29 August, 2019

An initial meeting to look at establishing the new group Multicultural Gunnedah has drawn strong interest from the community.

About 40 people attended the August 25 meeting to hear from the founder of Multicultural Tamworth Eddie Whitham and four other representatives from the group.
“This first meeting was a great success,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The representatives from Multicultural Tamworth shared their knowledge and experiences. We heard four successful migration stories – from Bosnia, India, Brazil and Singapore – all very unique, but all with a message of praise for a volunteer organisation focussed on supporting new skilled residents.

“The organisation has helped people from other nations to find their feet and become established within the community by assisting with services such as accommodation, employment, skills and training, schools, churches and volunteer service groups, along with any other needs to help them feel included, welcomed and a valued part of the community.”

Cr Chaffey said there had been a healthy number of expressions of interest submitted following the meeting and Gunnedah Shire Council was in the process of setting up another meeting for those who had indicated they would like to be part of the new group.

It is planned that Multicultural Gunnedah will become a stand-alone community group to assist new international residents to the Shire and help strengthen our cultural appeal.

“It was clear to see that there is great interest in this new endeavour, and encouraging to hear from Eddie Whitham that Multicultural Tamworth is excited by the opportunity to stand by Gunnedah in the establishment of this organisation,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I’m confident we are on the right track with Multicultural Gunnedah.”

People who were unable to make it to the meeting but would like to be involved, can seek an expression of interest via an email to council@infogunnedah.com.au and mark it for the attention of Alexandra O’Keefe.

Photo Caption: The crowd at the Multicultural Gunnedah meeting.

Caption 2: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey with Eddie Whitham and four other representatives from Multicultural Tamworth.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

27 August 2019

Gunnedah will be treated to a slice of silver linings when the live theatre performance Sunset Strip comes to the Gunnedah’s Smithurst Theatre 10 October.

This play by Australian playwright Suzie Miller explores all manners of love, family dysfunction and making the best of bad situations and prosthetic breasts.

Sunset Strip is the story of the once-thriving summer hot-spot Sunset Strip – now populated only by the people who couldn’t leave.

Caroline arrives home after a bout of chemotherapy to find the lake has dried up and the holiday-makers have gone. Yet her sister, Phoebe, remains hopeful. She has been caring for her father who has dementia, alleviated only by training his goldfish.

Phoebe has also fallen for Teddy, a local fellow with a big heart.

Directed by Anthony Skuse, this production finds humour in tragedy and creates an unlikely path for humanity to triumph.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see great live theatre in Gunnedah, 6.30pm on Thursday, October 10 at the Gunnedah Smithurst Theatre, Conadilly Street Gunnedah NSW.

Tickets are $35 and are available via www.thecivic.com.au

Photo Caption: Tale of triumph: The production Sunset Strip is coming to Gunnedah.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

28 August 2019

Gunnedah families will get the chance to go crackers over the live show You’ll Never Guess Where I Hid the Cheese at Gunnedah Town Hall on Tuesday, October 1.

There’s a new villain in town in this “grate” show – Mr Cheesehead - and he’s here to turn everyone else into cheeseheads.

Luckily, superhero duo Bobbi and Wanda are here to defeat him with a slice of help from their courageous audience. But first they’re going to have a snack… and maybe a nap.

You’ll Never Guess Where I Hid the Cheese is an interactive comedy show for kids and kidults. It’s Freddy Mercury with a cheesehead, extravagantly mimed escapes and a whole lot of cheesy new words (“it’s a travescheese!”).

Next to all this you’ll be treated to a full range of kooky sound effects and a wedge of musical wonders on a Korg R3 synthesizer.

The show is presented by Gunnedah Shire Council and Choo Choo Troupe with support from Create NSW and Arts on Tour. It’s a great school holiday treat!

Tickets are $20, or $15 a head for bookings of four or more. Tickets are available through www.thecivic.com.au 

Photo caption: On-stage frantic antics in the family show You’ll Never Guess Where I Hid the Cheese.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

28 August, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for nominations from businesses that could benefit from the latest round of funding for the Business Partner Program.

Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson said the Business Partner Program had assisted more than 60 local businesses with in excess of $200,000 in funding since the program began.

“This is a great chance for Gunnedah Shire businesses to get a helping hand for business expansion or new initiatives during this difficult time,” Ms Wilson said.

“All sorts of small business projects, such as website upgrades, business planning and new directions for established businesses have benefited from the Business Partner Program.”

The latest round of the program is now open, with applications closing on October 31.

If you would like some advice about how to put together your application, you can make an appointment with Emily Wilson by calling 6740 2100 or emailing council@infogunnedah.com.au

Applications are assessed by a panel and funding is recommended based on estimated economic or employment benefit to the Gunnedah Shire community.

