Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
14 October, 2024
What is just as Australian as helping out a mate? Recognising a mate who makes Gunnedah Shire a better place!
Nominations for the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards 2025 have now opened and we are relying on you to let us know about someone who makes an outstanding contribution to our Shire.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater says the Australia Day Awards are an important part of our Australia Day program.
“Over the years, Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Awards have allowed us to honour and pay tribute to some of our most amazing citizens,” Ms Frater says.
“Take a look at some of our recent Citizens of the Year – Marie Hobson in 2024, Mitchum Neave in 2023, Tracey Reid in 2022 and Ray Williams in 2021, alongside our Young Citizens for those years – Lewis Donaldson, Ellyn Blinman, Steven Hopwood and Aidan R de Luzuriaga. These are people who have each brought something unique to what it means to live in Gunnedah.
“Even being nominated for one of these awards shows how much we value those people who go the extra mile. And those who go on to win an award become a permanent part of Gunnedah Shire’s story.
“Please take a few minutes to think about the people you come across in Gunnedah Shire who make a difference, and nominate them for an Australia Day Award.”
There are 13 categories in the 2025 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards:
- Citizen of the Year (21 and over) – To a person who: has made an outstanding contribution to the residents or community; has made a significant contribution in a voluntary capacity; has shown care and compassion to others in the community; and/or displays citizenship and ethical leadership.
- Young Citizen of the Year (20 and under) – To a young person 20 years or under on 31 December 2024 who: has demonstrated commitment to the community through involvement in sporting, social or community issues; has shown a high level of achievement in their education, sporting, social, hobbies and community activities; and/or demonstrates involvement in extra-curricular activities (i.e. assisting others in the community).
- Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year – To a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community in a voluntary capacity.
- Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy – To a retired person who has continued to dedicate their time and efforts to impart their knowledge and skills to others in the community, and to assist people to attain higher goals in life.
- Community Achievement – To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through their dedication and efforts in a specific organisation, community initiative or civic duty.
- Cultural Achievement – To a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community through any means of cultural diversity.
- Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award – To a person who is a quiet achiever, lives quietly out of the public eye but is well known to family, friends and neighbours as someone who gives freely of their time to lend a neighbourly hand, without looking for anything in return. For example, feeding animals while neighbours are away, taking soup to a sick neighbour, providing transport for housebound people etc
- Sports Person of the Year (21 and over) – To a person who: has been a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah shire for the last 12 months; and has made a significant contribution to their sporting club or chosen sporting field.
- Junior Sports Person of the Year (20 and under) – To a person who: has been a member of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months; and has made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
- Sports Team of the Year – To a team who: have been members of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months; and have made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
- Junior Sports Team of the Year (20 and under) – To a team who: Have been members of a sporting association within Gunnedah Shire for the last 12 months, and have made a significant contribution to their sporting club.
- Ivan Towns Memorial Award – This award is in recognition of the work that is done by a coach, someone who is committed to training and passing on their knowledge.
- Environmental Citizens of the Year – Nominees may be recognised for work such as: efforts to preserve the environment within their local community; ability to foster partnerships that achieve litter reduction and recycling outcomes; use of the Return and Earn scheme to help fundraise for a meaningful cause. Individuals and organisations including schools, local businesses and community groups are eligible to receive this award. Winners of this award can go in the running for the state winner title.
For application forms and to find out more, visit:
• www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/economic-development/australia-day, or
• www.thecivic.com.au/live-theatre--events
Copies of the form can be picked up from Council in Elgin St from Thursday, 17 October. Nomination forms must be returned by 5pm on Monday, 9 December 2024.
Caption: Todd McKenney performs at the 2024 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
2 October, 2024
The NSW Electoral Commission has issued the official declaration of results of the NSW Local Government Election.
The nine Councillors for this term of Gunnedah Shire Council (in order of the ballot paper) will be:
- Colleen Fuller (2375 total votes)
- Cameron Moore (676 total votes)
- Linda Newell (739 total votes)
- Ann Luke (850 total votes)
- Juliana McArthur (741 total votes)
- Kate McGrath (731 total votes)
- Robert Hooke (900 total votes)
- Robert Hoddle (779 total votes)
- Tammey McAllan (830 total votes).
Gunnedah Shire Council Acting General Manager Andrew Johns congratulated the nine Councillors who will represent Gunnedah Shire for the next four years.
An extraordinary Gunnedah Shire Council meeting will be held on a date to be determined this month to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and determine future meeting dates and times.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
1 October, 2024
An eclectic collection from the Nimbin Artists Gallery will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at an event at 6pm on Friday, 18 October.
