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Week Starting Monday 2nd June 2025

 

St Joseph’s Primary School 

OPEN DAY

Come join us on Friday, 6th June, for our Open Day. Come for the entire day or part of it.
 

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FESTIVAL OF THE FLEECES

MERRIWA CWA – Opposite the RSL
Do you enjoy home cooking? CWA Rooms are open early on Saturday!
 
Join us for Morning Tea and Lunch – Scones served with Fresh Cream and Strawberry Jam, Lamingtons, Toasted Sandwiches, Chicken and  Pumpkin Soup, Curried Sausages and Rice, Savoury Mince served with Mash, Tea and Coffee (Bottomless Cup), Cold Drinks. 
 
Sit back and enjoy a cuppa in our air conditioned rooms. 
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KIDS COOKING

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Royal Hotel Merriwa

 FESTIVAL OF THE FLEECES 🐑

Carrot Bowen & The Collective 

Saturday 7th June – Live from 7pm
Next week 7th June Merriwa Festival of the fleeces Behind Royal hotel 🏨 come out grab some 🪵 🔥 woodfired goodness
 
🔥Loaded 🥔 🔥
🔥Brisket Mac and cheese 🔥
🔥 Ribs and slaw 🔥
🔥Meat and gravy rolls 🔥
🔥Fresh Meat 🥩 pies 🥧 🔥

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Join us on 𝑻𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒅𝒂𝒚 5𝒕𝒉 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒆 we will be holding an extra event so don’t miss out on winning your team a $50 club voucher! 🥳
 
May be an image of text that says "O MII ಕి MERRIWA PRRILOB CLUB R.S.LCLUB R.S.L TRIVIA Night 6:30PM THURSDAY 5TH JUNE $5TO TO $5 ENTER A EAM (MINIMUM 2 PEOPLE) $50 CLUB VOUCHER FOR WINNING TEAM."

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Lot’s of live entertainment installed for the Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces long weekend! 🐑
 
Join us on 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙮 7𝙩𝙝 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙚 to rock out the Merriwa R.S.L Club auditorium with our much loved local rock band Silo Train! Followed by our returning artist Justin Landers Music! 🎵
 
Looking for some delicious food? Our 𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒕 will be having a Lunch & Dinner buffet!
Lunch 11:30 – 3:00PM
Dinner 4:30 – 8:30PM
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Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces

🎉 The countdown is nearly over… the Festival of the Fleeces kicks off THIS Friday night! 🎉
We’ve got an unforgettable long weekend coming your way. 🐏
 
FRIDAY NIGHT 🍾
It all begins at the Merriwa RSL with our much-loved Opening Night. Expect a warm welcome and a great night out to get the weekend started right.
 
 
🔥 SATURDAY – THE MAIN EVENT!
This is the day Merriwa truly shines. The whole town comes alive for a massive day of celebration:
🐑 The iconic Grand Parade (yes the sheep in red socks are ready to strut!)
🛍 Stalls full of local goods, treats and treasures
🐶 Action-packed working dog trials and the thrilling dog high jump
🎪 Kids’ entertainment and rides to keep the little ones smiling
🧵 The stunning Quilt Show at the School of Arts — a must-see!
🍻 Our pub and clubs are putting on a show with live music, food and festivities
✨ There’s too much happening to list it all here — so jump across to our website to check out the full program and plan your day!
 
🌾 SUNDAY
Wind things down with something truly special — the Wool Shed Tour, grab your tickets online today before you miss out.
 
📍Make the most of your June long weekend – come to Merriwa.
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Merriwa Surgery

Merriwa Surgery will be closed for 2 weeks from 20/06/25.

Reopens on 07/07/25.

We appreciate your support and apologise for the inconvenience.
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St Joseph’s P&F Merriwa Junior Campdraft 

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Merriwa Campdraft

Saturday 30 Aug & Sun 31 Aug 2025.
 
More information to come.
 
Please follow the Facebook page to ensure you don’t miss any updates
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31st August 2025 

A Feast of Food, Friends & Fun!
 
Join us for a relaxed and joyful afternoon at our inaugural Cassilis Long Lunch, where the community comes together to share good food, cold drinks, and the sounds of live music under the open sky.
 
Set in the heart of our beautiful little village, this long table gathering is all about connection, enjoying hearty, locally sourced dishes, raising a glass with friends old and new, and soaking in the laid-back vibes of live, local music.
 
