19 September, 2019

Excitement is building for Gunnedah Shire’s newest festival with a working group ready to kick off the preparations.

Gunnedah Shire Council this week voted to appoint four community members to the Hay and Harvest Festival Working Group.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said the festival would showcase local growers, produce and a range of other talent, and was set to go ahead in the first half of 2020.

“With the appointment of a working group, it’s time to get really excited about this new festival,” Ms Hoddle said.

“In the past, we were lucky enough to have Porchetta Day. This new festival will take the essence of that successful event and add in the fresh ideas and great location of the Gunnedah Jockey Club as well as those of our other committee members.

“This will be Gunnedah Shire’s own signature festival event. We are keen to make the first one something that will set the tone for years to come.”

Community members Ingrid Kaineder, Barbara McDonald, Geraldine McKay and Rebecca Ryan have been appointed to the festival working group.

They will join elected council representatives Councillors Colleen Fuller and Ann Luke, two Gunnedah Jockey Club members including Kathryn Blinman, Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce representative Stacey McAllan, and three council staff representatives on the working group.

The festival has received seed funding of $17,000 through the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund, along with $20,000 awarded to the Gunnedah Jockey Club through the Back to the Track program.

Working group meetings will be held twice a month.

There is also the opportunity for more community involvement. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the economic development team at Gunnedah Shire Council on 6742 2100.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.