September 17, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has voted to return its leadership team of Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke for the final year of this Council’s term.

The election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor was held by ballot in the Gunnedah Shire Council chambers this afternoon.

NSW local government elections had been scheduled to take place this month but, due to COVID-19, have been delayed until September 2021. Council votes every two years to decide who will hold the offices of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. In this case, Cr Chaffey and Cr Hooke will now hold those positions until the election next September.

Cr Chaffey, who was elected unopposed, said he was looking forward to continuing the work of the past four years to develop the exciting opportunities already underway.

“There is a tremendous amount of work going on across Gunnedah at the moment, and even more to come in the years ahead,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Our Koala Park and Hospital will be an awesome addition to the Shire. We also look forward to our new hospital becoming a reality, a state-of-the-art saleyards and finding new and innovative ways to improve our skills within the shire, and attract new people to this great place we live in.

“I’m honoured to have the unanimous support of Gunnedah Shire Council and look forward to working with Cr Hooke and our Council team to progress the many opportunities there are for our Shire.”

Cr Hooke said continuing with the leadership team would allow Council to work seamlessly towards achieving its vision for a strong, resilient Gunnedah Shire into the future.

“I’m excited about the year ahead,” he said. “Council, under the leadership of Cr Chaffey, has worked hard to open doors and get things happening in Gunnedah.

“The Shire, our community and our businesses, are in a really strong position, especially considering the difficult economic times we are all facing.”

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey (right) and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke have been re-elected.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

September 17, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council this week voted to allocate funds to plant the first eucalypt plantation for Gunnedah’s new Koala Park.

As the need for the drought-driven Farmer Army declines, Council has decided to reallocate $60,000 from Farmer Army projects to get a eucalypt plantation underway and ensure a food supply for the park’s koalas.

Gunnedah Shire Council Chief Engineer Dan Noble said following advice from an environmental consultant, two locations had been finalised for eucalypt plantations, the Koala Park site on the Oxley Highway and the Gunnedah Soil Conservation Research Station on the Kamilaroi Highway.

“It is now an opportune time of the year to start planting,” Mr Noble said.

“This funding will allow the sites to be prepared and trees to be planted to ensure they are tended and growing ahead of the opening of the new Koala Park.

“This is a really exciting project and, as well as local contractors, we are hoping we can get the community involved in helping to plant these trees.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was good to see work could soon start on this preparation for the koala park and hospital.

“The Koala Park will be an amazing addition to our Shire, and the hospital facility will help our koala population,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This move towards starting the plantation is a great result.

“While some funds have been re-allocated from the Farmer Army, the Farmer Army initiative will continue, and has been a great success story during the past six months.

“The rain this year has meant the demand for the Farmer Army has reduced, but we still have some members at work on projects like the Stock Road beautification and soon, the new temporary community garden near the Smithurst Theatre. A number of the Farmer Army members have actually been recruited to Council on a full-time basis.

“The Koala Park and the Farmer Army are an example of the great things that are happening in Gunnedah this year.”

Caption: Plans are underway for eucalyptus plantations that will feed the koalas at Gunnedah’s new Koala Park.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

September 16, 2020

Gunnedah cinema-goers have a lot to look forward to when curtains open at the Civic Cinema on Thursday, September 17.

Following closure of the complex due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Civic has undergone a full refurbishment, with fresh carpeting and seats, updated LED lighting, a new candy bar counter and the installation of a hearing loop for the Cinema and Live Theatre.

A photo-montage memory wall featuring over 350 Gunnedah faces now greets patrons from behind the candy bar, highlighting memorable past moments at the Cultural Precinct.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley is looking forward to seeing visitors return to the cinema to enjoy the new features.

“We are thrilled to welcome everyone back at the Civic with a fresh new space. There’s a new popcorn machine, the seats are even more comfortable and settling into a good film is the perfect way to escape to another world for a couple of hours,” Ms Mackley said.

“We have implemented some changes to keep everyone CovidSafe, with an increased cleaning regimen, social distancing allowances and hand sanitising stations in place. Cinema-goers will be asked to provide contact details to help with contract tracing and with altered capacity limits we are encouraging pre-bookings to avoid disappointment when arriving for a screening.

“The first week’s screenings include Made in Italy and the new Christopher Nolan film, Tenet and as we find out feet in the new world of COVID we will increase our screenings.

“Some of the upcoming titles include 23 Walks, Aretha Franklin – Amazing Grace, The Secret Garden and Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs. With school holidays not far away there are some highly anticipated films coming in October, including Trolls and Paw Patrol: Jet to the Rescue.”

Seating will be restricted to 36 patrons, so community members are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance in person at the cinema during opening hours Tuesday - Sunday, or over the phone on (02) 6742 0633.