Bring your friends, your appetite, and your stories.. It’s more than a meal—it’s a celebration of the Cassilis community spirit.
 
Ticket: $100/PP
 
Your ticket includes a seat at our beautifully set long table running down Buccleugh Street, a complimentary drink on arrival, a delicious 3-course meal crafted by local dining establishments, live music from a fantastic band to keep the atmosphere lively throughout the afternoon.
 
Please note: This is an 18+ event
 
Grab your ticket here –> https://bit.ly/CLLTickets
 
 
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Cassilis Country Music Inc

STALL HOLDERS WANTED 

Calling all stall holders interested in holding a stall at our annual country music weekend.

Please email cassilisccc@gmail.com for more information.

Please note we do not need food stalls as these are already sorted Thank you!

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State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP

Member for Upper Hunter – 2 June 2025

MORE FLOOD SUPPORT REQUIRED – THE NSW Nationals and Liberals are calling for the urgent roll out of category C and D disaster  grants to help businesses and primary producers severely impacted by the devastating flooding event in the Hunter, Mid-North and North  Coast regions.

It comes after flood-hit communities including in the Upper Hunter Electorate were left off the NSW Government’s eligibility list for personal  hardship payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 per household.

The Coalition argues the Minns and Albanese Governments need to enact the updated declarations to begin the recovery process now and  carry out a complete revision of all areas included to make sure no one misses out.

The NSW and Australian Governments announced on 22 May that support was available under the joint Disaster Recovery Funding  Arrangements (DRFA) for LGAs covered by a Natural Disaster Declaration which included MidCoast, Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter, Cessnock and Maitland: www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/emergencies-and-natural-disasters

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) for eligible LGAs including MidCoast, Dungog and Maitland was  announced on 27 May: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/nsw-east-coast-severe-weather-and-flooding-may-2025-agdrp

The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) to provide short-term income support to help people who lost income due to the disaster was also  announced for Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Cessnock and Maitland LGAs: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/nsw-east-coast-severe-weather-and-flooding-may-2025-dra

“There will be a time and place to dissect where and why the joint Commonwealth-state rollout went wrong but for now we need this fixed  immediately so the money can get out the door as soon as possible,” Mr Layzell said.

ASSISTANCE STILL AVAILABLE – The NSW Reconstruction Authority and partner agencies are continuing to operate Recovery Centres in locations impacted by the recent severe weather event.

Residents can visit a Recovery Centre for practical recovery advice and support.

The Taree Recovery Centre at the Manning Uniting Church is operating this week, Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-4pm and on  Saturday 9am-12pm. 

Maitland Recovery Centre at Maitland Town Hall is open Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm and Friday 10am-4pm.

Recovery Assistance Points are also being held by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and partner agencies this week.

Gloucester Bowling Club hosts the Gloucester Community Event on Tuesday 3 June, 6-8pm, and the Dungog Recovery Assistance Point is  being held at Dungog Showground, Wednesday 4 June, 2-7pm.

To check recovery assistance and wellbeing support for areas impacted by floods and storms go to Flood recovery information:  www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recover/flood-recovery-updates

FARM FLOOD SURVEY – Flood impacted farmers and primary producers are being asked to complete the Primary Industries Natural  Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA) survey, when it is safe for them to undertake the task.

The survey collects information for the NSW Government that can help shape recovery programs and support.

The damage survey allows farmers to record the number of crops, animals, and infrastructure damaged by the floods, and advise on the  severity of damage in their locality.

To make a submission, visit the portal at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/damage

DOUBLE DEMERITS RETURN The King’s Birthday long weekend will see the resumption of double demerit points later this week.

Road safety enforcement activities will be stepped-up for four days from Friday morning 6 June until Monday night 9 June.

The campaign reminds drivers and riders that during double demerit periods the penalties for breaking the road rules are more severe.

The system provides an incentive for drivers to improve their driving behaviour, obey road rules and comply with NSW traffic laws.

If you get caught speeding, using a mobile phone illegally, riding without a helmet, not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or carrying  passengers not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or restraint, you will face double the points, not double the fine. 

SOLAR DA APPROVED – The NSW Independent Planning Commission has approved the Muswellbrook Solar Farm, subject to  conditions.

To be located adjacent to and within the site of the former Muswellbrook Coal Mine, the development includes a 135-megawatt solar farm, a  135 Mega Watt / 270 Mega Watt hour battery and associated infrastructure. 

