Community & Business
30 October, 2024
New councillors hold first meeting
The new term of Gilgandra Shire Council (GSC) held their first ordinary meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
Recognition of the late Mr Geoffrey Kiehne
The first item discussed was the continuous requests from community for mayor Doug Batten, and council as a whole, to recognise the late Goeff Kiehne for his efforts within the community both as a paramedic trainer and volunteer with the State Emergency Service (SES).
The proposal was discussed with Barbara Kiehne, Geoff’s widow, who was “moved by the high regard that Geoff was held,” according to the business paper.
The SES were of the view that there was precedent for the recognition of volunteer staff to occur by the naming of lunchroom and training facilities, which was the responsibility of council.
Mayor Batten recommended that council name the SES facility on Warren Road the ‘Geoff Kiehne Gilgandra SES Rescue Centre’.
Councillor representation on committees
The appointment of committee memberships from council is a legislative requirement under the Local Government Act 1993, required to happen within three months of councillors being sworn in.
Committees are a tool council may use to “exercise functions,” or otherwise enact policy, delegate care, and manage assets. GSC has previously appointed several committees including Gilgandra Lifestyles Advisory Board, Disability Services Advisory Board, and Economic Development Committee.
Council is required under the Local Government Act 1993 to have an Audit, Risk, and Improvement Committee with at least one appointed councillor who is not the mayor.
Council has not yet made any recommendations regarding councillor appointment to committees.
Local heritage projects update
“Council has a dedicated budget to support actions related to the conservation and maintenance of heritage items in the Gilgandra region, including provision of Heritage Advisory services and offering small grant opportunities,” states the October 15 business paper.
The Local Heritage Fund (LHF) exists to support small heritage grant projects within the region with the aim to “maintain, preserve, or restore elements that contribute to the buildings heritage value.” Maintenance, repairs, and restoration for the purpose of longevity all qualify for the fund.
Recently, Council increased the LHF maximum funded amount available from $2,000 to $5,000 with a matched contribution from the owner.
The intention of this change was to encourage more significant projects to be undertaken. So far, three applications have been received; from 78A Wamboin Street; from 1 Miller Street, the Old Bank; and from 6 Castlereagh Street, the Gilgandra Rural Museum.
The first application, a residence on 78A Wamboin Street, was rejected on the grounds of not being a local heritage item.
The Old Bank has applied for $5,000 to replace the existing dilapidated driveway, improving access to the building and reducing water egress into the building’s foundations. The appearance of the driveway will be discussed and agreed upon ahead of time by the heritage advisor.
Gilgandra Rural Museum has also applied for $5,000 to repaint three buildings and replace/repair timber in two of them. No further conditions have been imposed, as repair methods and colour scheme was discussed with the heritage advisor ahead of the application.
2024 Christmas shutdown
Since 2011, GSC has endorsed a shutdown over the Christmas period where all employees are required to take leave.
For 2024, this period has been proposed between Friday, December 20 2024 and Monday, January 6 2025.
“Operational community functions” such as Orana Living, Coo-ee Lodge, and the pool will continue as normal.
Small community projects fund
Council recently opened applications for the Small Community Projects Fund, with six applications from around the region received.
The grant program was advertised from August 27 to September 17, with each applicant available to apply for a grant up to $1000 to be used for maintenance, events, or purchasing of equipment.
Applications were received from the Biddon-Tooraweenah Cricket Club (supported), the Gilgandra Junior Rugby League and Netball Club (supported), St Joesph Catholic School Debutante Ball Committee (supported), Gilgandra Show society (supported), Tooraweenah PA&H Association (supported), and Gilgandra Taekwondo Club (not supported due to ineligibility).
