January 20, 2021

The hugely successful Business Partner Program has opened for 2021, offering new and existing businesses a helping hand for new projects.

Some of the 12 recipients of the previous round of the program were congratulated by Gunnedah Shire Council today at the Civic.

Chair of the Business Partner Program Advisory Group Cr Ann Luke said the last round had been aimed at projects that would grow the economy and create more local employment opportunities.

“Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program contributed $127,550 towards 12 projects for the last round of the program in 2020,” Cr Luke said.

“The standard of projects included in the round show just how successful this program is in assisting new initiatives that boost employment and secure a stronger local economy.

“We really encourage anyone who is thinking about expanding their business or starting something new to submit an application. Even a small amount can make a big difference in getting a project off the ground.”

Applications for the latest round of the Business Partner Program opened on Monday and will close at midnight on 28 February 2021. For guidelines and more information, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and click on the “Business & Industry” tab and then “Business Grants & Funding”.

Applications must be submitted through the online portal: https://gunnedah.smartygrants.com.au/BPP2021R3

The Business Partner Program has assisted many businesses and organisations over the years to get established and to grow. This financial year, as part of the Community Resilience COVID-19 Business Recovery Package Invigorate Gunnedah, the available funds through the Business Partner Program has been increased.

Caption: Some of the recipients of the most recent round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

January 19, 2021

Gunnedah will feature the art of talented Gilgandra duo Judy and Joe Shalhoub in the exhibition Creativity Coupled at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery from February 5.

Judy and Joe Shalhoub are a complementary, multidisciplinary couple who work with hot glass, paint, mixed media and more.

Joe is a glass artist who makes sculptures, bowls, platters and characters out of this unusual and painstaking medium. His craft has taken him years of trial and error to perfect.

Joe’s background in building, cabinet-making and leadlighting has inspired his current techniques of creation with hot glass.

Judy works in a variety of mediums with various subject matters and is an active community member in the Orana region. Judy is the president of Gilgandra Alive, the local arts council and is a member of the Cooee Choir Gilgandra.

The Dubbo Weekender has dubbed Joe and Judy “one of the most active creative couples in the region”. Judy and Joe Shalhoub have been part of the cultural fabric of Gilgandra and the wider region for decades and have exhibited in numerous galleries throughout NSW, with many of their creations in personal collections across the country.

Creativity Coupled will open at 6pm on Friday, February 5. Entry is free but bookings must be made through https://augsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/4971

The exhibition will continue until Sunday, March 7.

Caption: The artworks of Judy and Joe Shalhoub will feature in the Creativity Coupled exhibition.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

January 18, 2021

Australia Day is fast approaching and Gunnedah Shire residents are invited to a range of community events honouring the 2021 Australia Day theme: ‘Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.’ View the Program here.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Cr Jamie Chaffey said Australia Day was a chance for the community to unite after a challenging year and celebrate our opportunities and achievements.

“This year’s theme encourages us to reflect on our nation’s true history of the First Nations people - the world’s oldest living culture. We also reflect on our modern history, multicultural heritage and the stories, histories and contributions of all Australians,” Cr Chaffey said.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Australia Day Committee Cr Rob Hooke said Australia Day was a day to celebrate the strength of the Gunnedah community spirit.

“The challenges of 2020 have highlighted how fortunate we are to live in Australia, especially here in the Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Hooke said.

“In particular, this year we thank those frontline and essential workers who have worked tirelessly to keep our community strong. The Australia Day Awards will help us recognise the contributions of local citizens who enrich our community and inspire us all.

“Our Australia Day ambassador is former Wallabies star and Gunnedah resident Tim Gavin. In 2018 Tim was inducted into the Rugby Australia Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to the sport and demonstration of the game’s core vales both on and off the field.

“This Australia Day I encourage the community to get out and celebrate being Australian together. Whether you attend one of the community events on offer, cool off with a swim at the pool or enjoy a barbeque with friends and family at home, we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for.”

Gunnedah Shire Council Events and Engagement Office Jacinta Cipolla said the upcoming Australia Day program offered plenty of classic Aussie fun.

“Festivities will commence with the Awards Dinner on January 25 from 6:30pm, where our Australia Day Award recipients will be announced and we will hear from our ambassador Tim Gavin,” Ms Cipolla said.

“The much loved Raft and Craft Race is also back for 2021, kicking off at 9am at Cushans Reserve.

