I have plenty of good news to share with our community following council’s ordinary meeting last week.
Council will engage Waterforms International to restore the award-winning Rainbow Water Serpent Feature which sits at the entrance to The Civic.
Unfortunately, the 9.2m long artwork featuring 29 mosaic tiles has become damaged since its creation five years ago, but we are taking steps towards its restoration by endorsing the following:
• submission of an application for the restoration project under the ClubGrants Category 3 Fund (Arts and Culture);
• allocation of $27,640 (excluding GST) to meet the shortfall in the 50 per cent co-contribution requirement for local government applicants if the grant application is successful; and
• allocation of $78,280 (excluding GST) to enable the project to be completed if the grant application is unsuccessful.
The serpent is a significant piece of art, culture and heritage, and a lasting tribute to Gunnedah Shire’s female Kamilaroi artists including Shirley Long, Janet Wanless, Delma Jones, Ellen Draper, Gloria Foley, June Cox, Alison Cox,
Rita Long and Cindy Foley. I look forward to seeing it returned to its former glory.
Council also moved to support the allocation of $10,000 to decorate the Gunnedah CBD for Christmas this year if grant funding applications are not successful.
Christmas is an important time to come together and celebrate the beating heart of our Shire – the people. And it is our hope that this year our CBD will reflect and foster that wonderful community spirit.
While we’re on the topic of community, Council has supported the proposal to call the road at 243-261 Stock Road “Wotton Close” after former resident Roger Corfield Anson Wotton.
Mr Wotton was a Lieutenant in the 2nd Australian Imperial Force from 1940-45, Country Party member from 1968-71 and 1973-1991, NSW Cricket Association vice president for 30 years, councillor and vice president on the Royal Agricultural Society from 1961, and Ringmaster at the Sydney Royal Easter Show during the 1980s.
On a local level, Mr Wotton was captain of Gunnedah cricket team in the 1950s, playing at country level and president of the Gunnedah Show Society in the 1970s and 1980s. He became a life member of the society on the same night as Ray Avard and my father Col Finlay, and I still have photos of it. I’m very pleased and proud that we have endorsed this proposal.
The proposed road name will be on public exhibition for 28 days at council’s office at 63 Elgin Street and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions are due by 5pm on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
At Wednesday’s meeting we also supported the addition of a new member for the Gunnedah Shire Youth Working Group – Ben Murray from the Winanga-li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre. There are now 20 members in the group and members will continue to be added as suitable nominations are received.
The purpose of the working group is to provide a forum for discussion of youth issues, and to provide advice and recommendations on youth matters. It will also be a forum for young people to develop skills and partner with other organisations and community members to assist in the delivery of youth programs and initiatives.
