Merriwa Senior Citizens
Seniors Meeting – Tuesday 26th August.
For further information contact Adele on 6548 2081 or Barbara on 0459 482 682.
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Bus Trip to Mudgee
Saturday 13th September
Departing 8:00am from the CWA RoomsWe’ll visit the Mudgee Honey Haven before heading into Mudgee, where you’ll have time to explore, shop, or relax at your leisure.
• Members: $30
• Non-Members: $35
Please note: No refunds will be given.
Adele – 6548 2081
Barbara – 0459 482 628Merriwa Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐰𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭
Please follow the Facebook page to ensure you don’t miss any updates
Hunter Local Land Services
Revegetating the Merriwa River
Join us for a community BBQ and information session focused on restoring Regent Honeyeater habitats along the Merriwa River.
Event details:
Join Local Land Services for this free event and learn about:
- planned revegetation and connectivity programs
- upcoming seed collection from local properties (Casuarina, Yellow Box, White Box, Mugga Ironbark)
- mistletoe propagation techniques
- work with LLS volunteers and Merriwa Landcare to help establish a local native species seedbank & nursery.
This collaborative effort will lead to a community planting day in 2026.
Contact: Eva Twarkowski on 0437 056978 or via email at: eva.twarkowski@lls.nsw.gov.au
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Attention Merriwa landholders and land managers
Signs to look for
Camera monitoring
Free feeding & baiting
Trapping
Humane destruction
FeralScan Reporting
Merriwa – Settlement Hall 21 August
https://bit.ly/3IP46tT
Cassilis Public School
150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Please spread the word and use the link to RSVP for catering purposes! https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfWJm…/viewform
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Merriwa Central School
BIRTHDAY CAKE COMPETITION
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CELEBRATION DINNER
Merriwa CWA NSW
KIDS COOKING
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UPCOMING MEETINGS 2025
- 8th September
- 13th October – AGM
- 10th November
- 1st December
Meetings will be held at the Merriwa CWA Hall at 10am.
Any changes – members will be notified on CWA Facebook page and via email.
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Upcoming LIVE Music at The Royal!
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FATHER’S DAY
**Sunday 7th September**
$5.50 Tap Beers – ALL DAY!
Nathan Cole – Live from 1pm
Raffles – Tickets on Sale now!
Courtesy Bus – 0484897899
Book your tables now – 6548 2235
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Exciting Community Event Coming to Merriwa Friday, 10th October
The Studio – Merriwa High School
Keynote by Craig Hamilton + Screening + Q&A with Craig & Jye
Sponsors will be recognised with:
0458 482 889 (Carlita)
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There’ll be a full bar and live music by Gaz Brentnall and a DJ thanks to Singers Karaoke. So stick around after the dust settles.
Admission:
FREE for kids under 5
$10 for kids (5-17)
$20 for adults
$10 for pensioners
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OCTOBER 3rd – 5th at CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB
A family friendly weekend of music and entertainment for the whole family, markets, music and childrens activities plus the NRL Grand Final on the big screen.
Please follow our Facebook Page to stay up to date with all the latest including Artist Announcements!!
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State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP
Member for Upper Hunter – 25 August 2025
DISASTER ASSISTANCE UPDATE – SUPPORT is now available for three local government areas in the Upper Hunter Electorate following the recent severe weather from the end of July onwards.
Disaster assistance has been extended to residents, businesses and primary producers in the Dungog, Singleton and Upper Hunter council areas.
Support includes grants for low income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living and to undertake essential structural repairs to homes damaged by the disaster event.
Concessional loans up to $130,000 and transport subsidies up to $15,000 are available for primary producers and small businesses.
The NSW Government does advise that conditions apply in relation to the support measures.
Landholders impacted by the recent storms can access a wide range of support, services and expert advice from Local Land Services to help them recover with more information available at: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/floods/flood-recovery-resources
RENEWABLES REPORT RELEASED – The NSW Nationals have reignited calls for a pause and stocktake on renewables projects across the state, after the inquiry examining the regional impact of renewable energy zones (REZ) released its first report.
The Legislative Council’s Portfolio Committee No. 4 – Regional NSW has tabled the report entitled Impact of Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) on rural and regional communities and industries in New South Wales – First report.
NSW Nationals are pleased to see the inquiry essentially supports what we have been saying about the cumulative impact for the past 12-months, and that a proper stocktake be carried out before the state can find a way forward.
That should include a national rating system to ensure only projects that are fit for purpose reach the assessment stage.
