19 March 2018

 Youth Week is a national celebration, providing the opportunity for young people to share ideas, attend live events, have their voices heard, showcase their talents, celebrate their contributions, to meet new people and to have fun.

Gunnedah Youth Council (GYC) has a jam-packed program of events for Youth Week 2018 (April 9-21), targeted at young people aged 12-25.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong said Youth Week is a time to recognise the valuable contribution young people make to the community.

“Youth Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and show support for our Shire’s young people. GYC, supported by Gunnedah Shire Council, has put a lot of work into this year’s program of events,” Ms Emojong said.

The 2018 Youth Week theme is ‘Unity through Diversity’.

“This year’s theme allows us to celebrate the strength in our differences, and the fact that the uniqueness and successes of our region are based on the diversity of our people and a unified approach,” Ms Emojong said.

“Today’s young people are our future and we have the opportunity to provide them with the platforms, tools, support and inspiration to help them grow.”

Youth Week Gunnedah 2018 kicks off with anti-bullying and social media awareness workshops at a number of local schools. A Youth Movie Night will be held in Curlewis on Thursday, 12 April from 6.00pm at the Youth Hall, Curlewis Church. An inter-school debate between Gunnedah High School and St Mary’s College students will take place on Thursday, 12 April in the St Xavier’s School Hall from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.

A highlight of the program is the 4th Annual Gunnedah Youth Expo – a free event for youth and their parents, featuring stalls, workshops and access to local services for information on a variety of topics including careers, tertiary education, Legal Aid, Fair Trading, mental and sexual health, drugs and alcohol, homelessness and family violence. The expo will be held at Wolseley Park and The Civic from 10.00am to 2.00pm on 10 April.

A new addition to the program - Gunnedah Youth Council is setting up a headquarters at the Gunnedah Show on Saturday, 14 April, featuring Just Dance tournaments, promotions, giveaways and information stalls. GYC Youth Week HQ will open from 10.00am to 5.00pm in the North Power Shed (opposite Griffiths Pavilion).

‘Beats, Bass and Basketball’ on Wednesday, 18 April, will be held in conjunction with Youth Homelessness Awareness Day and NSW Youth Week Hump Day, and will feature a live DJ, basketball competition and information stalls.

Flower crowned performer, Goldheist, will headline at the Friday Fun Fest on April 20 at Kitchener Oval from 5.00pm to 10.00pm. The singer songwriter is known for bringing her songs and stories to stages across regional Australia for drought relief. Friday Fun Fest will also host novelty sports competitions, bubble soccer, a canteen, more live music from Gunnedah Conservatorium students, an outdoor movie and short film showcase.

Throughout the week, young people can also register for barista skills workshops, an excursion to Tamworth including laser tag and a visit to The Youthie, a Safer Driver Course, and a CPR Course.

The action-packed week will end with a concert featuring Iron and Clay, in the Gunnedah Town Hall on April 21 from 7.30pm-9.00pm. Iron and Clay are a ministry/motivational band that travel across Australia to inspire and influence young people.

All Youth Week events are drug and alcohol free. View the full Gunnedah Youth Week 2018 Program here.

To secure a spot in any of the events, visit www.thecivic.com.au or phone Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100. Bookings are open from Friday, 23 March, 2018.

For more information contact Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo: Gunnedah Youth Council members Bodie Crawford, Jackson Jarvis, Thomas Bush and Byron Donnelly launch the 2018 program of events for Youth Week.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

16 March 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Access Working Group is conducting an Access Awareness Activity to highlight the challenges often faced by people with mobility issues when navigating their way through the CBD.

Councillors and staff involved in planning and infrastructure design decisions will access the CBD on Tuesday, 20 March from 11.00am to 1.00pm, using a range of mobility and vision aids, including goggles, canes, crutches and wheelchairs.

Access Working Group Chair Councillor Ann Luke said the activity will be conducted in conjunction with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, supports Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021 and long-term goals for enhancing access and cultivating inclusion throughout the Shire.

“Enhancing access in infrastructure planning and design often isn’t just about meeting the necessary standards and regulations,” Cr Luke said.

“As a community it is important that we work together to ensure we are inclusive and welcoming to everyone.

“This activity will provide participants and businesses with a valuable insight into what it is like for people who have mobility issues to undertake those ordinary shopping experiences that so many take for granted.

“The activity also supports efforts to raise awareness among businesses about the possible lost revenue through poor layout and designs within their premises, when they can’t be accessed by many potential clients,” she said.

“We encourage businesses in the CBD to invite participants inside to gauge how easy it is for people in wheelchairs, people on crutches, people with low vision, mums and dads with prams and others, to move around their shop.”

For more information contact Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton and Acting General Manager Andrew Johns will take part in the initiative.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire’s community and sporting groups are set to receive a financial boost under Gunnedah Shire Council’s annual Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program.

