October 11, 2021

Stay-at-home orders in Gunnedah have been lifted today, with the Shire transitioning to state-wide restrictions as part of the NSW Government’s Reopening NSW roadmap.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s face-to-face services have started to reopen with the Elgin Street Administration Building opening this morning, and the Gunnedah Memorial Indoor Swimming Pool, Gunnedah Shire Library, Civic Cinema, Cultural Precinct and Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre all open from tomorrow.

In line with the new NSW Public Health Order, customers visiting the Indoor Pool, Library, Cultural Precinct, Civic Cinema and Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre will need to show proof of double vaccination on entry. Children under 16 are exempt from this restriction.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Jamie Chaffey said that health and safety should be paramount when reopening.

“While the switch to roadmap settings today is a light at the end of the tunnel for those residents and businesses impacted by yet another lockdown, safety should remain front of mind for everyone.

“There are still several active COVID-19 cases in Gunnedah Shire and in the neighbouring Tamworth Local Government Area, so we need to be on high alert.

“I thank the community for taking this threat seriously and complying with the most difficult of restrictions for what is now close to two years. We are in a position now to enjoy some new freedoms, but we need to do so responsibly so this hard work is not wasted.

“While our first dose vaccination rate is high, our second dose numbers still need to catch up. The recent Royal Flying Doctors Service Pfizer clinics have no doubt helped boost our second dose numbers, but vaccines do take a couple of weeks to be effective so we need to follow all health advice to ensure everyone is protected.

“Keep checking in, wear a mask, get tested if sick and if you have not yet had your vaccination, I urge you to consider making an appointment.”

COVID-19 testing is available locally at the Gunnedah Hospital, Laverty Pathology drive through clinic at Donnelley Fields and Ochre Health drive through clinic at the Gunnedah Showground. For a full list of clinics and operating hours, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/clinics.aspx.

The NSW Government roadmap for easing restrictions is available at www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/easing-covid-19-restrictions. Further information about Gunnedah Shire Council services can be found at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.