10 September 2018

Gunnedah’s CBD will turn into the scene from a horror movie as Gunnedah Shire Council and Can Assist work together to bring the global phenomenon and fundraiser, Night of the Walking Dead, to Conadilly Street for a second year.
Gunnedah Can Assist President Kate Knight and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley are encouraging the community to dress up in their spookiest and funniest Halloween costumes and to bring a gold coin donation, with all proceeds donated to Can Assist.
“Night of the Walking Dead will be a gathering of people dressed as zombies and in Halloween costumes walking en-masse through the Gunnedah CBD while raising money for Can Assist,” Ms Mackley said.
“Last year we had some terrific costumes and it was such a surreal scene to see a huge mass of people pretending to be zombies and creatures of the night, walking through Conadilly Street.
“The idea behind the march is to raise awareness and money for the Gunnedah Can Assist branch; a small group of volunteers who tirelessly fundraise to assist local people affected by cancer.”
Mrs Knight said the Night of the Walking Dead was a great success last year and hopes families get involved again this year.
“At the end of the walk the zombies can enjoy a disco and a sausage sizzle,” she said.
“Many of our volunteers will also be dressed up and actively involved as they enjoy having a fun time while fundraising.”
With families often struggling to cope with increased costs as a result of a cancer diagnosis, Mrs Knight said it was important to have awareness and fundraising activities such as this for local cancer patients.
“A patient and their family often face extra expenses from travel, accommodation and medical costs,” she said.
“It is through fundraisers such as this that we are able to continue to financially assist local families.”
The Night of the Walking Dead march will begin at 6.30pm on Saturday, 27 October from the Post Office on Elgin Street, ending at the Smithurst Theatre. All participants are asked to gather at the Post office at 6:15pm and bring a gold coin donation.
The Zombie Dance-Off Disco and BBQ will be held following the walk until 9.00pm at the Smithurst Theatre.
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Zombies will take to the streets for Halloween to raise money for Gunnedah’s Can Assist branch.

ENDS
Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.