By Gunnedah Shire Mayor, Colleen Fuller

What a week it has been!

We were privileged to welcome the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW to the Gunnedah Shire last Wednesday.

Her Excellency met with council to discuss her role and find out more about our community and the challenges we face such as limited access to specialist care, the ongoing fight to have our helipad reinstated, and the need for 24-hour policing.

We are grateful that Her Excellency made time to speak with us and better understand our community. Her Excellency spoke with media following our meeting and then went on to meet with other community groups before launching ‘The Story of Gabo’ that evening.

Mayor Colleen Fuller.

‘The Story of Gabo’, written by Dr Lindsey O’Brien and Dr Peter Sharp, follows the journey of the game-changing Gabo wheat variety, which was released in 1945 by the University of Sydney and marked a turning point for farmers in the Namoi Valley who had battled with stem rust on the black soil plains. The book was funded by a Heritage NSW grant through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The Beeson and Hathway families were among those who were pivotal in aiding the development of Gabo and it was fantastic to see the descendants of key farmers Charlie and Bruce Beeson, and Claude Hathway at the 80th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday.

I would like to give special mention to the unique gift of bread that guests received at the book launch. The wheat seeds from last season’s wheat crop at Gabo Farm were stoneground at Wholegrain Milling and artisan baker Renee of Reverence Sourdough crafted loaves from the flour. It’s a wonderful symmetry and was a meaningful memento for those who share in the history of Gabo.

I am looking forward to seeing plans unfold for a Gabo display at the Gunnedah Rural Museum later in the year, thanks to the Heritage NSW grant.

In other news, council has launched the annual Gunnedah Community Christmas Tree Toy Appeal. The long-running appeal is a partnership between council and Gunnedah Salvation Army, which calls on community members to donate gifts to those in need over Christmas.

For 12 years, residents have supported this worthy initiative that is needed now more than ever. Everywhere you look, prices are going up, and it’s putting a tremendous strain on our community. Christmas can be an expensive period and some families are not able to celebrate in the ways they would like. This appeal is just one way we can help those who may be struggling and take some of the pressure off them this festive season.

New and unwrapped gifts can be placed under the Christmas tree located at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building (63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah) and at the Gunnedah Shire Library (291 Conadilly St, Gunnedah).

Gift ideas include toys, clothing and accessories, books, sporting goods, games, beauty products and gift vouchers. Locals are also encouraged to consider selecting gifts appropriate for older children. For health and hygiene reasons, food items and pre-loved toys are unable to be donated.

Donations must be received before 5pm on Friday, December 5, 2025, and will be distributed to local families in the lead-up to Christmas.