Gunnedah Shire Council sees double at Local Government Awards

12 August, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has taken out top honours in two categories at this year’s Local Government Awards, for librarian Christiane Birkett’s outstanding individual contribution and the Rainbow Serpent Water Feature Project.

Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett received the RH Dougherty Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution, with the award recognising and encouraging greater understanding and communication by councils with the communities they serve.

Under the leadership of Mrs Birkett, the Gunnedah Shire Library has delivered several award winning programs to the Gunnedah community. Most recently the Brain Training Expanded program was recognised in the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards for continued delivery to seniors during the COVID-19 library closure period.

Judges of the RH Dougherty awards commented, “[w]hat a great person Christiane Birkett is! Her passion to assist the community in particular to impart knowledge and her love, obviously, for books! The Brain Training initiative is a great idea! A great success story indeed.”

Council’s Rainbow Serpent Water Feature Project was also successful, receiving the Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award which celebrates outstanding achievement by local government organisations in strategic planning for arts and culture.

Judges commented that the water feature is “[a]n extraordinary story of persistence and admirable Aboriginal-led art. The capacity to engage not only with the women creating the sculpture but the support of the community is innovative.”

Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said that Council is honoured to be recognised for this important cultural initiative, and acknowledged the efforts of local Kamilaroi artists in bringing the project to life.

“Shirley Long, Janet Wanless, Delma Jones, Ellen Draper, Gloria Foley, June Cox, Alison Cox, Rita Long and Cindy Foley advocated for the completion of this project for almost 20 years,” Ms Mackley said.

“The water feature is now permanently installed in front of the Cultural Precinct as a celebrated cultural asset that preserves and celebrates the culture, history and experiences of these strong and determined women.”

The Rainbow Serpent Water Feature is positioned outside The Civic Theatre on Chandos Street as a part of Gunnedah’s Cultural Precinct. This is a permanent structure and is open for the community to visit.

To learn more about library programs and initiatives, contact the library on (02) 6740 2190.

Photo Caption: (From left to right) Artist Gloria Foley, Cr Owen Hasler and Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley, alongside the completed water feature.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.