SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Be sure to phone your local library and book your spot.
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GIN TASTING EVENT
VALENTINES DINNER WITH TWO RIVERS WINES
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Giro de Cassilis & Triple Cown
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State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP
Member for Upper Hunter – 28 January 2025
AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS – CONGRATULATIONS to the Upper Hunter electorate’s recipients of Australia Day Honours for this year.
Geoffrey Sharrock of Fordwich becomes a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the mining industry and the community through various organisations including the Broke Fordwich Private Irrigation District.
Singleton’s Gerard McMillan received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community and to business through Singleton Returned Servicemen’s Club, now Singleton Diggers, as well as Rotary and the Catholic Church.
I also acknowledge all Australia Day Award recipients, who were recognised by our local councils across the weekend for their dedication and service to community.
DECLARATION EXTENDED – Upper Hunter, Singleton, Dungog, Mid Coast and Cessnock council areas are now eligible for disaster recovery support following the severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall that impacted the Hunter region from 15 January.
Assistance measures may now be provided to these communities under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
It includes support for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation as well as grants for low income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items and to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
Support is available to affected local councils and other agencies to help with the costs of cleaning up, keeping the community safe and restoring damaged essential public assets.
More information on disaster assistance can be found at: www.disasterassist.gov.au
CBP, APPLY NOW! – Applications for the 2025 round of the Community Building Partnership (CBP) open this week with $450,000 in grant funding available for the Upper Hunter electorate.
The program guidelines have changed for this year, including that the minimum grant funding is $10,000 and the maximum $100,000.
For capital works projects, applicants must provide the property/landowner’s consent for works to be undertaken at the project location at the time of application.
Applicants can apply for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) package up to $3,000 per application per project location, however, applications for more than one AED package at the same project location will be ineligible.
Applicants will be required to complete their project within 12 months of approval by August 2026.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 21 February with more details on the CBP website: www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/community-building-partnership
REZ DISCUSSION – The Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (HCC REZ) will be the talking point when community drop-in sessions are held this week.
Ausgrid has been selected by EnergyCo as the network operator to deliver the infrastructure works required to support the REZ.
It is keen to hear community feedback and understand the potential impacts of the project as the Ausgrid Upper Hunter network is upgraded to more efficiently integrate renewables into the electricity grid.
Drop-in sessions are at Singleton Senior Citizens Centre on Friday 31 January, 2-6pm and Muswellbrook Library, 9am-2pm on Saturday 1 February.
Two online webinars are scheduled for Thursday 6 February, 12.30-1.15pm and 7-7.45pm.
More information at: www.ausgrid.com.au/About-Us/Future-Grid/Hunter-Central-Coast-Renewable-Energy-Zone and www.facebook.com/Ausgrid
ATTENTION, HOLIDAY ENDING! – The countdown is underway to the first day back at school for Day 1, Term 1 2025 and motorists will have to be switched-on before the end of this week.
NSW Department of Education has public school development days for Term 1 scheduled from Friday 31 January to Wednesday 5 February.
Development days are used by schools to build on the knowledge and skills of teachers, school leaders and school administrative support staff through a targeted professional learning program.
For drivers that means get ready for the return of flashing lights for 40km/h school zones which are in force on all notified school days.
School zone days do include school development days also known as or pupil-free days, and for Term 1 this year it begins this Friday, 31 January.
First day for students is Thursday 6 February, with NSW Education offering five tips for the opening day of school.
They include preparing uniforms, lunches and school bags, letting your children dress themselves, make sure they wear a hat and sunscreen, confirm pick up details and, most importantly, discuss road safety with your child.
TAFE PREPARATIONS – A big week for TAFE NSW ahead of Semester 1 classes which commence from Monday 3 February.
Essential student information will be available during two live virtual orientation sessions.
Session 1 is being held 8-9am Wednesday 29 January and Session 2 on Thursday 30 January, Noon-1pm.
The sessions are run online and you will be sent a link to your chosen email prior to the event: https://tafenswevents.eventsair.com/ksys/ksys25/site/register
If you want to prepare for a policing career, the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) is available at the Dubbo and Kurri Kurri TAFE campuses.
IPROWD aims to engage Aboriginal people in training that prepares them for career opportunities in the NSW Police Force, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) or other Justice agencies, by offering a safe, supportive learning environment.