The decision has been made following a comprehensive process including hearing from the community and relevant subject matter experts,  and considered the formal assessment conducted by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

A full Statement of Reasons for Decision has been published which provides a detailed explanation of the determination.

All information and documents related to the project can be viewed through the Commission’s website:  www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/2024/12/muswellbrook-solar-farm

TREASURES RECOGNISED! – Congratulations to the Upper Hunter Electorate’s three treasures who have been included on the 2024  Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

Denise Bell of Aberdeen, Singleton’s Gail Solman and Jo Woods from Branxton are among the 74 women nominated for the latest edition of  the roll.

Jo nominated for her volunteering to undertake the Branxton Community Preschool outdoor playground expansion and landscaping over the last 12 months.

Gail, the Upper Hunter Electorate 2024 Local Women of the Year, was nominated for her various contributions to netball in Singleton.

And, Denise for her passion volunteering with Athletics in Aberdeen, from foundation member in 1991 to taking on numerous executive  positions over the next 10 years.

Hidden Treasures, is a NSW Government initiative coordinated by the NSW Rural Women’s  Network, for nominees who embody the spirit of volunteering with their invaluable contributions.

Whether it is in health and medical research fundraising, volunteer firefighting or coaching students as a volunteer, they have through their  efforts, created vibrant, connected and inclusive communities.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll so nominate our unsung heroes who go above and beyond:  https://hiddentreasures.awardsplatform.com/

BRIDGEWORK AHEAD – Cockfighter Bridge on the Golden Highway, Warkworth will be the focus of upcoming essential road  improvement work.

Work will take place in two stages replacing old concrete barriers with new steel post and rail traffic barriers, along with safety upgrades on  the bridge approaches.

From Monday 16 June to Friday 27 June, work will be carried out Monday to Friday, 7am- 6pm, with bridge deck activities restricted to  7.30am-4pm and Saturday work 8am-1pm.

From Sunday 30 June to Friday 31 October, work will transition to night shifts from Sunday to Thursday nights, 6pm-4am, weather  permitting.

Transport for NSW will conduct remaining suitable tasks that can be completed during the day, and day shifts may be scheduled as required. 

Lane closures with stop/slow traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during work hours.

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

UPPER HUNTER SERVICE STOPS – Service NSW’s mobile service centre returns to the Upper Hunter electorate during June and July. 

Cowper Street, Stroud is first stop on Friday 20 June from 8.30am to 12.30pm.

Service NSW will set up the Mobile Service Centre in Grey Street, Clarence Town on Monday 23 June, 12.30-3.30pm.

The Mobile Service Centre heads to Mayne Street Murrurundi on Tuesday 1 July between 9am and 3pm.

Scone then hosts Service NSW on Wednesday 2 July and Thursday 3 July, 9am-4pm both days at Upper Hunter Shire Council in Liverpool  Street.

Services include the Savings Finder program to access more than 70 government rebates and vouchers, you can apply for birth, death and  marriage certificates as well as undertake Hazard Perception Tests.

Discover the services that can be accessed by visiting: www.service.nsw.gov.au/mobile-service-centres

MINING REGULATION INPUT – Consultation is being undertaken until Wednesday 18 June on the proposed Mine and Petroleum Site  Safety (Cost Recovery) Regulation 2025.

The proposed regulation supports the Mine and Petroleum Site Safety (Cost Recovery) Act 2005, which provides for the funding of regulatory  activities in relation to safety at mines and petroleum sites in NSW.

The Act has established a Mine and Petroleum Site Safety Fund for this purpose.

The proposed regulation will remake the Mine and Petroleum Site Safety (Cost Recovery) Regulation 2019, which is due to be automatically  repealed on 1 September 2025, with minor changes.

An explanatory guide is available which provides an overview of the proposed regulation and the intended changes.

NSW Resources invites written comments and submissions on the proposed regulation: www.resources.nsw.gov.au/mining-and-exploration/applying-to-explore-and-mine-nsw/public-consultation/mine-safety-cost

LONG WEEKEND EVENTS – Broke will showcase why it has qualified for the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards when the Broke BBQ  Festival holds centre stage across the June long weekend.

The village at the foot of the Broken Back Range recently made its back-to-back silver in the Tiny Tourism Town category for a population  under 1500 residents.

Gloucester took bronze in the Small Tourism Town section for towns with a population between 1,500 and 5,000.

