April 16, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council this week welcomed representatives from the High Commission of Tonga, who met with local businesses to discuss employment opportunities.

The Polynesian Kingdom of Tonga lies significantly more than a cooee away from the landlocked north-western NSW Shire of Gunnedah, but talks between representatives from the two locations have uncovered opportunities the two could realise together.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said there is a strong alignment of needs between Gunnedah and Tonga, with the visit marking the beginning of a valuable friendship.

“There are significant employment opportunities here in Gunnedah, both in agriculture and far beyond, and Tonga is interested,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Our population has not kept pace with Gunnedah’s employment growth. Employers have told us that people are not available locally to fill the demand for skilled and unskilled positions.

“Council’s Skills and Training Working Group are focussed on securing immediate and long term solutions to these local workforce shortages. As part of this initiative we are extending a hand of friendship across the Pacific to offer Tongan workers an opportunity to gain experience with our local industry leading businesses and help support their families and communities.

“We could see a wonderful strong relationship between Gunnedah and Tonga build from this visit. There is so much we could share – skill-sharing, training, culture and tourism, the list goes on.

“Gunnedah has so much to offer and we would love to see our whole community become part of this journey as we build our friendship with the people of Tonga.”

Photo Caption: (From left to right) Tasimani Telefoni (Third Secretary Tonga High Commission), Curtis Tu'ihalangingie (Deputy Head of Mission Tonga High Commission), Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Sione Vaka (Liaison Officer, Seasonal Worker Program, Tonga) at Porcupine Lookout in Gunnedah.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

April 14, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is inviting the local community, housing providers, business and industry representatives to have their say in the development of a new Gunnedah Shire Local Housing Strategy. 

The wide ranging strategy will identify key priorities, objectives and initiatives for the delivery of affordable housing within the Gunnedah Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director of Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the Local Housing Strategy will inform strategic planning for residential development for the next 20 years.

“As part of this process, Council has engaged Elton Consulting to conduct a series of consultation sessions in Gunnedah next week and we are extending an invitation for interested parties to attend to help progress the development of this important document,” Mr Johns said.

“In developing this strategy, Council will consider factors including demographics, local land use opportunities, housing supply and demand and how this may change over time, identify areas of cultural, environmental, heritage or local character significance and outline actions to address issues of housing affordability.”

A series of consultations will be held at the Smithurst Theatre, Conadilly Street Gunnedah on Wednesday April 21, 2021 with session times below:

• Session 1 - General Public: 9am to 10am;
• Session 2 - Housing Providers/Community Services: 10:30am to 12pm;
• Session 3 - Business/Developers/Real Estates, Mining/Industry: 1pm to 2:30pm.

Anyone wishing to attend is encouraged to RSVP to Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton by email at council@infogunnedah.com.au or phone 02 6740 2100.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

April 14, 2021

Miniature books recording people’s artworks and thoughts during the very different year of 2020 are about to go on display at Gunnedah Shire Library.

The Panorama Project will open in Gunnedah on Monday, April 19 as part of a regional tour, and includes more than 180 sketchbooks, some contributed by Gunnedah Shire residents.

Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett said the exciting project was an Arts North West initiative.

“We made the Panorama Project sketchbooks available at Gunnedah Shire Library for people to fill any way they chose during the winter of 2020, which fell during some of the darker days of COVID-19,” Mrs Birkett said.

“Gunnedah really embraced the idea and our community is well represented in the Panorama Project.

“The collection of sketchbooks is a fascinating record of a significant time in history. Each book is entirely different – some include the reflections of people on lockdown, some feature beautiful artworks, others have photos or souvenirs of their life during that time.

“People can come and see the whole collection at the library and can pick books out at random or go in search of a particular book. It is really worth a look.”

The Panorama Project is touring the North West region from Tenterfield to Walcha, and Moree to Mungindi.

This project gives a rare opportunity for a wide audience to understand the perspectives of people in New England North West through imagery, colour and media, while capturing a moment in time, and serves a kind of visual historical document of this challenging time.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire artist Maree Kelly at work on her Panorama Project sketchbook.

Caption2: Panorama booklets being delivered in Gunnedah.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

April 14, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is conducting a short public survey to ensure our parks, sports grounds and open spaces meet our community's needs.

Survey feedback will assist in developing a Plan of Management for public open spaces. The Plan of Management will guide the use and management of community and Crown land in Council ownership or care and control.

Community land and Crown land comprise a wide variety of properties including our iconic parks, sportsgrounds, recreation reserves, natural areas and playgrounds.

