22 April, 2026

Financial Assistance Arrangements – Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society, Gunnedah Rural Museum and Gunnedah Shire Band

Council will continue providing financial support to the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society, Gunnedah Rural Museum and Gunnedah Shire Band.

Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society and Gunnedah Shire Band’s lease and financial agreements will be renewed for a further five years.

Gunnedah Rural Museum will continue to receive support to cover operational and building and contents insurance contributions arrangements, for the sum of $5000 and $3000 respectively for a period of five years. Payment of each of these is based on annual written submission.

The continued support of these organisations supports Council’s commitment to build the capacity of community organisations to remain sustainable in the long term.

The financial assistance is exhibited annually in Council’s Operational Plan.

Koori Kids contribution

A resolution to continue financially supporting the Koori Kids School Initiative is on public exhibition.

If no submissions are received, Council will commit $500 per annum for the 2026/2027, 2027/2028 and 2028/2029 financial years. Council has been an Associate Partner since 2014.

The initiative forms part of National NAIDOC Week celebrations and is delivered locally through the Koori Kids School Initiatives Competition. The NSW cross-cultural program engages young people through school-based activities designed to build awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Annual competitions include colouring-in, short story writing, creative and essay writing for school-aged children.

In 2025, five schools across Gunnedah Shire participated in the initiative and more than 568 national entries were received. A total of 66 Medals of Excellence and 105 Encouragement Awards were presented, highlighting the program’s positive impact.  

The draft financial assistance resolution is on public exhibition at Council’s office at 63 Elgin Street and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Monday, 18 May, 2026.

Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group nomination

Council has endorsed the appointment of an alternate representative from Homes North Community Housing to the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group, supporting the group’s collaborative, whole-of-community approach to crime prevention.

Courtney Styles will join the working group as the alternative representative for Homes North, strengthening community representation and ensuring continuity of participation.

The Working Group brings together representatives from a range of local organisations to share information, identify emerging issues, and collaboratively deliver agreed initiatives that support community safety.

Murray Darling Association 82^nd National Conference and 2026 Annual General Meeting

Councillor Robert Hoddle will represent Gunnedah Shire Council at the Murray-Darling Basin Association’s 82^nd National Annual Conference and 2026 Annual General Meeting from 24 to 27 August 2026 in Shepparton.

Cr Hoddle is Chair of Region 11 of the Murray Darling Association and also Council’s appointed delegate for the Murray-Darling Basin Association.

This year, the National Conference will be focused on “working together for our Basin’s future”, bringing together local governments, community representatives and stakeholders to discuss water security, sustainability, and regional collaboration across the Murray-Darling Basin.

The Murray Darling Association is a grassroots, non-political, community-based organisation that works closely with communities, government, and authorities on behalf of local government and the people of the Murray-Darling Basin.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s ongoing involvement supports effective advocacy on water security issues and aligns with priorities to secure sustainable water supplies that underpin community resilience and future growth.

Temporary suspension of alcohol-prohibited area – Gunnedah and District AFC (Bulldogs)

The Alcohol Prohibited Area (APA) declaration in Wolseley Park Reserve will be temporarily suspended between the hours of 11am and 6pm on the following dates:

• Saturday, 2 May, 2026 (Kickin’ for Kayla charity fundraiser round)
• Saturday, 16 May, 2026 (Indigenous Appreciation round)
• Saturday, 30 May, 2026 (Annual Trivia round)
• Saturday, 20 June, 2026 (Ladies Day)
• Saturday, 15 August, 2026 (Old Dogs/Sponsor Appreciation Day)
• Finals round in September, 2026 (date to be confirmed)

Additional requirements for the temporary suspension include the following.

• That the temporary suspension is restricted to the licenced fenced area in the Reserve;
• That the consumption of alcohol outside of the licenced fenced area in the Reserve remains prohibited;
• That Council arrange two public notices advising the community of the temporary suspensions, as required; and
• That the Gunnedah and District Australian Football Club (Bulldogs) reimburse Council for the cost of the two public notices.

Tamworth Drag Racing Association - Agreement

A three-year sponsorship and fee waiver agreement to support annual drag racing events at the Gunnedah Airport is on public exhibition.

The proposal to support the Tamworth Drag Racing Association includes a 50% waiver of aerodrome and terminal hire fees for multiple events throughout the year, including Weeks of Speed events, with total support of $11,000 per year (GST exclusive). 

Council’s contribution aligns with previous approvals for similar events and incorporates the broader support provided by Council for Weeks of Speed through marketing, staff time and logistical assistance.

Staff will develop a written agreement with the Tamworth Drag Racing Association, which includes a termination clause for reasons including if a regular passenger service is provided at the airport.

Council also resolved that the relevant director bring a report to the June ordinary meeting about the condition of the hot mix asphalt at the 70-metre start line, and cost estimate for repair or renewal, including assessment of any contractual liability in its original construction.

The draft financial assistance resolution is on public exhibition at Council’s office at 63 Elgin Street and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Monday, 18 May, 2026.

Gunnedah pool plant automation

Council resolved the following in closed Council:

1. That Council approve the awarding of Tender T2526-17 Gunnedah Shire Pool Plant

Automation to Thomson Electrical for $244,709.63 excluding GST; and

2. That Council approve an increase in the 2025/26 capital expenditure budget of $879,630 to cover the total estimated costs of the Community Energy Upgrades Fund project, with Council's co-contribution funded as per Council Resolution 18.6/24 as follows:
3. LED Street Lighting internally restricted asset $182,605
4. Water Fund $50,000
5. Sewer Fund $207,210

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council will continue financially supporting the Gunnedah Rural Museum.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.