Merriwa Junior Rugby League Football Club INC

MJRLFC AGM

MJRLFC AGM – Thursday 23rd October – 6:30pm at the Sporties 

All positions declared vacant.

Hope to see many new faces at our AGM, without a committee junior football will not run.

More committee members needed, please help out our small junior footy club and help us support local kids.

___________________________ 

Royal Hotel Merriwa

 Upcoming LIVE Music at The Royal!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tickets for Donna Young – The Medium are available here: mediumdonnayoung.com

___________________________

 Merriwa and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry

 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. 

 

 

 

 

___________________________

Merriwa Rotary Club

MELBOURNE CUP 2025 CALCUTTA!

 

Monday 3rd November at the Merriwa Sports Club

7pm for 7.30pm dinner

$40 per person (includes Calcutta ticket)

RSVP to Will Mulligan on 0407 487 751 by Wednesday 29th October. 

Come and Enjoy a fun night, and you may even come away a winner!

• SWEEP TICKETS $5
• CALCUTTA TICKET $10

 

 

___________________________

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.

___________________________ 

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

 

 

___________________________

CEF Merriwa

PRESENTATION DINNER & AUCTION

Our invitation for our Presentation Dinner and Auction are out. Meet our current grant recipients and next years applicants. This is our main fundraiser for the year so come support us along and support us on the night and enjoy some good company, fine food from Eat@153 and Sparrows Nest, beverages at the Bar and a bid on some auctions items kindly donated from businesses and residents of our wonderful town.

 

Gather up some of your friends and book a table of between 8 & 10. PM this FB account or contact Mark Sparrow 0407 488 560 along with prepaying tickets as per invitation. Tables can also be made up on the night. 

___________________________

 Save the date

Carols in the Park – Sunday 14th Dec – Apex Park

___________________________

MEETING CANCELLED – A LOW number of speaker registrations has prompted the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) not to go ahead with a public meeting at Cassilis this week.

The IPC had scheduled the hearing at Cassilis Community Centre for Wednesday 22 October as it determines the State Significant Development Application for the proposed Liverpool Range Quarry.

The Commission will contact the eight people who registered to speak to organise individual meetings to allow them to have their say on the project.

In accordance with the Commission’s Transparency Policy, it will publish transcripts of any meetings that occur as part of these alternative arrangements.

The IPC is still seeking written submissions on the Liverpool Range Quarry until 5pm on Wednesday 29 October at: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/liverpool-range-quarry.

NEW BATTERY – A Community Information Session will be held this week on a new battery storage project proposed for McCullys Gap near Muswellbrook.

Ascera Energy is proposing the 350-500MW Gelston Energy Park to be discussed at Hunter Belle Cheese Cafe on Tuesday 21 October, 6.30- 8.00pm.

The company says it is committed to engaging openly and respectfully with the Muswellbrook Shire Council and the broader community to ensure the project is developed responsibly and transparently.

For additional information and to access the company’s social media go to: https://asceraenergy.com/#gelston or email: Partnerships@asceraenergy.com

INFORMATION SESSIONS – EnergyCo has scheduled an additional Upper Hunter information session when it meets with the community to discuss the new transmission corridor study area for the New England Renewable Energy Zone.

The opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback begin next week at Muswellbrook Library on Wednesday 29 October and at Scone Motor Inn on Thursday 30 October, both sessions 3-7pm. 

The following week, Gundy Soldiers’ Memorial Hall is the venue on Wednesday 5 November with Timor Community Hall now added to the information sessions on Thursday 6 November, with both meetings 3-7pm.

The new study area between Bayswater Power Station and Walcha covers a broad area around 3 kilometres wide.

The new study area is intentionally wide to find the best possible route for the transmission lines while balancing landowner and community feedback before a final permanent easement is narrowed to 140 metres wide for the dual line infrastructure.

Feedback for the ‘have your say’ period continues until Friday 28 November with more information at: www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/ne and:
www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/ne/working-community

TRAVEL ADVICE – Essential maintenance and improvement works will be undertaken by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) between Newcastle and Acacia Ridge, QLD this weekend.

The work includes the Hunter Valley and North Coast rail lines resulting in track closures from 3am Saturday 25 October to 1am Monday 27 October.

Travel Alerts have been issued by Transport for NSW with buses replacing trains between Newcastle Interchange and Gordon and between Scone, Dungog and Newcastle Interchange. 

