The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and the Telstra Foundation have acknowledged Gunnedah Shire Council as an eSmart Library Service/ Network, recognising it is equipped to support its customers to use technology in a smart, safe and responsible way.

eSmart Libraries is one of the most significant community cyber safety programs ever undertaken in Australia, with over one-third of all libraries in Australia currently involved in the program.

“Council is excited and proud to be an eSmart library service, this has been the culmination of hard work by our Library staff to integrate cyber safety in our daily operations, staff development and organisational culture,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“It is a great example of what can be achieved by a smaller regional library.”

Gunnedah Shire Library will unveil its eSmart Library plaque during eSmart Library Week on 4 September at 10:00am.

Telstra Foundation General Manager, Jackie Coates said Telstra was thrilled to be able to celebrate the achievement.

“We know that libraries play a vital role in bridging the digital divide across the country in metropolitan, regional and rural Australia," Ms Coates said.

Lesley Podesta, CEO of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation said this achievement was a significant milestone in the Foundation’s journey towards creating an eSmart Australia, where all Australians are safe, smart and responsible online.

“In fact, nearly 60 per cent of Australian public libraries are now becoming eSmart,” Ms Podesta said.
“Being eSmart means knowing how to guard against security and privacy risks online, download content in a legal and ethical way, research and reference information, and manage reputation and relationships in cyberspace,” she said.

“Gunnedah Shire Library’s continuous dedication and enthusiasm for the eSmart program, shows that local communities are as committed to promoting cyber safety as we are.”

“This is important given almost half the Australian population is a member of their local library and there were 114 million visits in the past year, libraries are a great environment for sharing the best tips to equip Australians from all walks of life with the skills to be safe online. This is a big leap forward towards creating an eSmart Australia.”

By making the online library experience safer for everyone, eSmart Libraries will give more Australians the opportunity to experience the social and economic benefits of new digital technologies.

Launched in August 2012 this $8 million, multi-year partnership with the Telstra Foundation is delivering eSmart Libraries in collaboration with Australia’s library network to all 1,500 public libraries in Australia.

Gunnedah Shire Library is the 1st library in the north east zone, 4th library in NSW, 6th regional library service in Australia, and the 26th library service in Australia to become recognized as an eSmart library.

Photo: Some of Gunnedah’s eSmart Library Team, from left, Robyn Draper, Christiane Birkett, Yvonne Reading, Liz Ironmonger and Fiona Sills.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Want to be a part of Australia’s biggest free festival of garage sales? Gunnedah Shire Council's Garage Sale is a community initiative ran in conjunction with the National Garage Sale Trail to promote waste management and recycling. Now is the time to start thinking about gathering those unwanted items!

It will be held on Saturday, 21 October at the Gunnedah Showground from 9am to 2pm.

This event is truly the way to find the treasure in your neighbourhood!

The event is fast becoming a national movement and is aimed at bringing communities together and promoting reuse. Garage Sale Trail’s two major goals are to see 2 million items nationwide listed for reuse on one big weekend, and to enable 120,000 new neighbourly connections.

Households, community groups, charities, local businesses and schools are invited to get involved! Simply show up on the day around 7.30am with your car boot filled with your pre-loved goods and join in or register at www.garagesaletrail.com.au

For more information phone (02) 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council is proud to present A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the Melbourne City Ballet.

The Melbourne City Ballet is performing a provocative interpretation of Shakespeare's most romantic and mischievous play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.

Sixteen amazingly elegant performers depict the magical tale of lovers whose lives are manipulated by fairies.
“We are proud to provide the Gunnedah community with such a fantastic cultural opportunity, right here on the Gunnedah stage,” Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said.

“It’s an opportunity not to be missed.”
The main performance will be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Sunday, 3 September from 4:00pm.

Tickets are $35.00 for general admission, $25 for concession and under 16 years, with a premier gallery seating offer of $55.00 – including canapes and drinks on arrival.

The ballet company will also host a number of workshops while in Gunnedah, with a one-hour beginner’s workshop held from 12:00pm on Sunday, 3 September and a one-hour intermediate workshop from 1:00pm. Tickets are $30.00.

