REMEMBERANCE DAY

11 NOVEMBER 2025

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LET’S PARTY – FUNDRAISER FOR MND

Calling all Elvis fans! Join the ultimate party in Merriwa this January to raise awareness about motor neurone disease, and raise vital funds to support families facing MND. Share a meal and be entertained with a live Elvis performance! Just come along and join the party, or stay the night too – campsites are available!

Date – Sat 3rd Jan 2026

Time – 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm 

Location – Merriwa Showground, Dutton Street, Merriwa NSW 

 

Tickets are available now:  Adult (16+) – $20
Child (under 16) – Free of charge.

 

Get your tickets at mndblue.org.au/letsparty

Don’t miss this amazing event, helping to raise funds to provide assistive equipment, educational opportunities, information and support for people living with motor neurone disease throughout NSW, the ACT and NT.

BBQ dinner is included with your ticket! Gates open 4pm, with the party officially kicking off from 5pm.

Want to stay all night? Powered and unpowered campsites are available! Be quick to book your site by calling 0417 583 797, as numbers are limited. 

Each camper requires an event ticket, with up to 5 people permitted per campsite. You can start setting up from 1pm on January 3, 2026.

BBQ Breakfast is available for campers.

Party on with live entertainment!

Elvis Tribute Artist Nigel Stanley will help you dance the night away!

Enjoy a BBQ dinner as part of the event.

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Merriwa Junior Rugby League Football Club INC

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

 

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ROYAL HOTEL CASSILIS

 

CHRISTMAS TRIVIA NIGHT

If you’ve been, you know this is a spectacular night of friendly competition and fun, with Annalese’s own special brand of local trivia mayhem.

 

We’ve sold out the marquee the last couple of events, so get your team together and book yourself a table for one of the best nights of the summer.

 

Saturday 20th December at 6pm

 

Tickets – https://bit.ly/3CfLTCP

 

#christmas #trivianight #royalhotelcassilis 

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Merriwa CWA NSW

UPCOMING MEETINGS 2025

• 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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Merriwa Family and Community Fun Day

Wednesday 12th November

Come along and enjoy the Merriwa Rotary BBQ, jumping castle, face painting, entertainment by each school and meet your local services.

 

FREE afternoon of fun!!

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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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CEF Merriwa

PRESENTATION DINNER & AUCTION

Our invitation for our Presentation Dinner and Auction are out. Meet our current grant recipients and next years applicants. This is our main fundraiser for the year so come support us along and support us on the night and enjoy some good company, fine food from Eat@153 and Sparrows Nest, beverages at the Bar and a bid on some auctions items kindly donated from businesses and residents of our wonderful town.

 

Gather up some of your friends and book a table of between 8 & 10. PM this FB account or contact Mark Sparrow 0407 488 560 along with prepaying tickets as per invitation. Tables can also be made up on the night. 

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GUMMUN PLACE MARKET DAY

If you would like to hold a stall, please contact Diane on 0417 237 274

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 Save the date

Carols in the Park – Sunday 14th Dec – Apex Park

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HAVE YOUR SAY – THE INVITATION has been issued – the Minns Labor Government wants your input now for the 2026-27 NSW  Budget.

Individuals, businesses and community groups are being asked for their views regarding priorities to help the state government deliver on  key wellbeing themes while maintaining a commitment to responsible budget management.

Submissions should include what the NSW Government is doing well and should continue to do, what it’s not doing well, work the government should pause or reprioritise and ways it could raise funds to support service delivery and infrastructure.

The submission will be forwarded to the relevant portfolio Minister or Ministers and agencies, with Ministers then able to bring proposals to  the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet.

The 2026-27 NSW Budget will be delivered in June 2026 but input will close on Monday 22 December at:  www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/2026-27-pre-budget-submission

RENEWABLE DAs – NSW Planning is exhibiting State Significant Development Applications for two proposed renewable energy projects  being near Denman.

The Upper Hunter South Solar Farm DA is for construction, operation and decommissioning of a 90MW solar farm, battery energy storage  system and associated infrastructure.