“One of the highlights of the Australia Day line-up will be the Citizenship Ceremony, held under the gums at Anzac Park. This year we will welcome four new Australian citizens to our Shire.

“As part of the celebrations, Council is providing free entry to the Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool throughout the day and the Civic Cinema will be holding a free Australia Day movie screening of Babe at 1:30pm.

“A range of other community run events will also be on offer. Check out the full program for details.”

All events have a COVIDSafe plan in place, and attendees will be required to follow NSW Health advice.

For further information about Australia Day events and bookings, visit www.thecivic.com.au

A copy of the entry form for the Raft and Craft Race is available here.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to place on exhibition the Policy – Medical Professionals Accommodation Support.

Council urges members of the community with an interest in the policy to review the document which can be viewed here.

Written submissions will be received by the undersigned until 4:00pm on 11 February 2021.

For further information contact Council’s Customer Service Team on 02 6740 2100.

Eric Groth

GENERAL MANAGER

January 13, 2021

There is still time to have your say in a survey to help shape Gunnedah Shire’s economic future.

Council has commissioned consultants SC Lennon & Associations to prepare the Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2021-25.

People throughout the community and from all businesses and industries who would like to help shape this new vision and framework for economic development have been invited to fill in a survey – and go into the draw to win a $100 Gunny Money Gift Card.

The Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2021-25 will focus on the things Council can do to help stimulate, attract and maintain business activity, investment and employment in the Shire. It will guide the economic development roles and functions of Council.

It will also provide Council with a blueprint to focus its support and promotion of economic development for the next four years.

The survey takes no more than five minutes to complete and is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/gunnedaheconomicdevelopment

The survey closes on Friday, January 29, 2021.

Caption: You can have your say about the future direction of Gunnedah’s economy in a Gunnedah Shire Council survey.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH

Tuesday, 26 January 2021

Collection will be on Wednesday, 27 January 2021.

Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Should you have any enquiries regarding the recycling collection please contact RECYCLIT on (02) 6742 1522.

THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND GREENWASTE COLLECTION

Please ensure bins are placed out the night before collection date, as contractors are not obliged to accept late bins.

If you have any enquiries regarding these changes please contact Council’s Customer Services Team on 6740 2100.

Eric Groth

General Manager

22 December 2020

Upcoming investigation works have been planned at Rangari Road.

Geotechnical Investigations will be obtained on the unsealed section of Rangari Road in the Tamworth and Gunnedah Local Government Areas.

Investigation works are scheduled for the week commencing Monday, 18 January 2021 and will take approximately one week to complete.

The commencement of the works will be approximately 3.8kms east of the Gunnedah / Tamworth LGA boundary and will continue for the full extent of Rangari Road within the Gunnedah LGA for a total length of 20 kilometres.

These investigations will inform the pavement design for the widening and sealing of approximately 20 kilometres of Rangari Road.  

The road will be reduced to one lane of traffic under traffic control at localised locations.

If you require further information please contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

December 22, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is inviting students embarking on tertiary studies in 2021 to apply for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

The fund is open to local students under 25 wanting to further their training and education at university, TAFE, or an accredited training organisation.

Since the fund’s inception in 2002, more than 370 scholarships have been awarded, with over $350,000 raised and distributed to local students.

Gunnedah Shire Councillor Gae Swain has thanked local businesses for their sponsorship of the 2021 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

“Even during this challenging year we have received significant support from local businesses and groups, helping us reach more students and support their transition to tertiary education,” Cr Swain said.

“The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund is helping give our local students a head start, assisting with costs including textbooks, relocation and travel, living expenses or a contribution towards tuition fees.

“This initiative has a two-fold benefit for our Shire. Many past recipients have remained in Gunnedah for training or returned to the Shire upon completion of their studies to pursue their career.

“I really encourage all students who are eligible to take up this opportunity.”

For more information and to submit an application, visit https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/m94azoc0w8src6/

Applications close 12 January 2021.

Photo Caption: Successful applicants of the 2020 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

December 18, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Annual Report for 2019-20 has been released, documenting a year of strength despite the considerable challenges of drought and COVID-19.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Annual Report showed a year the Gunnedah community could be proud of.
“Our community has survived through what seemed like a never-ending drought, only to be hit by COVID-19,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Gunnedah has once again shown its true resilience in a year with considerable highlights.

