ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
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Merriwa Junior Rugby League Football Club INC
MJRLFC AGM
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Merriwa CWA NSW
UPCOMING MEETINGS 2025
- 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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MORNING TEA & TOMBOLA
Merriwa CWA is holding a Tombola Day on the 14 October, 10am -12.30pm
$10 for morning tea & tickets | $5 for extra tombola tickets
For Catering purposes, please RSVP to Vicki on 0412 555 417
It’s a fun morning so we hope you will join us.
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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 or follow the link: https://portal.schoolbytes.education/other-payment/225
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CELEBRATION DINNER
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
BUS TO DENMAN FOOD, WINE & FILM AFFAIR
Thanks to Cowan’s Bus Services, Muswellbrook Shire Council and Denman Chamber of Commerce – A bus to and from the Denman Food, Wine & Film Affair on Saturday 1st November has been organised from Merriwa & Sandy Hollow.
The Merriwa Chamber has been asked to handle bookings on behalf of the above organisations.
Departing Merriwa at 10am, and Sandy Hollow at 10.30, and leaving Denman at 5pm sharp.
Tickets are $40 pp return trip (plus booking fee). They are available to purchase online via https://events.humanitix.com/bus-from-merriwa-to-denman-food-and-wine-affair-2025 or get in touch with Carlita on 0458 482 889. Bookings are essential as seats are limited.
Please note that tickets MUST be presented for the return journey.
Event Entry is not included – this must be purchased seperately.
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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 – 13 October 2025
CLASSES RESUME – TERM FOUR has arrived and our thoughts and best wishes are with the Higher School Certificate (HSC) classes of 2025.
English Paper 1 on Thursday 16 October begins just over three weeks of exams which conclude on Friday 7 November with the Food Technology test.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on what you have already achieved and as NSW Education Standard Authority Chief Executive, Paul Martin, has previously advised – look after yourselves and prioritise your health and wellbeing.
The final term of this year begins with a school development day on Monday 13 October and students return on Tuesday 14 October with classes through until Friday 19 December.
And, a friendly reminder from NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command for motorists driving in School Zones to be aware of pedestrians, avoid double parking and observe all no parking, no stopping and bus zones signs.
If you need a refresher, click on this link: www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/roads-safety-and-rules/parking/parking-rules
HELICOPTER INSPECTION – High-voltage electricity transmission lines will be under scrutiny from this week during the latest inspection program begin conducted by Transgrid.
Following the recently completed annual bushfire prevention program, Transgrid’s October focus is on inspecting conductor conditions to help ensure the safe operation of the network.
A helicopter will fly above the transmission lines at about 50 kilometres per hour across parts of the Hunter Valley during October 13-30.
The inspection schedule is weather dependent and may change.
Further information, including an interactive map, can be found at: www.transgrid.com.au/community/network-inspections-and-maintenance-near-you/
Landholders can also register for notifications from Transgrid: www.transgrid.com.au/community/network-inspections-and-maintenance-near-you/register-for-aerial-notifications/
IMPROVEMENT ADVICE – The AuditorGeneral for NSW, Bola Oyetunji, has found Revenue NSW can improve some of its processes on hardship assistance.
Revenue is responsible for collecting fines and taxes, administering grants and recovering debt on behalf of state government agencies.
The Performance Audit reviewed its Hardship Policy to assist people experiencing hardship in accordance with its Customer Commitments which include fine write-offs, payment plans and Work and Development Orders.
Among the AuditorGeneral’s five recommendations are for Revenue to improve correspondence to people seeking hardship assistance and to communicate more clearly the role of the Hardship Review Board.
The full report is available at: www.audit.nsw.gov.au/our-work/reports/revenue-nsw’s-administration-of-hardship-assistance
FOOTY CELEBRATIONS – Marcellin Park, Lorn has been chosen as the venue to host Maitland’s standout 2025 season in rugby union and rugby league.
A free community BBQ, fun activities and entertainment will celebrate the local champions this Friday, 17 October, 5-8pm.
The Marcellin Park-based Maitland Rugby Club made history by defeating Merewether in the Hunter Rugby grand final, completing a minor- major double and club championship – their first since 1999.
The Maitland Rugby League Club achieved a clean sweep, winning grand finals in womens, reserve and first grade, with the Pickers first grade side securing a fourth consecutive Newcastle Rugby League premiership.
For more on the celebration on the northern side of the Belmore Bridge, check: www.facebook.com/maitlandcitycouncil
BAT PLAN – Residents of the Upper Hunter shire have until 5 November to provide feedback on a Draft Flying-Fox Camp Management Plan.
Whilst the local council understands the concern by some residents about the flying-foxes, it also has to balance protecting the native animals because of the role they play in the local environment.
