Shire’s new proposed financial agreement with Ministers’ Fraternal on exhibition

Gunnedah Shire Council has placed a proposed new three-year financial agreement with the Gunnedah Ministers’ Fraternal on public exhibition.

The agreement would provide financial assistance and in-kind support towards the Carols in the Park, the Australia Day Service Under the Gums and an annual Combined Church Service in the Gunnedah Town Hall.

Council’s current memorandum of understanding expires in November.

The Ministers’ Fraternal delivers Carols in the Park usually on the first Friday of December each year in Wolseley Park. When Australia Day is not on a Sunday, a ‘Service Under the Gums’ is supported on Australia Day. This new agreement would also cover costs to allow a Combined Church Service to be held in the Town Hall annually. All three events would be auspiced under council’s insurance.

If adopted, the Ministers’ Fraternal would be responsible for providing volunteer help to organise and run events in liaison with council.

The organisation would also be responsible for covering other costs associated with the events, completing council’s required risk management forms and booking procedures including event management plans, seeking necessary pyrotechnics approvals for Carols in the Park and any other Section 68 or Section 138 approvals as required, and ensuring facilities are in good return following the events.

Cr Kate McGrath moved an amendment to extend the agreement date into December 2028 to ensure the agreement covered the three-year period. This was seconded by Cr Cameron Moore.

Cr McGrath queried the inclusion of the carols in the plan if it was classed as a council event.

Council’s community and development director Andrew Johns explained that the event was hosted by the Ministers’ Fraternal and covered by council insurance.

Cr Ann Luke acknowledged the group’s great work with the event.

She did voice concerns if the organisation had its own insurance and what type of body the group was classed as, particularly if it was an incorporated body.

Cr Luke queried what risk the events posed to council.

Mr Johns took Cr Luke’s queries on notice.

The new proposed financial agreement is on public exhibition for 28 days at council’s office at 63 Elgin Street and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Friday, 20 November, 2026.