To view the report: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/reports/pages/reports.aspx
TRANSPORT NOTES – Motorists are asked to take care, keep to signposted speed limits and follow the direction of traffic controllers with roadwork on the Golden Highway and the New England Highway.
EnergyCo is starting construction from Wednesday 27 August to upgrade the Jerrys Plains Road (Golden Highway) and Denman Road intersection, at Denman.
The work, part of the Port to Renewable Energy Zones project, will happen during standard daytime work hours 7am- 6pm, Monday-Friday, and 8am-1pm on Saturdays.
Essential road maintenance is also scheduled for the New England Highway, Singleton to improve the road surface for all road users.
The work will be between Mitchell Line of Road and New Freugh Lane, Whittingham from Sunday 31 August, 6pm-6am, Sunday-Thursday with expected completion in six shifts, weather permitting.
And, after recent flooding road repairs will be undertaken on Bellvue Road, near the Paterson River at Woodville from Monday 1 September for up-to-two weeks, weather permitting.
For the latest traffic updates call 132 701, www.livetraffic.com or download the app Live Traffic NSW.
APPLY NOW! – Community groups across the Upper Hunter Electorate are being encouraged to make application for the Yancoal Australia 2026 Community Support Program.
Financial assistance is available for local groups working in the areas of health, community, environment, arts, culture, education and training with applications to close on 26 September.
Upper Hunter community groups apply at: www.yancoal.com.au/our-sites/ashton
Hunter Valley community groups can visit: www.yancoal.com.au/our-sites/mount-thorley-warkworth/
And, community groups in Gloucester, Stroud and district with projects or ideas that make a positive difference to the local community: https://www.yancoal.com.au/our-sites/stratford/
BROADBAND INFORMATION – Information stalls on the National Broadband Network (nbn) are being held in the Upper Hunter Electorate from this week.
The Pop Up events are to help residents and businesses understand and take advantage of completed nbn upgrades.
Singleton Square hosts a pop-up on Tuesday 26 August, 9am-5pm, and then at Singleton Diggers on Tuesday 23 September, 10.30am-1pm for the Singleton Seniors Forum.
The Connectivity team from nbn Local visits Stroud on Tuesday and Wednesday, 2-3 September, 9am-5pm.
Local Community Information Sessions are scheduled for Bulga Service Station on Tuesday 2 September, 10.30am-1pm, then at Broke Village Store, 2-4.30pm.
Pokolbin Village is the location for the nbn team on Wednesday 3 September, 8.30-11am.
To check your broadband eligibility, visit: www.nbn.com.au/CheckRegional and for more about the locations of the nbn team Pop Up events and Upgrade Information Stalls go to: www.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/media-centre/events
BULGA ‘BEACH’ RESEARCH – Transport for NSW is inviting community and stakeholders to comment on three proposed options to rehabilitate the beach areas of Wollombi Brook at Bulga Bridge.
The discussion on the future of the beach after the removal of a rock platform, which was used to access the structure, comes after a $5 million upgrade on the Putty Road crossing.
Transport’s options include leaving the site in its current condition with no further intervention, rehabilitation with partial rock removal and remediation with full rock removal.
Feedback closes Wednesday 3 September to allow Transport to finalise and proceed with the preferred option, which is dependent on finalising work plans and gaining environmental approval.
Comments can be emailed to: Santosh.dhakal@transport.nsw.gov.au, or sent by mail: Att: Santosh Dhakal Transport for NSW, Locked Bag 2030, Newcastle NSW 2300.
BRIDGE LATEST – Dungog Shire Councillors received an update on the new Clarence Town Bridge during last week’s council meeting.
Construction commenced in April, with all project works currently being delivered within the approved $20 million budget, which includes $11 million from the NSW Government.
Significant progress has been made with site establishment, piling and abutment works, tree and topsoil removal, and earthworks.
Design refinements have also been achieved within the project budget, including widening the bridge to improve heavy vehicle movements, enhanced stormwater capacity, upgraded lighting, and an asphalt wearing surface for improved ride quality and durability.
Challenges have also emerged, such as hard rock excavation and unsuitable subgrade, but are being managed within the existing budget and contingency allowances.
Councillors were also told additional maintenance in support of the project on the Brig O’Johnston Bridge has enabled conditional approval for its use in haulage activities, ensuring works can continue efficiently.
