Gulargambone's Story

The Gulargambone Flying Ahead Program, supported by theTownlife Development Program, has found ways of revitalising the town and helped the community face tough economic times.

"This program has given hope to our small town, hope and a brighter future. I am part of the new generation that believes that Gulargambone hasn't had its heyday, it's just about to have one. " - Sandra Kelly, Gulargambone

Facing the challenges

Gulargambone, an agricultural town in the Coonamble shire, has a population of 500. The people are vibrant, forming a dynamic, pro-active community that pulls together, particularly when times are tough such as the current drought.

Welcome to Gulargambone

Like many other towns, we are experiencing a downturn in the rural economy, banks closing, and businesses leaving town.

The lifestyle is unhurried and 'away from the rat-race', where you can experience traditional country hospitality and people are friendly, welcoming and take the time to talk.

Gulargambone is gaining a reputation for its united and friendly community - this reputation acts as a drawcard to attract new residents who are seeking a relaxed, caring and friendly country lifestyle.

The scenery encompasses the beautiful western plains, with amazing sunsets, clear skies with wonderful stars at night, the renowned Warrumbungle National Park and the beautiful Macquarie Marshes.

Our project

The threats that we have faced have actually strengthened our community. Our commitment to our future has grown by banding together on many community projects.

First, we established the Gulargambone Flying Ahead program to investigate ways of revitalising our town and district.

We meet monthly to plan our projects and discuss issues that arise and any opportunities that can be gained.

The Flying Ahead program recently won the state-wide 'Government Partnership Award' for the Tidy Towns Project. We are also managing the highly successful Gulargambone Reunion 2001 event.

Shopfront murals

What we've achieved

We now have a community strategic plan and an organisational structure of volunteers to implement projects.

Over the past few years, the Gulargambone community has initiated a number of welcome and much-needed changes:

• Our main street projects include signs, a large mural and new bitumen for the main street.
• We held a successful community event, Back to Gulargambone 2001, that brought 2,000 visitors to the town for a long weekend of fun and activities. This event raised money for local charities and projects, such as the Community Bus proposal and a Welcome/Business signboard directory for the town.
• We held a photographic display of the town where teams photographed Gulargambone's best and most challenging features.
• We are also involved in the local council's plans this year to beautify the streetscape and fix up local amenities.
• We've inaugurated Christmas Markets, a Christmas Lighting competition to light up the town and designed and printed 'Merry Christmas in Gulargambone' Christmas cards, produced from a drawing of the main street by Georgia Andrews of Year 3.
• We've lobbied for CDMA reception and are to get a CDMA tower by the end of this year.

How the Townlife Development Program has helped

The funding of the Gulargambone reunion event and two strategic planning workshops gave an enormous boost to the community.

It gave us a structure to work under and made us realise the opportunities that can be gained from working together and planning our future.

The Townlife Development Program consultant has been unfailing in her support of our projects and in the guidance and advice she's provided.

We now have new funding under the Townlife Development Program for a feasibility study of the 'two eight two eight project'.

What we're doing now

The 'two eight two eight project' is a major project currently being undertaken by the community.

It involves the acquisition and renovation of Gulargambone's old picture theatre in the main street.

We plan to use the old theatre for a range of services to the community and visitors, including a library, tourism information centre, a bed and breakfast network and booking agency and a coffee shop with catering equipment.

We will also be holding outdoor movies and regular community events there such as Dinner Under the Stars.

One Sunday afternoon late last year, 50 Gulargambone residents rolled up their sleeves and pitched in for the 'backyard blitz' which started the conversion of the theatre.

Gulargambone reunion

"Every one of us is striving to make our hometown a better place to live. We must believe in ourselves and our community, follow our dreams and share our ideas.

This program has given hope to our small town, hope and a brighter future. It has reinvigorated and enthused people who had grown despondent. It has inspired and encouraged people who needed the confidence to develop their own ideas.

An opportunity was given by a government, embraced by an individual, adopted by a committee and supported by a community."

For further information

Contact	:	Angela O'Brien
Address	:	Gulargambone Rural Transaction Centre Inc.
Phone	:	6825 1038
Email	:	obrienam@tpg.com.au