Two women from Gunnedah Shire Council have been recognised at the 2026 Ministers' Awards for Women in Local Government. Mayor Colleen Fuller OAM received an Excellence in Councillor Leadership Award, while director Kelly Stidworthy was highly commended in the Woman of Distinction category. A record 188 nominations were received, two-thirds from rural and regional councils. Ministers Ron Hoenig and Jodie Harrison said the awards aim to encourage more women into local government careers and leadership roles.
Two women from Gunnedah Shire Council have been recognised at the 2026 Ministers' Awards for Women in Local Government. Mayor Colleen Fuller OAM received an Excellence in Councillor Leadership Award, while director Kelly Stidworthy was highly commended in the Woman of Distinction category. A record 188 nominations were received, two-thirds from rural and regional councils. Ministers Ron Hoenig and Jodie Harrison said the awards aim to encourage more women into local government careers and leadership roles.
More than 3,000 clothing and accessory items have been delivered to women in Tamworth, Narrabri, Moree and Gunnedah. The Iris Foundation's Frockin' The Outback initiative also delivered 750 packets of sanitary products. Volunteers travelled 1,750 kilometres and partnered with six service providers to reach 385 women across five towns, with Coonamble also on the route. In Gunnedah, a local provider ran an outreach event where women could access donated items and connect with services. Iris Foundation CEO Sue Liptrott thanked volunteers, sponsors and donors for making the project possible.
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Birthing services are not operating at Gunnedah's redeveloped hospital because of recruitment difficulties, Hunter New England Local Health District has confirmed. Families in the town and surrounding communities must travel elsewhere to give birth. The $53 million redevelopment was unveiled in January. The NSW Nationals and Liberals are calling on the State Labor Government to recruit the staff needed to run the maternity facilities. Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Mitchell said access to maternity services should not depend on where families live.
A petition with 2,170 signatures is calling for a 24-hour police presence at Gunnedah Police Station. Councillor Kate McGrath says the town already has round-the-clock policing, but the station is not staffed 24 hours. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson will present the petition to NSW Parliament, which also requests police drones for the area. Cr McGrath wants to see the results of a drone pilot in Moree before supporting their use in Gunnedah.
Gunnedah Hospital in New South Wales has not opened its new birthing suite due to a lack of staff. Hunter New England Local Health District says it cannot find enough GP obstetricians to support the service. Women in the area are being directed to give birth in Tamworth or Newcastle instead. The district offers relocation assistance and housing, additional leave, and access to training and education to attract staff. The National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says the challenge of recruiting GP obstetricians in regional areas is a national crisis.
