Upper Hunter Place Brand Project
Help Shape the Upper Hunter’s New Regional Brand.
Why Your Voice Matters
From the very beginning, this project has been about you—the residents, businesses, and stakeholders who make the Upper Hunter such a vibrant and unique place. Through workshops, discussions, and immersive experiences across our region, we’ve gathered invaluable insights that have shaped the creative directions now ready to be unveiled. But our journey isn’t over yet.
As we prepare to reveal these creative concepts, your input is more crucial than ever. This brand will represent the very essence of the Upper Hunter—our heritage, our industries, and our community spirit. We want to ensure it reflects the voices and visions of those who live and work here. This is your opportunity to help shape the final outcome and ensure it’s something we can all be proud of.
Join Us at the Brand Identity Exhibitions
We are hosting four local drop-in sessions in August, where you can explore the two potential creative directions, ask questions, and share your feedback. Your participation will bring this project full circle, ensuring that the final brand truly embodies the collective identity of our region.
Exhibition Schedule:
Muswellbrook
- Date: Monday, 19 August, 4–7pm
- Venue: Donald Horne Building, Bridge St
Murrurundi
- Date: Tuesday, 20 August, 4–7pm
- Venue: CWA Hall, Mayne St
Merriwa
- Date: Wednesday, 21 August, 4–7pm
- Venue: Old Library Building, Bettington St
Scone
- Date: Thursday, 22 August, 4–7pm
- Venue: Campbells Corner, Kelly St
Why Attend?
- Explore: Discover the creative concepts that have been developed from your feedback and insights.
- Engage: Ask questions and participate in the discussion to ensure the brand reflects your vision for the region.
- Influence: Make sure your voice is heard in this final stage of development, contributing to a brand that represents all of us.
This brand will not just be a logo or tagline—it will be a powerful tool for uniting our communities, enhancing our regional identity, and showcasing the Upper Hunter to the world. Your involvement is vital to ensuring its success.
We look forward to seeing you at one of the sessions and hearing your thoughts.
For more details on the project, head to www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/
Together, let’s shape a future for the Upper Hunter that reflects our true spirit and potential.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government.
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State Matters -A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP
Member for Upper Hunter 19 August 2024
CONSULTATION BEGINS – COMMUNITY INFORMATION sessions are being held on Wednesday by Hunter New England Local Health District for the new Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation facility.
Concept designs have been released ahead of the drop-in sessions for the community to learn more about the new forensic mental health and rehabilitation services.
The Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation (MMHR) facility will provide a new location for some of the services currently operating out of Morisset Hospital.
It will be co-located at Maitland Hospital, Metford on the eastern side of campus in a multi-storey building containing medium and low secure units, rehabilitation and recovery facilities.
The local community is encouraged to attend two drop-in sessions at the Maitland Hospital main foyer, 10am-12pm and 3pm-5pm.
Discover more about the proposed development at: www.hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/maitlandmh/news-maitland
WOMEN OF THE YEAR – Nominations are open for the 2025 NSW Women of the Year Awards to find the most inspiring and extraordinary women and girls in our state.
The awards have five categories including Premier’s Woman of Excellence, Aboriginal Woman of the Year, Community Hero, Regional Woman of the Year and Young Woman of the Year.
Nominations are also open for the Ones to Watch category recognising 10 rising stars aged between 7 and 15.
The recipients of the awards are announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony on 6 March as part of NSW Women’s Week which runs from Sunday 2 March to Saturday 8 March, 2025.
Nomination at: www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards
C’MON FELLAS! – “Equipping Men to be Men” is the focus of the men’s well-being event Bushstock BBQ at Gloucester Showground on Friday 30 August from 6pm.
Bushstock provides a space where men can enjoy mateship while being challenged and encouraged as they increase their awareness of who they are as a man.
Gloucester Rotary will prepare a BBQ dinner, Bowden Brothers are the entertainment plus there’s fire pits, nibbles, raffles, lucky door prize and a courtesy bus home between Gloucester and Stratford.
The Bushstock BBQ is for all men aged 18 years and over, who are asked to bring a mate and something to drink.
Free tickets are available from Trybooking; www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1231118
Otherwise, it’s $25 cash at the Gloucester Showground gate with the proceeds to the local men’s prostate group.
For the latest on Bushstock got to: www.facebook.com/helpyamate
SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDBACK – Community input on experiences, concerns and suggestions regarding social media use are being called for ahead of a Social Media Summit.
A joint initiative between the NSW and South Australia governments, the two-day summit will take place in Sydney on October 10 and Adelaide on October 11.
The NSW Government is conducting the “Have Your Say” survey with feedback being taken until Sunday 8 September.
It will directly inform the discussions at the summit and help the government formulate practical solutions to address the issues posed by social media, particularly for young people.
The “Have Your Say” online consultation survey is accessible at: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/social-media-usage-and-impacts
For more information on the summit, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/socialmediasummit
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – EnergyCo is calling expressions of interest to participate in the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) network infrastructure project community reference group.