Applications are open for the flexible delivery of IPROWD at Dubbo TAFE between 17 March and 5 September with Kurri TAFE offering full-time delivery 25 August-28 November: www.tafensw.edu.au/programs/iprowd
MEN, TO THE TABLE! – The invitation is out for Singleton and Maitland to gather at The Men’s Table next month.
An ‘entrée’ is being held in both towns to create a unique, safe environment for men to share openly about their lives, their challenges, their highs and lows.
Over dinner, the proven format creates a sense of belonging, community, peer support and camaraderie that is lacking for many men, even for some who already have a group of mates.
The entrée nights are information nights where men can find out if The Men’s Table is for them and space is limited to 16 spots at the table.
Maitland’s gathering is at The Kitchen at Waterford, Chisholm on Tuesday 18 February, whilst the upstairs function room of The Albion Hotel is the venue for Singleton with both events being held 6.30-9pm.
Further details at The Men’s Table website: www.themenstable.org make bookings at: https://themenstable.org/entree-nsw/ and contact Dave Robinson on 0435 171 509 or email: dave.robinson@themenstable.org
SENIORS CELEBRATIONS – Free tickets are available early next month for the 2025 Premier’s Gala Concerts at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Darling Harbour, Sydney.
Todd McKenney, Rob Mills, Tarryn Stokes and Prinnie Stevens will entertain thousands of NSW Seniors on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 March with two performances each day.
Seniors who are unable to attend in person will be able to view a livestream of the concerts.
The Premier’s Gala Concerts are a highlight of the annual NSW Seniors Festival between Monday 3 March to Sunday 16 March.
Free tickets for the performances will be available from 9am on Tuesday 4 February on the NSW Seniors Festival website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/seniors-festival/whats-on/premiers-concert.
RECRUITMENT UNDERWAY – Board members are currently being recruited by Crown Lands to help manage three recreation reserves in the Upper Hunter.
Applications close next month for the Moonan Flat, Main Camp (Rouchel Brook) and Bunnan Recreation Reserves.
Appointment of board members is a voluntary role for a period not exceeding five years.
People with a variety of skills are required, however, sound business and financial management skills and objective decision-making expertise would be a distinct advantage.
All recommended board members must complete the member induction program before their appointment is finalised.
More information from Joanne Muddle on 49379364, email:reserves@crownland.nsw.gov.au or visit the Crown Land website: https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/who-we-are/get-involved-in-crown-land-management
READY TO CLEAN UP? – Clean Up Australia wants 2025 is to be a special one as it celebrates 35 years and aims to make this year’s event the biggest and best one yet.
The Upper Hunter electorate is being encouraged to start rolling up its sleeves and register local activities.
Business Clean Up day is scheduled for Tuesday 25 February with preschools, primary and secondary schools to clean up on Friday 28 February.
Sunday 2 March is the celebration of 35 years of Clean Up so check out the How-To Videos! which are designed to assist with each step of planning your own event.
Register for Clean Up Australia Day at: www.register.cleanup.org.au
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES – Transgrid has opened applications to upskill Australians to fill critical jobs across NSW as it builds a clean energy workforce.
The Transgrid Engineering Scholarship, supports 100 Charles Sturt University (CSU) engineering students over four-years and provides $20,000 each to put towards the cost of their study.
Applications close on 7 March: www.csu.edu.au/engineering/transgrid-scholarship
Expressions of interest for Transgrid’s 2026 Apprenticeship Program are also open: www.transgrid.com.au/careers/apprentice-program
Expressions of interest have recently opened for Transgrid’s 2026 Graduate Program, with applications to formally open on 1 March.
This two-year development program provides graduates with four rotations in their chosen area, offering exposure to diverse and challenging responsibilities.
Prospective participants can register interest at: www.transgrid.com.au/careers/graduate-program
ESSENTIAL TO APPLY – Dungog, Stroud and Gloucester will soon have their opportunity to put forward local projects which could receive support from the Essential Grants program.
Applications open Monday, 3 February for charities, not-for-profit/non-profit organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations or community groups/events to spark positive change in their community.
The program supports community-based initiatives that align with the categories of Environment, Energy Transition, Education and Resilience.
Essential Grants offer up to $15,000 with applications to close on Monday, 31 March.
Further information at: www.essentialenergy.com.au/about-us/community-support/Essential-Grants
AFL GRANTS – Councils and community AFL clubs can lodge applications from next week for the AFL NSW/ACT Facility Fund.
Applications for up to $50,000 funding can be made towards infrastructure projects that improve the experience of participants or increase the use of a playing field.
