Tamworth MP encourages participation in survey

Gunnedah Shire Council has agreed to offer financial support for local events.

Councillors agreed to recommendations at the August meeting for assistance to Swimming Gunnedah for the ‘Deb of the Year’ ball and 2026 Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce & Industry Local Business Awards.

The council will reimburse Swimming Gunnedah for the $500 in Cultural Precinct fees as part of a mayoral minute tabled by mayor Colleen Fuller.

This year’s ball is being held on 18 September.

A sponsorship contribution of $1,000 will be made to the chamber awards scheduled for 6 November at Gunnedah Rugby Club.

Should the awards not be held, the funds will need to be returned to the council.

The chamber business awards contribution was also tabled via a mayoral minute.

In the mayoral minute, Cr Fuller said the chamber is keen to ensure diverse recognition of the award sponsors and has offered the council the opportunity to sponsor one award.

Elected members also agreed to proceed with a $4,000 contribution towards the economic development budget to partner with the chamber for Small Business Month 2026 collaborative activities and events.

“The chamber has indicated a strong interest in partnering with council to deliver Small Business Month 2026 activities,” Cr Fuller’s mayoral minute stated.

“The proposed funding would enable the delivery of targeted events that support local business networking and growth.

“A collaborative approach between council and the chamber would leverage the expertise, networks and resources of both organisations demonstrating a shared commitment to local business development.

“I bring this mayoral minute to recognise and support both the chamber and our local business enterprises, which are so important to the economy and amenity of the community of Gunnedah Shire.”

Cr Rob Hoddle initially sought to have the business awards contribution decision deferred and said he was unsure why a decision needed to be rushed.

Cr Linda Newell voiced concern with a previous contribution to a chamber event and accountability.

The chamber and the council previously clashed following the cancelled Christmas Fair in 2024.

At the time, the chamber disputed claims it had declined to provide evidence of expenditure after the council had provided $5,000 in funding for the event.

But the council noted at the time that an informal process meant there was no written agreement to “fall back on” when negotiations broke down.

Cr Newell acknowledged that the chamber was now under new local leadership.

“I have all respect for the current board of the chamber of commerce,” Cr Newell said.

“They are all fantastic people and are doing a great job.

“But it’s just trying to set a consistency about asking for that over and over again … from anybody that wants money from ratepayers to pay for things.”

The resolutions are on public exhibition at the council’s Elgin Street office and online.

Public consultation closes on 11 September.