With the Denman Battery Energy Storage System DA covering construction, operation and decommissioning of a battery energy storage  system (BESS) and ancillary infrastructure.

If you need help to make a submission, visit help and resources: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/help or call Service NSW on 1300 305 695.

All submissions must be made online through the NSW Planning Portal by 4 December: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects

CLOSURE POWER – NSW Health now has substantial powers to make short-term closure orders of up to 90 days for premises selling  illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods or selling tobacco without a licence.

The department’s inspectors are being supported by NSW Police to carry out raids and issue closure orders on offending businesses. 

In addition to the tough new closure powers, the NSW Government has made changes to the Public Health (Tobacco) Act increased the  maximum penalties for anyone caught selling products without a valid licence to $660,000 for individuals and $880,000 for a corporation.

More information on closure orders and penalties can be found on the NSW Health website:  www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/tobacco-retailing-laws.aspx and to report breaches go to: www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/let-us-know-reports-complaints.aspx

A reminder that No Smoking means No Vaping with vaping banned in all areas where smoking is banned. 

These include shopping centres, public swimming pools, public transport including buses and trains as well as train platforms and bus stops,  enclosed areas of restaurants, pubs and clubs and commercial outdoor dining areas.

A $300 on the spot fine can be issued for vaping or smoking in a smoke-free area.

For more information on smoke-free laws, check: www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/smoke-free-laws.aspx

And, for support to quit, visit: www.iCanQuit.com.au or call the Quitline or Aboriginal Quitline on 13 78 48.

CROWN RESERVE GRANTS – Applications are now open for grants from the 2025–26 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

The program supports repairs, maintenance, and upgrades that strengthen the local economy and enhance the cultural, sporting and  recreational life of NSW.

The annual grant round covers three categories including general maintenance and improvement projects, pest management and weed  management projects.

To help deliver more local projects, the NSW Government has halved the minimum general grant amount to $50,000, making it easier for  Crown land managers to apply for smaller, high-impact projects that make a big difference to their communities.

More information is available at: www.crownland.nsw.gov.au/reserve-manager or call 1300 886 235 (option 5) or via email at reservefunding@crownland.nsw.gov.au

MERRIWA ROADWORK – Transport for NSW work has scheduled roadwork on Bettington Street and Telfer Avenue, Merriwa, this  weekend.

Upper Hunter Shire Council will carry out the work on behalf of Transport during Saturday 15 November on Bettington Street and Telfer  Avenue, between Cullingral Road and Bow Street. 

The improvement to safety for all road users includes bitumen resurfacing, 7am-6pm, with the work expected to be completed in one day,  weather permitting.

Motorists are asked to be aware of lane closures, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h, traffic controllers and signage and to be alert for the  presence of workers and vehicles.

E-MOBILITY DEVICE TIP – If an electric scooter, skateboard or hoverboard is on a Christmas wish list, then you may want to consider  Port Stephens Hunter and Hunter Valley Police Districts’ advice.

These motorised wheeled are illegal in NSW and can only be used on private land.

Electric or petrol powered, they cannot be registered in this state and are unable to be insured nor can they be ridden on roads or road related areas, such as footpaths, shared paths and cycleways.

Should you purchase one, also include approved helmets which must be worn securely fitted and fastened by both riders and any passenger.

The electric motor must cut off when the bicycle reaches 25km/h.

Then, there are potential penalties such as fines or imprisonment for riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol, penalties for negligent or  dangerous riding and an on the spot fine from $410 for holding a mobile phone.

For information to clarify e-mobility device use: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au or go to: www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/crime_prevention/e-bikes_and_motorised_wheeled_devices

SENIORS DIARY 2026 – One of the most sought-after NSW Government publications is now only weeks away from being available.

The 2026 edition of the free Legal Aid NSW Legal Topics for Seniors Diary will be released on 1 December.

It contains useful information with fully updated advice on a range of legal issues including scams, disputes between neighbours, wills and  planning ahead, and elder abuse.

