Merriwa Junior Rugby League Football Club INC

NEW COMMITTEE

New Committee formed tonight after a successful AGM for the 2026 Season. Let’s Go Magpies.

MJRLFC Committee 2025/2026
Executive Committee:
President – Dan Bidner
Senior Vice President – Jason Bear
Junior Vice President – Wayne Jordan

Secretary – Sarah Bidner
Treasurer – Cristal Shepherd

 

Committee Positions:
Registrar- Nyssa Caban
Canteen Coordinator -Jess O’Brien & Cristal Shepherd
Merchandise Coordinator- Jess O’Brien Coach/Player Development Officer-
Chris Caban & Paul Halton
Fundraising & Sponsorship Officer Sarah Bidner

 

General Committee Members:
Shane & Rachel Sait
Jody Jordan
Danielle Cronin
Ben & Danielle Sullivan

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Royal Hotel Merriwa

 Upcoming LIVE Music at The Royal!

 

Donna Young – The Medium

We’re excited to welcome the talented Donna Young, renowned Psychic Medium to Royal Hotel Merriwa on October 31st.

• Get your tickets > mediumdonnayoung.com

Donna is known for her incredible ability to connect with the spirit world and provide insightful guidance. Donna’s readings are deeply transformative and enlightening.

*This is a ticketed event*

 

 

CRAWFISH STEW Next up!

Sat 1st Nov – 7:30pm ‘til late

An epic night it will be! The CRAWFiSH STEW Band

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 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. 

 

 

 

 

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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

 

 

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ROYAL HOTEL CASSILIS

MELBOURNE CUP LADIES DAY

It’s that time of year again! Save the date!

Get ready for an unforgettable day of fashion, fun and fabulous company at our Melbourne Cup Ladies Day – the ultimate excuse to dress up and celebrate in style!

Slip into your finest frock and fascinator for an afternoon filled with:
 Sparkling bubbles and bellinis on arrival
 Bottomless and reimagined cocktails
 A new take on our canapés and hors d’oeuvres
 Live entertainment to keep the vibes high
 Plenty of photo-worthy moments
 The race that stops the nation-live on our new big screen

Gourmet pizzas from 5:30pm

$80/pp

Gather your girl friends, place your bets and enjoy a day of elegance, laughter, and luxe experiences

Tickets – https://bookings.nowbookit.com/

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CHRISTMAS TRIVIA NIGHT

If you’ve been, you know this is a spectacular night of friendly competition and fun, with Annalese’s own special brand of local trivia mayhem.

 

We’ve sold out the marquee the last couple of events, so get your team together and book yourself a table for one of the best nights of the summer.

 

Saturday 20th December at 6pm

 

Tickets – https://bit.ly/3CfLTCP

 

#christmas #trivianight #royalhotelcassilis 

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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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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

 

 

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Merriwa Family and Community Fun Day

Wednesday 12th November

Come along and enjoy the Merriwa Rotary BBQ, jumping castle, face painting, entertainment by each school and meet your local services.

 

FREE afternoon of fun!!

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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. 

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GUMMUN PLACE MARKET DAY

If you would like to hold a stall, please contact Diane on 0417 237 274

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 Save the date

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

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CONSULTATION UNDERWAY – FEEDBACK is currently being sought on the concept design for the New England Highway Rocky Cut Realignment, planned for north of Scone.

The Australian and NSW Governments will invest $50 million to improve safety by realigning and widening a narrow section of the highway near Wingen.

It will involve bypassing the section of the highway for around 600 metres and road widening with the work to extend to just south of the Cressfield Road intersection.

The safety risk for potential head-on collisions and other incidents impacting the operation of the highway at Rocky Cut will be significantly reduced.

Public comment on the concept design is open until Friday 7 November at RockyCut@transport.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 424 082 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

View the concept plans at: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/new-england-highway-rocky-cut-realignment

ROADWORK AHEAD – Transport for NSW will carry out work at Blandford and Bulga starting from Monday 3 November.