Applications are now open and Council is inviting submissions from eligible groups for the financial assistance package.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Gae Swain said the program has been in place for more than a decade and is designed to support the work of local not-for-profit, charitable, community and sporting groups.

“The level of funding available under the program is dependent on the project, but it can be up to $5000, which is a fantastic financial lift for some of our smaller groups,” Cr Swain said.

“I would encourage all of our local groups to look into this program and to take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity for funding for a worthy project or program.”

Community Small Grants applications must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Addresses existing gaps in service or community development
• Seeks to address issues of access, equity and inclusion
• Improves collaboration with other organisations/groups in the Shire
• Has involvement from volunteers and self-help initiatives, which build upon Council’s contribution
• Includes consumer/user participation in management of the project
• An innovative and creative approach to identified needs

Sports Small Grants applications must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Improves participation in their organisation or sports activities
• Addresses safety concerns
• Supports, trains and/or encourages participation of volunteers

“As Council seeks to support the development and continuity of local organisations, priority will be given to those applications that not only benefit their organisation but also the broader community,” Cr Swain concluded.

Application forms and guidelines are available below or from Council’s Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, Gunnedah Shire Library.

Form - 2018-19 Section 356 Small Grants Application and Declaration

POLICY - Small Grants under Section 356 LGA - Adopted 21 June 2017

The 2018/19 funding round closes at 5.00pm on Tuesday, 24 April 2018. Further information is available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo: The 2017/18 recipients of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

13 March 2018

Printmaking exhibition Arctic Inspirations and More officially opened at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday night. The exhibition is a collaboration of works between Gunnedah’s very own print makers and renowned Sydney-based print makers Bernhardine Mueller and Marg Vickers. The exhibition showcases handmade printed books, miniature prints, etching/aquatint, relief and multi-plate collagraphs, as well as a variety of other printmaking techniques and the exciting works of local artists. The exhibition continues until April 8.

12 March 2018

Most flares have a use-by-date of three years, and penalties apply if they are not replaced before the expiry date. It is the responsibility of marine flare owners to dispose of the expired flares in a safe and timely manner.

To safely dispose of your flares, visit Tamworth Regional Playground on Thursday, 12 April 2018 at 3-7pm.

View the Expired Flare Collection Flyer for more collection dates and locations.

8 March 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is introducing an Economic Development Working Group to focus on ensuring Gunnedah’s economy remains vibrant and on the path for further growth.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Economic Development Manager Charlotte Hoddle said the Gunnedah economy has been traditionally reliant on agriculture and mining as its driving forces, however climate and market conditions can impact pricing in both sectors, making them unstable at times.

“Council have committed to a 10-year Community Strategic Plan that seeks to develop a diversified economy that is a balance of all economic contributors,” Ms Hoddle said.
“The idea behind the Economic Development working group is to ensure that business owners and representatives will have a voice in setting the strategic direction for economic development and potential future growth of Gunnedah.”

Council is seeking expressions of interest from five business community representatives, from key sectors in the local economy, including agricultural related business, mining, and a professional services or retail focused business, to join this working group.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to share their input for the framework for growth in our local community. We are looking forward to receiving applications from across the sectors,” Ms Hoddle said.
For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Economic Development Manager Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or download an Economic Development Working Development Nomination Form here.

Photo: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle with Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Stacey Cooke, who supports the initiative.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

9 March 2018

A local tribute concert to commemorate the service of Australian war veterans and those who served from the Gunnedah district has received a $1500 grant from the NSW Government.

The Gunnedah Anzac Working Group was recently notified of its successful Anzac Community Grant application, with the funds to be put towards the 2018 Pensioners Hill Centenary of Anzac Concert.

The concert will be held on Sunday, 22 April 2018 at Pensioners Hill prior to Anzac Day and will aim to educate those in attendance on the effects of war on both the individual combatants and associated service personnel and their families in a memorable event. The concert will be held from 4pm and will include three sessions (approximately 45 minutes to one hour each, with 20 minute intermissions).

Gunnedah Anzac Working Group Chair Owen Hasler said the concert will include performances of traditional war tunes by the national award-winning Gunnedah Shire Junior Band, well-known songs from the last century by students of the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music, and war poetry readings and extracts from letters read by school students.

“As this will be the final Centenary of Anzac event to be held in Gunnedah, we are aiming to provide a memorable concert in order to recognise the fact that the devastating First World War, which dramatically affected many families in Gunnedah, concluded a century ago,” Mr Hasler said.

“The concert being held overlooking the town provides a fitting setting for this emotionally charged concert which will highlight the sorrow of war, but also the willingness to accept sacrifice and hardship in defence of our nation. It is seen as both an educational as well as a commemorative event, and will involve a large section of our community, both as performers and spectators.”

