ATTENTION 
https://1drv.ms/…/EcaaQ-SglsBEhiCb… https://1drv.ms/…/EVlexGCUtHRKvcThPOxv3hgBi-sTW…Merriwa Cricket Club
RAISING MONEY FOR THE MERRIWA CRICKET CLUB AND KIDS.
Calling all true crime fans from Merriwa a night not to be missed- a night with renowned Homicide Detective and I Catch Killers Podcaster GARY JUBELIN.
Gary offers lighter, yet gripping storytelling engagements filled with jaw-dropping moments, dark humour, and behind-the-scenes insights:
•Inside Australia’s most dangerous investigations.
•Encounters with bikie gangs and organised crime.
•Managing the Lindt Cafe siege crime scene.
•Facing criminal charges and public scrutiny.
•The making of Underbelly: Badness.
•Protecting Prime Ministers and foreign dignitaries.
•Recording podcasts inside maximum-security prisons.
•Dealing with criminal informants and being targeted.
ALL MONEY GOING TOWARDS MERRIWA CRICKET CLUB & SCONE JUNIOR RUGBY “ALL FOR THE KIDS”
Scan the QR Code or follow the link https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1462353 to purchase your tickets should be a great night.
For more details call 0423134704
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Merriwa CWA NSW
KIDS COOKING
A callout to the next generation of bakers!
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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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CWA ANNUAL PLANT SALE
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Merriwa Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association
MERRIWA SHOW CAMPDRAFT
Please follow the Facebook page to ensure you don’t miss any updates
Who’s excited for the show?! We are!! 
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Merriwa and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟕 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝟔𝐏𝐌 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝟔:𝟑𝟎𝐏𝐌 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐰𝐚 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛
𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 are available now:
𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 – the global colour for MND awareness
Prize for the most outrageous blue outfit!
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 platters available to pre-order for $𝟓𝟎 + 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑒𝑒
Club bar & bistro open for meals and drinks
𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐𝐬 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 | 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟖𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬
𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐱 – limited tables, don’t delay!
Let’s make a difference together.THE PROMISE
Exciting Community Event Coming to Merriwa Friday, 10th October The Studio – Merriwa High School
Keynote by Craig Hamilton + Screening + Q&A with Craig & JyeOCTOBER 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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Cassilis Public School P&C
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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CELEBRATION DINNER
Upcoming LIVE Music at The Royal!
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State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP
Member for Upper Hunter – 15 September 2025
SES NEEDS YOU! – WET AND WINDY weather crossing the state over the past fortnight including the Upper Hunter has provided a timely reminder that the storm season is here.
With trees battered by strong winds and more rainfall on already sodden ground causing flash flooding, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) now needs new volunteers to come and join them.
SES units at Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Scone and Murrurundi are eager to welcome prospective recruits, who are passionate locals with a willingness to help, learn and make meaningful connections.
If you aged 16-years or older, a student or retiree, a local businessperson who can respond in times of emergency or a member of a sporting group with teamwork skills and want an off-season challenge – then the SES wants to hear from you.
Submit your application via the SES online application form, get ready for an interview then, if you are successful, complete a Criminal History Check ready for your volunteer journey to begin.
Discover more at: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer
PARLIAMENT RESUMES – The spring session of the NSW Parliament is current underway with a two-week sitting of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council.
Last week, I took the opportunity to congratulate Dungog fire brigade on the recent official opening of the new station at Bendolba, which was planned and funded by the former NSW Nationals and Liberals Government.
I acknowledged the successful end of the Group 21 rugby league season for Singleton with the Red Dogs winning the First Grade, Reserve Grade and Under-18s grand finals.
I also thanked Hunter and Mid-North Coast Recovery Coordinator, Dave Owens, for his involvement in the recent change to disaster assistance for farmers impacted by the May flood.
A reminder to those who did not qualify for the primary producer, rural landholders or special disaster grants due to owning a farming enterprise, that a small business grant is now available from Service NSW: www.service.nsw.gov.au
CONSERVATION HUNTING REPORT – The Standing Committee on State Development tabled its report last Friday on the ‘Game and Feral Animal Legislation Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025’.
The bill proposes a range of amendments to the laws that regulate hunting in NSW, primarily by allowing certain Crown lands to become designated for hunting and prescribing the mechanisms by which Crown land may be made available for hunting.
The bill also proposes the creation of the Conservation Hunting Authority in place of the Game and Pest Management Advisory Board, replaces restricted game hunting licences with conservation hunting licences and legislates for a ‘right to hunt’.
Amendments to the weapons legislation are proposed to provide for conservation hunting licence holders to be granted a permit to use a silencer.
The committee has recommended that the Legislative Council consider the issues identified by stakeholders as set out in the report during debate in the House.
The report is now available on the NSW Parliament website: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/reports/pages/reports.aspx
FLOOD INFORMATION – Community information sessions are currently being held by Dungog Local Emergency Management Committee to help property owners and residents prepare for a flood or dam safety event.
Hunter Water, NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Police are participating in the briefings which are customised and specific to each location.