Through the fund, councils and community AFL clubs are able to fund changeroom upgrades for women and girls, field lighting upgrades or drainage and irrigation improvements.
Applications close Wednesday 12 March, with a second round of grants for the NSW Facilities Fund to open in July.
You can find more details at: https://play.afl/nswact/news/NSW-facilties-fund
Contact:
Email address: upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au;
Phone number: 6543 1065;
Postal address P.O. Box 493, Muswellbrook 2333.
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Works Schedule – Week Starting Monday, 16 December 2024
Works Delivery
- Golden Highway – Reseal preparations
- Ringwood Road – Slashing
- Idaville Road – Slashing
- Solleys Lane – Construction
- Worondi Creek Road – Resheeting
- 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
- Water treatment plant operation and maintenance
- Sewer treatment plant operation and maintenance
- Water and sewer distribution systems and actions requests as required
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AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS 2025
Citizen of the year
Jane Hegarty
In recent years Jane has volunteered an enormous amount of her time for the betterment of the Cassilis district. She is the President of the Cassilis District Development Group and the driving force behind many of the committee’s current projects. These include the Giro de Cassilis bike ride which is becoming a growing tourism event for the town, and the Cassilis Ball fundraiser that injects over $20,000 in donations back into the Cassilis community.
Jane is involved with the Country Education Foundation and offers guidance and encouragement to many other groups & individuals in the community, including Cassilis Public School P & C and a group of young mothers trying to set up a childcare facility in Cassilis.
Jane is an inspiration for people living in small communities like Cassilis. It is thanks to Jane that we now have a small community that is working together to make Cassilis a great place to live, work & play.
We appreciate all that you do for the community Jane, congratulations.
Young Citizen of the Year (Under 25)
Hannah Gillett
Hannah is an outstanding young woman who has influenced many aspects of our school and wider community. Her musical passion has meant that she was able to play an active role in revitalising music at Scone High School as a founding member of the school choir as well as being the only senior student in the formation of the combined Scone Public and Scone High School Band. Hannah enjoys mentoring the primary school students which is also evident in her time spent volunteering with the Scone Public School junior cattle paraders. A passionate Agricultural student and recipient of the CWA Excellence in Agriculture Award, Hannah has an active history in being hands on including participating in Beef Bonanzas and Steer Leading.
This passion is also evident in Hannah’s entrepreneurial pursuit in raising and selling cattle. Her leadership has been recognised through being identified and selected as a representative of the Upper Hunter at the National Youth Leadership Summit in Adelaide. This provided a foundation of understanding that she was able to apply in her role co-developing and presenting the Upper Hunter Youth Leadership Summit held in Aberdeen. Hannah’s leadership has been on display at events such as ANZAC Day, raising awareness for Breast Cancer and promoting Where There’s a Will. Hannah will continue to influence students and our community as part of the Scone High School Leadership Team. Her academic efforts are also inspirational placing in the Top 3 of all subjects including securing first place in Agriculture, Music, English Advanced and English Extension. This dedication, drive and determination across all areas clearly positions Hannah as an outstanding Young Citizen.
Hannah’s leadership has been on display at events such as ANZAC Day, raising awareness for Breast Cancer, promoting Where There’s a Will and representing the Upper Hunter at the National Youth Leadership Summit in Adelaide. Hannah is a recipient of the CWA Excellence in Agriculture Award and mentors the Scone Public School junior cattle paraders, as well as participating in Beef Bonanzas and Steer Leading herself.
Aberdeen
Citizen of the Year – Joy Dallah
Young Citizen of the Year – Ciennah Sullivan
Local Champion of the Year – Casey Milton
Outstanding Contribution to the Community – Kate Jones
Merriwa
Citizen of the Year – Jane Hegarty
Young Citizen of the Year – Archie Constable
Local Champion of the Year – Cassilis Public School P&C
Sustainabilirty in Business – Merriwa NewsXpress
Sporting Achievement Award – Rihanna Hunt
Murrurundi
Citizen of the Year – Judith Wilson
Local Champion of the Year – Montana Rando
Scone
Hunter McLoughlin Citizen of the Year – Susan Scott
Young Citizen of the Year – Hannah Gillett
Local Champion of the Year – Gundy Community and Beyond
Outstanding Contribution to the Community – Helen & Leo Gardner
School Achievement Awards
Alexandra Brooks, Scone Grammar School
Kaylee Perks, Merriwa Central School
Finley Whitla, Scone High School
Mackenzie Williams, St Joseph’s Catholic College
Creative Arts Excellence Awards
Isabel Jack, Scone Grammar School
Mia Jacobs, Merriwa Central School
Quinn Thackeray, Scone High School
Mia Kelaher, St Joseph’s Catholic College
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JOIN THE GUMMUN PLACE HOSTEL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Join the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee 
Applications for the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee close Friday, 7 February 2025 at 5pm.