The draft updated management plan covering the Murrurundi, Aberdeen and Scone camps aims to provide a coordinated approach that supports community wellbeing while caring for local wildlife.
The plan proposes reducing impacts on the community, protection of flying-foxes and their habitat, managing health and safety risks and supporting clear communication and responsible management action.
Read more and view the draft plan at: www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Public-notices/Draft-Upper-Hunter-Flying-Fox-Camp-Management-Plan
SOUND IMPROVEMENT – Attending events at Singleton Civic Centre and other council-managed venues will become a more enjoyable experience for people with hearing needs.
A new state-of-the-art hearing augmentation system is now available to deliver high-quality, low-latency audio directly to compatible hearing aids, implants, earbuds, headphones and smartphones or via headsets for people without their own devices.
The Singleton Access + Inclusion Program initiative was funded from the former NSW Nationals and Liberals Government’s Resources for Regions grant program.
Singleton Council said that the technology allowing people with hearing needs to fully enjoy events, meetings and workshops is part of an ongoing commitment to making Singleton a place where everyone can connect, participate and belong.
BRANXTON IMPROVEMENTS – Cessnock City Council is undertaking work from next Monday, 20 October, as part of the Branxton Town Centre upgrade.
Traffic management will be in place to ensure resident and pedestrian safety, which may cause minor traffic delays along portions of Maitland Street, Branxton.
The work is scheduled for approximately six months, weather permitting, Monday to Friday 6.30am–4pm, Saturday 6.30am–4pm if required and Night works on selected dates.
The revitalisation project is designed to enhance the village character by narrowing the former highway corridor, improving the pedestrian experience, optimising parking, and introducing landscaping to create a more welcoming and attractive environment.
The project received $929,000 of the $1.4 million budget from the Resources for Regions program of the previous NSW Liberals and Nationals Government: https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/BranxtonTownCentreUpgrade
DAMAGE INSPECTION – A 750-tonne crane will be on site from Monday 13 October at one of the newest bridges which will provide upgraded road access for the Upper Hunter electorate.
Maitland City Council’s specialist bridge contractor for the new crossing at Melville requires the crane to complete an in-depth assessment of damage during floods in May and August.
Once the crane is in place and deck planks are removed from the piers, the assessment will take place during the week commencing Monday 20 October.
The new Hunter River bridge is an $8.2 million project jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments, with contributions from Council.
For more information, check: www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/projects/new-bridge-at-melville
FIRST AID KIT ADDITION – Licensed venues in the Upper Hunter electorate can now include the life-saving opioid reversal medication naloxone in their first aid kits.
The NSW Government is making the medication, which is available as a nasal spray, accessible across the state in a move to combat opioid- related harm.
From this month pubs, clubs, bars and music venues can volunteer to access naloxone which temporarily reverses the effects of heroin and prescription opioids like fentanyl.
It poses no risk of harm to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose and does not require a prescription because it is available from pharmacies and NSW public hospital emergency departments.
For more information visit NSW Health’s Take home naloxone program: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/programs/Pages/naloxone.aspxhome naloxone program, or the Your Room website: https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Naloxone.aspx
AIR QUALITY STUDY – Air quality and air pollution in the Upper Hunter is the subject of a project being conducted by University of Newcastle researchers.
Residents aged 18 years-and-above are being invited by the researchers to participate in a recorded interview about your views and experiences concerning air pollution.
The questions will cover, Do you think about air quality? How do you think about it? And why?
The impact air quality and/or air pollution is having in your places and spaces will also be part of the research work.
Discover more at: https://hope-hardy.systeme.io/air
TSR PROTECTION – Local Land Services (LLS) is asking landholders who neighbour a travelling stock reserve (TSR) to avoid accidentally damaging the sites.
Whether cultivating, sowing or putting up a new fence, if you adjoin a TSR it is important to know your legislative requirements before starting any works.
Neighbouring landholders are asked to contact the LLS to discuss proposed works and keep risks to TSRs to a minimum.
By doing so you will help protect the TSR network, which not only supports agricultural activities, but also plays a key role in supporting biodiversity and threatened species.
If you have any questions, contact your closest LLS office by calling 1300 795 299 or check: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-and-primary-industries/primary-industries/travelling-stock-reserves
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
2026 Australia day awards nominations
Upper Hunter Shire Australia Day awards recognise and celebrate those community members who have a consistent record of excellence, who have made outstanding achievements in their field and have contributed in a significant way to the community.
Anyone can receive an Upper Hunter Shire Australia Day award; they just need someone to nominate them.
