CONNECTION and creative expression are at the heart of Gunnedah Shire’s first exhibition for 2026.

Ageing to Create will open on Friday, February 13 and showcase the works of seniors aged 58 to 98 who attended GoCo’s Monday and Friday Social Support Groups in 2025.

The vibrant collection of artworks includes a wide range of mediums including macramé, painting, papier-mâché, and other hands-on crafting techniques.

GoCo’s executive manager, Bruce Mercer, said staff and seniors alike were excited to see their efforts displayed on the walls of the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

“These works reflect the heart of the program – fostering social connection, encouraging creative expression, and supporting mental stimulation and physical movement through artmaking,” Mr Mercer said.

Ageing to Create is an expressive and collaborative collection of artworks by Gunnedah Shire’s seniors including (from left) Margie Winsor, Rick Thomas and Gwen Griffen. They are pictured here with (at back) GoCo program co-ordinator Deborah Neaves.

“We are also fortunate to welcome the children from Mary Ranken Child Care Centre once a month and their visits spark joy, playfulness, and a wonderful sense of shared creativity, often bringing out the ‘child’ artist in all of us.

“Together with singing, laughter, and a friendly game of bingo each month, this exhibition celebrates the spirit of community and the power of creativity at every age.”

Ageing to Create will open at the Creative Arts Gallery at 4pm, on Friday, February 13 and continues until Friday, March 20.

Meanwhile, textiles were given a new life in the 2025 Waste Into Art competition.

Artists, students and community groups were invited to create unique works of art from waste products and items for a community exhibition.

Council hosts the triennial competition in partnership with Northern Inland Regional Waste to promote the reduction of waste.

Winners

Early Childhood-Pre-school: The Sparkly Lady by the Bigibila room, Gunnedah Preschool

Primary School: Paper Bag Flowers by S1C, Gunnedah Public School

Secondary School: Homage to Louise Nevelson by MC3, MC6 Gunnedah High School

Collaborative Work: Branching Out by the Wednesday Art Group

Open Most Creative: Glass Flowers by David Clydesdale

Open Best Suits Theme: Rodney Street by Keshini Lokhun

Open Functional: Something Old for Someone New by Fiona MacDougall

Gallery Organiser’s Choice: Beauty is Feather Deep by Louise Hill

The winners received $100 Gunny Money gift cards, which support local businesses.

Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open until the end of January.

The winner will take home a $200 Gunny Money gift card.

Waste Into Art will be on exhibition until Friday, January 30.