INNOVATION FESTIVAL – Muswellbrook has hosted the official kick-off to the Hunter Innovation Festival Roadshow and the event is heading back for more activities in the Hunter Valley.
Maitland’s Manufacturing Edge will be the focus for the Regional Roadshow this Friday, 29 August, Noon-2pm at The Bradford Hotel, Rutherford.
Club Singleton is the location for the Regional Roadshow’s ‘Innovate, Diversify and Thrive with Grant Support’ on Friday 5 September, Noon-2pm.
Then, key decision-makers will gather in Hunter Valley Wine Country for the Hunter Innovation Investment Luncheon, on Tuesday 9 September at Noon with the focus on collectively driving the Hunter Valley’s future as a leader in tourism and agritech innovation.
The Hunter Innovation Festival Roadshow is regarded as a perfect opportunity for networking, sharing brilliant ideas and celebrating the forward-thinking collaborations that are shaping the future of our region.
For more on the Hunter Innovation Festival Roadshow and the main event, the Hunter Innovation Festival, on Thursday, 25 September at Newcastle City Hall, go to: www.hunterif.com.au/festival
VOLUNTEER MUSEUM GRANTS – Applications are now being accepting by Museum & Galleries of NSW (M&G NSW) for two grants from the Volunteer Museum Grant Program.
Round 2 grants include small grants up to $2,000 for short-term, collection-based projects, and project development grants of $2,500-$7,500 to allow community museums and Aboriginal cultural spaces to carry out strategic and innovative projects with mid to long term outcomes.
First-time applicants or those with limited grant-writing experience are encouraged to reach out to M&G NSW for ongoing assistance.
Applications close 7 September with more information about the Volunteer Museum Grants program available at: https://mgnsw.org.au/sector/funding/
REZ OFFSETS – Landowners in the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) project area, which includes the Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook council areas, are being asked to consider their role in delivering biodiversity offsets.
The NSW Government has introduced a new way for major projects to meet biodiversity offset obligations through entering into a ‘strategic offset delivery agreement’ with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
What this mean for landowners is that project offsets are now intended to be delivered under a strategic delivery offset agreement, with delivery managed by DCCEEW’s Planning, Offsets and Threatened Species and Ecosystems team.
If you are a landowner in the REZ project area and would like to be considered for future offset opportunities, email: supplyfund@environment.nsw.gov.au.
To find latest updates, fact sheets and more, visit: energyco.nsw.gov.au/ne
HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS – Upper Hunter electorate constituents living north of the Hunter River at Maitland are being asked to nominate inductees for the city’s Hall of Fame.
This is the opportunity to recognise locals whose lifetime of achievement has made a lasting impact on Maitland – and in some cases, far beyond.
From sport, community and military service to the arts, business, science, education and more, inductees reflect the values, talent and legacy of Maitland.
The City of Maitland Hall of Fame inductees have their name engraved on the floor of the Maitland Park Rotunda.
If you know someone whose contributions deserve to be celebrated for generations to come, put their name forward by Sunday 28 September at: www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/services/community-services/hall-of-fame
Contact:
Email address: upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au;
New Address: 94 John Street Singleton 2330
Postal Address: PO Box 60 Singleton NSW 2330
Ph: 6543 1065
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Monthly Works Schedule – Week Starting Monday, 18 August 2025
Each month Upper Hunter Shire Council prepares a report detailing the work that our infrastructure crews plan to deliver over the coming month.
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 month.
Merriwa
Works Delivery
- Depot Road – Maintenance Grading
- Mountain Station Road – Maintenance Grading
- Gummun Road – Maintenance Grading
- Cockatoo Gap Road – Maintenance Grading
- Middle Creek Road – Maintenance Grading
- Inglewood Road – Maintenance Grading
- Judy Kelly Road – Maintenance Grading
- Cream of Tar Ta 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
- Tree maintenance
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 sampling for PFAS
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Council Meeting Recap 28 July 2025
Published on 30 July 2025
Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday 28 July, 2025 and considered a wide range of matters to support our towns and villages. Key decisions from the meeting are summarised below.
Appointments to Council committees
Council reviewed nominations for its community advisory committees. Councillors supported the appointment of Rowan Rodgers to the Australia Day Sub‑Committee in the Merriwa district and Jo Caldwell, Des Dugan, Ellen Watson, Darryn Wicks & Marty Wilson to the newly‑formed Murrurundi Recreation Facilities User Group Committee. Expressions of interest for the Murrurundi committee will remain open until 15 August 2025 so that more community members can get involved. Council thanked both nominees and emphasised that committee members must adhere to the Council’s Code of Conduct.
