As you may be aware the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is now a pandemic.
There are currently no diagnosed cases of coronavirus within our Shire, however we need to be vigilant, proactive and be prepared as possible to deal with the virus and its impact on our community.
Council supports the NSW and Federal Governments’ initiative of ‘social distancing’ as it is a way to help slow the spread of the virus. That means Council has made the hard decision to cancel upcoming community events such as the Warialda Honey Festival, The Sapphires live performances at The Roxy and Council’s upcoming Community Meetings. Other groups and organisations are also taking such steps with the cancellation of events such as nation-wide ANZAC Day ceremonies.
Council has a Crisis Management Team who are currently implementing strategies to ensure the continued delivery of Council’s essential services and they will be providing necessary information to the community as required.
In order to ensure the safety of our staff and customers Council are implementing additional safety measures. Where possible visitors to services will be asked to maintain the recommended 1.5-personal distance measure, and at times may be asked to wash hands or use hand sanitizer.
In future if your visit is of a non-urgent nature, or are experiencing flu like symptoms we recommend that you postpone your visit, or alternatively call the service.
We also request that cash payments be limited. We offer a number of alternative payment methods:
- Online payments can be made using the BPAY details on your rates or water notice.
- Bank transfer: Gwydir Shire Council BSB 082-649 Account Number 509 547 471, the reference will be your Assessment Number, Debtor no, Invoice no, Surname.
- Phone payments are accepted over the phone with a credit/debit Visa card in both the Bingara and Warialda offices. Bingara (02) 6724 2000 Warialda (02) 6729 3000
- Counter payments will be accepted over the counter, preferred method of payment is by Debit or Credit card to limit cash handling.
For more up-to-date information on the virus we encourage you to visit https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert or phone the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
Thank you for your cooperation.
The new Bingara library opened to the public on Friday the 14th of February. Coinciding with National Library Lovers Day the event attracted huge crowds with members of the community both young and old admiring the new facility.
Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, and it is clear that the new Bingara library will become a valuable community asset and a hub for the community.
The new library is housed in the old Bingara Civic Centre building at 29 Maitland St.
With the opening of the new library, Council has introduced new opening hours. The new hours are as follows:
Monday to Friday – 9.00am – 1.00pm & 3.30pm– 5.00pm
Every fourth Saturday of the month 9.00am to 12.30pm
For more information contact Miss Gail at the Bingara Library on:
Tel: 02 6724 2064
Mob: 0437 355 149
Email: bingaralibrary@gwydir.nsw.gov.au
Background
The Roxy Theatre, situated in the main street of Bingara, is a striking building, with a history as colourful as its painted exterior. Built in 1936 by three Greek partners from the island of Kythera in Greece, the Roxy Theatre operated as a cinema until 1958, after which it was closed and lay dormant for forty years. In May 2004, the magnificent theatre was faithfully restored to its original splendour and was re-opened to the public as a cinema, performing arts venue and multi-purpose function centre.
Gwydir Shire Council are seeking expressions of interest from interested parties for the management of this facility. Council is willing to consider a range of possible options including individuals, community group or partnership management structures. The main scope of this role includes:
- The management of venue bookings including live performances, meetings, conferences and private functions.
- Oversee and manage the administration and coordination of events including logistics, room set up, technical requirements and ticketing.
- Promote the Roxyas regional centre for performing arts, and a key tourism asset for the Gwydir Shire.
- Coordinate all aspects of building maintenance and repairs, OH&S, compliance and essential services.
- Work with stakeholder groups to ensure the venue is used to its full potential.
The role is ideally suited to entities with previous experience in events, theatre or venue management and who are flexible, adaptable and able work with a range of stakeholders. For more information on the Roxy visit www.roxybingara.com.au or contact Georgia Standerwick on 0409 901 540. Download a copy of this EOI here Roxy Management EOI
Max Eastcott
General Manager
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
Bingara NSW 2404
$3,000 For New Starting Blocks at Bingara Pool
RACING off the blocks at Bingara’s town pool will be a lot less hazardous after the Bingara Swimming Club secured a $3,000 grant from the State Government to replace the rusting, slippery 1960s-vintage blocks now in use. (more…)
“We are becoming much more efficient but will still need a rate rise”
My 4 May 2015 newspaper column ‘From the Mayor’ stated that the Council was undertaking a review of how it depreciates its road network. It involved implementing new asset management techniques and the creation of a very thorough inventory of road assets.
This project is now completed and has received the auditors’ approval. The new depreciation methodology will result in a projected annual book saving of over $4 million.
Council is continually looking for any savings; from the big-ticket items right through to the small. For example Council is not producing a calendar for 2016 and is issuing fewer community newsletters.
Even with the substantial savings from these types of efficiencies the Council still needs to increase its rate base to achieve the criteria set by the NSW State Government to be sustainable and ‘Fit for the Future’. (more…)