Information being covered includes emergency planning and response roles, Chichester Dam operations and upgrades, updated flood and inundation mapping and support to develop property-specific emergency plans.
Clarence Town holds the next meetings on Wednesday 24 September at the local Bowling Club, corner Durham and Prince Streets, with a lunchtime session Noon-2pm, then during the evening, 5-7pm.
For more on the information sessions visit: www.hunterwater.com.au/water-and-environment/your-water-supply/water-sources/chichester-dam/chichester-dam-risk-assessment-report
HCC REZ APPROVAL – The NSW Government has given planning approval for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (HCCREZ) project which upgrades existing grid infrastructure such as distribution poles and wires.
The HCCREZ is separate to the Hunter Transmission Project which currently has its Environmental Impact Statement on public exhibition.
The network upgrades, which will enable 1 gigawatt (GW) of network transfer capacity, include upgrades to existing distribution lines and the construction of two new substations.
Full planning approval follows the exhibition of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) with the project assessed as having a relatively low environmental impact, as most of the works are taking place on existing easements.
Ausgrid has committed to addressing the REF feedback, with the HCCREZ now subject to final approvals from the Australian Energy Regulator.
The Review of Environmental Factors is available at: www.ausgrid.com.au/HCCREZ
BYPASS ROAD CLOSURE – Maison Dieu Road will be closed from Monday 22 September until Friday 3 October as part of construction for the Singleton Bypass Project.
Transport for NSW has advised that drainage and trenching work will be carried out with a detour in place via Magpie Street for all vehicles.
Work will take place during standard construction hours, 7am-6pm weather permitting, however some night work may be carried out if required.
Access will be maintained for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the road closure period.
Electronic Message Signs and traffic signage will be in place to advise motorists of the changed traffic conditions and motorists are advised they can expect delays of around five minutes.
RACING NSW EOI – Expressions of Interest are open until Monday 29 September for applicants wanting to be considered for appointment as a member of Racing NSW.
The Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996 stipulates that it is the duty of each appointed member of Racing NSW to act in the public interest and in the interests of the horse racing industry as a whole in the State.
The Act also requires that an appointee must have experience in a senior administrative role or experience at a senior level in one or more of the fields of business, finance, law, marketing, technology, commerce, regulatory administration or regulatory enforcement.
Candidates will be required to complete a comprehensive probity assessment to be eligible for appointment and should also familiarise themselves with the requirements of the Racing NSW Board Code of Conduct.
A candidate information pack is available at https://iwork.nsw.gov.au with applicants to, submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience via email to racing.admin@racing.nsw.gov.au with the subject as “Racing NSW Appointments”.
THIS WEEK!! – Dementia and emergency readiness are in focus this week with separate awareness campaigns.
This year’s theme for Dementia Action Week 2025 is ‘Nobody can do it alone’ challenging everyone in the community to reach out and reconnect to someone impacted by dementia.
For practical information, toolkits and resources head to: www.dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-action-week
And, Australia Post and the Australian Red Cross are partnering to help communities across the country prepare in case disaster strikes.
Households will receive Prepare Flyers, which outline four simple steps to help people protect themselves, their loved ones, and the things they value most.
To do your part to stay safe and be resilient, you can take a quick quiz to assess your disaster preparedness at: www.redcross.org.au/prepare/
WATER REGULATIONS – Two new regulations have replaced the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018 which was automatically repealed on 1 September under the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989.
The new regulations are the Water Management (General) Regulation 2025 and the Water Management (Water Supply Authorities) Regulation 2025 and include some changes to water management rules.
A number of submissions were received from stakeholders when the drafts of the regulations were placed on public exhibition in March and April of this year.
All of the submissions were considered while the new regulations were finalised with a summary of the feedback received, and the department’s responses has now been published on the department’s website: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/about-us/legislation-and-policies/acts-and-regulations/water-management-regulation-remake
The new regulations are available on the NSW Legislation webpage (select ‘W’ under Statutory Instruments): https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/browse/inforce
TIME TO REGISTER – Registrations are now open for Australia’s biggest second-hand treasure hunt – the Garage Sale Trail.
Taking place over two weekends, November 8-9 and 15-16, you can sell, shop or do both on one day or more.
If you have stuff you don’t need anymore then turn it into cash by hosting a sale at home, joining a local market or get the neighbours together for a thrifty street party.
Garage Sale Trail is open to everyone from unit blocks to community groups, schools with even pubs and museums encouraged to get involved.
It’s free to participate thanks to the support of the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
Once you register you have access to lots of resources and support from how-to guides to ready-made signage and a listing on the national Garage Sale Trail map.
Check for event news at: www.facebook.com/GarageSaleTrail and register at: www.garagesaletrail.com.au
ROCK FISHING ADVICE – Anglers who fish from coastal rock platforms are being urged to take time and make use of the latest resources from the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW (RFA).
A new series of short, practical, and culturally inclusive rock fishing safety videos is available on the RFA website.
The videos highlight the core pillars of safe rock fishing such as always wearing an approved lifejacket, checking weather and swell conditions before heading out, choosing safe locations and having knowledge of how to call for help and what to do in an emergency.