Coaches replace NSW TrainLink services including Sydney-Brisbane and Sydney-Casino XPT services for the entire journey, with the Sydney-Armidale Explorer services replaced by road coaches between Sydney and Muswellbrook.

Travellers are encouraged to visit https://transportnsw.info/alerts or call 13 22 32 for assistance to plan their journey.

Signage and traffic control will be in place at any 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.

CONGRATULATIONS, KRINKLEWOOD! – Congratulations Krinklewood Estate, Broke on being named as a finalist in two categories of this year’s NSW Tourism Awards. 

The Wollombi Road vineyard and hospitality venue qualifying for the Food and Beverage Award, with Dimensions X Farmstay at Krinklewood Estate a finalist in Accommodation and Events Venues. 

All of the 230 entries were rigorously assessed by a panel of 56 independent industry experts, with judges noting the increasing calibre of submissions and the commitment to sustainable business practices.

The program is the only pathway for NSW operators to compete at the Australian Tourism Awards.

The winners of the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards will be announced at the NSW Tourism Gala in late-November at Sydney Olympic Park.

PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP – Public consultation is underway until 14 November on regulations to address dangerous battery handling and disposal.

NSW aims to be the first state to move to regulate batteries with the government seeking to ensure that battery brand owners take greater responsibility for the environmental and safety impacts of their products.

The new regulations will apply to small, removable, or rechargeable batteries under 5 kilograms and batteries used in devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

Shifting from a voluntary stewardship scheme to a mandatory government-regulated approach would ensure integrity and accountability in managing the life cycle of batteries.

It will also help to reduce the increasing number of battery-related fires in NSW with almost 250 battery-related fire incidents in the state so far this year.

For more information and to have your say, visit: https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/draft-product-lifecycle-responsibility-regulation

FOR THE BIRDS – The invitation is out for the Upper Hunter electorate to join Australia’s biggest citizen-science event this week.

Aussie Bird Count starts Monday 20 October and continues through until Sunday 26 October.

The Count is a fun, easy way for all of us to contribute to the national snapshot of the birds we see and start noticing the nature around us.

Just 20 minutes is required for you to help build a picture of how our feathered friends are faring and contribute to something that really counts.

There’s a built-in ‘bird finder’ tool as part of the program to help you identify birds you are unsure of – especially after 136 different species, including some vulnerable and endangered species, were spotted during last year’s count. 

Discover how to be part of the Count at: https://aussiebirdcount.org.au

WELCOME BACK, SERVICE! – Stroud is first stop this Friday, 24 October, when Service NSW returns to the Upper Hunter bringing NSW Government services to the community.

The Mobile Service Centre will be at 62 Cowper Street Stroud, 8.30am-12.30pm.

Clarence Town hosts Service NSW on Monday, 27 October, 12.30-3.30pm at 48 Grey Street.

Service then heads-up the New England Highway to Mayne Street Murrurundi on Tuesday, 4 November, 9am to 3pm.

Scone has Service NSW at Upper Hunter Shire Council, Wednesday and Thursday, 5-6 November, 9am to 4pm both days.

The Mobile Centres offer similar services to Service NSW’s physical sites but are cashless and only accept payment by EFTPOS, credit or debit card.

For further information check: www.service.nsw.gov.au/mobile-service-centres

WHERE IS THE DEFIBRILLATOR? – A new map on the NSW Ambulance website and the GoodSAM app pinpoints the location of over 5,000 registered Automated External Defibrillators or AEDs across the state.

This map is designed for awareness purposes only and NSW Ambulance advises that it should not be relied upon to locate a Defibrillator during an emergency.

If someone is unconscious and not breathing normally, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

The GoodSAM program, a partnership between NSW Ambulance and the GoodSAM responder app, works by alerting registered volunteers when someone nearby suffers a cardiac arrest and a Triple Zero (000) call has been received.

You don’t need formal CPR or first aid training to register as a GoodSAM responder, just be 18 or older and willing to provide chest compressions, which are easy and safe to perform.

To register as a GoodSAM volunteer, please visit: www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/goodsam

To view the Defibrillators Location map, click on: www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/goodsam/locate-an-aed

TRIPLE ZERO ADVICE – The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) has provided advice to the community on what to do when Triple Zero is not working.

First, make sure you are safe – if you can’t get through to Triple-0 in an emergency, get help from neighbours or local emergency services straight away.