The cover artwork of the 2026 Legal Topics diary is called ‘Echoes of our Elders’ by Shelby-Rae Lyons with the artwork telling the powerful  story of Elders passing on knowledge to the next generation.

The diary will be available from the Upper Hunter Electorate Office during December with requests accepted prior by email at:  upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au 

Other pickup locations include Legal Aid NSW offices, libraries, some community legal centres and online through the Legal Aid NSW  website: www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/ways-to-get-help/publications-and-resources

PREVENT FALLS –  Thank you to the Rotary Club of Singleton Sunrise for sharing the following information on the Rotary Falls  Prevention Project.

Rotary has a proud history of health advocacy, such as, bowel screening and polio eradication, now it has another very important health  message – research is clear, falls can be prevented.

A fall can be terrible for an older person – every day, 17 older Australians die from a fall, 400 Australians aged 65 and over are admitted to  hospital due to a fall, and falls are the most common reason for unplanned admission into an aged care facility.

We have an ageing population, so take simple actions like getting a nightlight, undertake specific physical activity, enjoy good nutrition,  remove trip hazards and make sure your shoes are safe.

Find helpful information and exercise programs to support healthy ageing at the Active and Healthy website:  www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au

REGISTER NOW, AUSTRALIA! – Registrations are now open and the countdown has commenced – Upper Hunter, it’s time to make a  date to get our hands dirty to clean up the local environment next year.

‘Get Your Gloves On – to give back to the place we call home’ is the theme for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 1 March 2026.

Organisers are thanking the army of Clean Up volunteers for all they have done throughout the past 35+ years to help remove litter and  improve our beloved Aussie environment.

Check out the How-To video series, which includes registering a Clean Up and Clean Ups for Schools, to prepare for next year and after  watching, you’ll be ready to start planning your event.

For information and more on how to register go to: www.cleanup.org.au

FOCUS ON HEALTHY LUNGS – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) will be in focus next week with World COPD Day on  Wednesday 19 November.

COPD is a term that covers a few lung conditions, including Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis, and while it cannot be cured, COPD is  highly preventable and manageable. 

Common symptoms include shortness of breath, a cough that doesn’t get better regularly coughing up mucus, feeling more tired than usual  and frequent chest infections.

Lung Foundation Australia is encouraging us to learn more about lung diseases and how to protect your lungs at:  https://lungfoundation.com.au/lung-diseases/copd/

ENTRIES OPEN – The Muswellbrook Art Prize has opened entries for next year’s competition with artists having until 2 February to  nominate their work.

One of the most valuable painting prizes in regional Australia will see finalists compete for a total of $70,000 across three categories and  inclusion in the Muswellbrook Shire Art Collection.

One Acquisitive Prize will be awarded for each of the three Prize sections with Painting having a $50,000 prizemoney, there’s $10,000 for  Works on Paper and $10,000 for Ceramics.

The 2026 Muswellbrook Art Prize schedule will see finalists announced on 13 February with winners announced and the exhibition launch on 21 March.

Discover more about the Muswellbrook Art Prize at: https://artgallery.muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au

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

www.davelayzell.com.au/news/categories/state-matters

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Upper Hunter Shire Council

Gummun Place Hostel, November 3 Update

Published on 03 November 2025

The Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee has endorsed a proposed new operating model for the Merriwa facility, following a feasibility review undertaken by aged care consultants Pride Aged Living.

The review found that Council could best meet its requirements by transitioning Gummun Place Hostel from a residential aged care service to a licensed assisted boarding house, supported by home care package-based aged care services delivered by an external provider.

Deputy Mayor Cr Pat Ryan, Chair of the Advisory Committee, said the proposal provides a sustainable pathway for the future of the facility while maintaining locally based accommodation and care for residents.

“The current residential aged care model is not financially sustainable,” Cr Ryan said.
“The assisted boarding house model offers a more viable path forward that allows residents to remain part of the Merriwa community while continuing to access the care they need.”

Financial modelling undertaken as part of the feasibility review indicates that the service could achieve a breakeven result when occupied by approximately 10 to 11 residents, with potential for improvement as the model is refined and through discussions with suitable providers.

