16 February, 2023

Land values in Gunnedah Shire have increased more than 76% over the past three years, according to valuations recently released by the NSW Valuer-General.

Gunnedah Shire General Manager Eric Groth said the Valuer-General’s office had informed Gunnedah Shire Council the total land value for properties across the Shire was more than $3.5 billion at November 2022.

“That is an increase of 76.7% compared to the current total land value of $2.02 billion base that was set by the Valuer-General in July 2019,” Mr Groth said.

“The NSW Valuer-General is responsible for providing independent and impartial land values for use by the State Government and local government for taxes and rates. Those values don’t include the value of a home or other structures on the land.

“Landholders will receive a Notice of Valuation showing their land value before it is used by Council for rating. The new valuations will apply to rates that are levied over the next three financial years, commencing in the 2023/24 financial year.

“While this will impact on rates, the total amount of rates collected by Council is subject to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) rate peg limit, which is set for 3.8% for Gunnedah Shire in the 2023-24 year.

“The impact on individual rate assessments will depend on the change in land value relative to the change in land value of all other assessments in the same rates category or sub-category.”

Mr Groth said the increase in land valuations was good news for Gunnedah Shire, showing the region was not only holding its own, but had shown its growing appeal.

The NSW Valuer-General’s office has released a statement that says residential land values had increased by 33.7% across the North-West region, with the strongest residential value increases in Liverpool Plains (69.9%) and Tamworth Regional (37.5%). The statement said the increases had been largely driven by the demand from metropolitan and coastal buyers.

Gunnedah Shire had among the highest increases in the North West Region in commercial land values at 19.9%. Rural values increased 32.5%.

In Gunnedah Shire, land value trends for each category between July 1, 2021 and July 1, 2022 were:

• Residential 12% increase
• Commercial 19.9% increase
• Industrial 8.3% increase
• Rural 32.5% increase
• Other 86.4% increase
• Overall increase in the 2021-2022 financial year – 30.1%.

The latest land values for all properties in New South Wales are available on the Valuer-General NSW website (www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au), along with information on trends, medians and typical land values for each local government area.

Anyone with questions about how the change in land valuation may affect their rates, can contact Council’s Revenue Team on (02) 6740 2100, or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Caption: Land values in Gunnedah Shire have increased more than 76% over the past three years, according to valuations recently released by the NSW Valuer-General.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

6 February, 2023

Gunnedah Shire businesses with a fresh idea are encouraged to apply for Round 3 of the Business Partner Program.

The Business Partner Program is a Gunnedah Shire Council initiative that has helped hundreds of local businesses over the years with grants to encourage business growth and innovation, and to support employment.

Chair of the Business Partner Advisory Group Cr Ann Luke said the program was a great opportunity for Gunnedah Shire businesses.

“The aim of the Business Partner Program is to support new and expanding businesses with partial funding for their project,” Cr Luke said.

“It has helped a huge range of diverse initiatives over the years, from websites to new projects for existing businesses, from beauty to diagnostics, and accounting to engineering.

“Through helping businesses to achieve their goals, we are also helping the Gunnedah Shire economy.

“We encourage business owners with fresh ideas that will assist in local employment to apply.”

Details about the Business Partner Program, including guidelines and expression of interest forms, are available on the Gunnedah Shire Council website: https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/business-support/business-grants-funding/item/959-business-partner-program

Applications open on Wednesday, February 1, and close at 12pm on Tuesday, February 28. Businesses can apply for up to 75% of the total project cost.

For further information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Economy and Growth team on (02) 6740 2100, or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Caption: Numerous Gunnedah Shire businesses have benefited from the Business Partner Program including Goodness and Gracious.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

2 February, 2023

School has started for 2023 and Gunnedah Shire Council is reminding drivers to help keep our kids safe on their way to and from school.

Gunnedah Shire Council Regulatory Services Coordinator Wade Berryman said there was no better time for motorists to review their driving habits than the start of the school year.

“The start of school can be frantic, with little ones navigating their first days and lots of new students at every school,” Mr Berryman said.

“Road safety is up to all of us. Motorists need to ensure they are driving with care, and always on the lookout for hazards.

“It’s very important to follow the road rules and signs, to park safely, to consider other drivers and pedestrians, and to know where the school zones and parking zones are.

“Children and parents need to feel safe at all times on their journey to and from school.”