Residents of the Upper Hunter Shire will be considered by the district Australia Day Committees for the following categories of awards:
- Citizen of the Year awarded to an individual resident (or couple) in each district who is an inspirational role model and has made a significant contribution to the community in either a paid or unpaid capacity.
- Young Citizen of the Year awarded to a resident in each district under the age of 25 (as at 26 January 2026) who is an inspirational role model and has made a significant contribution to the community.
- Local Champion of the Year awarded to a resident or community group of each district who is an inspirational achiever in any “open-age” category of sport, cultural, environmental, professional or other significant activity.
- Sustainability & Environmental Achievement Award (Merriwa District) awarded to a business within the Merriwa district which is an inspirational role model in demonstrating best practice. This includes agricultural, manufacturing, financial, retail and all other types of business.
- Shire Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year Council select an overall Shire Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year from the winners of the above categories. District Australia Day Committees will determine the district awards.
- Special awards may be presented according to an area of excellence, as identified on the nomination form, at the discretion of the District Committees and Council.
Nomination forms are available from all Council Administration Offices and can be downloaded below.
Nominations close 4:30pm Friday, 7 November, 2025.
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Monthly Works Schedule – Week Starting Monday, 8 October 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
- Cullingral Road – Maintenance Grading
- Duggan Road – Maintenance Grading
- Tunbridge Road – Maintenance Grading
- Leitch Road – Maintenance Grading
- Avacado Road- Maintenance Grading
- Forest Reserve Road – Maintenance Grading
- Flight Springs Road – Maintenance Grading
- Possum Springs Road – Maintenance Grading
- Killoe 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
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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:September 2025 Council Meeting Recap
Published on 29 September 2025
Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday 29 September 2025 to consider a wide range of matters, from reviewing important policies to funding local cultural initiatives and shaping the future of sporting facilities in Merriwa.
Policies for review
Council endorsed the review of several existing policies to ensure they remain relevant and in line with current legislation and community expectations. This is part of Council’s ongoing governance program to keep policies up to date, transparent, and reflective of best practice. No policies are being placed on exhibition at present.
Code of Meeting Practice
Council resolved to place a new Model Code of Meeting Practice, developed by the NSW Office of Local Government, on public exhibition for 28 days, with submissions invited for a further 42 days. This process is required under the Local Government Act and provides residents with an opportunity to comment on how Council meetings are conducted. The Code sets the rules for how business is considered, ensuring Council meetings are orderly, fair, and accessible to the community.
Feedback submissions can be made until 10 November 2025. Full details, including the draft document, are available on Council’s website
Motions for the Local Government NSW Annual Conference
Council endorsed a number of motions to be submitted to the 2025 Local Government NSW Annual Conference. These motions focus on improving the renewable energy rating system to ensure communities like the Upper Hunter are recognised for their contribution to the state’s energy transition. By putting forward these motions, Council is working to strengthen advocacy at the state level and highlight the region’s role in shaping a more sustainable future.
Cultural Activity Grants 2025–26
Council approved $15,000 in funding under the 2025–26 Cultural Activity Grants Program. These grants support local organisations to deliver creative projects, celebrate cultural diversity, and provide opportunities for community participation in the arts. The following projects will receive support:
Scone & Upper Hunter Historical Society – $348 for the design and printing of a brochure promoting local and family history resources, making it easier for the community to connect with the Shire’s heritage.
Scone Literary Long Weekend Inc. – $759 towards venue hire and catering for the 2026 Patrick White Oration, a flagship event of the biennial literary festival that brings high-profile speakers to the Upper Hunter.
Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre – $990 to support Harmony Day 2026, helping to stage a vibrant and inclusive community event that celebrates belonging, respect, and cultural diversity.
St Joseph’s Catholic College Aberdeen P&F – $798 to assist with staging the school’s production of Beauty and the Beast, supporting students to showcase their talents in a large-scale community performance.
Woolooma Sport & Recreation Inc. – funding for the “Up the Brook Story Table” project, which will provide a new cultural and storytelling initiative for the Woolooma community.
Together, these grants represent Council’s continued commitment to fostering creativity, supporting local organisations, and ensuring culture and the arts remain accessible across the Shire.
Merriwa Sports Precinct Masterplan
Council adopted the Merriwa Sports Precinct Masterplan following extensive community consultation. The masterplan provides a long-term vision for the precinct, identifying opportunities to upgrade facilities, improve accessibility, and stage investment over time. The plan sets a framework for creating a modern, inclusive sporting hub that supports participation across a wide range of sports and recreation. It also establishes a roadmap for attracting funding and ensuring the precinct continues to serve the Merriwa community for decades to come.
At the meeting, Council also resolved to award tenders for the supply of fuel, oil and concrete pipe.
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.———
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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