An assisted boarding house is a simpler and less compliance-focused operating model than a residential aged care service. It is expected to reduce operating costs, with safeguards in place to prevent ongoing losses. Under the proposed model, Council would retain ownership of the facility and lease it to an experienced aged care or housing provider responsible for day-to-day operations and service delivery.

The feasibility review remains commercial in confidence to protect information that could compromise the upcoming Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

“The feasibility study contains sensitive financial and operational details that are essential to the EOI process,” Cr Ryan said. “Keeping it confidential ensures Council can attract the most qualified providers to operate Gummun Place.”

Under the preferred model, residents would enter occupancy agreements directly with the operator and contribute towards accommodation and meal costs. Additional services such as personal care, allied health, domestic assistance, home maintenance, transport and meal preparation could be funded through residents’ Home Care Packages.

The transition process is expected to take around six months, depening on the availability of suitable alternative accommodation for residents who are not eligible for home care packages.

Council has undertaken extensive consultation to date and continues to engage with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission regarding the transition process. Council will continue to meet its obligations to residents while it remains the approved provider.

Cr Ryan said the Advisory Committee is confident the proposed model represents a positive and achievable direction for the facility.

“This model reduces risk, lowers costs and supports residents to remain in Merriwa with access to quality care,” he said. “Our focus now is on identifying the right partner to manage the facility and deliver services under this approach.”

The Advisory Committee endorsed the proposed operating model at its meeting on 7 October 2025.

The agenda from Council’s last Ordinary Council Meeting can be found here:
upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/OC-27-October-2025

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Future of Gummun Place Hostel to be considered by Council

Published on 23 October 2025

Council will, at next week’s Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday, 27 October 2025, consider a report on the future of Gummun Place Hostel, including a proposal to transition the facility from a residential aged care service to a licensed assisted boarding house model supported by home care packages.

The report outlines options to address the long-term financial and operational challenges facing the facility.

Deputy Mayor Cr Pat Ryan said that while the report recommends exploring a new operating model, no decision has been made.

“Council has not made any decision regarding the future of Gummun Place Hostel,” Cr Ryan said.
“This report allows councillors to carefully consider all available options and how best to ensure ongoing support for residents.”

Significant consultation has already occurred, and there is broad consensus in the community that a transition from the current operating model is required to ensure the facility’s sustainability well into the future. The report notes that continuing under the current model is not financially viable and that maintaining the status quo is not an option.

Gummun Place Hostel has been operated by Council for many years but continues to face increasing financial and regulatory pressures. The report recommends that, should the transition proceed, services could be delivered through an external aged care provider under a simpler and more sustainable model.

“Like many small, community-run aged care services, Gummun Place faces challenges from rising costs and complex compliance requirements,” Cr Ryan said.
“This report presents one possible path forward, but Council will review it thoroughly before any action is taken.”

If Council decides to progress with the proposed transition, the next step would be to call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified aged care and housing providers to operate the facility and deliver home care services to residents.

“Residents and their families can be assured that continuity of care will remain Council’s top priority,” Cr Ryan said.
“Council’s focus is now on finding the right partner with the experience and capability to deliver high-quality home care services at Gummun Place.”

The report, prepared with input from aged care consultants Pride Aged Living, will be considered at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday, 27 October 2025.

The Council Meeting agenda is now available on Council’s website:
upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/OC-27-October-2025

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Scone Cup Half Day Public Holiday

On display until 25 November 2025, 04:00 PM

Upper Hunter Shire Council invites residents, businesses, and stakeholders to participate in a public consultation regarding the Scone Cup half-day public holiday. This annual event is a significant occasion in our community, and we want to ensure that it continues to be a positive and valuable experience for everyone involved.

We’re interested in understanding the impact of this half-day public holiday on various aspects of our community, including:

• Community Well-being and Participation
• Business Activity
• Employment Opportunities
• Tourism and Recreation
• Economic Growth and Stability

Your feedback will provide critical insights that help shape our approach to this event and ensure it aligns with the needs and expectations of the Upper Hunter Shire community. How to Participate Participating in this consultation is easy and only takes a few minutes. Simply complete our online survey by clicking on the link below:

Online form

Deadline for Submissions

Submissions must be made by Tuesday 25 November, 2025 at 4pm. Your voice is vital in this process, so don’t miss this opportunity to contribute!

