Gunnedah Shire Welcome Guide

Gunnedah Shire Welcome Guide

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Welcome to Gunnedah Shire

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Welcome to Gunnedah It’s the people that make this such a wonderful place to live. The diversity, the strengths, the talents and the experience our residents bring with them add up to something special. Now that you are here, our community is that little bit richer.

Our Shire offers great liveability. We have excellent schools, a range of businesses and employment opportunities, beautiful landscapes, and that country lifestyle that makes living here an adventure. There are close to 13,000 residents in Gunnedah Shire living diverse lifestyles in areas ranging from Breeza on the Liverpool Plains to the picturesque Tambar Springs and the busy township of Gunnedah.

In this Welcome Pack, we want to help you feel at home. Gunnedah Shire Council would also like to provide you with the information that will put at your fingertips all the council services and information you might need. Whether you want to register your pet, are wondering what days to put your bins out, or just want to go to the movies, you will find the information here.

Welcome to our Shire.

We hope you love living here as much as we do.

Traditional Owners Gunnedah Shire Council acknowledges the Kamilaroi Aboriginal Nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work, and in doing so, Council pays its respect to all Elders past and present as well as to the young Indigenous leaders of tomorrow.

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Inside this guide Your Community Arts and Culture ................................................................................................................................ 10 Annual Events .............................................................................................................................. 11 - 12 Places to Explore ............................................................................................................................... 13 Schools and Education ................................................................................................................. 14 - 16 Medical Facilities ............................................................................................................................... 16 Sport and Recreation .......................................................................................................................... 17

Your Property Pets and Animals ............................................................................................................................... 20 Rates and Water ................................................................................................................................ 21 Street Trees ....................................................................................................................................... 21 Waste and Recycling .......................................................................................................................... 22 Waste Facilities ................................................................................................................................. 22 Important Waste Info ......................................................................................................................... 23 Planning and Development ................................................................................................................ 24 Doing Business ................................................................................................................................. 24

Your Council Communicating with Council ............................................................................................................. 28 Council and Council Meetings ............................................................................................................ 28 Access and Inclusion ......................................................................................................................... 28 GoCo - Aged and Community Services ................................................................................................ 29 Gunnedah Shire Library ...................................................................................................................... 30 Youth Services .................................................................................................................................. 30 Grants and Sponsorship ..................................................................................................................... 30

My husband and I moved home to raise our kids - Gunnedah has so much to offer them.

Rista Friend

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Gunnedah Fast Facts Location The Shire of Gunnedah is located in the north-east of New South Wales. It is the gateway to the fertile Liverpool Plains and features the Namoi River. While Gunnedah features all the attractions of rural living, it is less than an hour’s drive from the city of Tamworth.

Economy Gunnedah has a diverse and resilient economy. The traditional farming and mining industries continue to play a leading role, alongside strong construction, manufacturing and retail sectors.

Size The Shire covers an area of 4994km2 with a population of close to 13,000.

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Open for business Gunnedah Shire’s business community is innovative and supportive. Gunnedah Shire Council supports the growth of businesses through the Business Partner Program and a dedicated Economic Development team. The Gunnedah economy includes a vast array of business of all sizes and across many industries.

Our connections Gunnedah Shire is accessible via the Oxley and Kamilaroi highways. There are regular train services to Sydney, and flights to Brisbane and Sydney from Tamworth. The National Broadband Network keeps Gunnedah businesses and residents connected.

Fibre and wireless technology provide Gunnedah with direct access to highspeed broadband internet.

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Gunnedah Shire is a warm and welcoming community, built on a rich tapestry of interests and services.

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Your Community 9

Arts and Culture

Built in the 1920s, Gunnedah’s Town Hall stands proudly as a testament to our architectural and civic heritage, with its period features and classic charm resonating with locals and visitors alike. Featuring a vast dance floor, air-conditioning and heating, the Town Hall is an ideal venue for hosting special events, conferences, concerts and balls. The Smithurst Theatre is the “little sister� of the Town Hall and regularly hosts meetings and activities for the Gunnedah community.

Enjoy local art in the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery with a feature exhibition on display every six to eight weeks. Arts Gunnedah often has volunteers onsite to discuss any pieces and have workshops to try varying art forms.

The Civic Cinema allows movie-goers to enjoy the latest blockbuster releases, art-house, archival films and film festivals in an intimate setting. If you consider yourself a movie buff, Film Trac is the local community group in which members can enjoy access to international films and discuss with like-minded friends.