Upper Hunter & Kia-Ora Youth Music Committee
Settlement Hall
Merriwa Sportsground User Group Sub-Committee
MR358 Road (Coulson’s Creek Rd) Rehabilitation Update
Rock mesh protection complete
Completion of catch drains in several areas Ongoing gabion wall construction Final touches underway for upcoming drainage and batter stabilisation
Here’s a timelapse of the project team constructing gabion walls – a fascinating look at the effort driving this vital upgrade!Community Strategic Plan 2034 – Shaping the Future of the Upper Hunter Shire
Welcome to the consultation page for the Upper Hunter Shire Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2034. This is the central hub for all information related to our CSP engagement process, where you’ll find everything you need to participate, stay informed, and share your vision for the Shire.
Our CSP is a 10-year roadmap that sets the vision, values, and priorities for the Upper Hunter Shire, ensuring we grow in a way that aligns with the community’s needs and aspirations. Unlike specific project planning or budgeting, the CSP guides the big picture—the major themes and directions we’ll focus on, from environmental sustainability to community well-being and economic resilience.
To see how this plan can guide our future, you can review our current Community Strategic Plan to gain a better understanding of how we identify and address the long-term needs of the Shire.
What Is the CSP and Why Is It Important?
The CSP is designed to answer questions like:
- What kind of community do we want to become?
- What values and priorities are essential to the Upper Hunter Shire?
Our CSP isn’t about detailing individual projects or setting budgets; it’s about setting Council’s vision for the future and providing a framework that informs other planning documents like our Delivery Program and Operational Plan. By participating, you help shape a CSP that reflects what matters most to the community.
How to Get Involved
We’ve designed a variety of ways for residents to get involved in the CSP consultation, including:
Phone Survey:
- The phone survey will commence on 4 November. Initially, calls will come from 02 4355 9760, with the full team later calling from 02 8358 2995. This is your chance to share your thoughts on the future of the Shire directly with Council. The survey will run for approximately 7–10 days.
Complete a Digital Survey:
Printed surveys are also available by request at Council offices, libraries, and key community locations. As a thank-you, all participants will have the chance to win one of five $100 WeLiveHere gift cards.
Attend Community Events and drop-ins:
Chat with Council about the Community Strategic Plan at:
- Christmas on Kelly, Scone – Thursday, 12 December, 5–7 PM
- Merriwa Home for Christmas – Friday, 13 December, 5–7 PM
- Twilight Christmas Markets, Murrurundi – Saturday, 14 December, 5–7 PM
Pop-up Drop-in Sessions: Come along to a drop-in session, where Council staff and Councillors will be available to chat about the CSP and answer any questions.
- Moonan Flat
Tuesday, 26 November, 4–6pm
Moonan Flat Pub - Aberdeen
Thursday, 28 November, 4–6pm
Aberdeen Library
Stay Connected:
Follow us on social media and check this page for regular updates, discussions, and results from the consultation process.
Consultation Timeline
- Phone Survey Begins: Commences 4 November 2024
- Digital Survey Opens: 12 November 2024
- Community Engagement Period: 12 November 2024 – 7 February 2025
- Survey Closes: Midnight, Friday 7 February 2025
- Review and Drafting: March 2025
- Public Exhibition of Draft CSP: April 2025
- Final Adoption of CSP: 26 May 2025
What Happens Next?
After gathering feedback from the community, Council will review and incorporate your input to refine the CSP. The draft plan will then go on public exhibition in April 2025, providing a final opportunity for community feedback before adoption in May.
Why Your Voice Matters
Your participation helps ensure that the CSP truly reflects the needs, values, and aspirations of the Upper Hunter Shire community. Whether you’re passionate about environmental sustainability, community services, or economic growth, this is your chance to influence the Shire’s future.
Let’s work together to create a Community Strategic Plan that everyone in the Upper Hunter Shire can be proud of. Have your say, and help shape our future!
https://www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Public-notices/Community-Strategic-Plan-2034
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