FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK, JAMIE CHAFFEY:
We are really excited that the contract for construction of Stage 2 of the new Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary has been awarded.
This world-class facility will include significant care and rehabilitation facilities for sick and injured koalas and other native animals, as well as an educational centre and a learning auditorium.
The successful tenderer, David Payne Constructions, is expected to finalise designs before beginning construction later this year.
We are committed to this amazing project that has been awarded $6.48 million through the NSW government’s Regional Communities Development Fund.
It will showcase Gunnedah as the Koala Capital of the World and help ensure koalas remain a part of our lives into the future.
The Koala Sanctuary will include a wildlife centre and hospital building which will house the main entry, shop and café, an education auditorium and animal enclosures. It will be built in a bushland setting with Oxley Highway frontage and entry through Hunts Road.
Council have already planted more than 5000 eucalyptus fodder trees that will be used as a food source for the care facility.
I would like to acknowledge the great things we saw in the month of August in Gunnedah, including AgQuip, NightQuip and the Annual Art & Ceramics Exhibition.
It is wonderful to see our community returning to an exciting program of events following the COVID-19 pandemic.
And even more community events are coming up, thanks to funding from the Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program. The six community events kicked off with NightQuip, and will also include Harvest Festival, Weeks of Speed Community Street Parade and Show & Shine, Australia Day Pool Party, Christmas Fair and Multicultural Harmony Festival.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society on the success of the 38th national poetry awards – and a big congratulations to all the students who participated.
I would like to make a special mention of Gunnedah South Public School student Quinn Eyre for winning the Kurrumbede Award, and the Emu Class at GS Kidd Memorial School – the runner-up in the Learning Assistance Secondary section.
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