8 January 2019

Two time world superbike champion Warwick Nowland will be joining Gunnedah for 2019 Australia Day celebrations as the Shire’s official Ambassador.

Warwick grew up in a small country town and learnt to ride motorcycles in his backyard. From there his passion for the sport and desire to be the world champion drove him to his current success, with two endurance world champion titles under his belt (2000 and 2002). He was also the winner of the LeMans 24 hour event in 2004. He now spends his time between Sydney and the UK.

In 2009, Warwick and his partner Kristie became parents for the first time. He says his son Aston brings “another chapter of success but also motivation to aim for even greater goals at home and internationally”.

Warwick is also an ambassador for the RSPCA, Royal Children’s Hospital, Australia Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The Pink Ribbon Motorcycle Ride.

Warwick will be the official ambassador at Gunnedah’s Australia Day festivities, including the Australia Day Awards Dinner to be held on January 25.

Australia Day Committee Chair and Gunnedah Shire Councillor Rob Hooke said the Australia Day Ambassador Program was a wonderful opportunity for great Australians to share their experiences and stories while celebrating with local communities.

“This is a great opportunity for the Gunnedah community to meet and gain inspiration from Australians who have achieved great things, and we feel very fortunate to be part of the Ambassador program,” Cr Hooke said.

“Gunnedah’s Australia Day Celebrations never disappoint, and I look forward to spending Australia Day with Warwick, and showing him how Australia Day is celebrated in our community.

“We are excited for our 2019 program, especially with the upgraded pool complex being open. There will be so many activities and events to be held across our Shire and I hope the community comes together to celebrate and join in all the fun,” Cr Hooke concluded.

Tickets for the Australia Day Awards Dinner on Friday, 25 January at the Gunnedah Town Hall are $30 and available from www.thecivic.com.au or in-person at Gunnedah Shire Council or the Visitor Information Centre. Nominations for the awards have been extended until 5.00pm on 14 January 2019. Nomination forms are available to download from www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

The 2019 Australia Day Program for the Gunnedah Shire will soon be released.

For more information regarding the 2019 Australia Day events contact Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo Caption: Australia Day Ambassador Warwick Nowland with his son Aston.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

The NSW Government is delivering the new rail bridge in Gunnedah to improve road safety and freight connectivity.

Roads and Maritime Services has contracted Daracon Group to deliver this project. Upcoming work includes rebuilding Warrabungle Street between Little Barber and New Streets and relocation of major services on Warrabungle Street near the location of the new bridge.
Work will start on Monday 14 January 2019, weather permitting and is expected to take up to 12 months to complete.

View the Second Road Over Rail Project Flyer for more details.

20 December 2018

The coveted Santa Street crown has returned to Kamilaroi Road again this year, with residents working hard on their winning Christmas lights displays for weeks in the lead up to the 2018 Christmas Lights Competition, hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council.

The announcement was made at Council on Thursday, where seven houses (13, 15, 17, 19, 40, 42 and 44) were awarded the Santa Street winners plaque and a $100 gift voucher, sponsored by Gunnedah Shire Council.

The Competition saw Kris Janson, of Sanders Place impress all the judges to take out the top prize ($200 Gunnedah Gift Card) for Best Decorated House, with Anne McMahon, of Kamilaroi Road in second place ($100 Gunnedah Gift Card), and Ray and Kate Knight, of Conadilly Street in third place ($50 Gunnedah Gift Card), all sponsored by Gunnedah Shire Council.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey thanked everyone for their ongoing support of the Christmas Lights Competition.

“On behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council and all of our sponsors, I would like to thank everyone who entered this competition and put a lot of effort in to share the Christmas spirit this year,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I would encourage everyone to take the time to drive around and see these magnificent displays that light up our Shire at night on the countdown to Christmas. It’s certainly worth a look and adds something special during the festive season.”

Other prize winners included Robert and Kerrie Wells, of Pine Street, Curlewis, who received a $50 Mitre 10 Gift Card for Best Christmas Theme in a Village for their display, while Judges Choice was awarded to Oaktree Village in Favell Street, Gunnedah, both sponsored by Petrie’s Mitre 10.

The best dressed shopfront window, sponsored by Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, was awarded to Willow and Fli, on Conadilly Street.

