Many congratulations in order from a packed fortnight

Colleen Fuller,

Mayor, Gunnedah Shire Council

It has been a packed fortnight, and many congratulations are in order.

Firstly, to the working group for their hard work and dedication in shaping the Reconciliation Action Plan that will guide elected representatives and staff for the next two years, as we focus on fostering a safe, welcoming, respectful, and culturally inclusive community.

Special thanks to community representatives Helen Lickorish, Troy Silver and Cassandra Aldridge for their contributions, and Gamilaroi artist Sharon Wortley for creating the wonderful artwork, ‘Ours’, which features in the plan.

This significant operational document is an important step, and council and the working group are already implementing the identified actions in our community.

While we are talking about our community, I’d like to also congratulate our newest Australian citizens – Alvaro Augusto Diaz Guerra, Dibanhi Guadalupe Marsh, Juliet Matias Woodward, Karun and Kody Pun, and Ashleigh Foster.

It’s a highlight of my role as mayor to see so many people choosing the Gunnedah Shire as the place they want to live, work and grow their families, and invest in our community.

A new exhibition is open at our gallery, focusing solely on the diverse art of printmaking. The collection is an exploration of landscapes by Open Bite Printmakers, an experienced group of artists from Sydney.

We are fortunate to have a gallery that allows us to experience art in so many forms, created by artists both within the shire and further afield. I encourage you to pop in and see Reimagining the Landscapes before Friday 9 October.

Council has started stage two of the community consultation for the development of Gunnedah Shire’s next Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2027–2037 that will guide the community’s vision and priorities for the next decade.

After 648 people shared what matters most to them, and their aspirations for the future through our liveability survey, we developed a draft Community Vision and Strategic Directions. Now we want to hear from you. Have we got it right? Is anything missing?

Using our interactive community input form, you can review what we heard and provide feedback on the draft vision and four key themes – Civic Leadership, Economy, Community and Place.

You can comment on one, several or all sections. Feedback closes on 16 October.

Council will be attending the Gunnedah Country Markets, 8am–noon at Wolseley Park this Saturday.

Please come down and share your feedback.

Visit council’s website to explore the draft directions, provide your feedback and learn more about upcoming engagement opportunities.

Your feedback will help shape the draft community strategic plan before it goes on public exhibition in 2027.