Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
14 August 2019
Gunnedah is once again part of the Garage Sale Trail in 2019, offering an opportunity to be part of a great community program.
The 2019 Garage Sale Trail will take place on October 19 and 20, and Gunnedah Shire residents are encouraged to either hold their own garage sale, or get together for a stall at the Gunnedah Community Markets on October 19.
“The Garage Sale Trail is not only a great day’s shopping, but is a fantastic way to give some of those items a new life with a new owner,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Communications and Cultural Services Eliza Gallen said.
“The initiative is Australia’s biggest waste education and re-use program.
“Holding garage sales on the same weekend gives people a chance to attract a greater number of customers, and to register online with the Garage Sale Trail.
“Community groups, neighbours and sporting groups could seize the day to hold a joint fundraising garage sale.
“And for those who like to shop for something unusual, it’s an opportunity to do a whole lot of bargain hunting on the same weekend.”
Registrations for the 2019 Garage Sale Trail are open on www.garagesaletrail.com.au
To book a stall at the Saturday, October 19 Gunnedah Community Markets, contact Kyle at TRAC on 0439 609 502.
In 2018, the Garage Sale Trail saw:
- 3.2 million kilograms of unwanted items re-used
- 18 million people reached by the re-use education campaign
- 350,000 Australians involved.
Photo Caption: It’s time to make a bit of money out of your unwanted items, help upcycle and join the Garage Sale Trail.
ENDS
Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
14 August 2019
What would you like to see in Gunnedah’s cultural precinct in the future?
The Cultural Precinct Masterplan is underway, but Gunnedah Shire Council wants to hear what you need, and your ideas for the future of this space.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said project Leaders Dunn & Hillam architects would be consulting the public about their ideas for the masterplan with a series of events during AgQuip.
“Gunnedah Shire residents take great pride in our cultural precinct which includes Gunnedah Town Hall, the Smithurst Theatre, the Civic Theatre, the Creative Arts, the Visitors Information Centre, and now the empty block of land next to the Smithurst,” Mr Formann said.
“The precinct has been the home of debutante balls, thousands of eisteddfod performances, great movies and has showcased talented local artists. It’s a hub for community groups and cultural activities.
“It’s time to take a look at how this space could work even more successfully for our community into the future.
“There are opportunities to look at progressive ideas to match the way in which our shire is growing and diversifying. The more input we get from the community, the better our precinct will reflect the needs of Gunnedah.”
The masterplan will guide the future development of the precinct.
Opportunities to come and have a say:
Community Workshop: 4-6pm, Tuesday, August 20th; Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre
All are welcome to attend this open workshop, but people will need to register via here.
NightQuip: 5-9pm, Tuesday, August 20
Stop by the NightQuip stall, and share your thoughts on the major design, and your ideas on what you would like to see in the Cultural Precinct Masterplan.
AgQuip Stall: 9am - 1pm, Wednesday, August 21 - Gunnedah Shire Council Stall
We’re aiming to talk to locals, as well as those from further afield, who may want to access Gunnedah’s Cultural Precinct for events or be part of the arts community.
Pub Chat: 5pm-8pm, Wednesday, August 21 - The Gunnedah Hotel
This is a space for us all, so we’re coming to you. Save the date, and come pull up a chair and let us know how you think we can shape a cultural precinct that serves the whole community.
Online Survey: We will be launching an online survey to make sure we didn’t miss anything. We want to hear your opinions, ideas, and suggestions for creating an updated, inclusive cultural precinct. Keep an eye out for the Community Online Survey link, coming soon.
Photo Caption: The Civic is part of Gunnedah’s much-loved cultural precinct.
ENDS
Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
14 August 2019
Gunnedah residents are invited to come to a community meeting with a view to establishing a new multicultural group for the shire.
Gunnedah Shire Council is holding a meeting at 4pm on Sunday, August 25 to hear from the founder of Multicultural Tamworth Eddie Whitham.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said establishing Multicultural Gunnedah could be a great addition to the shire’s voluntary organisations.
“Multicultural Tamworth has become a genuine success story,” Cr Chaffey said.
“It helps support migrants in a range of areas including education, housing, employment and language difficulties, but it also provides a link for people with similar stories.
“Multicultural Gunnedah is a group that could go down the same path, as well as helping to promote harmony and inclusion in our shire.
“Not only would it assist those with different cultural backgrounds, but it would help strengthen our multicultural appeal and celebrate the many cultures that make up our region.”