We are asking the community to let us know what you value about our parks and reserves, and what actions should be prioritised in the management plan.

The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GenericPlanofManagement

April 7, 2021

The 2021 program for Youth Week in Gunnedah has it all, from comedy to cricket, and from debating to a mental health workshop.

NSW Youth Week 2021 is April 16 to 24 and is an opportunity for young people to share ideas, attend events, have their voices heard, showcase their talents, celebrate their contribution to the community, and have fun.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Customer and Community Relation Charlotte Hoddle said Gunnedah’s exciting program reflected the range of interests and issues facing the region’s young people.

“We have had huge interest from organisations and local businesses to be part of the Gunnedah Youth Expo this year,” Ms Hoddle said.

“The Youth Expo will be held on Wednesday, April 21 and is a great opportunity for young people to look ahead and talk to people about jobs, education pathways and their wellbeing. For the first time, the Youth Expo will include local businesses that employ young people in apprenticeships or offer other opportunities.

“But the Youth Expo is only one of the many events that will be held in Gunnedah for Youth Week.

“The Inter-School Debate will pit the debating talents of Gunnedah High School against St Mary’s and Carinya for the first time on Thursday, April 22. Young people between 12 and 25 will have the chance to exercise their funny bones at a Stand-Up Comedy workshop on Friday, April 23.

“There is also the wonderful Nextwave Youth Week Film Festival on Saturday, April 24 featuring 20 short films made by young regional Australian filmmakers.

“Other amazing events include the Carroll Cricket Day on Friday, April 16, a presentation on Early Intervention of Youth Mental Health for ages 16 and over on Friday, April 23, PCYC’s Star Jump Challenge and a Hospitality Basics course at the Community College starting on Monday, April 19.

“It’s a vibrant program with something for everyone and we really encourage young people, who are such an important part of our community, to get involved.”

A Skateboarding Workshop held this week as part of the School Holiday Program and as an early Youth Week event was fully booked with 40 kids developing their skate skills and having fun.

To take a look at the Youth Week Program, click here...

 To book your place in any of the Youth Week activities visit www.thwecivic.com.au

Caption: Gunnedah kids learn skateboarding skills at a workshop held as part of the School Holiday Program this week.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

March 29, 2021

It was the year 2001 and the first Harry Potter movie – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – along with Shrek and Ocean’s Eleven made their debut.

It was also the year going to the cinema in Gunnedah as we know it became a reality, with The Civic opening its big screen on March 31, 2001 – 20 years ago this Wednesday.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said this cultural milestone for Gunnedah had combined with the launch of the Dine and Discover NSW campaign plus the lifting of COVID-19 seating restrictions to create a perfect celebration.

“For 20 years, The Civic has played an important role in our lives,” Ms Mackley said.

“It has been the scene of first dates, fundraising events and family outings. It has seen grandparents, parents and kids laugh and cry, celebrate their birthdays and spend time with the people they love.

“Going to the movies is a tradition. It’s a cultural experience we all share.

“This year, we have seen the lifting of seating restrictions and the introduction of Dine and Discover NSW just in time to allow a full celebration of everything The Civic means to us. You can use Discover vouchers at the cinema for both tickets and the candy bar.

“And to help mark the occasion, there are special screenings. Film TRAC is kicking off its 2021 program with Corpus Christi, including a 5.30pm screening on the anniversary day, Wednesday, March 31.

“On Thursday, April 1, the classic The Greatest Showman makes its return at 7pm – but this time you will know all the words to the songs! Tickets are just $12.50 or A Discover voucher will cover two tickets to this screening.

“And on May 13 at 7.00pm, the critically acclaimed play WarHorse featuring life-sized puppets returns to the cinema at $25 a ticket. This is live theatre reimagined onto our cinema screens, straight from London.”

From March 31, 2021 The Civic, Gunnedah will be hosting a series of events to celebrate 20 years. For more information and for bookings, visit www.thecivic.com.au or subscribe to our ‘What’s on email’ to see what new events we have as part of our celebrations!

Caption: Dramatic action – the acclaimed War Horse will screen on May 13.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

March 25, 2021

A new exhibition exploring the impact of drought on Australian landscapes will open at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on April 23.

Unquestionably Dry is an exhibition by Gus Armstrong, a regional contemporary photographic artist. Armstrong currently resides on his farm in Kandos, New South Wales, the site of his photographic and music studios and artists residency.

Gunnedah Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said she expects the exhibition will resonate with Gunnedah residents who have experienced first hand the lasting impact of drought.