Business Partner Program guidelines and application forms are available online here.

The Business Partner Program in action... Enchanted on Conadilly

Gunnedah businesswoman Jodi Dolbel first sought funding assistance from Gunnedah Shire Council back in 2011.

Jodi had started her small business journey with the purchase of a balloon business to operate from home in 1993.

By 2011, she had helped with the opening of just about every supermarket, created a look for many weddings, and added colour to celebrations around the Shire. She was ready to open a shop in Chandos Street, and was successful in applying to Council for a grant.

“I couldn’t have opened without that help,” Jodi says.

“Council took a risk with me. The shop was just a cement floor and the grant helped pay for outfitting the shop.”

The business was successful and in October 2016, Jodi and her husband Stuart bought Riley’s Furniture and Carpets in Conadilly Street and a year later, the couple started a bedding store across the road. Enchanted on Conadilly was born.

The Dolbels were also part of the Business Partner Program in 2017-18 and received funding to help build their website.

“It was a huge step forward to have a full e-commerce website,” Jodi says.

“The Business Partner Program was a massive help to get that done.

“We do a lot of business over the website now. People do a lot of shopping on their keyboards at night-time. They can compare us with other businesses. We have our prices on the website and it is simple to use.”

Enchanted on Conadilly was also among the successful applicants in the latest round of the Business Partner Program to assist with a refurbishment and restructure.

The business now employs about eight people, including the first step in employment for a number of junior staff.

“The Business Partner Program has helped us in significant ways,” Jodi says. “We are lucky to have a council that supports business – both big companies and small business.”

For further details about the Business Partner Program, contact Council’s Economic Development team on 02 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah businesswoman Jodi Dolbel with the Enchanted on Conadilly website the Business Partner Program helped support.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

28 August, 2019

If you have a great idea for Gunnedah’s Cultural Precinct, now is the time to have your say.

The Gunnedah Cultural Precinct Masterplan is underway and as part of that process, you can take part in a five-minute survey and tell us your ideas – no matter how big or how small.

The Cultural Precinct includes Gunnedah Town Hall, the Smithurst Theatre, the Civic Theatre, the Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre, the Visitors’ Information Centre, and now the empty block of land next to the Smithurst - and all the spaces in between.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said the survey can be completed online.

“We want to hear your ideas about how we can make this a space that serves your needs today, and into the future,” Mr Formann said.

“Whether you are a regular user of the precinct or have an idea for something completely different you would like to see happening, this is your space, and we want to know what you think. We want to hear all ideas – no matter how big or small.

“Many important community events take place in the precinct. We would like to see it expand its role in the heart of Gunnedah.”

The masterplan will guide the future development of the precinct. The project Steering Committee and Dunn & Hillam Architects have already held a number of community consultation events that will contribute towards the master plan.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah’s Cultural Precinct – we want to know what you would like to see.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

GOT A GREAT IDEA FOR THE CULTURAL PRECINCT? WE WANT TO HEAR IT!

The Gunnedah Cultural Precinct Masterplan is underway. The Cultural Precinct includes The Smithurst Theatre, The Civic Theatre, The Hall, The Galleries, and all the spaces in between.

We want to hear your ideas about how we can make this a space that serves your needs today, and into the future.

We would love you to take a moment to fill out this 5 minute survey, and help us create a better Cultural Precinct for our whole community.

23 August, 2019

Eleven sporting and community groups will benefit from a total of nearly $40,000 from the latest round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Section 365 Small Grants Program.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors have approved applications for six community organisations and five sporting organisations, for projects from a new ride-on mower for the Kelvin Hall to new accessible toilets at the Gunnedah Rugby Club.

“It was a difficult decision,” Cr Rob Hooke, who is on the selection panel, said. “There were 20 applications, and while we would like to give everyone a helping hand, we need to be realistic with the funding.

“I’m really pleased we can help 11 worthy projects across the shire that will make a difference in people’s lives.”

Councillors Colleen Fuller and David Moses, who are also on the selection panel, agreed.

“I congratulate all the volunteers on our community and sporting groups on the huge amount of work and unpaid hours they put in. It all helps make Gunnedah the vibrant shire it is with many activities and services on offer,” Cr Fuller said.

Cr Moses said the applications included some great projects.

“It’s inspiring to see the initiatives community and sporting groups have in mind for the future,” he said.

Council agreed to approve total funding of $19,742 for six community organisations:

• $5,000 for Gunnedah Family Support for delivery of the Little Footprints Parenting Program
• $5,000 for Ooranga Family Mobile Association for development of a web-based platform for creation of an Early Childhood Hub
• $3,058 for Kelvin Hall Committee for a ride-on mower for Kelvin Hall
• $3,038.67 for the Curlewis Country Women’s Association for equipment to support the club’s activities
• $2,745.33 for Gunnedah Meals on Wheels for a computer server to support registration and governance obligations
• $900 for Rotary Club of Gunnedah West to help engage a sculptor to produce a 1.25m stone sculpture of Ailsa Iceton with a bronze plaque and installation on Pensioners Hill.

