18 February 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Farmer Army is at work around the Shire, helping build a more sustainable future.

In December 2019, Gunnedah Shire Council announced it was forming a temporary workforce of people whose primary income had been impacted by the drought, offering flexible work arrangements to help keep money coming in.

The Council’s Drought Employment Program was opened to farmers, farm workers, contractors, business owners, supplier and employees in related industries, and attracted interest from about 20 people.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the recent rain had meant many of those people had been kept busy on farm, but six people were already at work on a number of projects.

“This is proving to be a wonderful initiative,” Cr Chaffey said.

“There are many people with valuable skills who are willing and able to work, but need a flexible option that will allow them to fulfil their on farm obligations. We are keen to keep our hard-working residents and families here, and this provides an option to help the Shire and to supplement their incomes.

“It’s also a great resource for Council to have temporary workers who can assist with some of the many important community projects that are under way."

Cr Chaffey said Council planned to again recruit more people to the Farmer Army later this month.

“There is plenty of work out there, and we want to offer it to as many people as we can,” he said.

“While the Shire is benefitting from the Farmer Army members’ experience, we are also offering the chance to learn new skills and build on existing skills so that people are even more employable.”

To let us know about your interest and availability to participate, please complete the online form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LMB7QNY 

Photo caption: Roy Stanger gets a new garden bed underway as part of the Farmer Army initiative.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

12 February, 2020

The date has been set for Gunnedah’s a fresh new food festival, Harvest Gunnedah, to be held on Saturday, October 3, 2020.

The inaugural Harvest Gunnedah will be held at Riverside Racecourse, Gunnedah and will feature a feast for the senses.

Gunnedah Shire Councillor and member of the Harvest Gunnedah Committee Colleen Fuller said there was a lot of excitement about the new festival.

“This will be a real opportunity for people from both inside and beyond our Shire to eat, discover and celebrate Gunnedah,” Cr Fuller said.

“We are hoping the whole Shire gets on board for this event and bring the best they have to offer to the table.

“The committee has been working hard to lay the foundations for Harvest Gunnedah. This will become a permanent fixture on Gunnedah’s calendar and we want to make the first one something to remember.”

Harvest Gunnedah will feature street food stalls, a produce market, live music and entertainment, children’s entertainment, demonstrations from local growers, celebrity chefs and lots more.

The festival will carry on the tradition of the well-loved former Porchetta Day. It has received seed funding of $17,000 through the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund, along with $20,000 awarded to the Gunnedah Jockey Club through the Back to the Track program.

A website for the event is on its way, but you can already follow Harvest Gunnedah on its Facebook page where you can stay informed as the exciting festival plans take shape. More information will be available at the Gunnedah Autumn Markets at Wolseley Park on Saturday, March 21.

People who are interested in being a stall holder at Harvest Gunnedah or would like to help out or be involved in some other way, can send a message to info@harvestgunnedah.com

Photo caption: Reverence Sourdough’s Renee Neale with a great Gunnedah product.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

11 February, 2020

Ready, set, go! It’s just about time to hit the accelerator for Gunnedah’s fastest festival – the Weeks of Speed.

The Weeks of Speed, sponsored by Harvey Norman Gunnedah, are held over the month of March with something for everyone who feels the need for speed – from triathlons to drag racing, motorcyles and greyhounds, to racing cars. It’s a chance to soak up some serious adrenalin.

For those who like their speed at a more sedate pace, there are racing lawn mowers, the Speed Chess Challenge and the Rural Museum Tractor Trek Street Parade.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Events and Engagement Officer Jacinta Cipolla said the Weeks of Speed included some amazing events which combined to make a fast-paced program.

“March is the month to hang on to your hair for some super events in Gunnedah,” Ms Cipolla said.

“The famous Mount Porcupine Apex Drive Hill Climb is back, sponsored by Gunnedah Automotive, where drivers must test their skill against the clock in a race to the top. The Hill Climb practice session is on Saturday, March 28, with the competition day on Sunday, March 29.

“But the Hill Climb is just one of the events on the program. Entries are already open for the Carwash 2380 Motorkhana at the Gunnedah Showground on Sunday, March 8 where drivers navigate low-speed courses to test skill, co-ordination and memory.

“There are two drag racing days at Gunnedah Airport, the Festival Twilight Race Meeting at the Greyhound Track, a racing lawnmower demonstration, motorcycle racing and community events such as the Gunnedah markets with a special focus on new residents, and the Tractor Trek Street Parade.

“The official opening for the 2020 Weeks of Speed Festival will be at the Show ‘n’ Shine in the Woolworths car park at 11am on Saturday, March 21.

“These are great events not just for Gunnedah, but for the whole region.”