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Monthly Works Schedule – Week Starting Monday, 10 November 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

• Binks Road – Maintenance Grading
• Redwell Road – Maintenance Grading
• Neverfail Road – Maintenance Grading
• Wollar Road – Maintenance Grading
• Settlement Lane – Maintenance Grading
• Lettybrook Road – Maintenance Grading
• Glenroy Road – Maintenance Grading 
• Springfrield Road – Maintenance Grading 
• Gum Ridge Road – Maintenance Grading 
• Sunnyside Road – Maintenance Grading 
• Krui Road – Maintenance Grading
• Mount Erin Road – Maintenance Grading
• Alyndale Road – Maintenance Grading 
• Idaville Road – Maintenance Grading
• Roma Road – Maintenance Grading 
• Hampshire 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 Main replacement contract 
• Rising main from Collins Street Bore and Langley Street Bore
• Merriwa STP – Overflows discharge pipe construction 

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October 2025 Council Meeting Recap

Published on 28 October 2025

Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday, 27 October 2025, to consider several key matters relating to the future of aged care in Merriwa, community consultation for the Scone Cup, financial reporting, sustainability initiatives, local infrastructure, and water funding priorities.

Future direction for Gummun Place Hostel
The transition of Gummun Place Hostel in Merriwa to a new operating model has been formally endorsed, marking a significant step in securing the facility’s long-term sustainability.

Under the adopted direction, Gummun Place will transition from a high-care residential aged care facility to a lower-care model, operating as a licensed assisted boarding house supported by home care packages. This approach follows extensive community consultation and reflects broad consensus that the existing model is no longer viable.

Work will now continue to identify a suitable home care partner through an Expression of Interest process, ensuring residents continue to access locally based accommodation and support within Merriwa.

Scone Cup half-day public holiday open for feedback
A proposal to declare a half-day public holiday for the Scone Cup in 2026 and 2027 will proceed to public consultation. Residents and businesses will have the opportunity to provide feedback before a final determination is made.

Annual Financial Statements for 2024–25 adopted
The Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025 were formally signed, completing statutory reporting requirements for the financial year and confirming Council’s financial position as satisfactory.

New members join Scone Sustainable Community Group
Membership of the Scone Sustainable Community Group Subcommittee has been updated, with new members appointed to support local sustainability and environmental initiatives across the Shire.

Electric vehicle charging station for Murrurundi
Approval was granted for a proposed electric vehicle charging station at the Wilson Memorial Oval car park on Mayne Street, Murrurundi. The project supports greater access to EV infrastructure in rural areas and aligns with the Shire’s sustainability goals.

Water and sewer funding update
An update on water and sewer funding highlighted ongoing works and investment in key infrastructure across the Upper Hunter. The report noted continuing advocacy for funding to ensure long-term water security and improved service reliability.

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 – September 2025 Update

Construction continues to make solid progress across all four sections, with several key works now complete and pavement construction advancing well.

 

 Highlights:

 Gabion wall construction – 100% complete

 Rock bolts, soil nails (3,000 total) & rock mesh – 100% complete

 Open drain excavation & shotcrete open drains – 100% complete

 Earthworks – 98% complete

 Drainage transverse lines – 95% complete

 Table drains & kerbing – 80% complete

 Road pavement construction – 70% complete

 

 Extra insight:

 CCTV inspections of drainage lines show works are performing as expected.

 Benkelman beam testing confirms excellent pavement strength results.

 The recent environment, safety and quality audit delivered a positive outcome.

 

 Next steps

 Continue base pavement and material placement

 Progress table drain, kerbing and cross drainage works

 Construction of maintenance access track into MT60 now underway

 

 For more information on the project, visit: http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/mr358

 This project is proudly supported by the NSW State and Australian Federal Governments.

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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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