Tickets are available from www.thecivic.com.au or phone (02) 6740 2100.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council is pleased to announce the roll out of the Gunnedah Vibrant Precincts Project over the coming weeks.

The Gunnedah Vibrant Precinct Project was formed with calls on the community to collaborate in projects of activation, and street art and murals to bring vibrancy, action and creativity into Gunnedah’s CBD.

Gunnedah Shire Council was one of 20 Local Government Areas to receive funding from the NSW Department of Industry as part of the NSW Government’s Regional Development Framework – Future Towns Project.

“The Department of Industry and Gunnedah Shire Council recognise that the quality of NSW regional CBD precincts is critical to attracting and retaining a skilled workforce and promoting new and existing business development,” Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley said.

“Gunnedah’s Vibrant Precincts Project will see our CBD also become a place of creativity, where people can share experiences, knowledge, lifestyles and foster connections to place, and we are really excited to see the work begin.”

Consultations and workshop sessions in May resulted in nine local businesses receiving subsidies to activate areas of the CBD as part of the project, as well as three murals chosen to be featured throughout the downtown precinct to encourage foot traffic for local businesses.

“Gunnedah will soon see the addition of freshly painted shopfronts, personalised business planter boxes and seating as well as pop-up dessert bar, reading nooks throughout the CBD and shopfront exhibition spaces for local artists and photographers,” Ms Mackley said.

“The addition of murals within the CBD will create intrigue and inspire people to explore and see all that Gunnedah has to offer while visually representing Gunnedah’s identity and elements of our history. Mural installations are expected to start today.”

Local and national artists will work together over the coming weeks to install the murals in the alleyway between Conadilly and Little Conadilly streets, and the stairwell on the side of the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre.

Gunnedah’s very own artist collective, The Arts Shed, co-ordinated by accomplished local artist Helen Stanley, will paint the side of the steps at the centre with a koala narrative, a native animal synonymous with Gunnedah.

Another mural will be installed by Sydney-based and internationally-renowned street artist, Silly Pear, who will mentor two young people of Gunnedah during the project in the alleyway between Conadilly and Little Conadilly streets.

Regional artist Daniel Stanley will work alongside Gunnedah’s Alice Weinthal and Louisa Riordan on the second mural in the alleyway capturing the essence of Gunnedah’s native animals.

The project will also see the installation of a Community Notice Board in The Smithurst Theatre courtyard to promote community events and groups.

Photo: Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley, right, presents Alice Weinthal and Louisa Riordan with funding for a collaborative mural.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Working together with the NSW Government, Gunnedah Shire Council, together with Liverpool Plains and Tamworth Regional Councils, are developing a Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) over the coming months.

As part of this important initiative, there will be a major regional consultation workshop for community members, local industry and business groups.

The consultation workshop will be held on Wednesday, 30 August 2017 in the Tony Caine Room at the Quirindi RSL, 86-88 Station St, Quirindi commencing with a light lunch at 12:30pm followed by a workshop commencing at 1:00pm and closing at 5:00pm.

Gunnedah Shire, Liverpool Plains and Tamworth residents who belong to a peak industry or business group, or who have an interest in regional economic development and employment, are invited to attend and participate in this first Regional Economic Development community and business consultation workshop.

The development of consistent regional economic strategies across NSW is the initiative of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet through the Centre for Economic and Regional Development (CERD).

CERD is working closely with all regional councils to roll out the preparation of REDS, which involves applying a standardised regional economic development methodology to identify existing economic strengths, identify new opportunities to enhance the region's development, performance and competitiveness and set the region on a path to sustainable economic development.
“We are very pleased to be working closely with the NSW Government to develop the REDS for the Lower North West region and to see our three Councils working closely together for the benefit for all three Councils and our region’s sustainable economic future,” Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

"The REDS will help our three Councils provide the evidence we need to attract future State resources to underpin regionally significant economic projects and create employment in our local government areas."

The Regional Economic Development Strategy workshop will be facilitated; it will provide up-to-date demographic and economic information about the Lower North West region and provide those attending with the opportunity to be instrumental in the development of forward-looking, well informed economic strategies for key local industry and business growth across our region.