Whether you are in Gunnedah on holidays or live in the area, the friendly staff at the Visitor Information Centre will guide you in the right direction to discover Gunnedah and surrounding areas. It also has a great gift shop.

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

The galleries exhibit diverse collections of works, featuring local and regional artists, emerging Australian artists, collective community exhibitions and houses the Gunnedah Community Collection.

Gunnedah Cultural Precinct Chandos Street, Gunnedah T: 02 6740 2100 | Available 7 days 10

Annual Events Gunnedah’s strong community spirit and diverse population has led to a full calendar of varied events, with new festivals and events continuing to pop up to suit our growing community and attract visitors from far and wide.

The Gunnedah Show, held in April each year, not only showcases the Shire’s agricultural, cultural, and even sporting talents, but includes a great range of events for all interests. It is a true country show, bringing families together and celebrating Gunnedah Shire.

Gunnedah is home to AgQuip, Australia and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural field day showcasing the latest products, innovation and services. AgQuip connects manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of agricultural and associated products and services in one central location and has been running annually since 1973, attracting over 100,000 visitors to the three-day event in August each year.

Gunnedah's annual calendar of events, includes other major local events such as the Weeks of Speed, the national Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards, memorable Australia Day events, and a whole raft of community-based markets, fetes and shows. Take a look at our calendar over the page to see all the regluar and annual events Gunnedah has to offer.

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Annual Events --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------

JANUARY

AUGUST (continued)

Australia Day celebrations

NightQuip Night Markets Gunnedah Polo Carnival Arts and Ceramics Exhibition

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FEBRUARY

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Flickerfest

SEPTEMBER

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Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards North West Swap Meet Gunnedah Gallop

MARCH Day with the Devils Weeks of Speed Festival Gunnedah Country Music Muster Gunnedah Autumn Fair Women in Business Events

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OCTOBER Harvest Gunnedah Food Festival Small Business Month Ladies Auxiliary Rose Show Gunnedah Sporting Clays Gum Tree Championships

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APRIL Gunnedah Bird Expo and Sale Gunnedah Show Boggabri Drovers Campfire

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NOVEMBER Christmas Fair Biennial Energy Innovation and Mining Expo (eIMEx)

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MAY

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Gunnedah Jockey Club Race Day Gunnedah Eisteddfod Paddock to Plate 100 Mile Long Lunch

DECEMBER Carols in the Park Christmas Lights Display and Competition Gunnedah Jockey Club Christmas Races Spirit of Christmas Street Fair

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JUNE Keepit Kool Regatta Sundowner Cycle Road Race

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RECURRING EVENTS

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JULY

Live Cattle Sales Every Tuesday

Wean Picnic Races Gunnedah Showjumping Festival Gunnedah Jockey Club Curlewis Cup Races

Gunnedah Country Markets Third Saturday of each month

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Championship Dog Shows

AUGUST

Creative Arts Gallery Exhibitions

AgQuip Field Days AgQuip Bull Ride

Bluevalue Speedway Monthly from September to April

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Places to Explore Open, friendly and spanned by beautiful country aspects, the Koala Capital of the World offers much more than just our famous furry friends. Gunnedah is surrounded by the expansive Liverpool Plains and framed by the Nandewar Ranges. Our Shire includes the villages, of Curlewis, Carroll, Kelvin, Tambar Springs, Carroll and Mullaley.

Gunnedah has a lively cultural and social scene, with pubs, restaurants and cafes to suit an array of budgets and tastes. Conadilly Street is buzzing with speciality retail stores, beauticians and a vibrant café culture. There is always something to see or do at the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct - you can catch a movie or see a fantastic live show at certain times of the year, or check out what is happening in one of our galleries. Our top sites include: Boonalla Aboriginal Area | Kelvin Boonalla offers hikers and naturalists “off the beaten track” fun in the quintessential Aussie bush. This space is also brimming with cultural significance for the Kamilaroi people, and offers a great place to explore and learn.

The Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre Gallery | Chandos Street, Gunnedah The heart of Gunnedah’s Cultural Precinct. Housing a large and wide-ranging collection of works, the Art Gallery is fast becoming a hot spot for emerging artists. Open 7 Days, free entry.

Work of Art Community Gallery | Barber Street, Gunnedah A charming gallery and café in a late 1800s house featuring both regional and international artists.