The exhibition, titled Nimbin Diversity, will include the works of 21 artists from the Rainbow Region of New South Wales, with a huge variety of works from Japanese print blocks to ceramics, and wildly colourful acrylics to timber artworks, mixed fibre birdbaths and felted textiles.
Nimbin Artists Gallery president Karen Welsh said the exhibition represented very different genres.
“Nimbin Diversity will feature some really bold artists,” Ms Welsh said. “We have Donna Sharam and her beautiful colourful work and Leigh Arnold who creates 3D work that is quite planetary and geometrical. We will have 3D glasses available to view his work.
“The exhibition also includes the work of Melissa Hume, who creates felted textile jackets.
“Paul Roguszka’s work is next level – finely crafted woodwork – and Nathan Dawson’s Mad Magazine-style art has a big following among younger artists.”
The exhibition will also include the books Unique: Creative Homes of Nimbin and Surrounds, by Mandie Hale, and Dying, Death and Beyond by Saskia Kouwenberg.
Ms Welsh said many of the artists were hoping to be in Gunnedah for the opening night, and most of the works would be for sale. The full list of artists included in the exhibition is: Pauline Ahern, Peter Aland, Leigh Arnold, Heather Bedell, Amanda Bragg, Nathan Dawson, Marty de Weerd, John Hosking, Melissa Hume, Claire L’Arrivee, Jenny Mac, Naomi Malone, Jasmine O’Shea, Paul Roguszka, Shannamay, Donna Sharam, Christine Spedding, John Storey, Yoko Tsushima, Ali Walker and Maureen Whittaker.
On Sunday, 20 October, exhibition artist Donna Sharam will hold a free artist’s talk at 10am at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery,
followed by a Picasso My Face art workshop between 1pm and 3pm for $60. Bookings are essential through www.thecivic.com.au
Key dates of the Nimbin Diversity exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery in Chandos Street, Gunnedah:
- 6pm, Friday, 18 October: Nimbin Diversity opens. The exhibition will continue until Friday, 22 November.
- 10am-12pm, Sunday, 20 October: Free artist’s talk with Donna Sharam. Listen and engage with Donna as she speaks about her creative practice. Donna will also have some of her artworks at the Gunnedah Country Markets at Wolseley Park on Saturday, 19 October.
- 1-3pm, Sunday, 20 October: Picasso My Face art workshop with Donna Sharam. Embark on a journey of self expression through the creation of your own artwork. Tickets $60, available through www.thecivic.com.au
Caption: A section of the colourful Temple Earth by Donna Sharam.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
30 September 2024
Gunnedah Shire has about 1500 small businesses with less than 20 employees, making the small business sector a vibrant part of our economy.
October is NSW Small Business Month, and Gunnedah Shire Council will celebrate our Shire’s small businesses by offering a number of events where owners and employees can network, develop skills and gain knowledge.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Community and Development Andrew Johns said small businesses added to every aspect of life in Gunnedah Shire and covered a huge range of industries and interests.
“We’re very lucky in Gunnedah Shire to have such a variety of small businesses, from coffee shops to electricians, and property agents to gift shops,” Mr Johns said.
“Each one brings something unique to the economy and makes it just that little bit better to live in what is already a great place.
“In NSW Small Business Month, Gunnedah Shire Council will partner with other agencies to help people build on their networks and their knowledge. Events such as these can take a business to the next level of sales or services, or help make a business more sustainable.”
NSW Small Business Month will begin in Gunnedah with a Launch Breakfast on Tuesday, 1 October at the Railway Hotel hosted by the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Gunnedah Shire Council. As well as a buffet breakfast, the event will a panel of knowledgeable speakers. The panel will include owner/director for Blush & Bloom Skin and Beauty Caity Byrnes, Namoi Valley Plumbing owner/director Jake Dawson, Whitehaven Coal General Manager, Community Engagement Darren Swain, and Reverence Road owner Renee Neale.
Tickets are $20 and are available through www.gunnedah.org.au
On Tuesday, 15 October at 4-6pm, a free Communicating with Customers for Connection and Growth session will be held at the Courthouse Hotel with Keira Gifford of Raw Confetti.
Keira will help unlock market leading strategies for effective customer communication, and help you take a deep dive into your digital presence. Attendees are asked to bring their questions and their laptop.
The event is free, but bookings are required through www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1294893
There will be a Future Forward – Services NSW event in partnership with NORTEC from 9.20am to 12.30pm at the Smithurst Theatre on Wednesday, 23 October. During this interactive workshop, attendees can gain an understanding of the transformative power of AI and how it can drive innovation in your business.
This event is free, but bookings can be made through https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/business-connect/event/qxew9xe6zj
The final event is Beyond the Fields: Women in Ag Morning Tea at the Carroll Gap Farmhouse from 9.30am to 11.30am on Wednesday, 30 October.