Some tips for safe driving and parking when travelling to and from school:

• Always follow the road rules and signs
• Do not expect to park close to your school – drop-off and pick-up times are busy. You might need to park further away and walk your child to school
• Know where the school speed zones are and where parking is available around the school
• Remember not to:
  • Park across driveways;
  • Park within 3m of a double centre line;
  • Park on a path or nature strip;
  • Park within 10m of an intersection;
  • Stop at a no stopping or no parking area;
  • Park at a bus zone; or
  • Double park.

Fines for parking illegally can be as high as $481 and 2 demerit points.

Caption: With school back, it’s the ideal time for parents and carers to become familiar with where they can and can’t park.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

February 1, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council has welcomed the announcement $2,679,377 has been allocated for 1470km of the Shire’s road network through the Regional and Local Roads Repair Program.

The NSW Government today announced funding of just under $11 million for the Gunnedah, Tamworth and Liverpool Plains shires as part of the $500 million program.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the funding was vital following the repeated flooding in 2022.

“Our share of the Regional and Local Roads Repair program is very welcome and is necessary to restore our road network,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Weather events in 2022 were disastrous across the state. The roads repair bills are enormous and we are hoping this funding will also be matched by the Federal Government.

“We need to have the ability to not only restore these roads, but improve their resilience for future weather events.

“Our roads are absolutely critical not only for our communities, our visitors and our economies, but to ensure we keep our city cousins supplied with all the food, fibre and other essential goods, services and products.”

Gunnedah Shire Council continues to assess both damage and repair costs, which have escalated dramatically following the pandemic.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

February 1, 2023

Sixteen young Gunnedah people are on their way to exciting new careers with the help of a Gunnedah Community Scholarship.

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund is a partnership between Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah Shire community that provides scholarships for students starting on their tertiary education journey.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was important to provide support for young members of the community as they started this exciting step.

“The Gunnedah Community Scholarship is now in its 20th year, and this year close to $22,000 in scholarships were awarded,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is wonderful that Council and the community can provide some support for students as they begin their tertiary education. The funding can go towards moving expenses, living expenses or books. It’s a helping hand that shows their community supports them in their journey.

“This would not be possible without the support of businesses and the community, who sponsor these scholarships. It is a really practical partnership that works to help out our young people.

“I congratulate the recipients and wish them well in their studies.”

The recipients of the 2023 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund are:
• Lucy Merlehan (Bachelor of Nursing, University of Newcastle)
• Aimee Randall (Bachelor of Nursing, University of Newcastle)
• Lara Hewitt (Bachelor of Nursing, University of Canberra)
• Imogen Taylor (Bachelor of Nursing specialising in Midwifery, University of Notre Dame)
• Julia Jones (Bachelor of Psychological Science, University of Newcastle)
• Ashlyn Summers (Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science – Diagnostic Radiography, Charles Sturt University)
• Yasmin Thomas (Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Newcastle)
• Ellyn Blinman (Bachelor of Education – K6 – University of New England)
• Alice Dorrington (Bachelor of Education – Primary – University of Newcastle)
• Molly Houguet (Bachelor of Education – Primary – University of Newcastle)
• Callie Jeffrey (Bachelor of Education – Primary – University of Newcastle)
• Lachlan Moore (Bachelor of Education – Secondary – University of Newcastle)
• Annalise Martin (Bachelor of Law, University of New England)
• Annie Lyne (Bachelor of Criminology, University of New England)
• Cooper Bedggood (Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering – Honours – University of Newcastle)
• Harry Fairfull (Bachelor of Engineering – Mechanical – Honours – University of Southern Queensland).

The recipients were congratulated at a ceremony at the Civic this week.

Caption: Some of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship recipients for 2023 (from left): Harry Fairfull, (behind) Molly Houguet, Alice Dorrington, (behind) Lara Hewitt, Lucy Merlehan, Ellyn Blinman, (behind) Cooper Bedggood, Annie Lyne, Callie Jeffrey, (behind) Lachlan Moore, Aimee Randall, Yasmin Thomas, Julia Jones and Annalise Martin. Image: Gunnedah Times.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

31 January, 2023

As Gunnedah Shire eases into a new year, it’s the ideal time to remind residents about correct recycling practices and ways to reduce waste and improve recycling at home, in the workplace, at school and in our community.

In May 2022, Gunnedah Shire Council inspected recycling bins across the Shire to assist residents in understanding which items could and could not be recycled, and to enable Council to provide targeted waste education and improve the quality of Gunnedah’s recycling.

Inspectors checked the contents of the recycling bins and noted any contaminants (items that did not belong in recycling bins), leaving a tag to inform the household if improvements could be made, and thanking them for using the bin. 

