Gunnedah Mayor Owen Hasler has called on residents and businesses to “Dump Illegal Dumping” following the completion of costly clean-ups around Gunnedah in recent weeks. An estimated 90 tonnes of illegally dumped waste have been collected and disposed during the works, with the bulk having been collected from bushland within the travelling stock reserve located on Wandobah Road. “Council has spent close to $30,000 removing garbage, demolition waste, car bodies and even had to deal…

Gunnedah and Narrabri Shire Councils have called for the immediate installation of an Air Quality Monitoring System similar to the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring System, following further criticism of the present limited system by Mr James Whelan, a researcher with Environmental Justice Australia. Gunnedah Shire Mayor, Owen Hasler, raised the matter in a Mayoral Minute at the August Ordinary Council meeting stating "Mr Whelan has analysed the last seven (7) months of air quality tracking data…

Acclaimed national affairs correspondent, Heather Ewart will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards presentation to be held on Friday 2 September in Gunnedah. Ms Ewart is considered one of Australia’s most experienced and skilled reporters in political and federal affairs with postings in London, Washington and Brussels during her lengthy career. Ms Ewart has also been a recipient of the prestigious Golden Quill award for her story about skin cancer…

‘Around and About’ an exhibition of printmaking, etching and sculpture by popular and respected local artists Eileen Mair and Martine Moran will be exhibited from 9th September to 9th October 2016 at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street Gunnedah. ‘Around and About’ features artworks which question the present health of our earth and the way humanity impacts our environment. Martine investigates discarded and abandoned belongings which she reinvigorates with new life, transforming them into…

The coordinators of the National Dorothea Poetry Awards are celebrating an early success with a spike in entries for the 2016 competition, having already received over 11,7666 entries from young Australian poets. “Poetry is a form of artistry that over the years, appeared to be losing its place in Australian culture. The upwards trend in entries is a heartening indicator that poetry is clawing its way back into Australian schools and finding its way back to the youth of…

Nominations are invited from interested members of Gunnedah Shire for five (5) community orientated representative positions on the Gunnedah Floodplain Management Committee. The following provides an outline of the Committee’s responsibilities: PURPOSE:Assist in the implementation of policy and strategy planning relating to land use planning relative to floodplain development, consideration of tenders, funding of floodplain management plans, urban design, open space and recreational service. MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA:This is primarily an urban flood management Committee with particular focus on…

Gunnedah Shire Council is looking to develop its first Inclusive Playground in the Shire and is seeking the input of the local community to develop a design concept for the proposed play space. “The possibility of establishing an Inclusive Playground in Gunnedah evolved historically from an approach to Council from local resident, Ms Ashley Bender with support from the Touched by Olivia Foundation”, Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner and Project Coordinator, Debra Hilton…

Keeping old or unwanted agricultural and veterinary chemicals stored in your shed presents an unnecessary risk to staff, family, livestock, pets and the environment. Don’t leave them lingering for the next person, manager or generation to deal with, book them in now for ChemClear’s upcoming collection. Farmers and other agvet chemical users across New South Wales have another opportunity to dispose of their unwanted chemicals as ChemClear schedules a collection through the state commencing in…

There has been a number of water meters disappear from building sites in recent times, the removal of which is being investigated by police. We’re calling for community assistance and ask that all missing water meters be reported to the Police as soon as they are noticed by residents. Water usage and conservation is important to our community in order to preserve our water supply and ensure all residents have fair access to water resources.