The group aims to provide an open forum for discussion between EnergyCo, the community and key stakeholders about the project and broader REZ.
To register your interest email: nerez@energyco.nsw.gov.au
EnergyCo’s project team will be active in the Upper Hunter over the next six weeks with community information sessions in Muswellbrook on Tuesday 27 August and Murrurundi on Wednesday 28 August.
The team will also be at Scone Conference Centre and Motor Inn on Wednesday 28 August, 10am-12.30pm, Muswellbrook Fair Shopping Centre on Wednesday 25 September, 10am-2pm and at the King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge and Bush Festival, Murrurundi on Friday 27 September, 9am-5pm.
Further information is available at: www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/ne/working-community
DONE YOUR RETURN? – Have you counted your animals yet? – Time is ticking because Local Land Services wants your annual Land and Stock Return.
The return, essentially a ‘farm census’, is due by 31 August to avoid penalties on your upcoming Local Land Services rates. Completing the Land and Stock Return can be done on either the secure online portal or the traditional paper form.
The input is invaluable, especially during emergencies, as it assists the LLS to provide the necessary support to you and your animals.
To learn more visit: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/alsr
AWARD NOMINATION – Congratulations to Wingen’s Deanna Faulks on being a NSW Rural Fire Service nominee for this year’s Rotary District of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA).
Deanna has volunteered with the Wingen brigade since 2015 and is also the RFS’s Risk Planning Co-Ordinator for the North Western Area.
Nominated for her work during the October 2023 Barton St, Scone fire, Deanna serving as a tanker driver and Deputy Incident Controller, working tirelessly to assist with evacuation and communication efforts, even as her own family’s homes were threatened.
Her appointment as Operations Officer in the 2023 Coonamble Section 44 fires marked a significant milestone for the RFS.
Deanna actively engages with the community by providing essential fire safety information, supporting youth soccer, raising funds for mental health advocacy and offers invaluable peer support to those affected by critical incidents.
INTERNET ASSISTANCE – Families and carers who look after school age children and are struggling to pay the bills could benefit from the School Student Broadband Initiative.
You must be caring for a school age student at your home to be eligible for the Australian Government program vouchers offering free home internet.
You must not have an active nbn connection at your home now or in the past 14 days and live in property that can access the nbn network through a standard connection.
Applications lodged for the offer by 31 December will get free home internet until the end of December 2025.
Contact the National Referral Centre, Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm on 1800 954 610 to apply or visit https://www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet/
DRIVING OVERSEAS? – If you plan to travel overseas and intend to drive then you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) required in the majority of countries. Driving abroad without an IDP can lead to serious legal and financial problems if something goes wrong.
The permit is valid for 12 months, unless your driver licence expires first. If you already have a licence to drive in NSW, you can apply for an IDP online or at your nearest Service NSW service centre.
If you need it immediately, visit a service centre or mobile service centre and a staff member can guide you through the process.
It is important to take your current driver licence card (not digital licence), a passport size photo taken no more than six months ago to be affixed to your IDP and the $51 fee (price is subject to change).
Further details at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-an-international-driving-permit-idp
UDDERLY WONDERFUL! – Schools running breakfast clubs can benefit from The Little Big Dairy Company (LBD) program which donates milk to ensure kids don’t go without the most important meal of the day.
Since 2022, the family-run dairy has quietly donated and delivered 22,000 litres of milk and dairy products to 25 breakfast club programs from Central West NSW to Canberra.
LBD is now offering milk donations to schools in the Upper Hunter Electorate, as a way to give back to the community, reduce waste, and help fuel the next generation before school.
LBD is stocked in supermarkets at Singleton, Rutherford, Muswellbrook and Cessnock with donation requests taken online at: www.littlebigdairy.co/pages/donation-request
JOIN THE PARTY – NSW Parliament House – Australia’s oldest parliament will host a public day of festivities next Sunday, 25 August.
The Bicentenary of the NSW Legislative Council marks the birth of the country’s very first legislature and celebrates 200 years of democracy in Australia.
The public is welcome for a free day of festivities with the open house giving the community the chance to explore Australia’s oldest public building, including areas of the Parliamentary precinct not usually open to the public.
The diverse program includes live music, historical re-enactments, exhibitions, art, children’s activities, food, the opportunity to meet politicians and more.
NSW Parliament Open House is on Sunday, 10am to 4pm, so visit the Parliament of NSW website for more information and to secure free tickets: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au
TOP QUOLL-ITY! – Annual pouch checks have been conducted and Aussie Ark in the Barrington Tops is thrilled to announce its endangered Eastern Quolls have 41 new joeys.
The pouch checks focused on the intensive breeding yards within the Species Recovery Unit, where eight females were checked and most pouches carried the maximum capacity of six joeys.
The joeys have a bright future, destined to one day be released into the 400-hectare Barrington Tops Wildlife Sanctuary to live free from feral predators, cars and habitat destruction.