“We know it’s been tough, but people have shown themselves to be innovative both in business and in their community roles. Gunnedah Shire Council has been proud to partner with industry and with the community to facilitate projects that will benefit Gunnedah for many years to come.

“We are looking at an era that is among the most significant, in terms of development, in the Shire’s history.

“In the 12 month period, Council’s contribution of drought funding of $6.3 million with State and Federal funding opportunities realised a total of $47 million worth of projects. This represents an almost 650% return on investment.

“When you include recurrent grants and the promised new $53 million hospital and the $62 million Second Road Over Rail Bridge, this figure is more than $190.5 million over this term of Council. That’s a lot of money going into Gunnedah Shire to support our community and build and diversify our economy.

“Our people and our businesses are working hard to be resilient, and this will serve Gunnedah well as we move towards a strong future.”

Council has undertaken a number of initiatives to support the community during the drought and COVID-19, including leveraging a Council $1.4 million investment to gain Federal support of $1 million and State support of $1 million, creating a pool of funding of at least $3.4 for a Community Resilience Program.

Gunnedah Shire Council's Community Resilience Program won the local government category of the NSW Resilient Australia Awards which is open to 128 Councils.

Cr Chaffey said the report showed Council was in a sound financial position, not only meeting, but surpassing the standards set by the Office of Local Government.

“This is an outstanding result in any year,” he said. “Considering the hurdles of the 2019-20 financial year and the issues our community has been going through, it is a remarkable achievement.”

In partnership with the State and Federal governments, Gunnedah Shire Council has seen the following major projects underway or funded during the 2019-20 year:
• Gunnedah Second Road over Rail Bridge
• The Gunnedah to Curlewis pipeline
• Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground
• Bloomfield Street reconstruction
• Gunnedah Koala Park and Education Centre
• Rainbow Serpent Water Feature
• Gunnedah Showground Community Infrastructure Upgrade
• Gunnedah Showground Equine Precinct Upgrade
• Saleyards Master Plan
• Cultural Precinct Master Plan
• Grain Valley Road Upgrade
• Clifton Road Reconstruction
• Mystery Road Upgrade
• South Street Cycleway

Fast facts from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Annual Report for 2019-20:
• Population – 12,681
• A $4 million increase in the total value of development applications approved on the previous financial year
• $18,042,000 was spent on transport and communication, roads, bridges, parking areas and footpaths
• $5,617,000 was spent on recreation and culture, library, cultural precinct, parks and gardens
• Ratepayers paid $18,770,000 in rates and annual charges
• 284 resolutions were endorsed by Council
• There were 47,795 hits on Council’s corporate website
• 26 businesses were allocated Business Partner Program funding worth a total of $50,450
• 12,629 people visited the Civic Theatre where there were 539 movie screenings

Read the full Annual Report here.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire staff and councillors on the road over rail bridge.

ENDS

Media contact: (02) 6740 2100.

December 17, 2020

Following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in NSW, Gunnedah’s Civic Cinema has increased capacity allowing more cinema-goers to catch new releases.

The cinema can now host up to 100 patrons at each screening, helping facilitate more group bookings. The easing of restrictions has also improved capacity at the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct’s other venues.

The news comes as Council voted at the December Ordinary Council Meeting to limit the number of screenings following reduced attendance in the wake of COVID-19.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director of Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said that following COVID-19, locals had been reluctant to return to the cinema.

“We’ve experienced a 47% reduction in patronage after reopening in September, but we are hoping the increased capacity will see more locals confident to return to the movies,” Mr Formann said.

“It’s an important time to support our local cinema, so I encourage the community to escape the summer heat at the Civic over the holidays.”

Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the increased capacity has come just in time for school holidays.

“We are excited to welcome more people back to the Civic. It’s a much-loved community asset for people of all ages enjoy,” Ms Mackley said.

“There are some great new releases coming out over the holiday period. Robert De Niro will keep the whole family entertained in The War With Grandpa, while Misbehaviour appeals to older fans of feel-good British cinema.

“Combat Wombat is a charming kid’s movie with an Australian twist, and for more Aussie festive spirit check out A Christmas Gift From Bob.

“Following the launch of the refreshed Cultural Precinct website, online ticket sales are now available. We are also excited to offer birthday party packages for up to 30 people.

“Visitors to the cinema will be required to use digital QR codes to check in, and the Cultural Precinct has a COVIDSafe plan in place.”

For online bookings and further information about Cultural Precinct facilities, visit www.thecivic.com.au.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.