“This exhibition offers a chance for us to reflect on our own drought story and explores a future of life without water, posing questions about the sustainability of our contemporary lifestyles,” Ms Mackley said.

“Armstrong’s compelling stories depict the extremes of the Australian landscape, which we are now seeing at the other end of the spectrum with the recent floods.

 “Armstrong is a prominent upcoming photographer who has recently been selected as an exhibiting artist on the Kandos WAYOUT Artspace. He has also exhibited in Sydney, Rylstone and Mudgee.

“His photographic style mixes elements of spontaneity with careful planning. I encourage the community to come along and view this exciting, thought-provoking collection.”

Gunnedah residents are invited to attend the official opening of Unquestionably Dry at 6pm on Friday April 23 at the gallery. The exhibition continues until 3pm Sunday, May 23.

For more information and to reserve a space at the opening visit www.thecivic.com.au or call (02) 6740 2266.

Caption: Photographer Gus Armstrong is bringing his exhibition ‘Unquestionably Dry’ to Gunnedah in April.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

March 24, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Grants Funding Program is now open.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah Shire Council was one of the few councils in NSW that provided funding for arts and cultural programs, projects and events.

“Encouraging a vibrant and colourful cultural sector in our community helps add to the great lifestyle we have in Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The aim of this funding program is to allow groups to continue with their existing successful projects or to support new projects and initiatives that meet the needs of our growing community while strengthening our cultural identity and our connection to place.

“These grants could help with everything from acting to writing projects, from dancing productions to art shows.”

The arts and cultural project, program or event must align with the following general arts categories:
• Acting;
• Announcing;
• Fine art and craft;
• Directing;
• Animation;
• Dancing and choreography;
• Entertainment and performance;
• Music and singing;
• Photography;
• Production, and;
• Writing.

This is an annual funding opportunity. Projects can span up to 12 months and successful applicants can apply for subsequential annual funding rounds.

Applications are now open and are available to download here...

Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Caption: Arts and cultural grants have been used for a variety of initiatives in the past, including live entertainment at events such as markets.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

March 19, 2021

Following the postponement of the inaugural Harvest Gunnedah festival due to COVID-19, all systems are go for the 2021 spring event and stallholders are invited to join the festivities.

On Saturday, October 2 the Gunnedah Riverside Racecourse will come alive for a feast for the senses, with attendee’s invited to eat, discover and celebrate Gunnedah.

The event will feature street food stalls, a produce market, live music and entertainment, children’s entertainment, demonstrations from local growers, celebrity chefs and much more.

Member of the Harvest Gunnedah Committee, Gunnedah Shire Councillor Colleen Fuller said that people could expect a day full of quality local produce and entertainment.

“We are currently seeking expressions of interest from foodies, makers and producers who want to participate,” Cr Fuller said.

“We are hoping the whole Shire gets on board to bring the best they have to offer to the table and make the first event something to remember.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase local produce, meet the makers and get inspired to take home cooking to the next level.”

The festival has received funding of $17,000 through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, along with $20,000 awarded to the Gunnedah Jockey Club through the Back to the Track program.

For more information and to register as a stallholder visit www.harvestgunnedah.com. Registrations close Friday July 30, 2021.

For future updates in the lead up to the event, follow @harvestgunnedah.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

March 18, 2021

Council’s annual Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program is now open and eligible groups are invited to apply.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the 2021 round would provide opportunities for local clubs to get back on track.

“This grants program is in its 17th year and has awarded more than $440,000 to initiatives that support the work and interests of our not-for-profit, charitable, community and sporting groups,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It has made possible a huge variety of programs and events.

“Groups can apply for up to $5,000, which might be exactly what is needed to get a new initiative or service off the ground. With so many fundraising opportunities and activities cancelled or disrupted last year due to the Coronavirus, it is a tough time for community groups. We encourage them to apply.  

“Council recognises the valuable contribution these community groups and sporting clubs make to the fabric of our community and, in particular, the volunteers that work tirelessly to keep those organisations functioning.  When assessing the applications, priority will be given to those projects and initiatives that not only help organisations to grow and be sustainable, but also support the broader community.”

Gunnedah Shire Council this week appointed Councillors David Moses, Owen Hasler and John Campbell to the Section 356 Panel to assess applications alongside the relevant Council staff member.

Application forms and grant guidelines are available here.

Further information is available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton on 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

The 2021-2022 funding round closes at 5pm on Monday, May 3, 2021.

Caption: Successful recipients of the 2020/2021 Section 356 Grants Program.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.