Merriwa Senior Citizens
Seniors Meeting – Tuesday 26th August.
For further information contact Adele on 6548 2081 or Barbara on 0459 482 682.
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Bus Trip to Mudgee
Saturday 13th September
Departing 8:00am from the CWA RoomsWe’ll visit the Mudgee Honey Haven before heading into Mudgee, where you’ll have time to explore, shop, or relax at your leisure.
• Members: $30
• Non-Members: $35
Please note: No refunds will be given.
Adele – 6548 2081
Barbara – 0459 482 628Merriwa Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐰𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭
Please follow the Facebook page to ensure you don’t miss any updates
Merriwa Rotary Club
Hunter Local Land Services
Attention Merriwa landholders and land managers
Signs to look for
Camera monitoring
Free feeding & baiting
Trapping
Humane destruction
FeralScan Reporting
Merriwa – Settlement Hall 21 August
https://bit.ly/3IP46tT
Cassilis Public School
150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Please spread the word and use the link to RSVP for catering purposes! https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfWJm…/viewform
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Merriwa Central School
Little Sprouts this Friday
BIRTHDAY CAKE COMPETITION
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CELEBRATION DINNER
Merriwa CWA NSW
KIDS COOKING
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UPCOMING MEETINGS 2025
- 8th September
- 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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Upcoming LIVE Music at The Royal!
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FATHER’S DAY
**Sunday 7th September**
$5.50 Tap Beers – ALL DAY!
Nathan Cole – Live from 1pm
Raffles – Tickets on Sale now!
Courtesy Bus – 0484897899
Book your tables now – 6548 2235
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Exciting Community Event Coming to Merriwa Friday, 10th October
The Studio – Merriwa High School
Keynote by Craig Hamilton + Screening + Q&A with Craig & Jye
Sponsors will be recognised with:
0458 482 889 (Carlita)
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There’ll be a full bar and live music by Gaz Brentnall and a DJ thanks to Singers Karaoke. So stick around after the dust settles.
Admission:
FREE for kids under 5
$10 for kids (5-17)
$20 for adults
$10 for pensioners
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OCTOBER 3rd – 5th at CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB
A family friendly weekend of music and entertainment for the whole family, markets, music and childrens activities plus the NRL Grand Final on the big screen.
Please follow our Facebook Page to stay up to date with all the latest including Artist Announcements!!
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State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP
Member for Upper Hunter – 18 August 2025
NEW SERVICE HITS ROAD – UPPER HUNTER travellers are back on the road with a new express coach service between Dubbo and Newcastle now operating twice-a-week.
Langley’s Coaches ran its first Newcastle express service last Monday and is operating a booked seat service on Mondays and Fridays.
Set down and pick up locations are at Cassilis, Merriwa, Sandy Hollow, Denman, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Greta and Maitland.
The service departs Dubbo at 6am to arrive Newcastle at noon, with the return journey leaving Newcastle at 1pm to arrive Cassilis around 5pm and then Dubbo at 7pm.
Langley’s has advised that all passengers must have a confirmed booking prior to travel and travellers are asked to comply with Terms and Conditions provided with their booking.
There are no walk-up booking nor can passengers board without a valid ticket.
For further timetable and booking details: www.facebook.com/Langleyscoachesdubbo
E-BIKES ON TRAINS? – Transport for NSW is asking rail commuters to have their say on a proposed temporary ban on e-micromobility devices on train services.
Following recent lithium-ion battery fires the proposed restrictions, including the temporary ban, would cover carrying e-micromobility devices on Sydney Metro, Sydney Trains and NSW Trains services.
As e-micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters become more popular, ensuring their safe use and carriage is increasingly important.
Motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters used for disability and accessibility purposes are excluded from these proposed changes.
TfNSW invites community members and stakeholders to share their views by completing a survey by Wednesday 3 September at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/changes-using-e-micromobility-public-transport
BUILDING BLITZ – “There’s still work to do” is the message from the building industry regulator after an inspection blitz across the New England region including Muswellbrook and Scone.
While overall compliance was sound, Building Commission NSW issued 24 draft rectification orders and 25 penalty infringement notices (PINs).
To re-affirm its commitment to maintaining building quality for residents across the state, the team of inspectors focused on general compliance like appropriate signage and licences plus Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) checks.
As a result of the compliance campaign, defects such as brickwork overhanging a concrete slab and non-compliant articulation joints were identified.