The event will be held at the Smithurst Theatre in Conadilly Street. People are invited to bring a traditional dish of their choice to share.
For catering purposes, please RSVP to Alexandra O’Keefe on 6740 2152 or email alexandraokeefe@infogunnedah.com.au by Wednesday, August 21.
Photo caption: Come along and help form a new group for the shire – Multicultural Gunnedah.
ENDS
Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
8 August 2019
New South Wales Rural Fire Service has advised that the Bush Fire Danger Period will begin on Sunday 1st September 2019 for the Liverpool Range District.
The Liverpool Range District incorporates the Local Government Areas of Gunnedah Shire Council, Liverpool Plains Shire Council and the Upper Hunter Shire Council.
For more information please view the NSW RFS Liverpool Range Bush Fire Danger Period Media Release here.
6 August 2019
Gunnedah Shire Council and Northern Inland Regional Waste will hold the Annual Chemical CleanOut day on August 31.
Now is the time to clean out your household chemicals in preparation for a free chemical collection at Gunnedah Waste Management Facility Community Recycling Facility (CRC).
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste Sheridan Cameron said this was an opportunity to get rid of the chemicals that could be accumulating in your shed.
“We encourage residents to drop off their household cleaners, garden, pool and hobby chemicals and household poisons on the CleanOut day,” she said.
“We also encourage residents to drop off their problem wastes such as fluorescent globes and tubes, car and household batteries, motor oils and fluids, paint, gas bottles and fire extinguishers at the Gunnedah Community Recycling Centre. Residents have access to this facility all year round.
“Household quantities will be accepted.
“This is a great chance to get rid of those problem wastes safely and responsibly.”
Items can be dropped off at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility Community Recycling Facility at 418 Quia Road between 9am and 4pm on August 31, Gunnedah.
For more information, call the Environment Line on 131 555 or visit www.cleanout.com.au
ENDS
Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
7 August, 2019
Gunnedah Shire Council supported by the Gunnedah Ministers’ Fraternal will hold a Prayer for Rain on Sunday, August 18.
The event will be held at the Smithurst Theatre from 4pm.
“Our community has been doing it tough during this extended time of drought,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.
“It is impacting on everyone, from our farming families to our small businesses and community groups.
“This is an opportunity for us all to come together in a show of hope and faith and jointly pray for rain. By standing together, we can support each other during this difficult time, and our voice can only be stronger.
“This is our fourth part of a continuing focus on council working with the Minister’s Fraternal. We know the importance of making these opportunities available to the community. I invite all our community members to add their voices to this prayer.”
Light refreshments will be served.
To RSVP, contact Alexandra O’Keefe by Friday, August 16 on 6740 2152 or alexandraokeefe@infogunnedah.com.au
Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
8 August 2019
Gunnedah’s current Cultural Precinct is a collection of buildings that house many lively community groups and cultural activities; it’s the hub for many of the region’s artists and creatives, and the keeper of Gunnedah’s unique stories. But as our community continues to grow and diversify, our hub is diversifying too.
We’re planning for the future, by creating a masterplan that will detail the expansion and redesign of the precinct; honouring the rich history that defines the place, while also better catering to the communities’ evolving wants and needs. The precinct is a space for our whole community; which is why we want ideas, opinions, and input from those who know it best.
Whether you’re deeply involved with our current arts scene, or see a new opportunity for the Cultural Precinct, we want to hear from every member of our community.
Our project Steering Committee and Dunn & Hillam Architects will immerse themselves in the community, to hear how you think we can build a Cultural Precinct that reflects the diverse and rich tapestry of Gunnedah:
Community Workshop; 4-6pm, August 20th; Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre
All are welcome to attend this open workshop, where the design and engagement consultants leading the project, Dunn & Hillam Architects, and JOC Consulting, want to gather your thoughts, ideas, and experiences to help us shape a space that reflects our rich history, whilst leading us in to the future.
NightQuip: 5-9pm, August 20th
Stop by our night-market stall, and let us know your thoughts on the major design principles we’re considering for the space, and share your ideas on what you would like to see in the Cultural Precinct Masterplan.
AgQuip Stall: 9 am - 1pm, August 21st - Gunnedah Shire Council Stall
We’re aiming to talk to locals, as well as those from further afield, who may want to access Gunnedah’s Cultural Precinct for events or be part of the arts community. We’re excited to hear exactly how we can make the space a better fit for your purposes today, but also hear about other cultural initiatives that need a home in this important precinct.