A revamped website for the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct will be launched next Wednesday, September 23 for online ticket reservations. Visit www.thecivic.com.au for more information.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

September 10, 2020

Residents of the Yallambee Gunnedah Homes for the Aged will have a greener future thanks to funding through the federal Drought Communities Program.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Hooke said Gunnedah Shire had seen 15 projects benefit from the program after putting out a call to the community late last year.

“Gunnedah Shire Council helped progress a number of projects through to the Federal Government for consideration, and we have already seen initiatives such as upgrades to Balcary Park, a new Dorothea Mackellar silo art project and improvements to the RFS Gunnedah headquarters approved for funding.

“Today, I am very happy to visit the Yallambee Gunnedah Homes for the Aged, which has had a $40,000 grant approved through the Drought Communities Program.

“This great service is offered by a not-for-profit organisation that offers budget accommodation for people over 55.

“It’s an example of one of our dedicated volunteer committees that do such good work across the shire.

“This grant is for the new watering system which will make the grounds of Yallambee more attractive for residents and visitors and will help with water conservation.

“I congratulate Yallambee and all our community and sporting groups that have successfully applied for Drought Communities funding. It is a wonderful initiative that will have long-lasting benefits in our community.”

Photo Caption: Deputy Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Rob Hooke with Yallambee committee members Margaret Dodd, Tania Keath and Helen Cruickshank.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

September 9, 2020

Two sporting bodies are among the initiatives included in funding following Gunnedah Shire Council’s call for new community resilience projects late last year.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Hooke said Gunnedah Shire Council had worked with the Federal Government to deliver great results through the federal Drought Communities Program.

“Gunnedah Shire Council was able to progress through a number of projects to the Federal Government for consideration,” Cr Hooke said.

“Among those that were successful were the Gunnedah Motorcycle Club and Black n Blue Boxing Gym.

“The Gunnedah Motorcycle Club runs a very popular and successful sporting arena at Balcary Park. This $150,000 Drought Communities Program grant will allow significant upgrades, including to water retention, the junior training shed and tower, and other upgrades.

“The Black n Blue Boxing Gym has been approved for a $30,000 grant to improve their facilities. This is another great sporting option in our Shire, and this funding will help cater for growth into the future.

“Council is very proud of the role we have been able to play in helping our local bodies apply for this funding which will not only assist the groups involved and their members, but many others through the employment of local contractors.”

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Photo caption: David Syphers from the Black n Blue Boxing Gym with Gunnedah Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Hooke.

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

8 September, 2020

Following the successful launch of Gunnedah Shire Council’s new local purchasing and procurement platform VendorPanel, there are four new preferred supplier opportunities now open for applications.

VendorPanel gives businesses direct access to Council tenders and allows Council staff to use geolocation to search for local services to work with.

There are currently opportunities to join Council’s preferred supplier panels for the following services:

• Trade qualified and licenced builders and carpenters,
• Air conditioning services,
• Plumbing maintenance and repair services, and
• Plant and equipment hire services.

Once established, the panels will be consulted for future opportunities over a two year period, with the opportunity to extend for a further year.

General Manager Eric Groth said Council was looking to engage more local suppliers.

“This isn’t just about major contracts, a lot of small businesses will benefit too. Council regularly needs a range of services and supplies.

“I encourage businesses with current contracts and those interested in providing goods and services to the local government sector to join VendorPanel. It’s an easy to navigate, efficient tender process.”

Further information and panel specifications can be obtained by registering for the VendorPanel portal at www.vendorpanel.com.au/marketplace.

Tender submissions close 5:00pm Wednesday September 30, 2020.

Anyone who requires assistance accessing Vendorpanel can contact Council at vendorpanel@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

September 1 , 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has welcomed an announcement by the NSW Government it will contribute $14 million towards a saleyards precinct upgrade that will position Gunnedah as a national leader in the protein industry.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the announcement today by Deputy Premier John Barilaro that the NSW Government would partner with Gunnedah Shire Council to make the Gunnedah Saleyards Master Plan a reality was powerful news for the Shire’s economic future.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has already shown its confidence in this significant project by setting aside up to $3.55 million for the Gunnedah Saleyards Master Plan Project,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I am really pleased the NSW Government has also recognised the importance of this initiative that will mean we are poised to not only expand our already successful beef base, but can lead the way in the saleyard arena.

“From its beginnings in 1919, the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards has grown to become the fourth largest selling centre of cattle in New South Wales, and the eighth largest in Australia. About 120,000 head of cattle are sold each year, with sales in excess of $100 million per annum. With this announcement, we are poised to become a national leader in the protein industry.