The PINs issued related to unlicensed contracting, insufficient supervision of trades on site, and signage.
To ensure residential buildings continue to be built to a high standard, Building Commission NSW will continue to travel to the regions to conduct ‘anywhere, anytime’ inspections.
Find out more at the Building Commission NSW website: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/building-commission
MERRIWA-WILLOW TREE ROAD UPDATE – Upper Hunter Shire Council has released its July update on the MR358 Road Project including new video footage.
Highlights of the on-site works include the completion of rock bolts, soil nails and rock mesh, as well as open drain excavation and shotcrete open drains.
Earthworks and gabion wall construction are almost done whilst road pavement construction, table drains and kerbing are about a third of the way to completion.
A drone fly-through by SKYview Aerial Photography showing the latest work can be viewed on council’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/upperhunter.shirecouncil
The Merriwa-Willow Tree road rebuild has been made possible with funding from the NSW and Australian Governments, see more at: http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/mr358
WEEKEND TRACKWORK – Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will undertake essential maintenance and improvement works between Newcastle and Acacia Ridge, Queensland this weekend.
Track closures affect Newcastle-to-Maitland from 3am Saturday 23 August to 1am Monday 25 August, and Telarah-to-Acacia Ridge from 5am Saturday 23 August to 7.30pm Monday 25 August.
Coaches replace NSW TrainLink services, and travellers are encouraged to visit https://Transportnsw.info or call 13 22 32 for assistance to plan their journey.
Signs and traffic control will be in place at locations where motorists may experience short delays due to crossing works or adjacent corridor works.
Information on road closures and alternative routes can be found at: www.livetraffic.com
LAW NOT OPTIONAL – The NSW Police Force Rural Crime Prevention Team has issued a reminder to firearm holders that safe storage requirements are not optional.
Recent investigations into firearm thefts have concluded that they could have been avoided if the legislation was followed by the licensed firearms holder.
If you store firearms at a property considered an Uninhabited Dwelling like a hobby farm, weekender or secondary farm, you must put in place additional safe storage.
As a licensed firearms holder you must also ensure your firearms are not stolen, lost or come into the hands of another person who is not authorised to possess the firearm.
Discover more at the NSW Firearms Registry website: www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms
A fact sheet on the safe keeping and storage requirements that all category A and B firearm licence and permit holders are obligated to meet can be found at: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/…/FACT_Sheet_-_Safe…
PARKS ADVICE – NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will conduct an aerial baiting program in Upper Hunter parks and reserves from Monday 25 August until Sunday 7 September.
Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting locations with the operation covering Manobalai Nature Reserve, Parr State Conservation Area, Wollemi Flora Reserve, Wollemi State Conservation Area and Yengo National Park.
The program, using 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison, is designed to reduce predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to reduce the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands, with pets and working dogs in the vicinity to be restrained or muzzled and must not enter the baiting location.
For more information contact the Bulga NPWS Area Office on 6574 5555 or check: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list
TRAINING REVIEW – Consultation is underway on a comprehensive review of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 (A&T Act).
Current and former apprentices and trainees, employers of apprentices and trainees, Group Training Organisations, schools and careers advisers, parents and carers are among the stakeholders Training Services wants to participate.
The A&T Act underpins how apprenticeships and traineeships operate in NSW, setting out the framework for the roles and responsibilities of employers, apprentices, trainees and training providers, and governs key processes including contract registration, supervision, completions and compliance.
This review is a timely opportunity to modernise the legislation to give more support to apprentices and trainees especially those who face extra challenges, make sure the system keeps up with change, and cuts unnecessary paperwork to help more people finish their training successfully.
Submit feedback by 11 September at: www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/apprenticeship-traineeship-act-review
FIRE SAFETY CHECK – Winter may be drawing to a close but Fire and Rescue NSW wants a Home Fire Safety Check on top of your spring cleaning list.
A fire can take hold in three minutes, yet it only takes seconds to prevent one.
Firefighters want you to consider these questions – Do I have a working smoke alarm? Do I know what to do when it sounds? and, Have I practiced my home fire escape plan?
If you have lithium-ion battery powered appliances follow these safety tips – only charge e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools in the garage or shed away from living areas and exit doors, never leave devices on charge unattended or for extended periods and switch them off once fully charged.
Everyone can benefit from a Home Safety Visit especially over-65’s, and those who live alone, people with limited mobility, hearing impairments or vision impairments.