Improvement of the road surface is scheduled for the New England Highway Blandford, Monday to Friday, 7am-5pm, with the work expected to be completed in three weeks, weather permitting.

It includes removing and replacing the existing road surface and road markings to improve the roadway for all road users.

The Bulga Bridge repair and upgrade project on Putty Road will resume and be carried out on weekdays 7am-4pm, and is expected to take  four weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Transport is now progressing to rehabilitate the beach areas after the completion of repair and upgrade work in late-2024.

For the latest traffic updates call 132 701, visit www.livetraffic.com or download the app Live Traffic NSW.

HEALTH AGM – Hunter New England Local Health District holds its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 11 November.

Interested community members can attend the AGM, scheduled for 2-3pm, by using video conferencing technology.

Board Chair, Kirsten Molloy, and Chief Executive, Tracey McCosker, will outline the heath district’s highlights of the past year.

Register by email to participate before Friday 7 November at: HNELHD-Communication@health,nsw.gov.au, with video conference details  to be sent after RSVPs are lodged.

FARMERS’ PLAN – NSW Farmers has launched a discussion paper on opportunities the state’s peak farm body believes Newcastle and the  Hunter Valley could pursue as it transitions from coal.

Beyond Coal: New Growth for Newcastle and the Hunter, has laid out how the region could create 88,000 new jobs and generate an  additional $20 billion for the state economy within the near future.

The discussion paper focused on how the region was uniquely positioned to take advantage of existing opportunities in food and fibre value- adding, and what future investment in training, processing and logistics would be needed.

Practical recommendations include repurposing degraded mining land for solar and wind projects, investment in agricultural skills and  training by expanding programs in food science, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, prioritise food and fibre production and encouraging investment in niche processing and manufacturing.

Read the discussion paper at: https://nswfarmers.org.au

WILD DOG ACTION – Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is encouraging landholders to make use of WildDogScan to help protect pets,  livestock and local wildlife.

It has been designed by landholders for communities to make it easier to record and track wild dog activity.

You can record sightings and evidence like footprints or scats, attacks such as mauled livestock or domestic animals and landholders’ control  activities including baiting or trapping.

If you need support or advice contact your local LLS biosecurity officer for help with coordinated control options and local information by  calling 1300 795 299. 

WildDogScan is a free for landholders, Landcare and community groups, local councils, professional pest controllers and biosecurity groups  and can be found at: https://www.feralscan.org.au/wilddogscan/default.aspx

MUSWELLBROOK PARTIES – Note to self, if you are planning to be in Muswellbrook next Tuesday 4 November – remember the part-day public holiday.

Muswellbrook Shire’s declared local public holiday begins at midday and continues until 6pm. 

In determining local public holiday entitlements, employees/employers should consider that additional penalty payments may apply subject  to the terms of the relevant industrial awards, agreements or employment contract, and the National Employment Standards under the Fair  Work Act 2009.

If you are wondering what the locals will be doing, it’s probably enjoying the Big Dance Race Day and Mayor’s Cup at Muswellbrook  Racecourse plus watching the Melbourne Cup.

Muswellbrook races conclude the five days of ‘A Little Taste of Real Country’ which begins Friday 31 October with the Blue Heeler Film  Festival Awards Night and continues Saturday 1 November in Ogilvie Street, Denman with the Wine, Food and Film Affair.

For the ‘Little Taste of Real Country’ full list of events, go to: www.muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au/event/real-country/

TOURISM FORUM – Arts Upper Hunter and Singleton Council are holding a free, hands-on workshop to help tourism and events to grow  their reach and attract more visitors.

Event organisers, community organisations, artists, agri-tourism groups, small businesses, accommodation providers and tourism operators  are all being invited to Singleton Civic Centre on Thursday 13 November at 10am.

Over the three hour session participants will discover how to make their mark on the tourism map by creating an eye-catching Australian  Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) listing that tells their story.

Whether you run a farm tour, market, gallery, or guesthouse, this workshop will help showcase what makes your slice of the Hunter truly  special.

