State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP

Member for Upper Hunter – 27 April 2026

GLOUCESTER SCORES! – CONGRATULATIONS Gloucester Soccer Club on a massive start to the 2026 season scoring NSW Government grant funding.

Facilities at the Gloucester Soccer Complex are set for improvement after securing $254,603 from the ClubGrants Category 3 Fund Infrastructure Grants Program.

The funds will allow the Scorpions to construct all-ability toilets, showers and referee facilities at their Boundary Road home ground.

The announcement comes as the Scorpions prepare to formally kick-off their 50th anniversary year, which will be celebrated in October at Gloucester Bowling Club.

WATER UPDATE – Hunter Water is advising residents of Dungog shire, Maitland, Cessnock and part of the Singleton council areas of a change to water supply arrangements from this week.

Drinking water from the Tomago Sandbeds will supplement surface water as dam levels continue to decline across the Lower Hunter.

Storages are currently at 63.9 percent of capacity with Level 1 water restrictions triggered when overall storage capacity reaches 60 percent, which is forecast around mid to late June, at the  earliest.

Water sourced from the Sandbeds is tested at multiple points before entering the drinking water network with checks to confirm it continues to meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

You can help save water by using a trigger nozzle on garden hoses, sweeping hard surfaces and aiming for no more than a four-minute shower.

Discover more about water quality and water-saving tips at: www.hunterwater.com.au

POSITION VACANT – Australia Post has begun the search for a new operator of the Branxton Licensed Post Office (LPO).

The existing operators of the Branxton LPO located in Drinan Street Branxton have notified Australia Post of their intention to cease operating the outlet on Friday 26 June. 

Australia Post is now seeking expressions of interest from a suitable small business in the local area to provide the postal services for Branxton and the surrounding community.

Expressions of interest can be submitted by Friday 8 May to: EOINSWACT@auspost.com.au.

FIELD DAYS 2026 – Tocal College, Paterson will be the veritable ‘centre of the universe’ from this Friday as the annual field days become the Hunter’s focal point over the three-day event.

More than 20,000 people will descend on the Tocal Field Day site from 9am Friday through until the gates close at 4pm Sunday to get up close with agriculture in the great outdoors.

The Paddocks to Patios precinct will be a crowd drawcard bringing together a full program of talks, demonstrations and hands-on learning designed to connect agriculture, sustainability and  everyday living.

A free shuttle bus service will again run from Maitland Train Station to drop-off and pick-up at the Tocal College gate, every hour across the three days.

For early ticket purchases: https://tocalfielddays.com/events/tocal-field-days-2026/#book

Updates on the Tocal Field Days 2026, are found at: www.facebook.com/TocalFieldDays

BAIL TEST REVIEW – The temporary bail test that applies to young people in specific circumstances is the subject of public comment until Monday, 4 May.

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is seeking feedback for a statutory review of section 22C of the Bail Act 2013 on behalf of the Attorney General.

Section 22C created an additional temporary bail test for young people aged 14 to 17 years, who are charged with motor vehicle theft, serious break and enter, or a performance crime offence, while on bail for a similar offence.

It has been in place since April 2024 and is legislated to remain in place until 1 October this year.

DCJ has prepared a consultation paper that provides an overview of the context, policy objectives, and terms of section 22C of the Bail Act 2013.

To download the Statutory Review of the Bail Amendment (Extension of Limitation on Bail in Certain Circumstances) Act 2025 Consultation Paper: www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/review-of-section-22c-bail-act-2013

You can provide feedback by emailing a submission to: policy@dcj.nsw.gov.au

NIGHT ROADWORK – Out of hours work for the Port of Newcastle to Renewable Energy Zone (Port to REZ) project are scheduled for the Golden Highway at Jerrys Plains and Whittingham  this week.

Work will continue at the intersections of New England Highway/Mitchell Line of Road (Golden Highway), Whittingham over one night shift to complete line marking on the road.

Two night shifts will be required to complete line marking on the Golden Highway, Lonsdale Street and Pagan Street, Jerrys Plains.

To reduce the impacts on traffic and ensure the safety of workers and motorists, work will be completed over Tuesday 28 April and Wednesday 29 April, 6pm-7am, weather permitting.

Those directly impacted will be contacted prior to the works commencing, with traffic control in place to direct motorists and updates for the works on Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

AGEISM CHALLENGED – NSW Nationals and Liberals Shadow Minister for Seniors, Kevin Anderson, has called out ageism reminding prospective employers “experience can’t be beaten, but it can be hired.”

The State Opposition is concerned a significant workforce below the pension age is reporting ageism in the workplace and when they look for a job struggle to find roles that match their experience  and skills.

“The evidence is clear – older people want to work, want to contribute and have a lot to offer in the workplace,” Mr Anderson said.

Council of the Ageing NSW figures reveal over a third of the NSW population is aged 50 and older, and older workers are a vital and often underutilised part of the state’s workforce.