Weeks of Speed Working Group Chair Ray Darcey said what had originally started as one weekend of events, now covered four weekends.

“It is a pretty exciting program,” Mr Darcey said.
“It’s shaping up to be a great Weeks of Speed in 2020. Last year was the biggest one yet and we think this one will be just as good if not better.”

A full program of events can be downloaded from https://www.facebook.com/weeksofspeed/
Photo caption: Be prepared for fast-paced action in Gunnedah’s 2020 Weeks of Speed.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

5 February, 2020

As part of the NSW Seniors Festival 2020, Gunnedah Shire is offering a full program of events, from the official morning tea opening on Monday, February 17, to mosaic workshops and trivia.

Businesses and organisations across the Shire have combined forces to present the program of events across Seniors Week, which this year is Monday, February 17 through to Sunday, February 23.

The program begins with the official opening at 10am on February 17 at the Smithurst Theatre. The opening will include a morning tea and a performance by Gunnedah Conservatorium Band.

On Thursday, February 20, there will be a lunch, entertainment and information session hosted by Meals on Wheels at the Smithurst Theatre. There will be entertainment by The Ukelypts and a number of council representatives on hand to talk about community issues. The cost is $10, with RSVP to 0429 420 290 by Thursday, February 13.

Other events include a special screening of the Golden Globe award-winning movie 1917 at the Civic on Friday, February 21. Tickets are $10 which includes a morning tea at 10am by GoCo followed by an 11am screening.

The week ends with Flickerfest on Sunday, February 23. With two sessions – the Best of Australian Short Films at 10am, and the Best of Comedy at 1pm. To buy tickets, visit www.thecivic.com.au

To find out more about activities and how to book, see the attached program.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

5 February, 2020

Gunnedah’s young people will be invited to talk about the issues they face at a roundtable discussion next week hosted by the Gunnedah’s Youth Interagency.

People aged under 25 are being asked to give a unique perspective of the challenges facing young people in 2020 at an event to be held at the Smithurst Theatre from 10 to 11.30am on Tuesday, 11 February 2020.

Young people are asked to create the agenda and raise their issues through commenting on the “We want to hear from you” post on the Gunnedah Shire Council, Civic and Youth Space Gunnedah Facebook sites.

The event will see the young people of Gunnedah meet with industry experts that service the region at the Regional Youth Interagency Meeting, with a twist.

Representatives from a number of youth agencies will be on hand to speak with our young leaders about some of the issues raised.

This forum gives under 25s the opportunity to have ideas and concerns heard through discussion with industry professionals and helping to shape the way the Gunnedah community services the youth.

The event is intended to create lasting partnerships between youth and youth workers, and to help guide the direction of service provision in the community.

Young people who speak up have the chance to win 4 x tickets to the Civic Theatre or a JBL Portable Speaker.

The event will be filmed as part of Gunnedah’s Youth Voices Initiative funded by the Department of Family and Community Services.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

3 February, 2020

After the long, hot summer, Gunnedah will be celebrating the change of season.

What better way to welcome in autumn than with the Gunnedah Autumn Markets on Saturday, March 21.

The markets, organised by the Two Rivers Arts Council (TRAC) as part of Harmony Week 2020, will include a special introduction to those new to the Gunnedah Shire community.

The markets will also boast a variety of local produce and art, live entertainment and international food stalls.

There will be free bus tours of Gunnedah, and a Tractor Trek and Show ‘n’ Shine as part of the Weeks of Speed activities.

Located at Wolseley Park, the markets can be part of a great morning out for the family, with the new Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground open alongside.

Those who would like to have a stall at the event can contact TRAC market co-ordinator Kyle Smith on 0439 609 502.

Photo caption: The Autumn Markets will include a variety of stalls and entertainment.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

31 February, 2020

Flickerfest 29th International Film Festival Roadshow is on its way to Gunnedah!

Gunnedah is again lucky enough to host this popular short film festival in 2020, with two sessions – the Best of Australian Short Films and Short Laughs Comedy Films from around the world.

Gunnedah Shire Council Events and Engagement Officer Jacinta Cipolla said the event was a highlight of Gunnedah’s cultural year.

“Every year, Flickerfest is fun, original and includes something unexpected,” Ms Cipolla said.

“Flickerfest is considered to be Australia’s leading competitive short film festival and international filmmakers see it as one of the main festivals on the world circuit. Come along to the annual pilgrimage as people travel from all around the region to Gunnedah’s Flickerfest at the Civic.

“Each of the sessions includes a careful selection of short films – each of which is very different to the others. You never know what might be coming next.

“Come along and see the best Australian and international filmmakers have to offer.”