Pub Chat: 5pm-8pm, August 21st - The Gunnedah Hotel
This is a space for us all, so we’re coming to you; after all, some of the best ideas are first mapped out on the back of a coaster. Save the date, and come pull up a chair and let us know how you think we can shape a cultural precinct that serves the whole community.
Online Survey: We will be launching an online survey to make sure we didn’t miss anything. We want to hear your opinions, ideas, and suggestions for creating an updated, inclusive cultural precinct. Keep an eye out for the Community Online Survey link, coming soon.
2 August 2019
Work on Gunnedah’s Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground will soon be underway, with contractor Daracon expected to take possession of the site early next week. The existing park will be decommissioned and the first sod will be turned at a ceremony on Friday, 16th of August 2019 at 11:00am at the Wolseley Park site.
The idea for Livvi’s Place began when Gunnedah mum Ashley Bender campaigned for an inclusive playground by presenting a petition with more than 300 signatures to council.
Gunnedah Shire Council formed a partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation in 2013. Touched by Olivia has partnered with developers, other businesses and recently with Variety, the Children’s Charity, to create more than 24 inclusive playspaces across Australia.
The playground has been made possible by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, a large community contribution and Gunnedah Shire Council and will include a treehouse tower, a sensory garden walk, a flying fox and a specially-designed swing.
“Construction is expected to be completed in late December – so the park will be a great Christmas present for the community and the working group who have worked to realise this amazing project,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Chief Engineer Dan Noble said.
“The site is being accessed through the carpark on Tempest St and impact on traffic is expected to be minimal” Mr Noble concluded.
There are a number of alternatives for people wanting to visit a playground including the new play equipment at Donnelly Fields, the park located on the northern side of Wolseley Park and the playground at Lions Park.
ENDS
Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.
1 August 2019
Seven businesses will benefit under the first round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program for 2019-20.
Councillors approved funding worth a total of $12,950 for a range of initiatives.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said there had been an impressive group of submissions for this round of the popular business program.
“It’s good to see Gunnedah Shire businesses making the most of this opportunity to grow their business and build on the local economy,” Cr Chaffey said.
“The Business Partner Program is an important initiative aimed at attracting new business opportunities and expanding our existing businesses by providing an assistance package.”
Chair of the Business Partner Advisory Group Ann Luke said priority was given to businesses that could demonstrate their project would benefit the community and economy.
“There are some great initiatives that have received funding in the past through the Business Partner Program,” Cr Luke said.
“I’m please we can offer this incentive to another seven projects covering a range of areas from business restructuring to website design.
“Healthy small businesses have a flow-on effect for the whole community.”
The successful applicants for the latest round of the Business Partner Program were:
- Mannion Drilling for the extension of the admin hub and workshop
- Gilbert Constructions for business planning and expansion
- The Verdict for a coffee cart
- Gunnedah Health & Fitness Co for website design and launch
- Kez’s Café for equipment upgrades
- Gunnedah Family Day Care for iPads
- Enchanted on Conadilly for a restructure.
Photo Caption: Successful applicants of the Business Partner program with council representatives at this morning’s presentation at the Local Government Week breakfast in Gunnedah.
ENDS
Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
31 July, 2019
A Gunnedah program to encourage youngsters to dive into the world of books is continuing its success with another group of students achieving milestones.
The Gunnedah Shire Library’s 1000 Books After School program is designed to continue the good reading habits inspired by the library’s 1000 Books Before School initiative.
It is open to all primary-school aged children, who can join at any time during the year.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, who presented milestone certificates recently, said the program helped students improve their literacy.
“This is a fun way for students to get a head start in learning to read and write,” Cr Chaffey said.
“The target of 1000 books might seem huge, but it can be easily achieved with a little effort.
“As well as having certificates they can take pride in, students will be introduced to a 1000 worlds within 1000 different books. That can only mean great things for their imagination and their literacy.”
About 40 people attended the recent presentation where 14 children reached the 50 books milestone, 11 reached the 100 book milestone, 16 reached the 250 milestone, and two children received certificates for reading 800 books.
For further information or if you have any questions, please contact us on 6740 2190.
Photo caption: Mayor Jamie Chaffey with Emley Jones, Hala Daher, Chloe Alloway, Lujie Cao, Wesley Law, Dominic Alloway, Lachlan Alloway, Dylan Ryman, Calvin Law and Heidi Ryman at the 1000 Books After School presentation.
ENDS
Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.
