW once again to make microchipping and vaccination services more accessible to our residents.

“The dog C3 vaccination protects against canine parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis viruses, and the cat F3 vaccination protects against Feline Panleukopaenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Calicivirus.”

Owners are asked to ensure cats are transported in a carrier cage and dogs are kept on a lead. Litters are not permitted, and services will be limited to three pets per household.

Residents are asked to bring a mobile device to sign in.

The Animal Welfare League Mobile Vet Truck will be at the Gunnedah Showground South Street entrance between 9am and 1pm on Wednesday, 5 July. No appointments are necessary.

For more information, contact Animal Welfare League NSW on helpingpets@awlnsw.com.au or Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire residents can take advantage of free veterinary services, thanks to a partnership between Council and the Animal Welfare League NSW.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

June 26, 2023

Gunnedah Shire is the home of a rich Aboriginal heritage, and NAIDOC Week is the time to acknowledge the huge part this ancient culture plays in our region.

Almost 16% of our population identify as being of Aboriginal origin, according to the 2021 Census, and the area is home to a wealth of stories and legends.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said NAIDOC Week, which runs from Sunday, July 2 to Saturday, July 8, was an opportunity to recognise the history, culture and achievements of all Aboriginal people.

“The theme this year is ‘For our Elders’ and it is a great way to acknowledge the cultural knowledge holders, the trailblazers, the advocates and leaders across the generations,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Our heritage and community is so much richer for our Aboriginal history, and for all the contributions First Nations people make to our Shire today.
“This week, it is time to celebrate this timeless culture, and the continuing role it plays in our community.”

Among the events and activities planned for NAIDOC Week is the Cumbo Gunnerah run from Breeza to Abbott Street, Red Chief Memorial on Sunday July 2. The street march which would normally follow the run has been replaced this year by a walk around Wolseley Oval with the community and Elders, followed by a breakfast Barbecue at the Park with local police and the Community Fun Day which will open at 11am.

As well as the Community Fun Day, Gunnedah Shire Council is hosting the annual NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, which opens at 1pm on Friday, July 7 and continues until Thursday, August 3.

There will be a special free screening of We Are Still Here, a production that includes a cinematic response from ten indigenous filmmakers from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to the anniversary of James Cook’s landing. We Are Still Here will screen at 3pm on Thursday, July 6.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

23 June, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council has adopted the 2023-24 Operational Plan and Fees and Charges following consideration of community submissions.

Each year, Council sets out its blueprint for the year ahead, with a budget that includes the capital works program, revenue policy and schedule of fees and charges.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Operational Plan was Council’s guide to a financially responsible year, balancing the costs of services and infrastructure against the funding available.

“The 2023-24 Gunnedah Shire Council budget is nearly $66 million and includes $28.8 million of capital works,” Cr Chaffey said.

“About 46% of this funding comes from grants and contributions that are awarded for specific projects or services, much of it from the State and Federal governments. Another 32% of the budget comes from rates and charges.

“As well as capital works, this budget must cover the huge range of services provided by local government, from looking after parks and gardens to cemeteries, the cinema, waste management, animal control and road maintenance. Gunnedah Shire Council is responsible for the running and maintenance of facilities such as the Gunnedah Memorial Pool and the airport, the saleyards and many sporting fields.

“This is a responsible budget in difficult economic times. Councils across the state are facing financial stress from more than just the rising costs of services and products. Cost-shifting from the State to local government also means we are looking at reduced funds to meet expanded expenses.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to listen to the concerns of a number of groups within our community and, in response, we have reduced some of the fees that were originally proposed for the swimming pool, showground and cultural precinct.

“This budget balances the needs of our community with the available funding, along with the critical requirement to keep the Shire’s infrastructure and assets in good shape for the future.”

The Gunnedah Shire Council Operational Plan 2023/24 and Fees and Charges Schedule 2023/24 are available at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Caption: Gunnedah Shire councillors undertake a tour of the new Water Treatment Plant on Kelvin Road.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

22 June, 2023

Council to invite royal patron

Gunnedah Shire will invite Her Royal Highness, Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho of the Kingdom of Tonga, to be the Royal Patron of the Sister City Relationship between Kolomotu'a and Gunnedah Shire.

Kolomotu’a and Gunnedah Shire signed a Sister City Agreement during a visit to Gunnedah by a Tongan delegation led by Her Royal Highness in June last year.

The agreement to work together for the benefit of both regions and to promote goodwill and mutual understanding has been supported by Her Royal Highness, who will visit Gunnedah for a second time as part of a delegation from July 14-16.