Flickerfest 2020 will include two sessions at the Civic on Sunday, February 23:

• 10am – Best of Australian Shorts (includes morning tea on arrival)
• 1.30pm – Short Laughs Comedy (includes lunch).

The cost is $30 for each session, or $40 for both sessions. FilmTrac will have a gourmet lunch available for purchase on the day.

Bookings on www.thecivic.com.au or ring 6740 2100 for more information.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

31 January, 2020

This February 14, the decision about where to go with the friends and family closest to you is already made, with a dinner and live show that will make Valentine’s Day special.

Gunnedah will host What’s New Pussycat at 6pm at Gunnedah Town Hall, starring performers Melissa Langton and Mark Jones in a joyous, foot-stamping, hand-clapping celebration of the swinging sixties.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Events and Engagement Officer Jacinta Cipolla said the show was a great choice to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

“Tickets for What’s New Pussycat include a two-course meal along with the show,” Ms Cipolla said.

“The dynamic duo of Melissa Langton and Mark Jones sing the hits of Tom Jones, Burt Bacharach, The Mamas and The Papas, Petula Clark, Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Carole King and The Fab Four in a cabaret performance.”

Tickets are $60 each, and include a two-course meal. BYO drinks. Tickets are available from www.thecivic.com.au, or in person at Gunnedah Shire Council office, 63 Elgin Street, or Gunnedah’s Visitor Information Centre, 81 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.

 Photo caption: Melissa Langton and Mark Jones will perform hits of the sixties in a special Valentine’s cabaret show.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

31 January, 2020

Nineteen young Gunnedah Shire people have today been given a helping hand along the road to their tertiary adventure through the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

The successful applicants were awarded their scholarships at a ceremony at the Civic Theatre in Gunnedah today, with the Clinical Dean at the University of Newcastle’s Department of Rural Health Dr Lauren Cone as the inspiring guest speaker.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Scholarship Fund was an innovative program that allowed Council to help out a larger number of students to pursue their studies.

“The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund began 17 years ago when Councillor Gae Swain instigated an idea to help the Shire’s young people on their journey to tertiary education.

“Over those years, about 350 scholarships have been awarded, providing a total of more than $300,000 to students embarking on the first step in a career that could see them return in a professional capacity to Gunnedah.

“Together with the sponsors for this program, we are proud to be able to give our young people an easier start to their adventure.”

The successful applicants for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund in 2020 are:

Eliza Perkins, Jaxon Holbrook, Caitlin Woods, Lauren Jessup-Little, Bayley Williams, Edwina Carrigan, Emmerson Tull, Maja Heath, Nicola Latham, Taryn Maher, Helena Pease, Darcy Kelly, Phoebe Sumpter, Mary-Anne Stone, Ashleigh Mills, Haylee Murrell, Khobi Devine, Grace Jaeger, and Jemina Moss.

The sponsors who have made the scholarship possible are:

Gunnedah Shire Council, Gunnedah Youth Council, Whitehaven Coal, Shenhua Watermark, PRAMS, Rotary Club of Gunnedah West, Rotary 2380, Forsyths, U3A Namoi Inc, and Karen Carter Chemist.

Caption: Some of the 19 recipients of the Gunnedah Community Scholarships for 2020.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

January 30, 2020

Gunnedah’s strong small business sector is being asked to have its say on the state’s Small Business Strategy.

The NSW Government has released the NSW Small Business Strategy 2020: Discussion Paper to seek public feedback release an updated NSW Small Business Strategy.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said small business was a very important part of the Shire’s economy.

“There are more than 765,000 small businesses across New South Wales, in Gunnedah Shire small business represents a large component of our economy, we have a share of innovative product and service providers that we need to continue to focus on,” Ms Hoddle said.

“We urge people to make a submission. It’s important that our local businesspeople provide a regional perspective about this discussion paper and the initiatives it includes.

“The more feedback the NSW Government gets from small business, the more representative and effective this strategy will become.”

The updated strategy will have five key themes:
1. Building resilient, connected and prepared businesses in NSW
2. A strong economy for small businesses to thrive
3. Making it easier for small businesses to contract with government
4. Making it easier to do business
5. Building the capability of small business

The current Small Business Strategy was released in 2017, and included initiatives such as: Increasing the payroll tax threshold progressively up to $1 million by 2021-22; Implementing the Small and Medium Enterprise and Regional Procurement Policy to assist small businesses to be “procurement ready” and win NSW Government business; and faster payment terms ensuring that from 1 December 2019, all registered small businesses who supply to the NSW Government and provide a correctly rendered invoice are paid within five days.

The Discussion Paper is available on the NSW Government’s “Have your say” webpage www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/have-your-say/nsw-small-business-strategy-2020/ and you can provide feedback before 4 March 2020.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.