Home » News Updates » Week Starting Monday 5th January 2026

Week Starting Monday 5th January 2026

0 Likes 26 Views
Posted in Local News

Merriwa Chamber of Commerce 

FIND IT IN MERRIWA CHRISTMAS PROMOTION

Winners for this promotion were drawn on 23rd December 2025. 
 
Thank you to everyone who supported the Merriwa community and businesses by continuing to shop local at Christmas.
 
Thank you to Holly & Courtney Martin for assisting with the draw and thank you to the businesses who participated and everyone who shopped local.
 
Congratulations to the winners of the Merriwa Chamber Shop Local promotion.
 
1st – Lindy Gee – $250 Merriwa Why Leave Town Gift Card
2nd – Cath Edwards – $150 Merriwa Why Leave Town Gift Card
3rd – Kane – $100 Merriwa Why Leave Town Gift Card
 
*All winners have been contacted*
 
 
– – – – 

MERRIWA CHRISTMAS LIGHT COMPETITION

What an incredible night judging the 2025 Merriwa Christmas Lights Competition. The creativity, effort and festive spirit across town was truly amazing. A huge thank you to everyone who entered and helped light up Merriwa this Christmas.
 
🏆 Congratulations to our winners:
🥇 1st Place: 38 William Street
🥈 2nd Place: Merriwa Hospital
🥉 3rd Place (Tie): 60 Bettington Street and 28 Collins Street
(We just couldn’t split these two — both will receive a third prize!)
 
💬 Comments from Adam:
“I wanted to say what a wonderful evening it was last night as we admired all the stunning Christmas lights around Merriwa. The competition was fierce, and it was clear that a lot of effort and heart went into decorating those beautiful homes. Honestly, there were quite a few houses that looked amazing and deserved recognition; it’s a shame they didn’t enter!
My family, along with Leanne and her husband, had the delightful yet challenging task of picking the winners. After much deliberation, we finally settled the above winners.
From our families to yours and the entire Merriwa community, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
 
💬 Comments from Leanne:
“What a great night it was. There were so many beautiful lights with some people going to an incredible amount of effort.
The sunset gave a beautiful backdrop.
Thanks again — wishing you and your loved ones a fabulous Christmas and New Year!”
 
✨ Thank you to Ausgrid for sponsoring the competition and to everyone who helped make Merriwa shine this Christmas.
 
*Winners have been contacted*
 
You can view images by clicking here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A9FbpsZod/
 
___________________________

Merriwa Junior Rugby League Football Club INC

 2026 Registrations are open – let’s go Magpies 

We offer:
U6’s – U7’s Tag (Tackle Ready)
U8s to U12’s mixed tackle
Girls League Tag teams from U12’s to U16’s
Girls Tackle from 12’s to 16’s (pending numbers)
 
Registration details:
NEW U6’s Players – FREE (email club for discount code)
All other ages – $100
 
Registration for players includes training shirt, training shorts, playing shorts, socks, club polo shirt and jersey
 
Register via the link below:
 
Active kids vouchers can be used:
 
All volunteers must have a Working with Children check (WWCC)
Click this link to apply.
 
We look forward to seeing you all for the 2026 season 🖤🤍
 
Please note the season has been opened early for those wanting to use their Active Kids vouchers prior to there expiration.
 
Club email: merriwamapiesjrl@gmail.com

– – – – – 

COACHES E.O.I 

Are you interested in coaching next season 2026?
Expressions of interest are now open for U6’s – U12’s , Girls League Tag 12-16’s and Women’s Tackle 12-16’s.

Become involved in our club and coaching our Junior Magpies by following the link below.

Any questions;
merriwamagpiesjrl@gmail.com

Please see link to apply:
https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfkhMOIhLsPVo…/viewform

 

___________________________

UPCOMING EVENTS

Bring on 2026 at the Royal Hotel Cassilis. We are excited to announce our first events for the new year. Save the dates and let your family and friends know. More details to follow.

 
___________________________
 

Giro de Cassilis

Giro de Cassilis is back in 2026 with the ‘Cassilis Triple Crown’ on 7th & ‘Giro de Cassilis’ on 8th March!

Also introducing a new option for kids – “The Bambino” – a kid sized out and back course from Cassilis on Sunday.

Full details on www.girodecassilis.org

Sign up for one day or both and bring the little ones for the Bambino ride.

Don’t forget your bucket hat – they sold out this year

___________________________

 

Upper Hunter Shire Council

🇦🇺🌟 Australia Day Celebrations in the Upper Hunter Shire – 26 January 2026! 🌟🇦🇺

Australia Day is a chance to come together, recognise the people who make our communities strong, and enjoy a relaxed summer day across the Upper Hunter. Join us on Monday 26 January 2026 for awards ceremonies, BBQs and free pool parties in Merriwa, Scone and Murrurundi.
 
