Merriwa, NSW! We’re recruiting On-Call Firefighters! 
Why become an On-Call Firefighter?
Requirements:
Live or work within close proximity to Merriwa Fire Station.
Be physically fit and ready to respond to emergencies.
Have a passion for helping others.
Applications close: Sunday 12th October 2025Upper Hunter Shire Libraries – Aberdeen Cassilis Merriwa
Murrurundi Scone
SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Cassilis – 6540 1311
Merriwa – 6521 7007Merriwa 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 – Tuesday 30th Sept
Age Range for kids to attend is up to 18yrs – Children must be accompanied by an adult during kids cooking workshops
Health & Safety – Any food allergies must be communicated to Kim at the time of booking
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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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MORNING TEA & TOMBOLA
Merriwa CWA is holding a Tombola Day on the 14 October
It’s a fun morning so we hope you will join us. Details on the flyer.
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Cassilis Country Music Festival
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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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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THE PROMISE – FREE COMMUNITY SCREENING
🗓 Date: Friday, 10th October
🕕 Time: 6:00pm
📍 Venue: The Studio – Merriwa Central School (Secondary Campus)
This is more than just a film — it’s an opportunity for our community to come together, spark conversations, and help break the silence surrounding mental health.
Following the screening, there will be a special Q&A session with Craig Hamilton & Jye Currie, offering deeper insight into the film and their personal journeys.
✨ Free entry – everyone is welcome!
We kindly ask you to register your spot, so we have an idea of numbers for seating and refreshments. You can register online now at humanitix by searching for the event or clicking the following link: https://events.humanitix.com/the-promise-free-community-screening-merriwa or you can see Leanne at the Newsagency or Carlita at Merriwa Hardware.
📽️ The Promise is rated M and recommended for viewers 15 years and over.
Themes and discussions may be confronting, especially for younger viewers. Parental guidance is advised – please use your discretion.
Proudly Sponsored By: Merriwa & District Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc, Merriwa Tourist Welcoming Centre & Men’s Shed, Merriwa Rotary Club, Merriwa Central School, Upper Hunter Shire Council, Merriwa Home Hardware, Merriwa RSL Club, Merriwa Senior Citizens and Merriwa Monday Craft Ladies.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
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Merriwa Central School
FREE BIRTHDAY PARTY MOVIE NIGHT
As part of our 175 Celebrations, we are holding a Birthday Party Movie Night and everyone is welcome. Please pre-pay using our QR Code. https://portal.schoolbytes.education/other-payment/225
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CELEBRATION DINNER
Upcoming LIVE Music at The Royal!
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Save the date
Carols in the Park – Sunday 14th Dec – Apex Park
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State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP
Member for Upper Hunter – 29 September 2025
LONG WEEKEND CHECKLIST – DOUBLE DEMERIT POINTS apply from Friday 3 October with the NSW Police enforcement for the Labour Day long weekend continuing until Monday night 6 October.
Road users are on notice that double points apply for speeding, using a mobile phone illegally, riding without a helmet, not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or carrying passengers not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or restraint.
The road safety campaign to encourage safe driver behaviour on our roads reminds drivers and riders that during double demerit periods the penalties for breaking road rules are more severe.
Motorists are advised to plan their trip or consider using public transport during the Spring school holiday and the October long weekend with increased traffic volumes expected: www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/plan-your-trip/holiday-driving/holiday-and-journey-planning
Another long weekend reminder – 2025-26 Daylight Saving starts Sunday 5 October at 2am, when clocks are moved forward one hour to 3am.
ROADWORK UPDATE – Motorists travelling between Whittingham and Jerrys Plains this week are being advised to expect roadwork activities both day and night.
As previously mentioned, oversize over mass upgrades for the Port of Newcastle to Renewable Energy Zones begin Monday 29 September at the intersection of Jerry Plains Road and Putty Road, and Golden Highway (Mitchell Line of Road) and Putty Road, Mount Thorley.
Transport for NSW has also scheduled work for Monday 29 September, 7pm-5am on the Golden Highway/Mitchell Line of Road, between Putty Road, Mount Thorley and the New England Highway, Singleton.
It includes maintenance work on the Golden Highway on-ramp and off-ramp at Mount Thorley – with all work expected to be completed in one night, weather permitting.
Then, Thursday 1 October, 7pm-5am, Transport advises work will be carried out on the Golden Highway, between Gee’s Creek and Lemington Road, Jerrys Plains, which is again expected to be completed in one night.
Check for updates at: www.livetraffic.com
REZ INQUIRY – Singleton last week hosted a hearing of the Upper House committee inquiry into the Impact of Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) on rural and regional communities and industries in NSW.
The committee, including Nationals MLC, the Hon. Sarah Mitchell, and Liberals MLC, the Hon. Aileen MacDonald, held a public hearing on Thursday 25 September at Singleton Civic Centre and also conducted site visits.
The committee heard from stakeholders including Ausgrid and Transgrid, local councils, farmers, unions and members of the community about the potential impacts of renewable energy developments.
A video recording of the hearing is available on the NSW Parliament's YouTube channel with a transcript on the Legislative Council Portfolio Committee No. 4 – Regional NSW website: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3065
COALITION COMMITMENT – A Liberals and Nationals NSW Government will bring back Business Connect after the Minns Labor Government axed the vital support service for small business.
