18 November 2024

The famous poet Dorothea Mackellar, who spent many hours at her family’s home in Gunnedah, wrote of the beauty of our part of Australia.

Gunnedah Shire’s Poetry Precinct in South Street not only celebrates Mackellar with a statue, garden and plaques, but now also has a new way to take in our Shire’s serenity.

The Poetry Precinct Open Space Activation Project has added to the appeal of the precinct with a new path, gardens and mini-amphitheatre.

The beautiful outdoor space, which will be officially opened at a small community event at 4pm on Thursday, 21 November, lies alongside the Dorothea Mackellar Centre, the Gunnedah Shire Band Hall and the Water Tower Museum, adding a new dimension to an area that already pays respect to Gunnedah Shire’s heritage and culture.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the Poetry Precinct Activation Project had been made possible by the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.

“This NSW Government funding has made it possible add to what is already a popular precinct,” Mr Bartlett said.

“Council has created a place that can be used for quiet reflection in natural surroundings, or as a gathering place for people who want to play music, or even perform a small-scale outdoor play.

“It’s not a large space, but it is an important one in building on opportunities to enjoy our lifestyle – and our landscape.”

NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program Funding for Gunnedah Shire included three projects under the Gunnedah Public Spaces Activation Program - the Shared Pathways Connection Program, the Wandobah Road Open Space Enhancement Project and the Poetry Precinct Open Space Activation Project.

What: Official opening of Poetry Precinct Activation Program
When: 4pm, Thursday, 21 November 2024
Where: Poetry Precinct, Behind Gunnedah Shire Band Hall, South Street, Gunnedah.

Caption: The winding path that has been added to the Gunnedah Shire Poetry Precinct.

ENDS

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