“The way forward for this precinct has been designed following extensive industry and community consultation and will make us a powerhouse among beef-selling facilities across regional NSW and beyond, and cement our role in the protein supply chain.

“This investment is about more than the saleyards or even the beef industry, it is a clear vote of confidence in the future of our region and our economy.”
The $17.5 million Gunnedah Saleyards Master Plan includes:

• A state of the art Office, Cafe and Education Centre
• Construction of major structures to place under roof an entire hectare of primary work areas and cattle holding yards
• Major biosecurity improvements including a Drive-Through Truck Wash facility capable of taking road trains
• Major upgrade of the additional 4 bay truck wash facility
• Installation of technology infrastructure and high speed internet capability to allow smart technology applications and stream of on-line content
• Fenced containment of the site and major security upgrades
• Sealing of internal roads, lighting upgrades
• Upgrades of all loading ramp facilities
• Surface and gate renewal programs
• Public access gantry and other access improvements
• Making the site completely self-sufficient through the installation of up to 1 megawatt of solar panels and major stormwater harvesting and reuse facilities.

You can take a look at the Gunnedah Saleyards Master Plan here.

Caption: NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey at the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

August 31, 2020

It’s almost spring, and Gunnedah Shire Council is asking people to celebrate with their own creation for a new exhibition.

Artists and budding artists, schools, community groups, hobbyists and just about anyone who would like to create something with a Spring into September theme is asked to get busy on their contribution.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the broad but beautiful theme could encompass everything from birds and bees enjoying the nectar or paintings of blossoms to abstract weavings or sculptures representing the joys of spring.

“This year, we have finally had some rain and it is wonderful to be enjoying a landscape that is coming alive to the spring,” Ms Mackley said.

“Whatever it is you like to create, Spring into September is the opportunity to share your work. This exhibition is open to everyone, whatever your age or your choice of art or craft.

“We would like this to be a true celebration of the Spring, and a great representation of our community.”
Artworks for the Spring into September exhibition must be delivered ready to hang to the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery in Chandos Street by 5pm on Friday, September 18.

There are also colouring-in sheets designed especially for particular age groups on the theme.

Click here for the entry form.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

28 August, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Councillors have voted to allocate up to an additional $1.5 million to help fund the $17.55 million Gunnedah Saleyards Master Plan Project as part of the Council’s commitment to investing in the local economy.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the decision could take Council’s contribution to the project to up to $3.55 million.

“The State Government has advised Council that to give this project the best chance of securing State funding for the remainder of the cost, we need to contribute extra on top of the funds already committed from existing reserves,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This decision is in line with Gunnedah Shire Council’s dedicated efforts to supporting our community and investing in business and industry in this Shire. We are continuing to find innovative ways to help existing businesses to thrive, and to attract new businesses.

“The Gunnedah Regional Saleyards are already among the country's top 10 cattle-selling centres, with more than $100 million worth of cattle sold each year. We really hope this important project can progress to help develop our role as a protein hub.

"It is a significant step in building the resilience of our economy.

“As well as our support for small businesses through the successful Business Partner Program, Council is working hard to attract investors across a range of industries to build a stronger base of employment and give people even more compelling reasons to move to Gunnedah.”

The Gunnedah Saleyards Master Plan Project includes a number of infrastructure projects including removal of the sheepyards, relocation of the carpark and canteen as part of a multi-use building on the same side of the highway as the saleyards, yard expansion and technology improvements.

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

August 27, 2020

The 50m Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool is undergoing final repair works and testing to be open in time for the hot weather.

Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said it was expected the pool would open in October.

“Over the next month, people might notice the pool is being drained at contractors are at work,” Mr Groth said.

“This is part of the planned schedule of works put together by the contractor in consultation with Council to ensure the pool has been repaired and thoroughly tested.

“Our first priority is the safety of our community and residents so Council will, of course, be monitoring the latest safety advice and guidelines from NSW Health with regard to COVID-19.”

It is expected the 50m pool will open on the long weekend on October 3. This would be an extension to the swimming season, which usually begins in November.

Mr Groth said there would be a number of changes this season, including operation of the canteen by Council staff instead of an external lease arrangement. Daily opening hours will also be reduced by an hour to help cover the costs of an extended swimming season.

“A review of numbers of people using the pool in the past years few years has shown a significant drop in patronage in the final two hours of the day,” he said.

“Closing an hour earlier will mean cost savings and in summer, the pool will still be open between 5.30am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sundays. This is in line with the Narrabri and Tamworth public swimming pools.

“While having problems with the pool so early on has been disappointing, we are looking forward to an extended season this year following a resolution of those problems.”

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Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.