Business Connect provided free, practical advice to small businesses navigating compliance, planning and financial management.
It was one of the few lifelines available for small business operators but from 1 October it is gone, with nothing to replace it.
Since being introduced by the previous Coalition Government in 2017, Business Connect has assisted more than 60,000 small businesses and helped create over 40,000 new jobs.
Small business is the backbone of our communities – the Nationals and Liberals message is simple, stop making life harder for the people who create jobs and focus on productivity not paperwork.
FUTURE FOCUS – The Net Zero Economy Authority is inviting regional stakeholders to a consultation session in Singleton on Friday 17 October to shape a Future Made in the Hunter.
Representatives from local government, industry, unions, education and training providers, community organisations, and other regional stakeholders are encouraged to register by Friday 10 October.
The session on the Hunter's future economy and workforce is an opportunity to share views and priorities to help shape strategy and planning for the Hunter region as it transitions to a net zero future.
The session will consider the economic diversification and future growth opportunities, as well as, workforce transition opportunities and challenges facing the region.
To register for the consultation in Singleton, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1641737153019?aff=oddtdtcreator
BORE WARNING – The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) is investigating reports of possible illegal bore drilling.
Landholders are being advised to check the credentials of bore drilling contractors after reports that an unlicensed operator has allegedly been installing defective bores on some northern NSW farms.
Poorly constructed bores can contribute to groundwater misuse, waste and damage through uncontrolled bore flow or contamination of aquifers.
Landholders considering accessing groundwater must first obtain a water supply work approval from WaterNSW before any bore drilling takes place.
They then need to engage a driller holding a NSW driller's licence of the correct class to construct the bore.
If you suspect illegal bore drilling, report it on NRAR's website, or call 1800 633 362.
To check a driller’s licence, contact WaterNSW on 1300 662 077.
For more about the investigation, check: www.nrar.nsw.gov.au/news/nrar-warns-landholders-to-watch-for-unlicenced-bore-drillers
EMERGENCY READY? – As the weather warms, Local Land Services is asking landholders if they have an emergency plan in place.
There are simple tasks to complete to help prepare for emergencies including completing the annual livestock return, identifying ways to transport animals off property if you need to move them, agistment options and understanding bushfire risks in your area.
Flood, fires and other natural disasters are unfortunately part of the Australian climate prompting a call for landholders to use the resources available to prepare for emergencies.
The On-farm emergency management website can assist informed decisions before, during and after emergencies: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-and-primary-industries/climate-and-emergencies/on-farm-emergency-management
A guide for managing drought, fire and flood can also be downloaded from the NSW Government’s Droughthub: www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au/managing/managing-drought-resources
ONLINE SAFETY – Free wi-fi is in the spotlight with the NSW Government encouraging users to think about who else is on that wi-fi network.
Open and unsecured public wi-fi networks can be set-up or joined by anyone and expose your internet activity to monitoring by cybercriminals including scammers.
People have been caught intercepting the information of others connected to the same network angling to get passwords and credit card numbers.
To stay safe online consider using your smartphone’s personal hotspot instead of public wi-fi – just remember to have enough data before you start.
For tips to stay safe online: www.digital.nsw.gov.au/delivery/cyber-security , the NSW Police website: www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/crime_prevention/online_safety and: www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/digital-citizenship/online-safety/tips-to-staying-safe
ARK IS OPEN – Aussie Ark's open days return for the Spring school holiday and you are invited to visit the Barrington Tops during October 4-12.
The gates open 10.30am-1pm daily, and when you step inside the world-class facility you will see conservation in action.
Your ticket includes a guided tour at 11am, led by expert Wildlife Rangers – bringing you face-to-face with some of Australia’s most endangered animals, and there’s every chance you’ll meet baby animals along the way.
Spaces are limited and fill-up quickly, so book early to secure your spot at: www.aussieark.org.au/get-involved/ecotourism/open-days
TOURISM RESEARCH – Australian Regional Tourism (ART) is exploring the need to develop a National Social Impact Framework for Regional Tourism.
Tourism in regional communities is about more than just its economic contribution, its true value lies in how it supports local people, strengthens culture, builds resilience and enhances the liveability that makes each destination unique.
Responses to the survey will help determine the need for a national framework that could support regions to upskill, measure, and report on tourism’s social impact, ensuring these benefits are front and centre in planning, investment, and advocacy.
To participate in the Regional Capability and Needs Survey go to: www.surveymonkey.com/r/2B9XF3R
TRUE BLUE VINE – Diary note that NSW Wine Month’s signature event, Sydney Cellar Door, is scheduled for early November and the Upper Hunter electorate will be represented.
NSW Wine Month is being held throughout November with Cellar Door taking place on 8-9 November from noon at First Fleet Park and Tallawoladah Lawn in The Rocks.
The two-day Sydney wine festival events will bring together 40 premium wineries from across 16 different NSW wine regions including the Upper Hunter’s Margan Wines, Thomas Wines, Lambs Valley Wines and Two Rivers.
The month-long celebration will toast everything wonderful and unique about Australia’s ‘First State of Wine’ with 31 days of events, dinners, tastings, masterclass and experiences for wine lovers to meet the passionate people behind NSW wines.
Check NSW Wine Industry Association website for more: www.nswwine.com.au/nsw-wine-month and: www.facebook.com/NSWWine
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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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.———
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