REMEMBERANCE DAY

11 NOVEMBER 2025

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LET’S PARTY – FUNDRAISER FOR MND

Calling all Elvis fans! Join the ultimate party in Merriwa this January to raise awareness about motor neurone disease, and raise vital funds to support families facing MND. Share a meal and be entertained with a live Elvis performance! Just come along and join the party, or stay the night too – campsites are available!

Date – Sat 3rd Jan 2026

Time – 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm 

Location – Merriwa Showground, Dutton Street, Merriwa NSW 

 

Tickets are available now:  Adult (16+) – $20
Child (under 16) – Free of charge.

 

Get your tickets at mndblue.org.au/letsparty

Don’t miss this amazing event, helping to raise funds to provide assistive equipment, educational opportunities, information and support for people living with motor neurone disease throughout NSW, the ACT and NT.

BBQ dinner is included with your ticket! Gates open 4pm, with the party officially kicking off from 5pm.

Want to stay all night? Powered and unpowered campsites are available! Be quick to book your site by calling 0417 583 797, as numbers are limited. 

Each camper requires an event ticket, with up to 5 people permitted per campsite. You can start setting up from 1pm on January 3, 2026.

BBQ Breakfast is available for campers.

Party on with live entertainment!

Elvis Tribute Artist Nigel Stanley will help you dance the night away!

Enjoy a BBQ dinner as part of the event.

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Merriwa Junior Rugby League Football Club INC

GENERAL MEETING 

There is still time to jump on our amazing committee as a general member. Come along and help us set up the season ahead.

 

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Royal Hotel Merriwa

 Upcoming LIVE Music at The Royal!

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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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. 

 

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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GREAT GRANT NEWS! – TWO UPPER HUNTER electorate organisations have been successful in the past week securing NSW Government grants.

Stroud Rugby League Club has received $300,000 from the July 2025 round of the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program allowing the Raiders to fit-out their amenities building.

Contributions from the state’s registered club gaming machine profits are reinvested back into community projects through the Clubgrants Category 3 initiative.

And, Dungog RSL sub-branch has secured over $11,500 from the Community War Memorial Fund for projects to protect the state’s war memorial heritage.

Three grants of $3,872 each will enable work to be carried out on the Dungog Memorial Arches, Christ Church Second World War Memorial Gates and the Dungog Memorial Bowling Club gates.

Applications for the 2026-27 Community War Memorials Fund will be open April to June 2026, with more details at: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund

SCHOOL FEEDBACK OPENS – The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the proposed new public preschool, primary school and high school to be built at North Rothbury is now out for public comment.

To be located at 32 Persoonia Boulevard and on part of 1823 Wine Country Drive, the integrated public pre-school will accommodate 60 students, the new primary school 500 students, and the  high school 1000 students.

The Primary School includes two 3 storey buildings and a single storey hall building.

The High School will consist of three 3 storey buildings, a hall building, a single storey VET construction shed and landscaped open space.

The catchment area for the proposed primary school is bound by the respective catchments of Kirkton Primary school, Branxton Public and Greta Primary schools.

The high school intake catchment is bound by the catchments of Singleton High School, Rutherford Technology High School, Maitland Grossman High School and Maitland High School. 

A tender for construction has been released and is expected to be awarded in early-2026 for the new schools to be open on Day 1, Term 1 of 2028.

Department of Education information about the school can be found at: www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/projects/new-schools/new-primary-school-and-high-school-for-huntlee.html#about-project-tab

The REF exhibition and comment period continues until 24 November at: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/part-5/new-huntlee-primary-school-preschool-and-high-school

FIRE FEE REVIEW – Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is seeking feedback from stakeholders on the proposed changes to its fees and charges for certain services.

Following a review by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in March 2022, FRNSW is proposing updates to these charges.

FRNSW has carried out a comprehensive review of the Fire and Rescue NSW Regulation 2023 (2023 Regulation) and the IPART report titled ‘Final Report – Review of Fire and Rescue NSW fees  and charges – March 2022’.

A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) details the results of the review and FRNSW’s determination that the 2023 Regulation should be updated to better reflect the scope of work undertaken and  the costs associated with the provision of the services to the community.

It includes attendance at false alarm call outs to Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) systems, hazmat incidents and special events, fire safety services in the built environment and other services not  considered ‘core’ response.

Have your say by completing the Fire and Rescue survey by Sunday 16 November: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/changes-fire-and-rescue-nsws-fees-and-charges

REZ MEETINGS –  Gundy and Timor have EnergyCo drop-in information sessions this week on the revised New England Renewable Energy Zone (NEREZ) transmission corridor between  Muswellbrook and Walcha.

