August 4, 2020

“Councils do” is the theme for Local Government Week 2020, a theme that has never been more relevant than during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local Government Week, which this year runs from August 3 to August 9, is designed to showcase the work councils do in their local communities, including the wide variety of services they provide.

Gunnedah Shire Council general manager Eric Groth said the top two priorities of Council during the Coronavirus were the health and safety of the community, and the continuation of Council’s essential services.

“COVID-19 has proven a rapid learning curve for everyone,” Mr Groth said.

“Gunnedah Shire Council is an integral part of the community, and has a responsibility as a leader in our Shire.

“I’m proud of the way our Council and our community has not only faced this significant challenge, but has found new and innovative ways to operate, some of which are likely to have benefits long after this pandemic is over.

“Council’s role goes beyond roads, rates and rubbish to many other services that are part of our everyday lives, like the aged care provided by GoCo, the parks and sporting facilities, the cultural precinct and library and, this year in particular, support and assistance for business development.

“Council has taken a lead role in ensuring the Shire’s economic future through programs such as Invigorate Gunnedah alongside grants for businesses and sports and community groups.”

Fast facts from Gunnedah Shire Council’s 2019-20 year:
• Top movie – The Lion King, followed by Frozen II and Toy Story 4.
• Best attended exhibition – Sirens of Gunnedah with 2705 patrons.
• An average of 789 patrons attended exhibitions, 660 people booked for live shows and 609 meetings were booked at the Cultural Precinct.
• 7584 visitors attended the Visitor Information Centre in 2019-20
• Gunnedah’s favourite author was Nora Roberts.
• During the lockdown period of April-May 2020, 2194 activity bags were delivered or picked up at Gunnedah Library
• During the lockdown period of April-June, 2020, participants in the Library’s Brain Training program soared from 182 (January-March) to 1189.
• 35,217 people delivered waste to the Gunnedah Waste Facility.
• 1992 people visited the Bower Bird shop.
• The busiest month at the Gunnedah Waste Facility was April, with 3230 visitors – 356 more than April 2019 (before Coronavirus)

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.