The volunteer organisation, which is the peak recreational representative fishing body in NSW, encourages everyone to use the information and to distribute it among other recreational fishers, fishing clubs, schools and community groups.
To access the new resources and the library of existing safety videos and information check: www.safefishing.com.au
FUN AT PARLIAMENT – As the countdown to the October school holiday gathers momentum, the NSW Parliament has issued a statewide invitation for the Spring Family Fun Day.
Friday 10 October, 9.30am–3pm, you are invited to Macquarie Street Sydney to celebrate and learn about democracy and the workings of the state’s Parliament.
This free one-day only civics spectacular is packed with hands-on activities for children aged 5 to 12, however, all family and friends are welcome to join in on the fun.
You can step inside the historic chambers where laws are made, have your say in a mock committee roleplay, learn about voting, get creative in arts and crafts workshops and enjoy live music.
Parents/Carers can learn more and get their free ticket by checking in at: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/visit/events/Pages/Family-Fun-Day-2025.aspx
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, 8 September 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
- Witneys Road – Maintenance Grading
- Old Scone Road – Maintenance Grading
- Webimble Road – Maintenance Grading
- Dales Creek – Maintenance Grading
- Cockatoo Gap Road – Maintenance Grading
- Gummun Road – Maintenance Grading
- Middle Creek Road – Maintenance Grading
- Inglewood Road – Maintenance Grading
- Cream of Tar Tar Road – Maintenance Grading
- Judy Kelly Road – Maintenance Grading
- Mountain Station 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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Street Sweeping Schedule: September 2025
Scone – Please refer to map: Cassilis: Merriwa: Aberdeen: Murrurundi (via Blandford): Catch-up week:
Residents: Please move vehicles, trailers, caravans and other items away from kerbsides where possible by using your driveway. This helps crews complete the job quickly and thoroughly.
Upper Hunter’s Annual Bulk Waste Clean Up Is Approaching!
2025 Collection Dates:
Scone, Gundy, and Moonan Flat: October 13 – 17 Murrurundi, Blandford, Wingen, Parkville, and Bunnan: October 20 – 24 Cassilis, Merriwa, Aberdeen: October 27 – 31
Important Info:
Garden waste will NOT be accepted. Mattresses and tyres are also prohibited. No liquid waste of any sort.
Frequently Asked Questions:Council Meeting Recap 25 August 2025
Published on 26 August 2025
Decisions Shaping Community and Infrastructure at August Council Meeting 26 August 2025
Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday 25 August 2025 to consider a wide range of matters, from recognising long-serving staff to progressing key infrastructure and policy updates.
Paul Smith recognised for 20 years’ service Senior Environmental Planner Paul Smith was acknowledged for two decades of dedicated service. Councillors praised his professionalism, highlighting his long record of providing expert advice on development and environmental matters, and presented him with a certificate of appreciation.
Scone Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan Council adopted the Scone Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan following public consultation. The plan provides a clear framework for reducing flood risk and will enable Council to apply for funding to implement key mitigation measures.
Liverpool Range Wind Farm – Planning agreement Council endorsed entering into a planning agreement with Tilt Renewables for the Liverpool Range Wind Farm. The agreement will provide an indexed annual contribution of $1,050 per megawatt installed, supporting community benefit programs, road maintenance and administration.
Code of Meeting Practice Council resolved to place its current Code of Meeting Practice on public exhibition. This is in line with NSW Government requirements, ahead of the release of a new Model Code under the state’s Councillor Conduct Framework reforms.
Rural Halls Rejuvenation Grants Council approved funding under the 2025/26 Rural Halls Rejuvenation Grants Program for:
- Timor Sports and Recreation Club – $6,581.35 for replacement of fencing and installation of air conditioning.
- Abbotsford Park Trust (Wingen Community Hall) – $4,750.00 for replacement of guttering and downpipes.
This allocation exhausts the 2025/26 program funding.
Flying-fox impacts Councillors debated a notice of motion regarding the impact of flying-fox camps across the shire. While the animals are protected and play an important environmental role, Council resolved to advocate for stronger assistance from state agencies and to improve communication with affected communities.
Community appreciation Council received a quarterly report of letters and messages from community groups, acknowledging positive feedback for Council staff and services.
Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre Council considered submissions from the recent expression-of-interest process for the Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre. The General Manager was authorised to negotiate with existing proponents on operational and financial models while also inviting further proposals from other qualified parties to ensure the centre delivers strong long-term outcomes for the community.
Glenbawn Tunnel Pipeline encasement works Council reviewed a report on storm-related damage to the Glenbawn Tunnel Pipeline concrete encasement project. An additional $460,000 has been allocated from the Water Reserve to complete rectification works, with authority delegated to the General Manager to approve contract variations up to this amount.
Councillors noted that under current state government guidelines, damage to critical water infrastructure caused by recent storms cannot be claimed for disaster recovery assistance, leaving Council to fund the works from its own reserves. The General Manager has been authorised to raise this matter directly with the responsible Minister.
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.———
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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