Don’t miss the chance to get your business and your story in front of more visitors, book at: www.123tix.com.au/events/50122/share-your-story-grow-your-audience-atdw-beyond-in-singleton or check: www.facebook.com/SingletonCouncil

ANZAC STUDY TOUR – Applications are open for Accompanying Teachers to be part of the 2026 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship  school study tour.

Sixteen NSW students will be selected to participate in next year’s study tour to Greece and Crete, with 2026 marking the 85th anniversary of the Greek and Crete campaigns of 1941.

NSW teachers of Stage 5 History and/or Stage 6 Modern History are encouraged to apply for this unique professional development  opportunity to enrich their understanding and teaching of Australian war time history.

Key locations on the tour include Athens, war cemeteries at Phaleron and Suda Bay, and the historic site of the Battle of Rethymno, where  Australian and Greek troops faced a fierce German paratrooper assault.

Students in Year 10 or 11 in 2026 are encouraged to register their interest ahead of applications opening early next year:  www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/education/premiers-anzac-memorial-scholarship/

Accompanying Teacher applications close 26 November at: https://veteransaffairs.smartygrants.com.au/PAMS2026Teachers

SHOWER CHALLENGE – We are being challenged to take four-minute showers as part of small, lasting changes to reduce household  water consumption.

The challenge follows new national research conducted by The Water Conservancy, a ‘not for profit’ advisory hub, for education, facilitation,  and adoption of a more conscious and efficient approach to water use in Australia.

The research has revealed that Australians’ love of long, hot showers is sending thousands of litres of clean water down the drain every year  and driving up household energy use and emissions.

Two-thirds of us shower for five minutes or more, with 20 per cent of people takes between 10 and 15 minutes, using up to 135 litres per  shower or enough to fill a small swimming pool over a year.

Heating water contributes up to 30 per cent of household energy use and as much as 25 per cent of residential greenhouse gas emissions.

Other water saving tips are to turn off taps while brushing teeth, run full dishwasher and washing machine loads, and choosing appliances  with top star Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards ratings.

Discover more at: https://thewaterconservancy.org

EWON ANNUAL REPORT – The Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) Annual Report for 2024-2025 is now out recapping a year with 27,588 complaints managed.

EWON is a not-for-profit, industry-based ombudsman scheme, which is neither a consumer or industry advocate, that independently  achieves fair and reasonable outcomes for all parties.

It provides free, fair and independent dispute resolution services to energy customers, Hunter Water, Water NSW and private water utility  customers and consumers affected by renewable energy transmission infrastructure.

Electricity contributed 81 per cent of industry complaints last financial year, gas 15 per cent and water 4 per cent with 19,857 billing  complaints topping the workload for EWON.

Since 1 December 2024, the Energy Transition team has received 43 complaints, relating to unsatisfactory community engagement practices,  transmission line placement, lack of transparency and information on proposed works, and lack of response to concerns. 

View the report at: www.ewon.com.au/page/publications-and-submissions/annual-reports/annual-report-2024-2025

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS – Hunter-based Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) has used October to raise awareness of the vital role research  plays in finding new treatments and prevention strategies for breast cancer.

In the Upper Hunter electorate, approximately 63 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and tragically 15 women lose their lives to the disease each year.

BCT is a group of world-leading doctors and researchers based in Australia and New Zealand which has conducted more than 95 clinical  trials since 1978.

The unique collaboration between researchers, participants, and supporters has improved treatment, changed the way breast cancer is  managed, and saved millions of lives worldwide.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and while it remains the most common cancer in women, survival rates have improved but,  unfortunately, far too many lives are still being lost.

BCT says there is a united belief that it can and will find new and better treatments and prevention strategies that save lives today, tomorrow, and forever.

See BCT’s work at: www.breastcancertrials.org.au

NEW RATINGS – Motorcyclists are being helped by the NSW Government with new motorcycle helmet safety ratings showing the best  protection does not have to come with the biggest price tag.

The Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH) program is conducted by a consortium of government agencies and the  Australian Motorcycle Council.