Once you are safe, the next step is to let your ‘phone provider know.

If you raise a complaint about Triple Zero and you are not happy with the telco’s response, contact the Ombudsman, who will work with the provider to get things sorted quickly.

If your provider doesn’t fix the problem and you still need help, call the TIO back, and it will consider what a fair and reasonable outcome looks like on a case-by-case basis and work with you and the provider on a resolution.

You can call the Ombudsman on 1800 062 058 or make a complaint online: www.tio.com.au/news/how-we-can-help-calls-triple-zero-not-working

TIME TO TAP-ON – If you have an unregistered Opal card, it might be time for a trip on public transport to use up some of your existing balance.

The Minns Labor Government is proposing to recover unused balances on dormant, unregistered Opal cards that have not been used for at least five years and invest the proceeds in active transport initiatives.

There is an estimated 17 million Opal Cards with remaining balances that will not have been used for five years by 2026-27 with an estimated total balance of about $70 million.

A 12-month communications campaign is being promised to precede the recovery of unused balances and anyone with a card that has not been used in five years can recover their funds during that time.

The one-off revenue source will reportedly be invested by the NSW Government into active transport-related initiatives such as more Opal bike lockers and establishing a better system for shared e-bikes, including taking them off footpaths.

BIOSECURITY WORKSHOP – Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is calling poultry owners to a free one-day workshop at Stroud next week.

Biosecurity practices to protect your flock will be the focus of the gathering at Stroud Showground on Tuesday 28 October from 9am. 

Egg farmers including small, medium and large operators, Broiler integration, Turkey and duck operations and smaller holders such as pasture/caravan egg producers and hobby farmers are encouraged to participate.

Register your attendance for the free one-day workshop on best practice guidance for biosecurity management and planning at: https://mintrac.com.au/events and click on the FlockSafe Poultry Biosecurity Management Planning Training event.

THROUGHBRED ACT REVIEW – Former NSW Government Minister, the Hon Brad Hazzard, has been appointed by the NSW Government to lead an independent review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996 (TR Act).

The TR Act provides for the establishment, management and functions of Racing NSW as the representative body to control thoroughbred horse racing in the state.

The review’s purpose is to assess whether the terms of the Act remain appropriate to ensure the integrity and proper regulation of thoroughbred racing in NSW and to support the industry’s development and sustainability.

You are being given the opportunity to comment on any issue within the review’s scope, as set out in the Terms of Reference, such as governance structures and processes and stakeholder consultation measures established under the Act.

Feedback can be provided by completing a survey or making a written submission by Monday 24 November at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/tra-review

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

 ___________________________

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. 

Nomination Form

– – – – 

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 

– – – – 

Upper Hunter’s Annual Bulk Waste Clean Up Is Approaching! 

Mark your calendars because it’s time for a clean-out! Upper Hunter Shire Council’s Bulk Waste Clean Up service is just around the corner.

 

 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:

Items should be placed on the kerbside on the Sunday before your week of collection.

 Garden waste will NOT be accepted.

 Mattresses and tyres are also prohibited.

 No liquid waste of any sort.

 

 Frequently Asked Questions:

“Can I dispose of my scrap metal?” Scrap metal is included this year!

“What about my old laptop or TV?” Electronics / E-Waste is not accepted in the Bulky Waste Collection but can be dropped off for free at the Community Recycling Centre in Scone.

 

For more information, head to our website: https://www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

 

– – – –

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.

– – – – 

MR358 Road Project – September 2025 Update

Construction continues to make solid progress across all four sections, with several key works now complete and pavement construction advancing well.

 

Highlights:

Gabion wall construction – 100% complete

Rock bolts, soil nails (3,000 total) & rock mesh – 100% complete

Open drain excavation & shotcrete open drains – 100% complete

Earthworks – 98% complete

Drainage transverse lines – 95% complete

Table drains & kerbing – 80% complete

Road pavement construction – 70% complete

 

Extra insight:

CCTV inspections of drainage lines show works are performing as expected.

Benkelman beam testing confirms excellent pavement strength results.

The recent environment, safety and quality audit delivered a positive outcome.

 

Next steps

Continue base pavement and material placement

Progress table drain, kerbing and cross drainage works

Construction of maintenance access track into MT60 now underway

 

For more information on the project, visit: 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. 

____________________________________________

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

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