Funding for the five sporting organisations totals $19,777:

• $4,491.09 for Gunnedah Netball Association for upgrades to the clubhouse and new equipment
• $4,322.73 for Gunnedah Poultry Club for safety enhancements to the Poultry Pavilion including a new gravel base flooring
• $4000 for Gunnedah & District Pony Club to purchase a custom-fitted golf buggy for the Safe Rider Program
• $3,481.59 for Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts for electronic hardware and software to support the Hill Climb Championship event
• $3,481.59 for Gunnedah Rugby Club to construct eight new toilet cubicles at the club.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

CHOOSE TO REUSE

Put secondhand first by hosting a garage sale or shopping the Trail.

Reduce the amount of stuff we send to landfill and the number of new products made.

Ultimately, it's about decreasing our negative impact on mother earth and preserving it for future generations to come.

Host a sale to clear your space and make a small profit. Shop the Trail for guilt free retail therapy.

Register to host your own Garage Sale on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October 2019.

It's FREE and anyone can do it, whether you’re a household, community group, a whole street, school or even a local business. You can fundraise for a cause or make yourself a few extra dollars, or simply declutter your space and free your mind.

Register a sale here.

For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council on 02 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au 

20 August 2019

Saleyard users are urged to have their say on a new draft masterplan for the precinct that advises a way forward for the next 20 years.

Gunnedah Shire Council Chief Financial Officer Damien Connor said the draft Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Precinct Masterplan would be on public exhibition for comment until September 9.

“Gunnedah Regional Saleyards are the fourth largest cattle selling centre in NSW, and the eighth in Australia,” Mr Connor said.

“Over the past 10 years, the saleyards have averaged about 120,000 head of cattle. That’s more than $100 million a year.

“It’s an important facility for Gunnedah Shire and it’s critical that we plan ahead to ensure it not only stays that way, but caters for whatever the future of the industry might hold.

“This masterplan looks at both the short and longer-term phases to keep the saleyards at the top of its game.”

The draft Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Precinct Masterplan notes that in 2017-18, the saleyards were estimated to have generated $16.8 million in industry output for Gunnedah businesses, $9.1 million to Gunnedah’s gross regional product and supported about 60 full-time equivalent jobs, providing $4.6 million in wages and salaries.

The draft masterplan recommends a number of significant infrastructure projects, potentially staged over time including:

• Removal of the sheepyards
• Relocation of the canteen and carpark as part of a multi-use building on the same side of the highway as the saleyards
• Technology improvements to keep pace with advances in the industry
• Lighting, nightwatchman’s office, ramp upgrades and security fencing
• Yard reconstruction and expansion
• Central roof
• Truckwash

“The saleyards have been operating since 1919 and times have changed,” Mr Connor said. “The industry is continuing to change, and planning ahead means we will be well placed to not only adapt, but to take advantages of the opportunities this could present for Gunnedah.”

The draft masterplan is the result of community and stakeholder consultation, economic and industry research.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors voted to adopt the draft masterplan to go on public exhibition at this week’s council meeting.

View the Draft Saleyards Masterplan online here, visit Gunnedah Shire Council’s site at AgQuip, or visit the council offices at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

The draft masterplan along with all feedback received will subsequently be reported back to Council for consideration and adoption of the final Saleyards Masterplan.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah’s Saleyards in action.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

16 August 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council will trial an early opening of the outdoor facilities at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex this year.

Prompted by public requests and predictions of a hot summer ahead, Gunnedah Shire Councillors this week voted to accept a proposal to open the outdoor pool from Saturday, October 5, 2019 – four weeks ahead of the usual annual date.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the results of the trial would help decide the opening dates for the summer season in the future.

“Over the years, we have received requests for the outdoor pool to open early,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We now have a new, amazing outdoor pool that is ideal for beating the summer heat. Our advice is that the Australian Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a hotter-than-average summer, so we think this is the ideal time to trial this change.

“If people want to see this become a permanent change, we urge them to come along and use the pool complex.

“There are, of course, significant costs associated with having the pool open for an extra month, and we will need to see that people are taking full advantage of this longer outdoor swimming season.”

The new outdoor pool and facilities at the complex were opened in December 2018. The upgrades included a new 50m pool, a children’s wet play area and new dry playground, a new pavilion, new amenities and kiosk, a new water filtration system, refurbishments to the existing amenities in the 25m pool enclosure, and improved disability access across the complex.

Photo Caption: The opening of the new outdoor facilities in December 2018.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.