Rural Museum | Oxley Highway, Gunnedah The Gunnedah Rural Museum is one of Australia's largest collections of early agriculture, industrial history and transport memorabilia.

Water Tower Museum and Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial | Anzac Park, South Street, Gunnedah The collection includes local history information, mural and displays of the first explorers, household memorabilia, memorabilia from major world conflicts, and local school history.

Porcupine Lookout | Apex Drive, Gunnedah The Aboriginal Kamilaroi Tribe called this hill “Bindea”, which translates to “the place where shrubs with leaves like a porcupine quill grow”. Porcupine Lookout's ideal position provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Pensioners Lookout & Heritage Sculptures | Lloyd Road, Gunnedah This is a beautiful natural space for picnics with spectacular views. The Heritage Sculptures by Carl Merten and Joan Relke were erected by the Rotary Club of Gunnedah West. The lookout also features Indigenous carved trees.

Lake Keepit | Keepit Dam Road, Keepit A family day-trip destination of choice for locals, Lake Keepit is literally a water playground offering year-round activities, water sports and adventures.

I love the friendship. Nearly everyone smiles.

It’s a very, very friendly place. I love this town.

Robyn Louis

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Schools and Education There is a range of quality schools, preschools and long day centres in the Gunnedah Shire, allowing a choice for parents and carers. The Shire also has a school for children with special needs. TAFE NSW Gunnedah offers a wide range of government-accredited and locally designed courses at a tertiary education level.

Don’t forget, road safety is critical in school areas. Obeying the road rules in 40km/h zones and ensuring you follow parking restrictions will assist in keeping children safe.

Tertiary Education COMMUNITY COLLEGE 39 Chandos Street, Gunnedah www.communitycollege.nsw.edu.au

GUNNEDAH TAFE NEW ENGLAND CAMPUS Hunter Street, Gunnedah www.tne.edu.au

GUNNEDAH CONSERVATORIUM 144-125 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah www.gunnedahconservatorium.com.au 14

High Schools CARINYA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 46 Elgin Street , Gunnedah www.carinya.nsw.edu.au

ST MARY'S COLLEGE Bloomfield Street, Gunnedah www.stmaryscollege.nsw.edu.au

GUNNEDAH HIGH SCHOOL Marquis Street , Gunnedah www.gunnedah-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

G.S. KIDD MEMORIAL SCHOOL 37 Lincoln Street, Gunnedah www.gskiddmem-s.schools.nsw.edu.au

Primary Schools CARINYA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 46 Elgin Street , Gunnedah www.carinya.nsw.edu.au/carinya-gunnedah

GUNNEDAH SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL 1/15 Winder Place, Gunnedah www.gunnedahs-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

G.S. KIDD MEMORIAL SCHOOL 37 Lincoln Street, Gunnedah www.gskiddmem-s.schools.nsw.edu.au

ST XAVIERS PRIMARY SCHOOL 152 Bloomfield Street , Gunnedah www.stxaviersgunnedah.catholic.edu.au

GUNNEDAH PUBLIC SCHOOL Bloomfield Street, Gunnedah www.gunnedah-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Pre-Schools and Day Care CONNECTIONS 4 KIDS Corner Hunter and Marquis Streets, Gunnedah www.gfcs.com.au/connections-4-kids

GUNNEDAH SUPPORTED PLAYGROUPS Hunter Street, Gunnedah www.gfcs.com.au/gunnedah-supported-playgroups

GOODSTART EARLY LEARNING 103 Bloomfield Street, Gunnedah www.goodstart.org.au

LIL ACHIEVERS (PRE-SCHOOL & DAYCARE) 211 Bloomfield St, Gunnedah www.lilachievers.con.au

GUNNEDAH BAPTIST COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL 1 Reservoir St, Gunnedah www.gunnedahbaptistcommunitypreschool.org.au

MARY RANKEN CHILD CARE CENTRE Hunter Street, Gunnedah www.gfcs.com.au/mary-ranken OORANGA FAMILY MOBILE RESOURCE UNIT 112 Barber Street, Gunnedah www.ooranga.com.au

GUNNEDAH FAMILY DAY CARE Corner Hunter and Marquis Streets, Gunnedah www.gfcs.com.au/gunnedah-family-day-care

WINANGA-LI ABORIGINAL CHILD & FAMILY CENTRE 12 Hunter Street, Gunnedah winanga-li.org.au