🏆 Australia Day Awards & Ceremonies
 
🦘 Merriwa
📍 Merriwa RSL Club
🕥 10:30 am arrival for an 11:00 am start
🔥 BBQ provided
 
🐨 Scone, Aberdeen & Murrurundi
📍 Scone Public School Hall
🥓 BBQ breakfast from 8:30 am
🏅 Awards ceremony begins at 9:30 am
🌊 Pool Parties and BBQs
🏊 Scone Pool
🕛 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
 
🏊 Merriwa Pool
🕑 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
 
🏊 Murrurundi Pool
🕐 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
 
🎉 Pool party fun at all locations includes
🍔 Free BBQ
🎈 Jumping castle
💦 Slides
🎶 Music
✅ Free entry for all attendees
– – – –

Coulsons Creek Road (MR358) is open to traffic.

Maurice Collison – Mayor Upper Hunter Shire Council welcomed the first traveller this morning at the top of the range.
 
Despite some misinformation being circulated that it isn’t a B Double route, we can confirm, it is fully rated and classified as a B Double route making it easier for heavy vehicle transport between Willow Tree and Merriwa.
 
Upper Hunter Shire Council would like to thank Daracon and Transport for NSW for their assistance on the project.

– – – –

 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 

– – – – 

Council Meeting Recap 15 December 2025

Published on 16 December 2025

Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday 15 December 2025 for an Extraordinary Council Meeting to consider a range of matters recognising staff service, supporting community initiatives, progressing local infrastructure, advancing regional advocacy, and managing governance and operational responsibilities.

Recognition of 30 years of service
Council formally recognised Michael Day for reaching 30 years of service.
Michael commenced his career in December 1995 with Murrurundi Shire Council as a Town Services Attendant and has continued his service following amalgamation with Scone Shire Council. Over the past three decades, he has built extensive experience in water and wastewater operations and has undertaken specialised training to support the delivery of essential services in Murrurundi.

Scone Cup local public holidays for 2026 and 2027
Council resolved to proceed with an application for local public holidays associated with the Scone Cup event for 2026 and 2027. The decision supports the ongoing recognition of the Scone Cup as a major regional event and enables the required administrative process to be undertaken for future years.

Advocacy support for Mid Coast Council
Council resolved to support Mid Coast Council’s request for advocacy in relation to a review of ministerial orders affecting council investment policy.
This action reflects broader sector-wide concerns and reinforces the importance of councils working collectively to advocate on regulatory matters impacting local government across NSW.

Electric vehicle charging station proposed for Merriwa
Council resolved to proceed with the installation of a pole-mounted electric vehicle charging station at 126 to 128 Bettington Street, Merriwa.
The new infrastructure will expand access to electric vehicle charging in Merriwa, supporting changing transport needs and improving amenity for residents and visitors.

Policies scheduled for review
Council resolved to progress the review of a number of Council policies as part of its ongoing governance program. Regular reviews ensure policies remain current, compliant with legislation, and aligned with best practice and community expectations.

Donation of benches from Merriwa RSL Sub-Branch
Council resolved to accept a donation of benches from the Merriwa RSL Sub-Branch for community use. The donation recognises the Sub-Branch’s ongoing contribution to local amenity and public spaces within Merriwa.

2025 Local Government NSW Annual Conference report
Council received a report from Cr Shields regarding the 2025 Local Government NSW Annual Conference, outlining key discussions, motions, and advocacy priorities raised on behalf of councils across the state. The conference provides an important forum for councils to collaborate on shared challenges and policy issues affecting local communities.

Scone Hardcourt Tennis Association lease agreement
Council resolved to approve matters relating to the Scone Hardcourt Tennis Association lease agreement, supporting the continued use and management of local tennis facilities. The decision provides certainty for the association and ensures ongoing access to the facility for the community.

Road stabilising services
Council resolved to award Tender T242526HUN for the provision of road stabilising services, supporting ongoing road maintenance and construction activities across the Shire.
Council also resolved to award Tender T272526HUN for the supply and delivery of hardware and associated products, ensuring continued access to essential materials required for Council operations and works programs.

For more details on other matters discussed, please refer to the meeting agenda available on the Upper Hunter Shire Council website, or head to our YouTube channel to watch the meeting.

– – – –

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. 

____________________________________________

Want to get involved via sponsorship? Have some news to share?

Get in touch with us via email at merriwaportal@gmail.com