GRANTS SUCCESS
COMMUNITIES across the Upper Hunter Electorate have been successful in securing a range of grants from the NSW Government.
Singleton Council will undertake upgrades under the Alroy Oval Masterplan, including the creation of three full-sized football fields, with $2 million from the women’s sport program, Level the Playing Field.
The ClubGrants Infrastructure Grants Program, which reinvests registered clubs gaming machine profits back into community projects, is providing $116,163 to Dungog Community Radio Inc. for Radio Dungog 107.9.
And, the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program makes $17,000 available for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at sport and recreation facilities in Lorn, Singleton and Branxton.
Northern Suburbs Cricket Club, Maitland receives $8,547 for a Defibrillator Safety Initiative at Lorn Park and Bolwarra Sports Complex, Singleton Rugby Club has $5,698 to purchase AED Units for Rugby Park and Miller Park Bowling Club Inc. has $2,850 for a Local Sports Defibrillator at the East Branxton bowling club.
For more information on the Local Sports Defibrillator Program go to: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program
JOB DONE!
Singleton netballers have new playing surfaces for the winter season after Singleton Council carried out repairs with funding approved by the NSW Nationals and Liberals Government.
The Essential Community Sport Assets Program, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, provided $1 million in March last year to Singleton Council for the $1.4million project.
In January 2023, I took then Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals’ leader Paul Toole to Rose Point Park to inspect the damage to the netball courts caused by the 2021 and 2022 floods.
The work over two stages transformed all 12 courts with new asphalt surfaces, goal posts and line-marking.
RESPIRATORY VIRUS UPDATE
NSW Health advises that there is some suggestion from emergency department and notification data that COVID-19 and influenza activity may be increasing.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) continues to show a high level of activity with 253 cases in the Hunter New England Local Health District for the week ended 4 May taking the Year-to-Date case total to 2,276.
There were 180 local COVID cases for the week lifting the Year-to-Date figure to 3,313 with 74 Influenza infections taking the 2024 tally to 995.
Everyone can help reduce the spread of respiratory pathogens by staying home if unwell and wearing a mask should you need to go out, staying up to date with recommended vaccinations and practicing good hygiene, including regularly hand washing.
COVID-19 guidance and support are available at: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
NO WARNING LETTER
Seatbelt wearing will be enforced by the NSW Government using existing mobile telephone detection cameras from July 1.
Unlike when other new enforcement technologies have been introduced, there will be no grace period of warning letters after the NSW Parliament voted against starting seatbelt detection cameras in warning mode when enabling legislation was passed last year.
Photos from testing of the cameras show a small but persistent percentage of drivers and some passengers continue to flout the law and wear their seatbelt incorrectly, including with the sash below the arm.
The correct wearing of a seatbelt while in a moving vehicle has been a legal requirement in NSW for more than 50 years and every dollar raised by seatbelt cameras will go back into road safety.
The NSW Centre for Road Safety has more information on the wearing of seatbelts: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/topics-tips/seatbelts
ST FLORIAN’S HONOURS
Some of the Upper Hunter Electorates’ rural firefighters have been recognised in this year’s St Florian’s Day awards.
The NSW Rural Fire Service honoured volunteers, staff and teams for bravery and exceptional service during the May fourth presentation marking the Feast Day of St Florian, Patron Saint of Firefighters and International Firefighters’ Day.
Liverpool Range District received RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers’ Unit Certificate of Commendation.
Area Command North Western along with Liverpool Range, Castlereagh and Tamworth were recognised for dedication, innovation and hard work to build community trust including during the Sir Ivan fire near Cassilis in 2017 and the subsequent 2019-20 bushfire season.
Liverpool Range District award recipients include Supt Paul McGrath, Group Cpt Mike Gilder, Deputy Cpt Bradley Tito, Cpt Shane Rawlinson, Insp Nicolas Everard-Shepley, Operational Officer Aarin Power and Firefighter Tony Dean.
An individual Commissioner’s Commendation for Service was presented to Deputy Captain Stephen Tonitto of the Booral Rural Fire Brigade for exceptional and dedicated service.
Deputy Cpt Tonitto was recognised for building an overhead filling point at Booral RFS Station in addition to numerous other enhancement projects he has undertaken.
GET YOUR ORANGE ON!
A diary note to get your orange clothing ready for WOW Day 2024 which is coming up next week.
Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW) on 22 May is a special day dedicated to thanking the volunteers of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).
You can show your support for the devoted SES volunteers by wearing orange and sharing a photo of yourself on social media with the tag @nswses and #ThankYouSES.
The SES is looking to expand its team offering a range of rewarding roles for individuals of all backgrounds.
Whether you’re drawn to emergency response on the frontline or working to support behind the scenes, there’s a place for you in the NSW SES!
Discover more at: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/
TRANSMISSION LINE UPDATE
The Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) will hold community drop-in sessions later this month for residents and landholders to speak with members of the project team.
Millfield Community Hall hosts sessions on Monday and Tuesday 27-28 May, 3-7pm with the Singleton CWA Hall the meeting point on Thursday 30 May, 3-7pm.
The HTP Scoping Report has been lodged with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and can be viewed at: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/hunter-transmission-project
The new transmission line is critical State significant infrastructure to connect the existing 500 kV transmission line at Bayswater to the existing 500 kV transmission line in the Olney State Forest near Eraring.
The Hunter Transmission Project Community Team can be contacted via email: htp@energyco.nsw.gov.au or call: 1800 645 972.
TOURISM STRATEGY
Visitor economy stakeholders are invited by the NSW Government to contribute their insights and ideas into the review of the state’s Visitor Economy Strategy.
The current strategy originally published in January 2021 provides a roadmap for growing the NSW visitor economy to 2030.
The purpose of the review is to help NSW continue to set ambitious goals for the visitor economy, ensuring the settings are in place to grow the highly valuable sector.
Your feedback will help identify the barriers to growth and most importantly the opportunities and strategic initiatives that will turbocharge the growth of the visitor economy through to 2035.
Read the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy and share your insights and feedback by Sunday 2 June at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nsw-visitor-economy-strategy-review
NOMINATIONS OPEN
Nominations are open for this year’s Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
The awards highlight and celebrate women’s excellence with recognition of individuals and council programs across metropolitan and regional councils.
The categories to focus the spotlight on outstanding achievements and contributions include
Alternative Pathways, Champion of Change, Elected Representative, Employment Diversity,
Woman of Distinction and Young Achiever.
Nominations close Friday 14 June with the awards presented on Tuesday 20 August during a ceremony at NSW Parliament.
For Awards information or to make a nomination visit the Office of Local Government website: www.olg.nsw.gov.au/our-minister/ministers-awards-for-women-in-local-government/
FIREARMS STORAGE
NSW Police Rural Crime Prevention Team officers are encouraging firearm holders to ensure guns are stored correctly in gun safes that are bolted or fixed to the property.
They are also calling for licence holders keep their gun safe key on them and not hidden at their property so that they comply with legislation.
Another Rural Crime Prevention Team tip is to avoid advertising you have firearms on social media, during open discussions in public places or by showing your firearms to others.
For further information on safe storage of your firearm/s visit:
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Upper Hunter Shire Council
DELIVERY PROGRAM AND OPERATIONAL PLAN 2024 – 25
Have Your Say on Our Future! Upper Hunter Shire Council invites you to participate in shaping our community’s direction for the next financial year. We’re currently seeking your input on our Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan for 2024 – 2025.
Review the draft documents online or visit us at Council Offices and Libraries. 
Community Consultation Sessions:- Tomorrow, 7 May: Aberdeen Community Hall, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- 9 May: Cassilis Community Hall, 5:00 – 6:30 PM & Merriwa School of Arts, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
- 13 May: Scone Council Chambers, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- 15 May: Murrurundi CWA Hall, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- 20 May: Moonan Flat Community Hall, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Join a session to discuss our plans, ask questions, and provide your feedback. Your insights are crucial!
To view the document, and for details on how to provide feedback, head to:The consultation period is open until close of business, 31 May 2024.
Let’s work together to build a better future for the Upper Hunter Shire! 
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TYRE AND MATTRESS MUSTER
The Mattress & Tyre Muster is back for 2024, on Saturday, 25 May! 
This is an opportunity for Upper Hunter Shire households to dispose of one mattress and four tyres (up to and including light truck sizes) for no charge. Any additional items will be charged at their standard, advertised rate.Tyres and mattresses can be dropped off during normal opening hours at: Aberdeen, Cassilis, Merriwa, Murrurundi and Scone waste facilities.