Photo caption: The award winners of the 2018 Christmas Lights Competition received their prizes on Thursday at Council.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

18 December 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council welcomes the news that TAFE will be reinstating some apprenticeship courses in Gunnedah next year. Redevelopment of TAFE facilities and the reinstatement of apprenticeship courses are on the priority list for Gunnedah in the lead up to the 2019 state elections.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Council and Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry have been advocating strongly for apprenticeship courses to be returned to Gunnedah for quite some time.

“I welcome today’s announcement as a good first step for Gunnedah TAFE. As a growing community with many job vacancies for skilled trades, ensuring that we have the ability to retain and train our young people is critical to serving Gunnedah’s future economic growth. There is still a long way to go before TAFE services are at the required level,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Gunnedah is going ahead in leaps and bounds and it is important for the State Government to continue work to prioritise the allocation of TAFE resources to Gunnedah, to support that growth.”

Gunnedah Shire Council has plans to support the local TAFE, with more than 20 staff set to engage in apprenticeship courses in 2019, and more than 10 staff undertaking other certificate courses through TAFE.

“Gunnedah Shire Council and Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry are calling on our local businesses to get behind the apprenticeship courses and support our local TAFE, as we continue to advocate for a better deal for Gunnedah,” Cr Chaffey said.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said there is more work to do with TAFE to support the growth of the Shire.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH

Monday 27 January 2020
Collection will be on Tuesday 28 January 2020.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CURLEWIS

Monday 27 January 2020
Collection will be on Wednesday 29 January 2020.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday

Should you have any enquiries regarding the Recycling collection on Australia Day please contact RECYCLIT on 67421522.

THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND GREENWASTE COLLECTION

Please ensure bins are placed out the night before collection date, as contractors are not obliged to accept late bins.

If you have any enquiries regarding these changes please contact Council’s Customer Services Team on (02) 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager

17 December 2018

More than 3000 people descended on the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex as it reopened to the public on the weekend after significant upgrades.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey declared the pool open to the public, following a Welcome to Country and Indigenous dance performance.

“I am proud to have been a part of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open this amazing community asset and see the happiness on our residents and visitors faces as they enjoyed and admired the new facilities,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The Complex supports Council’s vision for creating liveable communities, by providing a modern, family-friendly pool complex which encourages participation in recreational activities and promotes community wellbeing.

“The Gunnedah community now has the state-of-the-art facility they deserve and we saw that in action on the weekend, with more than 3000 people excited to see and use the new facilities on the opening days.

“It is a huge credit to everyone who was involved from start to finish.”

Cr Chaffey said the Complex will provide many benefits for the community into the future.

“As we move forward an asset such as this will have additional economic benefits in tourism and employment,” Cr Chaffey said.

“But not only that, the community now has a facility they can enjoy for many years to come. Many generations grew up learning to swim in the original complex, and now their grandchildren and great grandchildren have the chance to make memories at the new facility.”

A plaque unveiling will be held at the complex on Thursday, 14 February 2019 – 60 years to the day since the original pavilion was officially opened.

For more information on the Complex or the upgrades, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 5.30am – 8.00pm
Saturday: 5.30am – 7.00pm
Sunday: 9.00am – 7.00pm
Closed: Christmas Day.

Kinfolk Poolside Café Opening Hours
Sunday – Thursday: 9.00am – 6.00pm
Friday – Saturday: 9.00am – 7.30pm

Photo captions: Photo 1: The first eight to swim the length of the pool line up on the blocks, from left, Ruth Pope, Marie Hobson, Angus Hobson, Tim Walsh, Savannah Lyons, Lauren Robertson, John Hickey and Barbara Williams.

Photo 2: The community makes a splash in the brand new 50m outdoor pool after the “all in” call.
Photos by Paul Mathews Photography.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council accepted a tender of $11.4 million from Hines Constructions of Bathurst to complete Stage 1a of the Master Plan at the Council Ordinary Meeting on 16 August 2017. Construction started on the project on 16 October 2017 and progress is well underway.

Gunnedah Shire Council is keeping the community updated with regular newsletters on the progress of the project. Hard copies of the newsletter are available at Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building, Visitor Information Centre and the Heated Pool Complex.