For further information visit https://fire.nsw.gov.au or contact your local fire station.
REZ ROADWORK – Construction commences this week at two further worksites as part of the Port to Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) project.
EnergyCo will upgrade the intersection of Denman Road and Bengalla Road, Muswellbrook with work including replacing the existing kerbed median on Bengalla Road and installing new signs.
At the intersection of Wybong Road and Golden Highway, Sandy Hollow upgrades include laying asphalt at the north-western corner of the intersection, and in the existing road pavement area, relocating signs and adjusting guideposts.
Standard daytime work hours are 7am-6pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm, Saturdays.
Some night-time work may also occur, and if required, will be 6pm-7am, Sunday to Thursday, with any affected residents contacted directly.
Motorists are asked to please take care passing though roadwork locations, keep to the signposted speed limits and follow the direction of traffic controllers.
Further information on the Port to REZ projects is available at: www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/port2rez
BATTERY BRIEFING – North Harbour Clean Energy is holding a community information session on the proposed Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Aberdeen next month.
The project, which is in the planning phase, will be capable of providing up to two hours of energy storage to power approximately 480,000 homes.
The BESS to be located near Aberdeen, will connect to the existing transmission network and contribute significantly to the surrounding area by improving energy reliability.
Registration to attend on Wednesday 17 September at Aberdeen Public School Hall, 6-7.30pm is essential by completing the online form: https://forms.office.com/r/bw16RDQfb1 or contacting North Harbour on 0466 413 645.
For more on the project visit: https://nhcleanenergy.com/upper-hunter-battery-energy-storage-system/ or the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s Major Projects portal: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/upper-hunter-battery-energy-storage-system
CESSNOCK WANTS FEEDBACK – Branxton residents have until Wednesday 27 August to give Cessnock City Council feedback on future housing in the local government area.
Council has released a Housing Discussion Paper as part of its Housing Theme Review, with the local population expected to reach 112,500 by 2041.
To have your say before the exhibition period closes go to: https://together.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/housing-discussion…
Council also wants input on a new draft of the Cessnock Development Control Plan (DCP) for Temporary Events.
The new draft updates the regulations around temporary events, including smaller events on private land, and the outdated exemption from needing a development application (DA) for some events is being removed to better manage their impacts.
The Draft Chapter is on public exhibition until 27 August at: https://together.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/dcp-review-events
RETURN TIME – Hunter Local Land Services is reminding landholders that it is time to submit your Annual Land and Stock Return.
Completing the farm census is straightforward and secure via the online portal, or for those who prefer a more traditional method, you can complete and return the paper form supplied.
Your input is invaluable, especially during emergencies, as it assists the LLS to provide the necessary support for you and your animals.
Ensure you submit your return before 31 August to avoid penalties on your 2026 Local Land Services rates.
For assistance or more information call 1300 795 299 or visit: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/local-land-services/annual-land-and-stock-return
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
Monthly Works Schedule – Week Starting Monday, 18 August 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
- Depot Road – Maintenance Grading
- Mountain Station Road – Maintenance Grading
- Gummun Road – Maintenance Grading
- Cockatoo Gap Road – Maintenance Grading
- Middle Creek Road – Maintenance Grading
- Inglewood Road – Maintenance Grading
- Judy Kelly Road – Maintenance Grading
- Cream of Tar Ta 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 sampling for PFAS
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Transition Process Underway for Gummun Place Hostel Operations
Published on 11 June 2025
Following its decision to commence the transition of aged care services delivered by Gummun Place Hostel to another operator, Upper Hunter Shire Council has been working closely with the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee, the Department of Health and Aged Care, and a number of prospective service providers.
The decision, made at a recent Council meeting, reflects Council’s commitment to ensuring the ongoing provision of quality aged care services in the Upper Hunter Shire.
Chair of the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee and Deputy Mayor, Cr Pat Ryan, said the committee is focused on finding a sustainable solution that supports local aged care needs.
“Council and the committee are endeavouring to find another provider to take on the operation of Gummun Place Hostel in its current form or under a different business model,” Cr Ryan said. “We recognise the importance of Gummun Place Hostel in the community and we are doing everything we can to ensure that the doors remain open.”
As part of the transition process, Council has appointed a new interim Facility Manager, Tim Whyte, who will oversee the day-to-day operations at the Hostel and provide operational support throughout the transition period. Tim has been engaged for a six-month term and brings with him valuable experience in the aged care sector.