For more information please visit www.infogunnedah.com.au or phone Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council resolved at last night’s Ordinary Meeting to proceed to apply for state funding for the establishment of a world-class Koala Park and Education Centre in Gunnedah.

Council was shortlisted after providing an Expression of Interest for funding from the NSW Government’s Rebuilding NSW Program for the establishment of the park and was encouraged to apply for the grant.

The Program’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund aims to increase tourism visitation by investing in regional environment and tourism infrastructure, particularly focusing on assets that will grow and further diversify NSW regional economies and with the potential to create new jobs.

Council moved at the meeting to allocate a budget of up to $80,000 to develop a feasibility study, business case and application for the grant program.

Gunnedah Shire has created a reputation and brand as ‘The Koala Capital of the World’ and following the devastating closure of Waterways Wildlife Park, a significant gap was left in the Gunnedah tourism offering. Council remains supportive of efforts by the Waterways Wildlife Park to reopen but will continue to investigate all available options to fill the gap left by the closure.

During consultation for the Community Strategic Plan (CSP), the community listed furthering economic development and tourism in the region as high priorities. Retaining Gunnedah’s ‘Koala Capital of the World’ status and promoting the Shire both nationally and internationally were also identified as key objectives by the community.

“Ratepayers have told us what they want, and that is for Council to look forward and plan for the future,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The iconic koala has become synonymous with Gunnedah and helps to shape our local identity. It’s really important for people to be able to see a koala when they come to the Koala Capital. It is not only a huge drawcard for our region but has the potential to play a huge role in our economy.”

If the project is funded, the Centre could exhibit koalas and other native animals, operate as a wildlife park and a native animal hospital with a kiosk on site. The park could also provide an important local educational service for schools throughout the region.

The Koala Park and Education Centre project has the potential to attract a major partner, such as Australia Zoo or Taronga Zoo, and could be a world class tourist attraction.

The project is in a very early conceptual and exploratory phase but if selected to receive grant funding could be a game changer for economic development and tourism in the area.

At this stage, there aren’t any specific plans for location or building design and these details will continue to develop if the project progresses, in close consultation with the community and key stakeholders.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner (02) 6740 2100.

At last night’s Ordinary Meeting, Gunnedah Shire Council appointed Bathurst-based construction company Hines Constructions to undertake the multi-million dollar upgrade works at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex.

The project, which has been four years in planning, will see a new 50 metre outdoor pool, Kids Wet Play Area and new Pavilion established. As part of the works, a new water filtration system will be installed to ensure all pools in the complex meet current sanitation standards.

The existing amenities in the 25 metre heated pool enclosure will be also refurbished and disability access improved across the complex under the contract.
“The works under the construction contract are consistent with the recommendations of the Memorial Pool Working Group and community expectations for renewal of the complex,” Deputy Mayor Gae Swain said.

“The $11.375 million contract will provide the Gunnedah community with an outstanding public swimming facility that will have a life of over 50 years.

“The pool upgrade has been a major decision for council and I look forward to seeing the first sod turned on such an important and impressive community facility,” Cr Swain said.

Council also determined to lodge an expression of interest for Resources for Regions funding to support construction of additional elements identified in Stage 1 of the Master Plan for the complex, not being undertaken under the contract.

“These elements include the two large canopies over the Kids Wet Play Area and the 50 metre pool respectively, which were optional works identified by the Working Group,” Acting Director Infrastructure Services Edward Paas said.

Building work is expected to commence in early October with a 12-month construction timeframe. It is anticipated that the upgraded facility will be open for the 2018-19 summer season.

“Every effort will be made to maintain availability of public swimming facilities during the construction phase,” Mr Paas said.
“It is expected that the 25 metre heated pool will remain open during the construction works, apart from the periods when the filtration system is upgraded and the amenities are refurbished.

“Considerable interaction will occur with stakeholders and the community when the construction program and timelines are locked down,” he added.