All inspected recycling bins also received a sticker, to remind residents not to place plastic bags, wrappers or packets in the yellow lid recycling bins, as these items get caught in machinery during the sorting process. 

Council’s Manager of Waste Sheridan Cameron said the most common contaminants were soft plastics,­­­­ non-recyclable plastic and tissues. 

“Residents are reminded that these items cannot be recycled in the yellow lid recycling bin, and should instead be placed in the red lid general waste bins for disposal,” Ms Cameron said.

She said the bin inspections were a great way to pass on the message about  recycling to residents.

“The data collected during the bin inspections provided Council with valuable information about how residents use their recycling bin, and allowed educational messaging to target common mistakes and improve residents’ understanding of waste processes,” she said.

“We hope to see residents taking on the feedback, and a resulting increase in the quality of our recycling.”

 Yellow lid recycling bins are for clean paper and cardboard, hard plastic bottles, punnets and containers, glass jars and bottles, aluminium cans and foil, and steel tins.  All other items should be placed in red lid garbage bins to avoid contaminating recyclable materials.

Following the inspections in May, Council promoted the correct use of  recycling bins , the value of start a compost bin or worm farm to divert food scraps from landfill, and encouraged residents to report sightings of illegal dumping. 

Council’s waste educators also visit primary schools throughout the year to teach the students about worm farming, local biodiversity, recycling and littering, and other topics.

“This is a valuable part of Council’s activities and many students are excited to become the waste warriors of their households, which is encouraging to see,” Ms Cameron said.

The next week of excursions is scheduled for May 2023. Contact EnviroCom at gunnedahwasteprograms@envirocom.com.au for more information.

Residents can keep up to date with the latest waste-related information by following Gunnedah Shire Council on Facebook.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager of Waste Sheridan Cameron, right, and Mayor Jamie Chaffey, left, speaking to children at Gunnedah Baptist Community Preschool about which items belong in which bins.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

30 January, 2023

Comedians Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs are bringing a barrel of laughs to The Civic Theatre on Saturday, 4 February.

The dynamite duo was deterred by flooding in November, but now they’re bringing their stand-up show Women Like Us back to Gunnedah for the first time since 2021.

Nolan and Briggs grew up in country towns and have 40 years of stage time and seven children between them. Come along for a hilarious, bumpy ride as they reflect on their ‘failure to parent’ moments, along with their thoughts on the beauty industry, getting older, getting fatter, strange surgeries, weird TV shows, obsessions, frustrations, and at the end of the day, who unpacks the dishwasher.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford said Women Like Us was a unique blend of raw honesty and real-life moments that was sure to be appreciated by locals.

“Unfortunately, Mandy and Ellen couldn’t make it to Gunnedah in November because of flooding but I’m happy to say that they rescheduled and can now bring this fantastic show to town,” he said.

“This is the ideal opportunity to get together with friends or family members and enjoy a night out with two of the funniest women in the business, so book your tickets online at The Civic and come along on Saturday.”

When: Saturday, 4 February, 2023. Doors open at 7.30pm. Show starts at 8pm.

Where: The Civic Theatre, 83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah

Tickets for 18+:  https://augsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/94188

Price: $45 per person.

Beverages: Kiosk open for non-alcoholic beverages. Limited BYO allowed - no glass allowed inside cinema.

Caption: Comedians Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs are bringing their unique humour and compelling chemistry to Gunnedah on Saturday.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

27 January, 2023

Gunnedah Shire welcomed two new citizens on Australia Day.

Francisco Carreno Duarte (originally from Mexico) and Noel Chalibbulaca (originally from Zambia) officially became citizens of Australia in a ceremony under the gum trees in ANZAC Park on Thursday.

The ceremony was held as part of the full day of events across the Shire and was officiated by Mayor Cr Jamie Chaffey and attended by community members and supporting family members.

The two new citizens received their Citizenship Certificates from The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC and took the Australian citizenship pledge of commitment, making them officially Australian citizens.

Cr Chaffey said it was exciting to welcome the Shire’s first new citizens for 2023.

“I’d like to congratulate Francisco Carreno Duarte and Noel Chalibbulaca on becoming our newest citizens,” he said.

“As the Shire continues to grow, it’s wonderful to see our multicultural ties strengthened and our community becoming more inclusive as we celebrate those who are choosing to make Australia and Gunnedah Shire home.”

Gunnedah Shire welcomed 25 new citizens in 2022.  