Gundy Soldiers’ Memorial Hall is the venue on Wednesday 5 November, 3-7pm, with an EnergyCo presentation at 5pm.

On Thursday 6 November, Timor Community Hall is the location, 5.30-7pm. The latest NEREZ e-newsletter has information on the NSW Government’s Strategic Benefit Payments Scheme for  landholders who host transmission infrastructure. 

The payments are in addition to the compensation paid to landowners under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.

The e-newsletter also has information on the independent advice available from the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) for landowners and community members across all NSW REZs.

For further information: www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/ne/working-community

DUNGOG SHOW – Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) will be at Dungog Show, which begins on Friday 7 November, with this year’s flood event high on its agenda.

LLS staff will be on hand to offer support and assistance to flood impacted landholders with access to services including grant applications, as well as having general LLS advice and resources on-hand.

The two-day show will feature Farmer Wants a Wife 2026 filming throughout Saturday 8 November, prizes for Best Decorated Vintage Machinery and Best Decorated Bicycle during the Grand  Parade plus a childrens’ colouring in competition.

Entry is via the Main Gate in Chapman Street with access for competitors and exhibitors from 6am Friday and Saturday, and for the general public at 8am both days.

For the latest on Dungog Show go to: https://dungogshow.com.au and www.facebook.com/DungogShow.

CAT MANAGEMENT – Councils in the Upper Hunter Electorate are among the new participants in the joint NSW Government-RSPCA NSW feline management program.

Muswellbrook Shire Council, Singleton Council, Cessnock City Council and Maitland City Council are among 19 councils for the phase 2 expansion of Keeping Cats Safe at Home.

Funded by the Environmental Trust, the $6 million program encourages people to practice responsible cat ownership and curb the devastating impact cats have on native wildlife.

Keeping Cats Safe at Home also focuses on increasing rates of desexing, microchipping and lifetime registration while encouraging the uptake of voluntary containment of pet cats.

A new statewide social marketing campaign will also encourage communities to end cat homelessness and prevent domestic cats from roaming away from their home. 

For more information, visit: www.rspcansw.org.au/information-and-advice/caring-for-animals/cats-and-kittens/keeping-cats-safe-at-home/

ON THE ROADS – Construction begins this week on the Port to Renewable Energy Zones upgrade at the intersection of the New England Highway and Mitchell Line of Road/Golden Highway, Whittingham.

EnergyCo has advised standard daytime work hours are 7am-6pm, Monday-Friday, and 8am-1pm on Saturdays.

Concrete barriers to ensure the safety of workers and motorists will be installed around the work area over one night shift during the week of 10 November, 6pm-7am, weather permitting.

And, Transport for NSW will carry out essential maintenance work on Kayuga Road at Kayuga Bridge, Muswellbrook, from Monday 10 November.

Working hours to provide a stronger, longer lasting and safer bridge are Monday-Thursday, 7am-4pm with the maintenance expected to be completed by the end of February 2026.

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

GLOUCESTER-SCONE ROAD – MidCoast Council is commencing work on Scone Road following a number of landslips during the May flood event.

A significant landslip occurred 2.5km from Geales Bridge, requiring Scone Road to be closed in both directions due to safety concerns.

Work on this slip site is expected to begin this week to stabilise the road embankment and restore the roadway to its previous condition ahead of reopening to traffic mid-December, subject to  weather delays.

The works will be funded under Federal Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Council is progressing design work and funding applications for permanent reconstruction works at other slip locations along Scone Road, with these further works to be undertaken early next  year.

Visit the MidCoast Roads Hub for further information: https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/midcoast-roads-hub

EARTHQUAKE MEDIA AWARD – Congratulations to the 2NUR Hunter News team for its recent success on the national stage with an Upper Hunter news story. 

The University of Newcastle community radio station won the Outstanding Presenter News and Current Affairs category at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) Awards in Hobart. 

The award recognises an outstanding news and current affairs presenter delivering well-researched, relevant and engaging content, for 2NUR’s story on Muswellbrook’s fight for earthquake  disaster relief following last year’s seismic events.

2NUR News Director, Ian Crouch, has described the award as “pretty special” with the radio station and the Hunter News team “feeling very chuffed” with the national recognition.

SENIORS CHRISTMAS CONCERT – Details have been announced for the NSW Seniors Festival Regional Christmas Concerts with tickets now available.

