By Cr Colleen Fuller
Progress is the key word in the Gunnedah shire this week.
Works are surging ahead on the site of the new Animal Impound Facility on Quia Road. A crane lifted the roof trusses onto the structure on Tuesday and it’s hoped the building will be watertight by Christmas.
The multi-million-dollar facility will include a modern shelter, free-range exercise yards, veterinary treatment room, office space, and a public reception area.
The project capital funding of $3 million encompasses numerous grants, including more than $1 million from the NSW National’s Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5, more than $1 million from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LCRI) Program Phase 4, and almost $1 million from Gunnedah Shire Council.
The existing facility is more than 20 years old and frequently operates at, or over capacity due to the steady rise in Gunnedah Shire’s population and subsequent increase in companion ownership rates.
When completed, the modern facility will aid council’s regulatory services team in micro-chipping animals, delivering responsible pet ownership programs, and working with rescue organisations to provide more options for animal rehoming. It will also ensure council is compliant with current and foreseeable regulations and practices.
There is also movement in The Civic Theatre as contractors install a new projector, new screen and new audio system. The theatre is closed until Friday, November 21 so the works can be completed safely and efficiently.
The $207,000 capital works will significantly enhance picture and sound quality, ensuring an improved experience for audiences, and community and visiting events, such as live theatre and entertainment.
The planed expenditure has been in the pipeline for a number of years, so it’s exciting to see the go button pressed on this project and I’m sure our community will appreciate the improved quality in both picture and sound.
The Civic is a wonderful space that is used for so many things, such as seminars, eisteddfods, concerts, theatre and ceremonies, so it’s important that we ensure it is fit for use and continue to invest in this important community space.
While we are on the subject of community, I would like to thank Gunnedah RSL sub-Branch for facilitating the shire’s 2025 Remembrance Day Service on Tuesday where I laid a wreath on behalf of council.
I am always so glad to see residents come along in support of this significant commemorative event on November 11, marking the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I (WWI).
On the first anniversary of the Armistice (November 11 was known as Armistice Day until after World War II), King George V asked all the people of the British Empire to observe two minutes’ silence at 11am.
We still honour this tradition today as we pause to remember all who served and sacrificed for our nation in WWI and in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations since.