This free event will include morning tea, networking and information dedicated to empowering women in agriculture. Guest facilitators will be Julia Pursehouse from The Farmer’s Florist, Stewart Michel from Michel & White Lawyers, Melissa Bowman from Farm Business Resilience Program and Karen Grimm from Gunnedah Shire Council.
The event is free, but bookings are required through www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1294808
The list of events is:
- 7.30-9am Tuesday, 1 October, 2024: Launch breakfast at the Railway Hotel, Gunnedah
• $20. Bookings www.gunnedah.org.au/event-details - 4-6pm Tuesday, 15 October, 2024: Communicating with Customers for Connection & Growth at the Courthouse Hotel, Gunnedah
• Free. Bookings www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1294893 - 9.30am-12.30pm Wednesday, 23 October, 2024: Future Forward – Services NSW at the Smithurst Theatre, Gunnedah
• Free. Bookings https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/business-connect/event/qxew9xe6zj - 9.30-11.30am Wednesday, 30 October, 2024: Beyond the Fields: Women in Ag Morning Tea at Carroll Gap Farmhouse
• Free. Bookings www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1294808
Caption: The crowd enjoys the Small Business Month 2023 Launch Breakfast.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or (02) 6740 2100.
September 30, 2024
A new Deposition Centre has opened at Gunnedah’s Waste Management Facility, making it easier and safer for people to deposit their waste.
The new centre, located on the site of the Waste Management Facility and accessed through the Quia Road entry, has been constructed to allow everyday users of the facility to deposit their waste away from the main landfill area.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste Sheridan Cameron said the new centre went a long way towards avoiding many of the hazards associated with the operation of a landfill site.
“Depositing waste at a landfill site can be an unpleasant experience, and too often brings residents into contact with landfill machinery and commercial users who may have large vehicles,” Mrs Cameron said.
“This new Deposition Centre, funded through Gunnedah Shire Council’s Domestic Waste Management budget, makes depositing your rubbish a safer, cleaner and more pleasant experience.
“People can come in and deposit their waste away from the main landfill. It allows enhanced waste screening making it easier for Council to ensure recyclables are separated and no hazardous waste is mixed in with household waste.
“This is a significant improvement for Gunnedah Shire’s waste management services.”
The waste deposited at the Deposition Centre will be removed and processed by Gunnedah Waste Management Facility staff.
Fees for use of the facility will not change.
Gunnedah Shire Council asks people to be patient while they navigate the new system for the first time.
Caption: Gunnedah’s new Deposition Centre has now opened.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
The emphasis is on fun and creativity in the September-October school holidays with the latest Gunnedah Shire Council School Holiday Program!
Council has partnered with Gunnedah Conservatorium and the NSW Government to present Spring into Performance, a free four-day workshop from Tuesday, 8 October to Friday, 11 October for 12 to 24-year-olds that will take the young performer from strategies for stage fright through to exploring new opportunities.
Bookings are essential and will be open from Monday, 23 September through www.gunnedahconservatorium.com.au.
The Gunnedah Shire Library also has a great program of events, from Book Buddies for 0-7 years, to Crafty Creations, both at Gunnedah and Curlewis for 7-12-year-olds.
There’s also plenty to do at The Cultural Precinct, with holiday movies including The Wild Robot, Harold and the Purple Crayon and Transformers One. There is a self-guided sensory tour available at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, the Civic Theatre and the Visitor Information Centre, and kids can pick up a Koala Kwest sheet from the Civic to accept the challenge to find the cheeky koalas hidden in Conadilly St business windows.
Summer pool hours start from October 5, and the pool will be open from 5.30am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sundays.
The School Holiday Program also lists details of great activities hosted by the PCYC, Gunida Gunyah and Gunnedah Health & Fitness Co, including the Keepit Commando challenge on Saturday, 12 October and a Developing Resilience session on Friday, 11 October. There are also details for a Catapult Challenge at Wolseley Park on Tuesday, 1 October.
Some activities require bookings, so please check out the full program and details at www.thecivic.com.au/youth .
9 September 2024
Industrial action by Electrical Trades Union workers is causing weeks of delays and cost impacts on the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Redevelopment Project.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the Electrical Trades Union’s decision to stage industrial action within Essential Energy has impacted subcontractor and machinery availability and cost the Saleyards project in the order of $12,000 in abortive costs so far.
“Industrial action will not only mean significant additional unnecessary costs, but it will also lead to delays in occupation of the new Saleyards facility,” Mr Johns said.
