FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK, BY CR JAMIE CHAFFEY:

Welcome to 2023. It’s going to be a busy year for Gunnedah with exciting projects progressing and a strong economy.

The Gunnedah Saleyards redevelopment is well underway, the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary has started construction and we are looking forward to a new hospital.

We will keep the focus on getting our flood-damaged roads back into shape with the help of all levels of government to meet the mammoth repair costs.

As we head into 2023, I urge everyone to consider the people and groups who make a difference to our community and put in a nomination for Gunnedah Shire’s 2023 Australia Day Awards.

Nominations are due by Monday, January 16 and we need your help to make this event a true recognition of the wonderful contribution our citizens make.

The 13 categories in Gunnedah Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards are:

• Citizen of the Year Award (21 and over);

• Young Citizen of the Year Award (20 and under);

• Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award;

• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy;

• Community Achievement Award;

• Cultural Achievement Award;

• Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award;

• Sports Person of the Year Award (21 and over);

• Junior Sports Person of the Year Award (20 and under);

• Junior Sports Team of the Year Award (20 and under);

• Sports Team of the Year Award;

• Ivan Towns Memorial Award; and

• Environmental Citizen of the Year Award (open age category).

Nomination forms are available at thecivic.com.au/live-theatre–events

Hard copies are available at council’s administration building at 63 Elgin Street and Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre in Chandos Street.

Winners will be announced during the Australia Day Awards Dinner on Wednesday, January 25.

I would also like to send my heart-felt sympathy to the family of Warren Woodley OAM, who passed away recently.

Mr Woodley was a former mayor and community advocate who not only served the Tamworth community well, but fought for what he believed in – a safe and vibrant community.

He served Tamworth as a councillor for 39 years, and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service in local government and his work with the Australian Cities Against Drugs.

New South Wales has lost a true champion in Warren Woodley.

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