October Gunnedah Shire Council meeting – news in brief

October 23, 2020

Reconciliation Action Plan

Gunnedah Shire Council has voted to continue its Reconciliation journey with the development of a new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) consistent with Reconciliation Australia’s Innovate RAP at the October Council meeting.

A RAP Working Group will be formed to progress the plan and membership will include representatives from the local Aboriginal community.  Work on the plan is expected to start in February 2021.  

The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program was launched by Reconciliation Australia to provide a framework for organisations to support the national reconciliation movement and develop actions and outcomes that contribute to “closing the gap” through the key areas of relationships, respect and opportunity.

The Innovate RAP is designed to support councils to develop specific programs and initiatives that promote reconciliation and build cultural responsiveness.  Council is anticipating its new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) will be launched to coincide with the National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week in July 2021.

Great Christmas news for local economy

Gunnedah Shire Council will support this year’s Gunnedah Spirit of Christmas Shop Local Campaign as part of its commitment to building resilience in the local economy during difficult economic times.

Councillors voted this week to allocate $12,000 from the existing Economic Development Budget and Invigorate Gunnedah to support the campaign.

The Gunnedah Spirit of Christmas Shop Local Campaign has replaced the Spirit of Christmas Fair this year due to COVID-19 considerations.

Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the sponsorship recognised both the importance of supporting Shire business and the success of past Christmas Fairs in boosting local spending.

“As part of our Invigorate Gunnedah program, we are aiming to bring vibrancy back into the CBD and to increase local spending. The Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Spirit of Christmas Fair has proven to be successful in both areas in past years,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This is a significant investment on behalf of Council, but the estimated benefits to the retail sector are a minimum of $400,000 and could be as high as $1 million.

“Based on past Christmas campaigns, it’s expected there will be a sales increase of between 2% and 5% across the economy. A boost to the retail sector is good for the wider economy and our whole community.

“Gunnedah is a great place to do your Christmas shopping, and this campaign will help spread the news.”

Representatives approved for Skills and Training Working Group

Three business representatives have been approved to join Gunnedah’s new Skills and Training Working Group.

The working group has been formed to support Gunnedah Shire by ensuring a skilled workforce and local educational opportunities by supporting; students/learners, job seekers, industry and training providers for a strong local economy now and into the future.

Following a call for expressions of interest, Whitehaven Coal, Aztech Earthmoving Repairs and Many Engineering will join representatives from Gunnedah Shire Council, the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Gunnedah TAFE NSW on the working group.

Caption: Locals enjoying the 2019 Christmas Fair festivities.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.