The Broke BBQ Festival will have a range of attractions and activities including boutique beer, wine and spirits, live bands, cooking  demonstrations, a children’s activity zone and plenty of mouth-watering barbecuing.

Festival of the Fleeces will also see Merriwa abuzz with this year’s theme being ‘The Magic of Wool’.

Friday night’s opening event will be followed by the red-socked ovines on Bettington Street at midday Saturday for the Running of the Sheep,  with woolshed tours to wrap-up festivities on Sunday.

For updates on the Broke BBQ Festival check: www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/Experience/Visit and, Festival of the Fleeces:  https://festivalofthefleeces.com.au

NUMBER SCREENING CHECK – A trial is currently being conducted on a new Number Screening Check with more than 7,000 Year 1  students being assessed across 165 NSW public schools.

The screening check is part of the NSW Government’s plan to lift numeracy outcomes and is also a key component of the Better and Fairer  Schools Agreement signed with the Australian Government in March.

The teacher-led check takes 10-15 minutes to complete for each student and assesses core foundational learning skills key to later success in  maths and numeracy.

Teachers will use the results to provide students with targeted assistance in areas such as counting, ordering numbers, addition and  subtraction.

The Number Screening Check supports the existing Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, to provide teachers with an early view of an individual  student’s capabilities. 

APPLY NOW! – Applications are now open for the 2025 Future Women (FW) Jobs Academy which will commence in early August.

Flexible, free and online, the year-long program equips women with the skills, networks and confidence they need to re-enter the workforce  following a career break.

The innovative pre-employment initiative offers a curated mix of learning, mentoring and community to assist participants navigate evolving  job search tools, employer expectations and workplace environments.

The NSW Government is focused on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from culturally diverse backgrounds,  women living with disability and women living in regional, rural or remote areas.

For more information and to apply, visit the Future Women Jobs Academy web page: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/future-women-jobs-academy

MORE EV CHARGERS – Singleton and Willow Tree have secured two of the latest electric vehicle (EV) charging grants announced by the  state government.

This latest round of funding is boosted by private investment that will see a total of $41.2 million to roll-out the new charging ports which will all be powered by renewable energy.

The five successful grant recipients to install the new EV chargers are BP, Energy Australia, Plus ES, Tesla and NRMA. 

Cutting-edge fast and ultra-fast chargers will deliver rapid charging that replenishes EV batteries from 10 to 80 per cent in just 10-15  minutes.

Many of the chargers will be accessible for drivers with a disability and they will include pull- through charging bays to accommodate EV  drivers towing caravans, boats and trailers.

UON SCHOLARSHIPS – Current and prospective students of the University of Newcastle (UoN) are being encouraged to apply for  scholarships that may assist with their tertiary education.

More than $4 million in scholarships are awarded each year to UoN students who meet the eligibility criteria.

Scholarships are designed to recognise achievement and support enthusiastic and dedicated students with further information at:  www.newcastle.edu.au/scholarships

UoN’s 2025 Open Day is being held at the Callaghan and Newcastle City campuses on 16 August, 9am-3pm, with prospective students urged  to sign up now at: www.newcastle.edu.au/open-day

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

May 2025, Council Meeting Recap

Published on 28 May 2025

Upper Hunter Shire Council made significant decisions affecting the region’s future at its Ordinary Meeting held Monday, 26 May 2025 at Council Chambers in Scone, with all Councillors present endorsing strategic initiatives focused on financial sustainability, infrastructure investment and community services.

Community Input Sought on 10-Year Financial Blueprint
Council has opened the doors for community consultation on its Long Term Financial Plan, which outlines a decade-long roadmap for responsible financial management and strategic investment across the Shire.

“This plan represents our commitment to transparent, accountable governance,” said Greg McDonald, General Manager, Upper Hunter Shire Council. “We’re inviting residents to review how we propose to fund essential services and infrastructure over the next ten years, and we genuinely want their input.”

The draft plan is available for public review On Councils website and Council offices, with submissions open until Wednesday, 25 June 2025.

Critical Funding Secured for Infrastructure and Services
In a move to address the region’s infrastructure needs, Council has confirmed its adoption of the Special Rate Variation proposal submitted to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

The variation will enable Council to:

  • Accelerate critical road repairs and upgrades
  • Enhance community facilities across all townships
  • Maintain essential services at current standards
  • Future-proof infrastructure for population growth

“This decision wasn’t taken lightly, but it’s essential for keeping pace with our community’s needs and maintaining the services residents rely on daily,” Mr McDonald added.