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day, visit www.citizenship.gov.au.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire’s newest Australian citizens Noel Chalibbulaca (Zambia) and Francisco Carreno Duarte (Mexico) with Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Ambassador John Anderson AC, Cr Kate McGrath and The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC (Minister for Education and Early Learning) on Australia Day.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

26 January, 2023

Ten Gunnedah Shire citizens and organisations have been recognised in the 2023 Gunnedah Shire Australia Day Awards.

Deputy Mayor and Chair of Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Working Group Cr Rob Hooke said the Australia Day Awards Ceremony on Wednesday was a wonderful opportunity to thank those who do so much in our community.

“The Gunnedah Australia Day Awards Ceremony is held on the eve of Australia Day, and is a marvellous way to launch the Shire’s festivities,” Cr Hooke said.

“Last night, we announced that our Citizen of the Year (21 and Over) is Kamilaroi man Mitchum Neave. Mr Neave was chosen for this award because of his ongoing commitment to many volunteer community organisations including the NSW Rural Fire Service’s Piallaway brigade and Rural Fire Service Association Liverpool Plains Branch.

“Mr Neave is also part of the Breeza Progress Association, Min Min Aboriginal Corporation, Kamilaroi Gomeroi Gamilaraay Youth Trust and NSW’s regional Closing the Gap committee. Congratulations, Mitchum.

“Our Young Citizen of the Year is Ellyn Blinman. Ellyn is a former Captain of Gunnedah High School and has been awarded numerous accolades in her young life. She is known for her team work, leadership skills, and social and community contributions and it’s a pleasure to see this young person receive this award.

“The Australia Day Awards include categories as diverse as Environmental Citizen of the Year, Cultural Achievement Award and the Ivan Towns Memorial Award. I congratulate all of our awards winners who have made such valuable contributions to our Shire.”

The Gunnedah Shire Australia Day Award recipients for 2023 are:

• Citizen of the Year (21 and Over) – Mitchum Neave
• Young Citizen of the Year (20 and Under) – Ellyn Blinman
• Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award – Bruce Higham
• Community Achievement Award – Gunnedah Wood Workers Group
• Cultural Achievement Award - Katerina Haenga – Multicultural Women’s Association
• Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award – Nat and Kate Groves
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year (20 and Under) – Hugo Holmes
• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and Under) - U18’s Gunnedah Rugby League Football Club
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award - Coach of the Year – Daniel Martin
• Environmental Citizen of the Year Award – Robert Frend

Gunnedah Shire’s Australia Day Ambassador is John Anderson AC, a sixth-generation farmer and grazier from Mullaley who spent 19 years in Australian Parliament from 1989. 

Mr Anderson served as a senior Cabinet minister in the reformist government led by John Howard (1996 to 2005).  This included six years as Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire's 2023 Australia Day Awards recognise outstanding individuals and organisations.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

23 January, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council is preparing to host the inaugural Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference from 22-23 November.

The two-day conference is aimed at local government and practitioners in community safety and crime prevention and will feature key note speakers from a diverse range of backgrounds, both local and beyond, to discuss emerging trends in crime, and the latest developments and approaches in resolving and enhancing safety in local communities. 

The event is being organised by Gunnedah Shire’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Working Group, and Chair Cr Colleen Fuller said it would be of particular interest to community safety practitioners, criminal justice personnel, law and policymakers and students.

“While the program has not yet been finalised, we are looking to attract speakers that will share ideas around innovative approaches to crime and community safety, while offering practical examples of solutions that can be used in a variety of metropolitan, regional and rural settings.

“Topics could potentially include domestic and family violence, coercive control, child safety, crime and mental health, youth crime, community safety and the impact of natural disasters, crime prevention and the night time economy, terrorism and crowded places management, and graffiti management, to name a few.”

Cr Fuller said it would also provide a boost to the Shire’s economy as the working group seeks to attract more than 100 delegates.

“It’s an opportunity to showcase what our Shire has to offer, with the dates determined to encourage delegates to stay a little longer, to experience what the region has to offer.

“We are already working with local businesses and entertainment providers to create some unique experiences for delegates.”

The conference will be held in the Gunnedah Town Hall and Smithurst Theatre.

Council first voted to endorse the event in May 2019 but the project was put on hold due to the drought, COVID-19 pandemic and successive flooding.

The working group includes a range of elected representatives, Council staff and representatives from local support services, Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, business and industry, and interested community members.

For more information on the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference, contact Council’s Community and Social Planner on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Working Group Chair Colleen Fuller with Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton at the Gunnedah Town Hall where the inaugural Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference will be held in November.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.