The visit will include attendance at the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gala Ball on Saturday, July 15 which will raise funds for a library for Kolomotu’a Middle School. The school was badly damaged by the tsunami in January last year.

Private Works Policy on public exhibition

A new Gunnedah Shire Council policy relating to private works is now on public exhibition for 28 days.

The Private Works Policy sets out the roles and responsibilities of both Council and private parties entering into private works activities.

Under Section 67 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council may carry out lawful works on private land by agreement with the owner or occupier for a fee that is in accordance with its adopted fees and charges. The policy aims to provide ratepayers with access to Council’s plant, equipment, labour and resources on a commercial basis without disadvantaging local contractors.

To view the proposal, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au  and click the “Draft Documents & Exhibition” button on the home page.

Submissions close at 5pm on Thursday, 20 July, 2023.

Part road closure on public exhibition

A proposal to close part of Braymont Road permanently is now on public exhibition for 28 days. 

Gunnedah Shire Councillors voted to endorse public exhibition of the proposed closure of an approximate 3.8km section of the road that is associated with the Vickery Expansion Project approved under State Significant Development 7480. 

To view the proposal, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au  and click the “Draft Documents & Exhibition” button on the home page.

Submissions close at 5pm on Thursday, 20 July, 2023.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire will invite Her Royal Highness, Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho of the Kingdom of Tonga, to be the Royal Patron of the Sister City Relationship between Kolomotu'a and Gunnedah Shire.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

13 June, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for submissions for the annual NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition.

The exhibition will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, 7 July during NAIDOC Week (July 2-9), headlining this year’s theme – “For our Elders”.

Artists, hobbyists, schools, organisations and individuals are encouraged to come together and explore the theme and exhibit their artworks in a professional gallery space.

Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford said the annual NAIDOC Week exhibition was an important event on the gallery’s calendar and he looked forward to seeing many submissions from Monday, 12 June.

“Every year, the NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition highlights the artistic talents of locals of all ages and shines a spotlight on the rich culture of the Kamilaroi people,” he said.

“The 2023 theme is an opportunity to honour and celebrate the Elders in our community and we look forward to seeing how this theme is captured in a range of mediums.”

To download an Artist Submission Form, visit https://www.thecivic.com.au/art--exhibitions.

All artworks should be delivered with a completed Artist Submission Form to the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, ready to hang, by 5pm on Friday, 30 June.

The exhibition will officially open at 1pm on Friday, 7 July, 2022 and will continue until Thursday, 3 August, 2022.

Caption: The 2022 NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition featured everything from handmade figurines to traditional didgeridoos and painted skateboards and thongs.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

7 June, 2023

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is celebrating 25 years and is on its way to Gunnedah.

On Wednesday, 5 July, comics David Quirk, Blake Freeman and Jennifer Wong will entertain the crowds at Gunnedah Town Hall from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

The line-up will be heralded by comedian and emcee Daniel Connell – a festival regular known for his dry observational humour.

Connell will be joined on stage by Melbourne comic Blake Freeman who was named Best Newcomer at the 2019 festival and is known for his energy and candour. Freeman will share the spotlight with David Quirk who was nominated for Most Outstanding Show at the 2021 festival.

The two comics will be complemented by quick-witted storyteller Jennifer Wong, the face of ABC’s television show Chopsticks or Fork, which takes you into the kitchens of Chinese restaurants around Australia to find out what makes their food both Australian and Chinese.

Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford said the festival provided a good opportunity to get together with a group of friends and enjoy a night out.

“Melbourne International Comedy Festival never disappoints – it’s always full of fresh talent and promises an evening of excellent entertainment,” he said.

“Come along to the Town Hall on 5 July for your fill of Aussie humour.”

Doors open at 6.30pm and the show starts at 7.30pm. Full bar facilities and hot food will be available for purchase at the event. Tickets for the show are $40 per seat (10 seats per table) on the ground floor or $35 per person in the mezzanine.

To book, visit https://www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events.

Performances may contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 16 years or older.

Caption: The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow promises plenty of laughs for locals.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

31 May, 2023

More than 800 people have responded to a recent Gunnedah Shire Council Air Travel Survey about interest in flights to and from Gunnedah.

The Air Travel Survey drew 820 responses, allowing the Shire to have a high level of confidence in the results.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the strong response showed the community felt strongly about air travel in their local area.