CRASH independently and rigorously tests around 30 helmets annually against a range of criteria such as measuring impact protection,  noise, ventilation, field of view and resistance to fogging.

All helmets sold in NSW must meet minimum standards, but of the 30 motorcycle helmet models tested by CRASH this year, five received a  four-star rating for safety protection.

Research shows wearing a motorcycle helmet can reduce the risk of death by up to 42 per cent, the risk of head injury by 69 per cent if a rider  is involved in a crash, and protective clothing also plays an important role in rider safety.

Riders can explore the full helmet ratings and subscribe for MotoCAP updates at: www.motocap.com.au/products/helmets

TSR RECREATIONAL USE – People who use travelling stock reserves (TSRs) are being reminded they can only be used for passive  recreational activities.

Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is advising prospective users that it is illegal to camp, ride a motorbike or four-wheel drive on a travelling  stock reserve.

Passive recreational activities allowed on the reserves include bushwalking, bird watching, horse riding, having a picnic and pedal bike riding.

TSRs are not only important for agricultural productivity, but play an important role in moving livestock, biodiversity conservation including  supporting threatened species and habitats, and Aboriginal culture.

To learn more, call the LLS on 1300 795 299 or visit the TSR webpage: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-and-primary-industries/primary-industries/travelling-stock-reserves

SPORTS SHOOTING GRANTS – Shooting organisations can now share in $800,000 of NSW Government funding following the opening of  the Safe Shooting Program.

Individual shooting clubs, shooting ranges and shooting organisations can apply for grants, which range from $10,000 to $50,000. 

Eligible projects include improvements to storage, security and safety, as well as new equipment, such as electronic targets.

The program also supports projects which incorporate inclusive design, improved safety, environmental sustainability and climate resilience.  

Applications close Friday, 17 November, with further information at: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/safe-shooting-program

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

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Upper Hunter Shire Council

Future of Gummun Place Hostel to be considered by Council

Published on 23 October 2025

Council will, at next week’s Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday, 27 October 2025, consider a report on the future of Gummun Place Hostel, including a proposal to transition the facility from a residential aged care service to a licensed assisted boarding house model supported by home care packages.

The report outlines options to address the long-term financial and operational challenges facing the facility.

Deputy Mayor Cr Pat Ryan said that while the report recommends exploring a new operating model, no decision has been made.

“Council has not made any decision regarding the future of Gummun Place Hostel,” Cr Ryan said.
“This report allows councillors to carefully consider all available options and how best to ensure ongoing support for residents.”

Significant consultation has already occurred, and there is broad consensus in the community that a transition from the current operating model is required to ensure the facility’s sustainability well into the future. The report notes that continuing under the current model is not financially viable and that maintaining the status quo is not an option.

Gummun Place Hostel has been operated by Council for many years but continues to face increasing financial and regulatory pressures. The report recommends that, should the transition proceed, services could be delivered through an external aged care provider under a simpler and more sustainable model.

“Like many small, community-run aged care services, Gummun Place faces challenges from rising costs and complex compliance requirements,” Cr Ryan said.
“This report presents one possible path forward, but Council will review it thoroughly before any action is taken.”

If Council decides to progress with the proposed transition, the next step would be to call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified aged care and housing providers to operate the facility and deliver home care services to residents.

“Residents and their families can be assured that continuity of care will remain Council’s top priority,” Cr Ryan said.
“Council’s focus is now on finding the right partner with the experience and capability to deliver high-quality home care services at Gummun Place.”

The report, prepared with input from aged care consultants Pride Aged Living, will be considered at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday, 27 October 2025.

The Council Meeting agenda is now available on Council’s website:
upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/OC-27-October-2025

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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

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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! 

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

 

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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 – 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.

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Have you seen something that needs attention?

Please use the Customer Request Management Form available online by clicking here to lodge an action with UHSC.

Alternatively, you can download and use the Snap, Send, Solve app from the App store. This app allows you to submit requests with various authorities or Local Council with ease. Learn more about the Snap, Send, Solve app here. 

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