To follow the joeys progress and other developments go to: www.aussieark.org.au
Contact:
Email address: upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au;
Phone number: 6543 1065;
Postal address P.O. Box 493, Muswellbrook 2333.
www.davelayzell.com.au/news/categories/state-matters
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Merriwa Shared Pathway Fundraising Update!
A Heartfelt Thank You!
Merriwa Central School
LITTLE SPROUTS READING DAY
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Aberdeen
Tuesday 20 AUG – NO STORYTIMETuesday 20 AUG – NO TECH HELPWednesday 21 AUG @ 5:00 – Coding for ALL ages 13+Friday 23 AUG @ 2:30 – Family History Research CassilisWednesday 21 AUG @ 11:00 – Storytime & Craft MerriwaTuesday 20 AUG @ 9:30 – PlaygroupFriday 23 AUG @ 10:00 – Little Sprouts DayMurrurundiTuesday 20 AUG @ 10:00 – Murrurundi MahjongFriday 23 AUG @ 10:00 – Magical Storytime & CraftLego Club: Tuesday – Friday @ 3:00 – 4:15Family History Research sessions: Tuesday – Saturday, bookings essentialGet Tech Connected: Tuesday – Saturday, bookings essential to work around other library program commitmentsSconeTuesday 20 AUG @ 10:30 – Toddler TimeWednesday 21 AUG @ 10:30 – Baby TalkThursday 22 AUG @ 11:00 – Mindful ColouringFriday 23 AUG @ 10:30 – Storytime & CraftSaturday 24 AUG @ 9:10 – Craft & CuppaMerriwa Touch Football Association
AGM POSTPONED
Merriwa Sports Club NSW
NewsXpress Merriwa
BOOKFAIR TO SUPPORT THE SHARED PATHWAY
Exciting News! Book Fair to Support the Merriwa Shared Pathway 
When: The Book Fair will run over three weekends:
Where: 102 Bettington Street, Merriwa. Formerly Happy Guru.
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Merriwa Railway Society Inc
Merriwa RSL Club
HAPPYMAN CHINESE RESTURANT
Chef Ray Bistro has been now been re named as 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭.
New menu and new highly experienced Chef & Staff!
Dine in or take away • 6548 2295 
LIVE MUSIC
𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆 & 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆 
Save the date! Saturday 14th September!
Don’t forget our 𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒓 pints every Saturday from 3-6PM! 
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Permaculture at the Pub Merriwa!
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Sandy Hollow Charity Motorfest
MAJOR RAFFLE
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Hunter Local Land Services
UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
GROWING YOUR NATURAL CAPITAL – WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? UPPER HUNTER
Join us on-farm for a Natural Capital conversation as we launch of our Natural Capital Program. Learn about what natural capital is and how you can recognise the value of natural assets on your land.
We will have a range of service providers in attendance to discuss topics including:
- Carbon and environmental markets
- Identifying and maintaining natural assets
- Financial opportunities
- Emissions reporting and market trends
- Hear from landholders who are actively managing their natural assets
Registration is essential and you can register your attendance by clicking on this link.
When
13 Sep 2024 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Region
Hunter
Where
Venue details will be provided on registration
Merriwa
Contact
Julia Emerson
0477 954 302
Julia.emerson@lls.nsw.gov.au
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Royal Hotel Cassilis
MAKE-UP WITH HILARY FINCH
TICKET SALES CLOSE TUESDAY 20TH AUGUST!
Workbook
Gift Bag
High Tea
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14 SEPTEMBER 2024
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TRIVIA & GAMES NIGHT
Bookings are essential.
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Festival Lineup Announcement! 
Date: October 4th-6th, 2024 Location: Cassilis Bowling ClubSTALLHOLDERS WANTED
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Pools are FUN!!!
So why not work at one this Summer!
Upper Hunter Shire Council
WORKS SCHEDULE – WEEK STARTING MONDAY, 19 AUGUST 2024
Each week Upper Hunter Shire Council prepares a report detailing the work that our infrastructure crews plan to deliver in the coming week.
Scheduled work is merely an indication of what we intend to undertake and is not a guarantee of work being carried out. As factors such as weather, resource availability and unexpected needs can impact Councils priorities for the coming week.
Works Delivery
- Bunnan Road – Heavy patching
- Flight Springs Road – Maintenance grading
- Road inspections as required
- Action requests as required
Parks and Facilities
- Amenities maintenance
- Cemetery maintenance
- Parks, sports fields, rest areas, entrances/approaches, Showground Passive areas and reserves mowing and maintenance
- Playground inspections
- Actions requests as required
Water and Sewer
- Water treatment plant operation and maintenance
- Sewer treatment plant operation and maintenance
- Water and sewer distribution systems and actions requests as required
- Water main renewal work- near 57 King George V Avenue Merriwa (work commencing 6 August 2024)
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Have you seen something that needs attention?
Please use the Customer Request Management Form available online by clicking here to lodge an action with UHSC.
Alternatively, you can download and use the Snap, Send, Solve app from the App store. This app allows you to submit requests with various authorities or Local Council with ease. Learn more about the Snap, Send, Solve app here.
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