For the latest online version of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Renewal Project Newsletter click here.

Conducting an election is a major public event. During major election events some 5 million electors vote across NSW.

The NSW Electoral Commission offer opportunities to work at state and local government elections. Work is available on election day and throughout the election period, the weeks before and after election day.

Working at an election is a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet people, while you also play a valuable part in contributing to democracy. We look for staff to work as election officials during the election period. Staff receive training, support and a competitive pay rate.

The NSW Electoral Commission is encouraging people to apply to work at the NSW State election. For more information go to elections.nsw.gov.au/working_at_elections.

07 December 2018

This holiday break if you plan on building or landscaping on your property, make sure you are aware of underground pipes and cables before you dig.

Gunnedah Shire Council is part of the Dial Before You Dig campaign to reduce accidents and damages associated with underground infrastructure.

Council’s Chief Engineer Daniel Noble said it is easy to access information about the location of underground pipes and cable networks via the free national service.

"The Dial Before You Dig program can provide assistance to anyone who is doing excavation work, whether you are a homeowner landscaping your yard or large contractors doing major excavation works,” Mr Noble said.

“It is designed to prevent damage to infrastructure and disruption to services, as well as improving public safety.”

Mr Noble said Dial Before You Dig acts as a single point of contact for the public to receive information about underground networks.

“By making it easy for people to get the information they need, they can hopefully avoid the costs, disruptions and dangers associated with unexpectedly digging into underground infrastructure,” he said.

Gunnedah Shire Council recommends obtaining accurate information about a work site to significantly minimise the risk of injury and personal liability.

To use this free service, visit www.1100.com.au, phone 1100 or download the app ‘Dial Before You Dig’ to your mobile device.

Photo: This holiday period, Gunnedah Shire Council Chief Engineer Daniel Noble wants you to be prepared and dial before you dig.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

6 December 2018

Gunnedah Shire Library has won the NSW Public Libraries Association Innovation in Outreach Services Award for its ‘Bookends’ initiative at the recent Switch On Conference in Coffs Harbour.
The Library launched ‘Bookends’ in April 2018 as an after school literacy program designed to connect young children with local seniors who can help and encourage the children to develop their literary skills.
Gunnedah Shire Council Librarian Christiane Birkett said the one-on-one assistance makes a big difference in a child’s reading development and is what makes the program so successful.
“Participants can ‘borrow’ a senior for a 20 minute block, and during this period, they will select a number of books from the shelves to read to the senior,” Ms Birkett said.
“Providing children with a one-on-one learning environment enables them to learn at a rate that suits their level of ability and can progress in a fun and safe way.
“Children stay keen to learn with the myriad of activities and engaging stories that feature in the lessons.”
Ms Birkett said the program also provides parents with a way to track the learning progress of their children including the number of books completed and the learning milestones achieved.
“By linking ‘Bookends’ to the ‘1000 Books Before School Program’, children are offered reward incentives for their work,” she said.
The award is highly regarded in the library sphere, with ‘Bookends’ winning by showing its creativity, innovation, effectiveness and commitment to the outreach program.
“The program launched in time for Seniors Week and with the co-operation of the Pensioners’ Guild, GoCo and school teachers, which has allowed us to engage with a number of enthusiastic seniors that are available to interact and assist the youth in our community,” Ms Birkett said.
Council’s Director, Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann is pleased the library staff were recognised for their great work.
“I would like to congratulate library staff, children and the seniors on all their hard work and help with this program,” Mr Formann said.
“In particular I would like to recognise our Librarian, Christiane Birkett, who manages a wonderful and multi-award winning facility for the Gunnedah community.”
The program runs every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 3.00pm until 5.00pm and Friday afternoons from 3.00pm until 4.00pm.
‘Bookends’ seeks to help readers sound words out, build the child’s word bank, enhance fluency, teach children to automatically and accurately read books by building on their comprehension and understanding.
To find out more, book your child in to the program or sign up as a helper, please contact the Gunnedah Shire Library on (02) 6740 2190.

Photo: Gunnedah Shire Library rewarded for ‘Bookends’ initiative. Left to right: Robyn Draper, Librarian Christiane Birkett and Yvonne Reading.

#ENDS
Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.