GUNNEDAH PRESCHOOL 35 Elgin Street, Gunnedah www.gunnedahpreschool.org.au 15

Village Schools CARROLL PUBLIC SCHOOL David Street, Carroll www.carroll-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

MULLALEY PUBLIC SCHOOL Nombi Street, Mullaley www.mullaley-p.schools.nsw.edu.au '

CURLEWIS PUBLIC SCHOOL 44-68 Goran Street, Curlewis www.curlewis-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

TAMBAR SPRINGS PUBLIC SCHOOL Mullaley – Coolah Road, Tambar Springs www.tambarspr-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Medical Facilities Gunnedah Shire has a modern hospital with 43 beds. The hospital provides a high standard of general medical and surgical services including a day surgery care facility. The Obstetric Unit services approximately 150 deliveries per year. Further specialist care is available in Tamworth.

A busy Emergency Department services the community through on call Visiting Medical Officers. The Health Service has a broad range of community health services including child and family health, Aboriginal health, chronic and aged services; Physiotherapy, X-Ray facilities and a Public Health Dental Clinic, which are also located on the campus. Gunnedah Hospital has a helipad and can access the Westpac Helicopter Service and Childflight services to Newcastle.

Other health facilities in Gunnedah are NSW Ambulance and a pathology service. The Air Ambulance and Child Flight Neonatal Helicopter serve the community on request.

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Sport and Recreation As well as the beautiful open spaces of Gunnedah Shire, there are many parks and sporting fields with a range of play equipment and facilities.

Gunnedah Shire Council manages a total of 108 hectares of sporting fields. The major sporting fields – Wolseley Park, Donnelly fields and Kitchener Park – are well-used and loved by the community. Gunnedah is well-recognised in the region as a Shire that has excellent sporting facilities, sporting talent and caters for the majority of sports, with a major focus on cricket, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, tennis, netball, swimming, triathlon/athletics and AFL. Major sporting fields are equipped with picnic/barbecue areas, children’s play equipment, amenities blocks and fully grassed fields PARKS Gunnedah is a family-friendly Shire with a variety of playgrounds catering for all ages and developmental levels and interests. Our parks are great places to have picnics and watch the kids play.

Gunnedah’s newest park is Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground, designed especially for children of all ages and abilities.

Play equipment includes a treehouse tower, a sensory garden walk, wheelchair-accessible in-ground trampolines, a flying fox, accessible drinking fountains, barbecues, a raised sand table with wheelchair access, and a speciallydesigned expression swing.

GUNNEDAH MEMORIAL SWIMMING POOL Our state-of-the-art Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool complex is located in the township of Gunnedah amid a setting of trees and lawns. The Complex was built in the 1950s as a memorial to pay tribute to those who served.

The complex features a FINA-compliant, competition eight-lane 50m outdoor pool, and a 25m indoor heated pool.

For the younger family members, there is a kids’ water playground area and a dry playground area. There is also a pavilion and amenities, as well as kiosk/café facilities, seating and shaded or open grassland areas.

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The Gunnedah lifestyle is all about home, family and enjoying a relaxed way of living.

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Your Property 19

Pets and Animals Already have your own furry friend? Thinking about adopting?

Gunnedah Shire Council has all the information you need.

WELCOME TO YOUR PET Pets are part of our lives – especially in rural and regional areas. Gunnedah Shire is a great place for the whole family – including your pets.

Keep your dog on a leash when in public (except in designated off-leash areas) and make sure they are wearing an identification disc with your contact number in case they wander. The Woolshed Reserve, on the corner of Maitland and Chandos streets, is the designated off-leash area.

Your dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered so they can be returned home if lost, injured or stolen. We also encourage you to have your pet desexed which, besides the other benefits, will also entitle you to a discount on registration. Eligible pensioners will also a discount on presentation of a Pensioner’s Card.

If your microchipped pet is missing contact Council within 72 hours to report it as missing on the NSW Companion Animals Register. Phone us on 02 6740 2100. Please also notify us if your animals is found or returns home.

If your missing pet is picked up by one our rangers we will make every effort to reunite you with your pet. If your pet is microchipped and registered, or wearing a collar and identification tag, we will contact you promptly so you can reclaim your pet straight away. If your pet is missing, contact Council on 02 6740 2100.

NATIVE WILDLIFE Living in rural areas has many advantages, but also brings us into more direct contact with wildlife. Please take care on our roads, particularly at night and around dusk and dawn when animals are on the move. Contact WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Services) on 1300 094 737 to report an injured animal or to report a snake that is posing a threat.