Community Vision 2035 Sets Bold Direction
Following extensive community consultation, Council has adopted the Community Strategic Plan 2035 – a blueprint created by residents, for residents.

The plan establishes clear priorities for the next decade, focusing on sustainable growth, economic development, environmental protection, and community wellbeing across Scone, Aberdeen, Merriwa, and Murrurundi.

Major Projects Moving Forward

Aged Care Transition Ensures Continued Quality Services

Council has initiated a carefully managed transition process for Gummun Place Hostel in Merriwa, working closely with the Department of Aged Care to identify an alternative operator who can deliver sustainable, high-quality aged care services.

“Our priority is ensuring residents continue receiving excellent care while securing the facility’s long-term viability,” said Mayor Maurice Collison.

Regional Water Security Partnership Advances

Progress continues on the joint water treatment plant project with Muswellbrook Shire Council – a collaborative initiative that will enhance water quality and supply security for both communities while delivering cost efficiencies through shared infrastructure.

Organisational Efficiency Drive

Council has adopted a streamlined organisational structure featuring a two-director model, aligning resources with current financial conditions while maintaining service delivery standards.

Development Concerns Addressed

Council acknowledged community concerns regarding a proposed tourist accommodation development in Merriwa (DA 168/2023), with particular focus on traffic management and impacts on neighbouring businesses. These matters will be carefully considered during the assessment process.

For more details on other matters discussed, please refer to the meeting agenda.

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Media Release: Council’s First Special Rate Variation in Over a Decade

Published on 16 May 2025

Upper Hunter Shire Council has received confirmation from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) that its application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) has been approved marking Council’s first successful SRV application in over a decade.

The approved funding increase forms a critical part of Council’s comprehensive financial strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and maintain essential services and infrastructure that our community relies upon daily.

The approved variation allows for a 10% increase in general rates each year for three years. This includes IPART’s annual rate peg of 4.3%, with the remaining 5.7% attributable to the SRV. The total cumulative increase over three years will be 33.1%.

Mayor Maurice Collison said the additional income will help Council address infrastructure challenges while avoiding major service reductions.

“This isn’t something we’ve done lightly, this is the first time in a decade that IPART has approved an SRV from Upper Hunter Shire Council. While many other councils have made a number of SRV applications over the last decade. Upper Hunter Shire Council has maintained the recommended IPART rate peg over this period.” Cr Collison said.

“By the third year, the average increase for a residential property in the shire will be around $4 per week but the long-term benefits to our community are substantial. This modest investment will allow us to continue and improve maintenance of local roads, enhance waste services, and ensure our community facilities remain safe and accessible for years to come.”

The SRV application was lodged with IPART in February 2025, following extensive community consultation across our townships throughout 2024. IPART conducted its own independent assessment before delivering this determination that supports Council’s evidence-based approach to financial sustainability.

Council’s draft 2025/26 budget (currently on public exhibition) was prepared on the assumption that the SRV would be approved. Without this approval, significant adjustments would have been required to remove unfunded projects. The budget including the IPART determination will be considered at the June 30 Council meeting.

“We’re committed to transparent communication about how these funds will be used,” added Cr Collison. “Residents can track our progress on key projects through regular updates on Council’s website and community newsletters.”

More information is available at: Special Rate Variation

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🚧 MR358 Road (Coulson’s Creek Rd) Rehabilitation Update – 15 May 2025
 
Now 70% Complete 🚧
 
Progress continues to move steadily on the MR358 Road Project, with several key components reaching completion and the overall project now sitting at approximately 70% complete. Here’s where things currently stand:
✅ Soil Stabilisation & Drainage: Rock bolts, rock meshing, and open drain excavation are now 100% complete.
✅ Shotcrete Open Drains: Fully completed during this period.
🚧 Gabion Walls: Construction is now 82% complete and remains a key focus on site.
🚧 Earthworks: Sitting at 97%, with only minor works remaining.
🚧 Drainage Transverse Lines & Pavement: Both have progressed to 15%.
🚧 Table Drains & Kerbing: Early-stage works are now underway (5%).
🔜 What’s next?
🚧 Completion of gabion walls and subsoil drainage
🚧 Subgrade preparation, placement of select pavement materials, and continuation of cross drainage installation
For ongoing updates and more information, visit:
🤝 This project is proudly supported by the NSW State and Australian Federal Governments.

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