“Electrical work at the Saleyards as part of the Highway intersection works requires a whole lot of ancillary arrangements, including traffic control and the support of other skilled professionals. Each delay means all of those arrangements have to be rescheduled at extremely short notice, and all of this adds to the project cost.”
The Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Redevelopment Project is being funded through the NSW Government in partnership with Gunnedah Shire Council. It includes the new truck wash, a saleyards administration building with café and offices, a saleyards upgrade with new roof, and new technology. Work is expected to continue through to the end of this year.
The project will ensure the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards remain an important facility both to Gunnedah Shire and to the NSW livestock industry.
Caption: A panoramic view of work on the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Redevelopment.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
11 September 2024
The program that has helped launch hundreds of local young people into the first step of their careers has opened for applications for 2025.
The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund has seen close to 500 scholarships awarded since it began more than 20 years ago.
Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund was a partnership between business, the local community and Gunnedah Shire Council that was an investment in the future of regional New South Wales.
“The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund offers scholarships to local students who are under 25 to help them pursue the next step of their education,” Mr Groth said.
“Over the years, we have seen many students use the funding to help with expenses such as textbooks, relocation, living expenses or tuition fees. It can make a big difference when a regional student is taking that first step towards their chosen career.
“It has assisted students further their training and education at university, TAFE and other accredited organisations, and study everything from the arts to law, engineering, health and education.
“We have also seen many young people go on to make a difference in their chosen career in regional New South Wales, including those who have come to work as teachers, medical professionals and a range of other professions that are very important to Gunnedah Shire.”
Young people can apply for a Gunnedah Community Scholarship and take a look at the guidelines online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on Wednesday, 8 January 2025 at 5pm to allow time for students to receive university offers.
In 2024, 28 young people were assisted in starting their education adventure through the fund.
If you, your business or community group would like to become a sponsor of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund, please contact Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
Find out everything you need to know, including application forms, here... https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/community/community-services/grants-sponsorship/item/955-gunnedah-community-scholarship-fund
Caption: Some of the recipients of the 2024 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund at the presentation earlier this year.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
9 September 2024
If your four to eleven-year-old and the rest of the family love a fractured fairy tale, then Little Red in the Hood could be just the ticket.
This interactive, educational live performance for children is coming to The Civic in the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct for two shows – 11am and 1pm – on Wednesday, 25 September.
Little Red loves her Granny – and her neighbourhood!
She is like a super-hero in a hoodie, watching out for her neighbours’ houses when they are away and always on the lookout for litterbugs and people who don’t know how to recycle.
Every story has a troublemaker and the troublemaker in this story is Walter, the Big Bad Wolf. He is a bit more medium-sized and cheeky than big and bad, but he has his beady eye on Granny’s chocolate cake.
This 50-minute show by Jally Entertainment is a very different twist to the classic Red Riding Hood with great educational messages.
Tickets for the performances at 11am and 1pm on Wednesday, 25 September are $15 and are available through LIVE THEATRE & EVENTS, The Civic Cinema I Gunnedah. Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss out.
Caption: Little Red in the Hood offers some lively and educational action for kids.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
4 September 2024
Gunnedah Shire has welcomed 15 new residents to Australia with a Citizenship Ceremony held today at the Civic.
Gunnedah Shire General Manager Eric Groth said the event, catered by Red Cross, was held ahead of Australian Citizenship Day on 17 September.
“We live in a beautiful part of a great country, and we are proud to welcome 15 new citizens to Australia,” Mr Groth said.
“Today, we welcomed people who were born in Fiji, the Philippines, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Pakistan and South Africa, who will add to the wonderful, vibrant mix of people and cultures we already have in Gunnedah Shire. This is always a special day in our calendar.”
Congratulations to:
• Rajendran Krishnan Mudaliar (born in Fiji)
• Jenneza Canoy Hickman (born in the Philippines)
• Rhea Atienza Aceveda (born in the Philippines)
• Corenna Renae Doolan (born in New Zealand)
• Pham Dang Phuong Tong (born in Vietnam)
• Emori Waqavulagi (born in Fiji)
• Marinus Abraham Jacobus de Wilde (born in the Netherlands)
• Jhonacel Ancero Bronola (born in the Philippines)
• Muhammad Hashir Siddiqui (born in Pakistan)
• Johan Frederick Weilbach (born in South Africa)
• Barendina Petronella Weilbach (born in South Africa)
• Kayla Weilbach (born in South Africa)
• Tracey Elizabeth Castle (born in New Zealand)
• Nicole Alexandra Castle (born in New Zealand)
• Jack Michael Castle (born in New Zealand).
Every year, Australia welcomes thousands of new citizens for Australian Citizenship Day.
Caption: New citizens are welcomed as Australians by Gunnedah Shire Council.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