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Rates and Water The rating system is a critical part of any local government authority, with rates paid by property owners used to assist with community infrastructure and services, such as roads, parks, public facilities, libraries, planning, animal control, tourism and economic development, and aged, youth and child services.

Water rates go towards ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for Gunnedah Shire Council residents and businesses. Council has installed smart water meter readers in all households and businesses to ensure accurate information is recorded and leaks can be easily detected.

Your rates and water accounts can be emailed to you. The use of emailed bill delivery is quicker, cheaper and better for the environment. Signing up for this free service will also allow you to login to the web portal so you can change your email details, retrieve forgotten passwords, view and reprint notices.

To find out more, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

WATER RESTRICTIONS Gunnedah Shire Council has permanent water conservation measures in place for all properties connected to town water supplies in Gunnedah, Curlewis, Mullaley and Tambar Springs. As conditions change, further restrictions may be in place, so it is important to stay up-to-date with current water conservation levels. To check current water restrictions, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

Street Trees Council is responsible for trees located on Council-owned land and footpaths. It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain trees on residential and private land. If you see a tree that needs attention on either a footpath or Councilowned land, please let us know by calling 02 6740 2100. Trees that are reported to us will be assessed.

Planting of trees on Council land, including footpaths, requires authority by Council. Please contact us before going ahead with any planting in these areas so we can consider how close the planting is to utilities and other infrastructure. We can provide information about trees, species and planting locations. Trees cannot be planted within 20m of an intersection to ensure clear visibility.

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Waste and Recycling Moving can be a messy time. We have all the information you need so you know just how waste management works in Gunnedah Shire.

WASTE & RECYCLING SERVICES Gunnedah Shire Council provides kerbside collection services for general waste and recycling, as well as a green waste collection service to all residential households within the town boundaries of Gunnedah.

Rural residential areas and households within the town boundaries of Carroll and Curlewis have a weekly kerbside collection for general waste and recycling. Both bins are collected on the same day each week. Rural areas outside the collection zones must transport their waste to one of the Shire’s waste facilities.

Property owners can request additional bins for a fee by submitting a Bin Despatch Form. For new home within the collection zones, a Certificate of Occupancy must be issued and the home owner needs to submit a Bin Despatch Form. To find out more, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or call 02 6740 2100.

WASTE FACILITIES Residents who are not in a collection zone or residents who have waste materials that cannot be disposed of in household bins will need to visit one of Council’s waste facilities. Sorting materials before leaving home will assist, with recyclables at the top of the load, and green waste and other waste separated at the bottom of the load.

Remember to cover your load.

Gunnedah Shire waste facilities are: Gunnedah Waste Management Depot 418 Quia Road, Gunnedah

Breeza Mobile Service Breeza Street, Breeza

Carroll Rural Waste Depot Stephen Street, Carroll

Emerald Hill Mobile Service Emerald Hill Hall, Emerald Hill

Curlewis Rural Waste Depot Kamilaroi Highway, Curlewis

Kelvin Mobile Service Kelvin Hall, Kelvin

Mullaley Transfer Station Mullaley & Boggabri Stock Route, Mullaley

Tambar Springs Transfer Station School Street, Tambar Springs

For details of opening hours, please visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or call 02 6740 2100.

GUNNEDAH COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRE (CRC) Gunnedah Shire Council has made recycling easier for householders to recycle and dispose of problem wastes with a drop-off centre known as the Community Recycling Centre (CRC), which is open Tuesday-Sunday from 8am to 4pm. It is free to dispose of: car batteries (lead acid), household single-use batteries, gas cylinders (including fire extinguishers), gas bottles, used oils (petroleum oil), smoke detectors, paint (oil and water-based), other oils (cooking), aerosols and fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lighting.

RECYCLIT BOWERBIRD SHOP The Bowerbird Shop is the public retail outlet of Recyclit. People donate items that are in good condition and that could be of use to someone else. The Bowerbird Shop is located within Recyclit Shed at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility on Quia Road, Gunnedah. For Bowerbird Shop enquiries, call 02 6742 1522.

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Important Information GUNNEDAH COLLECTION

BIN COLLECTIONS

Within the town boundaries of Gunnedah, the general waste bin (red lid) and the recycling bin (yellow lid) are collected on the same day each week while the green waste bin (green lid) is collected fortnightly on the same day as your general waste and recycling.