Rotary Club of Gunnedah West will fire up the barbecue and people are also encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy during the performances.

“We will have a four seater golf buggy to assist people to get to the top of the hill, and seating for approximately 250 people, however, we would encourage people to bring their own chairs as well. Lighting and port-a-loos will be on site,” Mr Hasler said.

Photo: Anzac Working Group Chair Owen Hasler.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

8 March 2018

The Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government celebrate the contribution of women to local government in NSW. In addition to recognising the significant contribution of Award winners, the Awards aim to encourage more women to take on leadership roles in Local Government in NSW.

“We are very proud Breanna has been recognised as the inaugural winner of the 2018 Ministers’ Award for Women in Local Government Traineeship Award. She is a welcome addition to the team at Council and it is only fitting that she has been awarded for her efforts. This is a significant achievement at the start of her career and reflects what is to come,” General Manager Eric Groth said.

“Council has been supportive of traineeships for many years and puts in place a Business Administration Traineeship yearly to focus on skills development in that area. They are mentored throughout the process and have access to training, support and guidance to help establish their careers. It is not only a rewarding experience for the trainees because they are investing in their future, but also for Council because it’s fostering a progressive environment for job seekers locally.

“The need for and value of a traineeship role is identified in Council’s 10-year Community Strategic Plan. The plan outlines the need to attract and retain young people and families to our area to maintain population balance and for Council and local business to provide traineeships and apprenticeship opportunities for young people across a variety of industry sectors.”

Gunnedah seniors are eagerly anticipating Seniors Week 2018, an annual celebration of senior citizens and the contribution they make to the community.

This year, Seniors Week in Gunnedah will be held from Monday, 9 April to Sunday, 15 April and will be delivered by Gunnedah Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association, Oaktree Retirement Villages, Gunnedah Shire Library, The Civic and GoCo Community Care.

Gunnedah Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association is the driving force behind Seniors Week and will host the official opening on Monday, 9 April, with a complimentary morning tea and entertainment by Rex Baldwin at the Smithurst Theatre. The group will also host a Mystery Bus Tour on Saturday, 14 April - which is expected to sell out quickly.

Gunnedah Shire Library is holding the ‘Looking Forward, Looking Back Seniors Open Day’ with paper craft, brain games and adult storytelling, and will launch an exciting new intergenerational library program to promote literacy in the Gunnedah community.

Oaktree Retirement Villages is a newcomer to the Seniors Week team, and will make its mark by continuing the much-loved annual Seniors Luncheon on Wednesday, 11 April, at its Favell Street community centre.

GoCo is supporting Seniors Week by providing transport to various events, by joining the Men’s Shed on Wednesday 11 April for an information session, and inviting all seniors to try the weekly Strength and Balance Exercise Class at GoCo on Thursday, 12 April from 9am.

On Friday, 13 April, seniors will be treated to a special screening of The Dressmaker at The Civic, starting at 10am with a complimentary morning tea.
To conclude the festivities, Gunnedah Shire Council is offering a senior concession to attend the Dustier Than Ever Slim Dusty Tribute Show, which will commence at 3pm on Sunday, 15 April at the Gunnedah Town Hall.

View the full Gunnedah Seniors Festival Program 2018 here. For more information about Seniors Week or to book transport to any of the planned activities, contact GoCo Community Care on (02) 6740 2240.

Photo: Seniors Week Committee, back from left, Kathryn Blinman, Christiane Birkett and Kate Mackley. Front from left, Jan Snow and Myra Tailby.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Nominations are invited and will be received by the undersigned up to 4.00 pm on Friday 22 March 2018, from interested members of the community for the following positions on Council’s Economic Development Working Group.

• A maximum of five members from the community 

Inclusion of community members is at the discretion of the Council. Community representatives must be a resident of the Shire and desirably be active members of the Gunnedah business community.

Nominations are to be submitted on the Nomination Form which may be obtained from Council’s Customer Service Counter, Shire Administration Building, Elgin Street Gunnedah or on Council’s website www.infogunnedah.com.au.
The following provides an overview of the Working Group’s structure and operation:

ROLE
The purpose of the Working Group is to assist Council and staff is determining the economic development priorities for the Gunnedah Shire and driving their outcomes. The group will determine the enabling infrastructure to growth, growth opportunities and issues restricting development.

The Working Group has no specific delegations under Section 377 of the Local Government Act, 1993.

MEETINGS
Meetings of the Working Group will be held quarterly or as deemed necessary by the Working Group Executive in order to progress the issues at hand. Only urgent matters with the support of members will be considered without three days notice.

Download an Economic Development Working Development Nomination Form here.

Further information on the Working Group may be obtained from Miss Charlotte Hoddle, Manager Economic Development on 02 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager
Gunnedah Shire Council
PO Box 63
GUNNEDAH NSW 2380