Establishing the Scone Sustainable Community Group Committee
Council endorsed the re‑establishment of the former Scone Tidy Towns Committee as the Scone Sustainable Community Group Committee under the Community Advisory Committee – Scone District. The new committee will support initiatives such as the Scone Community Garden, Scone Spring Garden Ramble, Clean Up Australia Day, and Keep Australia Beautiful programs, and will foster partnerships with schools, aged care, businesses, and other community organisations. Council adopted a draft charter and will call for nominations from the Community Advisory Committee and expressions of interest from local residents. Activities will be funded from existing budgets and environmental grants.
Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee – minutes and next steps
Councillors received minutes from the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee meeting held on 17 June 2025. The committee discussed the future of the Merriwa facility and noted that Council may relinquish its high‑care certification so that Gummun Place reverts to a hostel providing low‑care accommodation. The committee observed that two stakeholders have expressed interest in operating Gummun Place as a low‑care hostel offering home‑care packages and possibly accommodation for National Disability Insurance Scheme supported living. A business case will be prepared for the Commonwealth Minister for Health and Aged Care. Council thanked the committee for their ongoing input and committed to keeping the community informed as the transition progresses.
Traffic and safety signage tender
Council accepted a panel tender for the supply and delivery of traffic and safety signage to the Upper Hunter Shire and other member councils of the Hunter Joint Organisation. The panel runs for three years from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028 with a 12‑month extension option. Successful suppliers include Artcraft, Barrier Signs, Central Signs Road & Safety, HiVis Group, ICombined 360 Services Group, J&M Road Marking Specialists/Traffic MGMT, and The SWF Group. The joint tender achieves value for money and ensures regulatory compliance.
Local Government NSW Annual Conference
Council confirmed that Cr Shields will represent the Upper Hunter at the 2025 Local Government NSW Annual Conference, to be held at Panthers Penrith and Western Sydney Conference Centre from 23–25 November 2025.
A motion to send two delegates, Cr Shields and Cr Stolz, resulted in a tied vote (4 in favour, 4 against). The motion was defeated when the Mayor exercised his casting vote. A subsequent motion to send Cr Shields was carried, with only Cr Stolz and Cr Fraser voting against.
Motions for the conference must be lodged through the online portal by 30 September 2025.
Disclosure obligations for councillors
Councillors were reminded of their obligations to lodge political donation disclosures by 11 August 2025 and electoral expenditure disclosures by 22 September 2025. Separate disclosures apply for donations made between 1 January and 30 June 2025, annual expenditure from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, and any candidate or group campaign expenses.
Support for Westpac Rescue Helicopter fundraising
Council agreed to provide a $400 donation towards the cost of green fees for a community fundraising golf day hosted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service at Scone Golf Club on 28 September 2025. While the request did not strictly meet the criteria of Council’s donations policy, the Corporate Services Committee recommended granting the donation to support this vital emergency service.
Report from the National General Assembly of Local Government
Mayor Maurice Collison, Deputy Mayor Pat Ryan, Councillor Allison McPhee and the General Manager attended the 2025 National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra from 24–27 June 2025. The assembly theme, “National priorities need local solutions”, aligned with Council’s focus on financial sustainability, roads and infrastructure, jobs and skills, housing and homelessness. Delegates heard addresses from the Hon Kristy McBain (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Emergency Services) and the newly appointed Governor General Sam Mostyn. Presentations covered climate change adaptation, artificial intelligence, emergency management, safer roads, housing and community infrastructure, and employment in local government. More than 191 motions were debated, including four submitted by Upper Hunter Shire Council.
For more details on other matters discussed, please refer to the meeting agenda, or head to our YouTube channel to watch the meeting.
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MR358 Road Project – June Update
Highlights
Catch drain excavation and concrete lining complete in Sections 1 & 2 Gabion wall construction now 90% complete across the entire project Rock bolting, 3,000 soil nails and all rock mesh installation finished Shotcrete open drains and open drain excavation works now 100% Earthworks nearing completion at 98%
Coming up: Gabion wall and subsoil drainage finalisation in Section 2 Subgrade prep, select pavement and drainage across all sections Kerbing, table drains and cross drainage works continuing Base pavement construction now underway
For more information on the project, please head to: http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/mr358
This project is proudly supported by the NSW State and Australian Federal Governments.———
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