To find out when your bin(s) will be collected, call Gunnedah Shire Council on 02 6740 2100.

Visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and enter your address into the Recycle Coach app to access details about collection days and have a personalised collection schedule created for you.

RURAL RESIDENTIAL COLLECTION

Rural residential areas around the Shire and households within the town boundaries of Carroll and Curlewis have a weekly kerbside collection for general waste and recycling. Both bins are collected on the same day each week.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Throughout the year, whenever a public holiday coincides with bin collection days, Gunnedah Shire Council will post information regarding alterations to waste services on our website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au To find out how a public holiday affects your bin collection day, visit our website or call Council on 02 6740 2100 closer to the date.

BIN ETIQUETTE To help ensure your bins are emptied on collection day, follow these steps: • Put your bins out the night before collection.

• Place the bin near the kerb, handle facing away from the road. Place bins no further than one metre from the kerb or road’s edge.

• Place bins away from trees, posts, poles, fences and overhead wires.

• Ensure lids are closed. Bin lids should close completely and nothing should protrude out.

• Ensure the bin is not too heavy. If you struggle to wheel out your bin, our equipment will struggle to pick it up.

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Planning and Development Gunnedah Shire is open to new business and development and provides a range of support services and information for those who need assistance. Council staff can help you with the steps to follow for construction, planning and development.

To find out information about specific areas including applications, types of approvals, how to track applications and information guides, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Our helpful staff can help you with requirements. Call Gunnedah Shire Council on 02 6740 2100 to make an appointment with a duty planner to discuss your plans.

Doing Business Gunnedah Shire Council is committed to supporting and fostering new and existing local businesses. The Council encourages business and employment initiatives through the Business Partner Program, a grant funding program that aims to promote economic activity in the Gunnedah Shire. Since the program began, it has delivered more than $200,000 in funding to local businesses.

Gunnedah Shire Council is a Small Business Friendly Council, partnering with Service NSW to deliver the Easy to do Business Program, a program involving a range of initiatives to support new and existing businesses.

There is plenty of support and mentoring available in Gunnedah. The Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (www.gunnedah.org.au) has been recognised via the NSW Business Chamber Local Chamber Commerce Award as significantly assisting their members to maximise their potential.

There is an extensive calendar of networking events and business training throughout the year through Council’s Economic Development Team. To find out more, call the team on 02 6740 2100 or check out our local business directory Gunnedah Shire Localised at www.gunnedahshire.localised.com.au.

Gunnedah Shire Council actively encourages shopping locally and administers a local gift card program called Gunny Money. Over 90 retailers participate in the program across Gunnedah Shire with around $80,000 in sales processed on the cards in 2018/19.

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Our friendly Shire is open for business, open to families and open to adventure.

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Your Council 27

Communicating with Council Gunnedah Shire Council values our integral role with the community, and recognises the value of working side-byside with our people and businesses. We know it is important to listen. Whatever your query or feedback, there are a variety of ways you can keep in touch.

Our Customer Service Team is a wonderful front door to Council services and knowledge. Call us on 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s website also includes a wealth of information about the Shire and Shire Services. Take a look at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

Gunnedah Shire Council and the Civic Gunnedah both have Facebook pages where timely information is posted.

You can also contact Gunnedah Shire Council via email on council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Council and Council Meetings Gunnedah Shire is represented by nine Councillors, with Councillors elected as Mayor and Deputy Mayor each year by their fellow Councillors. More information about our Councillors is available at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

Gunnedah Shire Council ordinary meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month, with the exception of August, which is determined in relation to the scheduling of AgQuip. Council meetings are open to the public, except for the closed session of the meeting, and are held in the Council Chambers, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, unless otherwise advised on the meeting notice or in extraordinary circumstances. Council streams council meetings via Mixlr. Visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au to find out more.

Access and Inclusion Gunnedah Shire Council is working hard to make our region more accessible for everyone, regardless of age, cultural background and ability. We recognise that improving accessibility and fostering inclusion enhances quality of life for the whole community. If you have come across any access or inclusion barriers within our community, please contact Council on 02 6740 2100.