COFFEE WITH COPS – Port Stephens Hunter Police District has issued the invitation for the Stroud community to join them for a cuppa next month.

An informal catch-up over coffee will allow Stroud and surrounding residents to meet local Lock Up Keeper, Senior Constable Aaron Wright, Sectors Manager Acting Inspector Tim James and  Sectors Supervisor Sergeant Wes Taylor.

Port Stephens Hunter Commander, Superintendent Wayne Humphrey, encourages the community to meet their local police in a relaxed setting, raise anything of concern, share ideas, or simply  say hello. 

Coffee with the Cops will be held at Billy Tea Cafe, Cowper Street Stroud on Friday 15 May, 10.00-Noon.

For the latest from Port Stephens Hunter Police: www.facebook.com/PortStephensHunterPD

MEET THE FIRIES – Fire and Rescue NSW is asking us to lock-in Saturday 9 May when Open Day returns!

Fire stations across the state will open the roller doors and you are invited in for a closer look behind the scenes at your local Fire and Rescue NSW brigade.

Expect live demonstrations, a close-up look at the trucks and the equipment on board, and the opportunity to meet your local crew.

Families are welcome, questions encouraged and free giveaways are part of the deal.

Among our early acceptors to be part of Fire and Rescue Open Day are Scone, Aberdeen, Muswellbrook and Denman brigades: www.fire.nsw.gov.au/media/events/open-day

Another firies event for the diary, NSW Rural Fire Service Get Ready Weekend, which is slated for 19-20 September.

SINGLETON VOTES – People’s Choice public voting for this year’s Singleton Business Awards is now underway.

There are two People’s Choice categories for Outstanding Customer Experience and an individual in Outstanding Community Contribution.

You can only vote once in each category, with public voting to end on 10 May.

To cast your ballot: Vote for a Business (Outstanding Customer Experience) and; Vote for an Individual (Outstanding Community Contribution).

The 2026 Singleton Business Awards Gala Night is Saturday 4 July, with the latest updates and event details at: www.businesssingleton.com.au

VAPE DISPOSAL – Most households have three kerbside bins but which one is the correct bin for vape disposal?

The correct answer is none of the kerbside bins, however, residents of Branxton and the Cessnock Council area can dispose of vapes free at the next Household Chemical Cleanout this Sunday, 3  May, at the Cessnock Council Works Depot, 9am-3.30pm. 

The Household Chemical Cleanouts run in partnership between Councils and the NSW EPA are also being held for Singleton on Sunday, May 10, Muswellbrook on Saturday, May 30 and Maitland  on Sunday, June 21.

Items accepted include batteries, fluoro lights, fire extinguishers, gas bottles, garden chemicals, pool chemicals, household cleaners, hobby chemicals, paint, poisons, motor oils, fluids and fuels.

For the location of your local Community Recycling Centre and Household Chemical CleanOuts, go to: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/find-crcs-or-hcco

GOING BUSH, GO PREPARED! – NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding hikers preparing to head into the Upper Hunter Electorate’s parks to ensure their pack is  ready for the journey.

Before you go bush check safety alerts, weather forecasts, plan a walk that suits your group comprising three or more people, and tell someone where you’re going and complete a trip intention form.

Pack at least 2L of water per person, food and safety supplies and download mobile apps for navigation and emergencies.

Most importantly, wear appropriate bright coloured clothing and sun protection, also remember, conditions can change rapidly, especially in the Barrington Tops NP during autumn, winter and  spring.

For more bushwalking safety tips, links to the trip intention form and emergency apps, visit the NPWS website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/…/bushwalking-safety

HOOKED AT SCHOOL – Upper Hunter Electorate schools are being urged to register to join either the Get Hooked Junior Schools Program or the Fish for Life High School Program.

From this Term, Get Hooked registered schools can book in their class to join live 45-min virtual e-incursions to learn fishing rules and how to fish responsibly, safely, and sustainably.

There are three lessons to choose from which cover NSW fishing rules, knot tying and fish handling, gear techniques and basic skills as well as fishing safely and responsibly.

Teachers who book may be eligible to receive a practical fishing workshop or a fishing pack for their class.

To register your school for the NSW Government Get Hooked Schools Program, cast for: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/…/fishing-workshops/get-hooked

SCHOLARSHIP OPENS SOON – One of Australia’s most significant scholarships for young painters will soon open applications for this year. 

The winner of the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship receives $50,000 and a three-month residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. 

Five additional recipients each receive $10,000 and a two-week residency at Shark Island Kangaroo Valley.

The Brett Whiteley Studio, administered by the Art Gallery of NSW, awards the annual scholarship to talented artists aged 20-30 with an established body of work.

To be considered for selection, an applicant must comply with all entry instructions and conditions, with more information at: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/about-us/opportunities-for-artists/brett-whiteley-travelling-art-scholarship/

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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