“This survey has given us a very good basis for a business case to take to airlines to show we have a viable case for direct flights to and from Gunnedah,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Of the 820 respondents, 72 percent said they would ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ use Gunnedah airport if flights were available in the future. People who said they would use the airport said they were likely to fly quarterly.

“The biggest interest was in flights to and from Sydney, followed by Brisbane, Melbourne and Regional New South Wales.

“I would really like to thank our community for taking the time to make this such a meaningful survey. We are in the process of a much-needed upgrade to our airport tarmac that will not only see us through for many, many years to come, but will make it possible for commercial carriers to operate from Gunnedah.

“The survey showed that not only are people interested in flights for holidays or to visit friends and family, but many respondents regularly had visitors or staff travelling to and from Gunnedah Shire.  

“This was an eye-opening survey that clearly showed our community’s travel habits and their support for a commercial carrier.”

Work is currently under way on the complete refurbishment of the Gunnedah Airport tarmac, which is nearing the end of its serviceable life.

The aerodrome is currently closed to air traffic while work is carried out in two phases -  phase 1 being the pavement works between May and June, and phase 2 being the surfacing in September. The aerodrome will be open to limited air traffic between the end of June and September.

The project will include complete refurbishment of the tarmac, taxiway and apron to bring it into line with Australian Civil Aviation Regulation requirements for certified facilities. 

 The $8.35 million project has been funded by the State and Federal governments in partnership with Gunnedah Shire Council.

Caption: Work is under way on the complete refurbishment of the Gunnedah Airport tarmac, which is nearing the end of its serviceable life.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

24 May, 2023

Locals and visitors came together to enjoy a day in the sunshine at Harvest Gunnedah on Sunday.

The autumn-themed event featured live music, free children’s activities, and stalls of food and handmade and handcrafted wares from around the region.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was wonderful to see families setting up picnic rugs or gathering on hay bales and making the most of the day.

“Locals weren’t deterred by the chill in the air, instead browsing the stalls and catching up with friends,” he said.

 “The free children’s activities were a hit, especially the jumping castles and pony rides. Kids also enjoyed dancing to live music from Redneck Gentlemen, Savage Groove and Steve Druce.

“A big thank you to everyone who helped to make Harvest Gunnedah 2023 a success.”

The free community event at the Gunnedah and District Kennel Club grounds was supported by the NSW Reconnecting Regional Communities Fund. 

Caption: Harvest Gunnedah was a social affair at the Gunnedah and District Kennel Club grounds on Sunday.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

Updated 18 September, 2024

Gunnedah Shire Council is delivering some exciting community projects as part of the NSW Public Space Legacy Program.

On August 2020, the NSW Government launched the $250 million program and encouraged councils to submit a plan to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment on how they would accelerate local projects and include a brief project proposal to deliver an open and public space project.

In April 2021, $2 million in funding was allocated to Gunnedah Shire Council for three projects under the Gunnedah Public Spaces Activation Program - the Shared Pathways Connection Program, the Wandobah Road Open Space Enhancement Project and the Poetry Precinct Open Space Activation Project.

The Shared Pathways Connection Program will tie together four open space projects that augment the existing bicycle network in the Gunnedah township and create opportunities for locals to participate in active, healthy recreational activities. The combination of the project will result in the creation of a connected cycle ways 'loop' and 3,970 linear metres of cycle ways/shared pathways. This project is nearing completion.

As part of the already completed Wandobah Road Open Space Enhancement Project, low fencing, intergenerational seating and rubbish bins were installed along the 2.16 kilometres of popular footpath on Wandobah Road over June and July.

The project augments the existing shared pathway network, complements the Gunnedah Shared Pathway Connection Program and increases safety for user groups by discouraging  vehicular access to the Wandobah Reserve.

Over on South Street, The Poetry Precinct Open Space Activation Project realises the community's collective vision to create a unique destination and cultural asset that connects the Shire's love of poetry and music, respect for history and heritage, and outdoor lifestyles. The new path includes a mini-amphitheatre and gardens.

The Stock Road pathway between Links Road and Winder Place has had a facelift with new surfacing and is now open for use.

The Riverine Stormwater Precinct Shared Pathway is now open to the public. The project complements the existing pathways and runs from Cohen’s Bridge along Maitland Street to the Carroll Street end of Mullibah Lagoon, connecting to the existing pathway at the Namoi River. The Geoff Morgan Playing Fields are linked through Mullibah Lagoon. The pathway includes a stormwater bridge at the Osric Street stormwater head and is lined with solar lighting.

The project is funded by the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.