Contact T: 02 6740 2100 F: 02 6740 2119 After Hours: 02 6740 2100 E: council@infogunnedah.com.au www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

@gunnedahshirecouncil @thecivicgunnedah @gunnedah_shire

Address

Opening Hours

63 Elgin Street (PO Box 63) Gunnedah NSW 2380

Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 5.00pm

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GoCo Aged and Community Services GoCo specialises in providing aged and community services to the Gunnedah community, supporting older people to live an independent life. GoCo clients must be eligible through My Aged Care to access a range of services. GoCo has funding to provide entry level support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program including services such as: • T ransport around Gunnedah and to Tamworth for medical appointments, shopping and errands • S ocial activities including regular weekly groups, trips for special events, exercise classes and elders groups • C ompanionship – social support on a one-on-one basis including company in the home, shopping or other social activities

• Home Based Care Packages • Dementia Support Services • Aboriginal Support Services • Community Transport • Disability Support Services

• C are and housing – help for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, coordination of suitable housing solutions • H ome and garden maintenance – assistance to keep your home risk-free and safe including lawn mowing, cleaning gutters and changing lightbulbs GoCo is an approved provider of Home Care Packages, working in partnership to help older people co-ordinate a range of help and services in the home. The GoCo team delivers care in line with your allocated budget and individual needs and preferences.

GoCo also co-ordinates Community Transport for disadvantaged community members who need assistance to get around town. Daily bus runs, individual trips and taxi assistance is available by registering and booking in advance.

Many GoCo services are possible due to the generous time of our team of volunteers.

If you have time to spare, love helping people and would like to give back to the Gunnedah community, contact GoCo on 02 6740 2240 to discuss becoming a GoCo volunteer.

After 30 years of experience delivering aged care services in Gunnedah and the northwest region, you are in safe hands with GoCo, whether you need a little or a lot of care.

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Gunnedah Shire Library The Gunnedah Shire Library is a friendly, modern library that features a number of award-winning services and programs. There are activities for all ages, from Toddler Time through to Brain Training activities and craft sessions.

The library has a large range of resources in addition to books, including large print books, talking books, CDs, DVDs, magazines and newspapers. A photocopier and Wi-Fi are available for community use and new members are always welcome.

The Gunnedah Shire Library is open Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 5.30pm, Fridays 9.30am to 4.00pm and Saturdays, 9.30am to 1.00pm. The Library is located at 291-293 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah.

Youth Services Gunnedah Shire Council aims to create places and programs that stimulate social interaction and creative expression, as well as provide recreational, sporting and leisure opportunities. Initiatives that support this objective include the quarterly School Holiday Program, the Gunnedah Youth Council, annual celebration of National Youth Week and many youth-led activities throughout the year.

GUNNEDAH YOUTH COUNCIL (GYC) Gunnedah Youth Council is an opportunity for 12 - 25 year-olds to be a voice for the youth of Gunnedah. If you are interested in joining, either call Council on 02 6740 2100, or email Council at council@infogunnedah.com.au SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM The school holidays are a great time to develop new skills and participate in fun activities. Gunnedah Shire Council offers a school holiday program for both primary and secondary school-aged students to participate in each holiday period. To find out more, register to receive Council's What’s On newsletter via our website www.gunnedah.nsw. gov.au, follow Council on Facebook, or call Council on 02 6740 2100.

Grants and Sponsorship Gunnedah Shire Council is committed to supporting local businesses and community groups to grow and thrive, and has joined forces with Australia’s most powerful grant search engine, Grant Guru, to deliver a free one-stopshop website for business and community grants. Gunnedah Shire Council offers a number of grants, including Section 356 Arts and Cultural Grants to encourage projects, programs and events, and Section 356 Community and Sports Grants to fund projects to meet the needs of our growing community.

The Business Partner Program is a successful initiative that encourages new businesses and businesses that are expanding, through a financial contribution. The submissions are considered by a committee three times each year. This program has provided more than $200,000 for projects that benefit the economy and support local employment.

The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund, an initiative of Gunnedah Shire Council and the local community, provides an important opportunity for youth to pursue their tertiary education. The fund started in 2003 as a way to encourage post-secondary education. This initiative is the only known fund of its kind in NSW, offering financial support to help students get the next part of their education journey underway. It is only through the generous donations from members of our local community that we are able to continue to offer financial scholarships to our young people.

Visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au to find out more and check out the Gunnedah Funding Finder.

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I never knew what community was until I moved to Gunnedah - it was just a word. Now I really understand what it means. Being part of this community makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger.

Emily Wilson 31

For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council T: (02) 6740 2100 E: council@infogunnedah.com.au PO Box 63 (63 Elgin Street) Gunnedah NSW 2380 www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au