Council will continue to provide regular updates to residents, families and staff as the process progresses.
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Council Meeting Recap 28 July 2025
Published on 30 July 2025
Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday 28 July, 2025 and considered a wide range of matters to support our towns and villages. Key decisions from the meeting are summarised below.
Appointments to Council committees
Council reviewed nominations for its community advisory committees. Councillors supported the appointment of Rowan Rodgers to the Australia Day Sub‑Committee in the Merriwa district and Jo Caldwell, Des Dugan, Ellen Watson, Darryn Wicks & Marty Wilson to the newly‑formed Murrurundi Recreation Facilities User Group Committee. Expressions of interest for the Murrurundi committee will remain open until 15 August 2025 so that more community members can get involved. Council thanked both nominees and emphasised that committee members must adhere to the Council’s Code of Conduct.
Establishing the Scone Sustainable Community Group Committee
Council endorsed the re‑establishment of the former Scone Tidy Towns Committee as the Scone Sustainable Community Group Committee under the Community Advisory Committee – Scone District. The new committee will support initiatives such as the Scone Community Garden, Scone Spring Garden Ramble, Clean Up Australia Day, and Keep Australia Beautiful programs, and will foster partnerships with schools, aged care, businesses, and other community organisations. Council adopted a draft charter and will call for nominations from the Community Advisory Committee and expressions of interest from local residents. Activities will be funded from existing budgets and environmental grants.
Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee – minutes and next steps
Councillors received minutes from the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee meeting held on 17 June 2025. The committee discussed the future of the Merriwa facility and noted that Council may relinquish its high‑care certification so that Gummun Place reverts to a hostel providing low‑care accommodation. The committee observed that two stakeholders have expressed interest in operating Gummun Place as a low‑care hostel offering home‑care packages and possibly accommodation for National Disability Insurance Scheme supported living. A business case will be prepared for the Commonwealth Minister for Health and Aged Care. Council thanked the committee for their ongoing input and committed to keeping the community informed as the transition progresses.
Traffic and safety signage tender
Council accepted a panel tender for the supply and delivery of traffic and safety signage to the Upper Hunter Shire and other member councils of the Hunter Joint Organisation. The panel runs for three years from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028 with a 12‑month extension option. Successful suppliers include Artcraft, Barrier Signs, Central Signs Road & Safety, HiVis Group, ICombined 360 Services Group, J&M Road Marking Specialists/Traffic MGMT, and The SWF Group. The joint tender achieves value for money and ensures regulatory compliance.
Local Government NSW Annual Conference
Council confirmed that Cr Shields will represent the Upper Hunter at the 2025 Local Government NSW Annual Conference, to be held at Panthers Penrith and Western Sydney Conference Centre from 23–25 November 2025.
A motion to send two delegates, Cr Shields and Cr Stolz, resulted in a tied vote (4 in favour, 4 against). The motion was defeated when the Mayor exercised his casting vote. A subsequent motion to send Cr Shields was carried, with only Cr Stolz and Cr Fraser voting against.
Motions for the conference must be lodged through the online portal by 30 September 2025.
Disclosure obligations for councillors
Councillors were reminded of their obligations to lodge political donation disclosures by 11 August 2025 and electoral expenditure disclosures by 22 September 2025. Separate disclosures apply for donations made between 1 January and 30 June 2025, annual expenditure from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, and any candidate or group campaign expenses.
Support for Westpac Rescue Helicopter fundraising
Council agreed to provide a $400 donation towards the cost of green fees for a community fundraising golf day hosted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service at Scone Golf Club on 28 September 2025. While the request did not strictly meet the criteria of Council’s donations policy, the Corporate Services Committee recommended granting the donation to support this vital emergency service.
Report from the National General Assembly of Local Government
Mayor Maurice Collison, Deputy Mayor Pat Ryan, Councillor Allison McPhee and the General Manager attended the 2025 National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra from 24–27 June 2025. The assembly theme, “National priorities need local solutions”, aligned with Council’s focus on financial sustainability, roads and infrastructure, jobs and skills, housing and homelessness. Delegates heard addresses from the Hon Kristy McBain (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Emergency Services) and the newly appointed Governor General Sam Mostyn. Presentations covered climate change adaptation, artificial intelligence, emergency management, safer roads, housing and community infrastructure, and employment in local government. More than 191 motions were debated, including four submitted by Upper Hunter Shire Council.
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.———
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