Please note this initiative is only for domestic customers that are residents of Upper Hunter Shire. No businesses / commercial customers. Proof of residency will be required to take advantage of this free drop-off event.______________________________________
PASTURE MANAGEMENT DAY – MERRIWA
What’s in your pasture and what does it tell you about your soils and landscape?
Join expert presenters Carol and Harry Rose for an in-paddock Pasture Management Day, where we will be discussing:
Preventing weeds using Integrated Pest Management
Mechanical, Cultural, biological, chemical control options
Ground cover
Biosecurity
Much moreMERRIWA on 29 May and DUNGOG on 30 May.
Register now https://brnw.ch/21wHzjp
https://brnw.ch/21wHzjp______________________________________
Merriwa RSL Club
𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑴𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒄
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Royal Hotel Merriwa
LIVE MUSIC
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Merriwa District Progress Association
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Hunter Valley Ranch Sorting
Join Hunter Valley Ranch Sorting for a fun weekend of Ranch Sorting……
⁺˚⋆｡°✩ 18 & 19 ✸ May ✸ 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺 ✩°｡⋆˚⁺
𝐚𝐭 Merriwa.
Entries are open & close Thursday May 9th, 2024.
Fill in your entry form here:
Waivers for 2024 must be signed & returned before the event if you haven’t competed this year. Canteen Powered camping sites
Fun & laughter always guaranteed
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us.
HVRS 2024 dates ~ 3 & 4 August ~ 28 & 29 September ~ 2024 Finals: 9 & 10 November
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Merriwa Physical Culture Inc
DRAG BINGO
Merriwa Physical Culture invites you to a night out to have fun, dress up and raise some money for a little girl Sadie 4; who has been diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. Sadie’s mum Bec is a teacher at Gunnedah Physie and is apart of our New England Zone Physie Family, and we would like to show our support.
Bingo will commence at 7.30pm and we will be entertained by Beverly Fabulosity, our Local Drag Queen._______________________________
Cassilis Country Music Inc
TRIVIA NIGHT
Come along for a fun night of trivia and games that will have you leaving with a huge smile and maybe a prize or two!
All proceeds will be going directly to sponsoring our, “Kids Corner” entertainment at Cassilis Country Music Inc.
Message us on Facebook or call Cassilis Bowling Club on 6376 1002 to book your team and just pay us when you arrive
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Valley Team Penning
For more information and to order your meal, please see their facebook page here.
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Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces
7th, 8th, 9th JUNE
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OPENING NIGHT
Get ready for an unforgettable kick-off at the Festival of the Fleeces! Join us for Opening Night at the Merriwa RSL on Friday the 7th—it’s the ultimate festival kick-off you can’t miss!
Join us for Opening Night at the Merriwa RSL on Friday the 7th—it’s the ultimate festival kick-off you can’t miss!
FREE tickets available now on Try Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/CQVJV(Entry without a ticket if numbers permit—so book yours ASAP!)
Meet our incredible sponsors and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the festival preparations! 
Dance the night away and soak up the festive vibes! 
Plus, don’t forget to bring your money for our exciting auction—get ready to snag some incredible bargains!
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BUSH BREAKY SHOW
Join us at the RSL for the closing of the festival with the Bush Brekky Show on Sunday the 9th, featuring the incredible bush poet Carol Heuchan and the talented bush balladeer Graeme Doubleday with Lyn Jarrett and Reece Blinman.
It’s a free, ticketed event! Don’t have breakfast at home, because you can purchase an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast prepared by chef Ray from the RSL bistro starting from 8am. 
See you there!
Here’s the link for tickets, if you need assistance feel free to reach out!
https://www.trybooking.com/CQVME
For more information check out their website and Facebook page.
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Upper Hunter Shire Council
WORKS SCHEDULE – WEEK STARTING MONDAY, 6 MAY 2024
Each week Upper Hunter Shire Council prepares a report detailing the work that our infrastructure crews plan to deliver in the coming week.
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 week.
Works Delivery
- Flaggs Road – Flood recovery works
- Scone Road – Slashing
- Cassilis Intersection Upgrade
- Culvert Extension – Golden Highway
- 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
Water and Sewer
- Sewer treatment plant operation and maintenance
- Dutton Street – Water main
- Water and sewer distribution systems and actions requests as required
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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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Wanting to advertise with us? Have some news to share?
Get in touch with us via email at merriwaportal@gmail.com
Author: Joseph
Founder Huntervdigital