Photo: Gunnedah Memorial Pool Upgrade plan.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

The NSW Government is making significant investment in regional NSW, including $1.3 billion funding commitment in the 2017-18 Budget. To ensure that this investment is successful in growing business confidence, creating and encouraging business investment, maximising the potential for jobs growth and securing a strong future for our region, the NSW government, through the Centre for Economic and Regional Development (CERD), is working with our local councils to develop Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS) for a selection of regions, including the Lower North West – which includes Liverpool Plains, Tamworth Regional and Gunnedah Councils.

CERD has engaged economic consultancy, Sapere Research Group, to assist Lower North West Councils and our communities in the development of the Lower North West REDS. The project involves the application of an internationally recognised approach which includes a support team with strong economic expertise to ensure that the Strategy is underpinned by robust data and genuine, effective community consultation. The application of the same approach to REDS across the state means that evidence based comparisons can be made and prioritising areas of greatest need for future funding will be easier.

The Lower North West REDS will provide a clear picture of where we stand in terms of economic opportunities, challenges and strengths. It will also become a vital tool in providing evidence to support applications to Government and other funding bodies for implementation of specific economic development, infrastructure and other related projects.

Local engagement and ownership of the process and outcome is critical to success. We work together as a community to ensure that we capture our existing local knowledge, skills and expertise and broader competitive economic advantages. A set of strategies to address the specific priorities for the Lower North West will only be authentic with the collaboration of local industries, businesses, not-for-profit organisations and the broader community.

Development of the REDS also provides an opportunity to continue working toward a regionally integrated Lower North West area working together toward a strong and sustainable future.

A workshop will be held in the region to inform the community of the project, outline the most up-to-date economic information about our region and to mobilise leaders from across sectors, industries and the community. It is important that our local leaders, business owners, Industry leaders, peak bodies, sector representatives, council staff and specialist consultants work together to apply a foundation of rigorous data in developing strategies which capture our most likely economic opportunities and realistic possibilities for growth.

The final document will provide Lower North West with a clear vision and way forward to support economic growth, job creation, investment attraction and community strengthening.

See the Lower North West Region REDS Background Factsheet below for more information.

Gunnedah Shire Council has installed a loading ramp at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre to enable the precinct to attract high profile and national exhibitions to the region.

The building required modification to bring it to a standard that meets the requirement of touring exhibitions.

Council secured funding from the NSW Community Building Partnership Program, which is aimed at community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes; and promote community participation, inclusion and cohesion.
This project saw the installation of a loading ramp at the rear of the gallery to enable the safe transfer of art work, sculptures and gallery pieces into the gallery storage bay.

“Council is confident that the loading ramp will add value to the overall cultural amenity and enable Council to attract a higher caliber of exhibitors who require a higher standard of facility infrastructure,” Tourism and Cultural Precinct Supervisor Chris Frend said.

“This is another step towards Gunnedah Shire Council’s goal of accessing art experiences that would otherwise be only available in the larger shires or major cities, and to expand the gallery program to provide greater opportunities to our community.”

The project forms part of Council’s Community Strategic Plan to create a vibrant precinct and to become a cultural destination for artists, performing artists, photographers, live theatre shows, and the local community.

Photo Caption: Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley and Tourism and Cultural Precinct Supervisor Chris Frend using the new loading ramp.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner (02) 6740 2100.

We want to say a HUGE thank you to the community for their support and involvement in the Gunnedah Vibrant Precincts Project. We’ve been so pleased to have so much community interest in the project, which, through many workshops, has given us the opportunity to work alongside community members who are passionate about invigorating spaces in Gunnedah. We received some amazing submissions and you will see plenty of projects popping up around the community very soon!

We also had a number of amazing entries for the mural installations that will help transform some spaces in the Downtown and Cultural Precincts.

We’re excited to present the murals that have been selected to be installed in the pictured locations. Please remember, these designs are concepts and could change slightly once they are actually installed based on community feedback and constraints when transferring to the actual environment.

The winning submissions come from local artist groups, community members and professional street artists.

These design concepts were selected by the panel because of the designs ability to reflect Gunnedah’s Cultural identity, bring vibrancy to Gunnedah’s CBD and demonstrate a connection to place.

You can make comments about the designs via email council@infogunnedah.com.au until Thursday, 17 August before 5.00pm.