This year celebrate the festive season at concerts in December at Port Macquarie, Grafton and Goulburn featuring Emma Pask, Nathan Foley, Silvie Paladino and Lorenzo Rositano.

The Glasshouse Port Macquarie is the venue on Thursday 11 December for concerts at 10am and 2pm: www.glasshouse.org.au/Whats-on/NSW-Seniors-Regional-Christmas-Concert-2025-December-2025 

All concerts will feature Auslan interpreters, and the venues are wheelchair accessible.

For more information about the Christmas concerts and the performers visit, https://dcjnsw.info/SeniorsChristmasConcerts

If you have any questions, please email the Seniors Festival Team at: nswseniorsfestival@dcj.nsw.gov.au

BEFORE YOUR DIG, REMEMBER TO .. –  An unplanned outage that impacted telecommunication services east of Scone last week has served as a reminder about contacting Before You Dig  Australia (BYDA).

Telstra says multiple technologies were impacted as a result of third-party boring activity to construct cattle yards which damaged optic fibre in the Segenhoe Valley, near Gundy.

Any calls to Triple Zero from a Telstra mobile telephone when the Moonan Flat exchange is off air will automatically connect to another mobile network, if available, for connection to emergency  services.

Telstra customers can continue to make calls and send texts during disruption to mobile ‘phone services by switching on the free Wi-Fi Calling setting on most popular mobile phones:  www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/telstra-wifi-calling 

BYDA is dedicated to preventing injury and reducing damage to Australia’s underground and aboveground infrastructure by providing the community with essential safety information and services.

It operates a free referral service that provides workers and organisations preparing to dig or excavate with detailed plans and safety information for utilities like gas, electricity, water, and  telecommunications at: www.byda.com.au.

CONSTRUCTION STARTS – Construction of the new Stroud State Emergency Service (SES) building is getting underway with $2 million funding from the NSW Government.

The new facility is conveniently located in Stroud on the unformed road reserve of Gloucester Street, south of Memorial Avenue and next to Allen Park.

MidCoast Council says the contract has been awarded to Precise Build with construction expected to take 12 months to complete.

Following a community information session the building’s appearance, colour scheme and external wall materials were revised, to soften its visual impact and better align with community  feedback.

It will replace the existing facility at Booral which was seen as insufficient to meet the needs of the SES volunteers and to store their equipment.

PARLIAMENT PUBLIC EVENTS – The Parliament of NSW is holding two events next week to mark the anniversaries of several significant historic events.

A special free lecture on Monday 10 November, 4-5pm, in the Legislative Assembly marks the 110th anniversary of the unveiling of the memorial in the chamber to Lieutenant-Colonel George  Frederick Braund and Sergeant Rennix Larkin.

Braund and Larkin, who died at Gallipoli, were among the 11 active members of the Assembly who served in the First World War.

Then, Tuesday 11 November, 5.30-6.45 pm, Parliament Unpacked looks at The Dismissal – 50 Years On, which will be livestreamed online.

This special event revisits the 1975 dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, compares it with the 1932 NSW constitutional crisis, and examines how these events shaped Australia’s democracy. 

Discover more at: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au and www.facebook.com/parliamentnsw

CUP COMMENT CALLED – Upper Hunter Shire Council is accepted submissions until Tuesday, 25 November, on the Scone Cup half-day public holiday for the next two years. 

As part of its biennial consultation, council want to hear the community’s views about the half-day public holiday for the 2026 and 2027 Scone Cup race meetings.

This event is held annually, and the council want to ensure that it continues to be a positive occasion for everyone involved.

Residents and businesses have the opportunity to provide feedback before a final determination by completing the survey via: www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/sconecup

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

Gummun Place Hostel, November 3 Update

Published on 03 November 2025

The Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee has endorsed a proposed new operating model for the Merriwa facility, following a feasibility review undertaken by aged care consultants Pride Aged Living.

The review found that Council could best meet its requirements by transitioning Gummun Place Hostel from a residential aged care service to a licensed assisted boarding house, supported by home care package-based aged care services delivered by an external provider.

Deputy Mayor Cr Pat Ryan, Chair of the Advisory Committee, said the proposal provides a sustainable pathway for the future of the facility while maintaining locally based accommodation and care for residents.

“The current residential aged care model is not financially sustainable,” Cr Ryan said.
“The assisted boarding house model offers a more viable path forward that allows residents to remain part of the Merriwa community while continuing to access the care they need.”

Financial modelling undertaken as part of the feasibility review indicates that the service could achieve a breakeven result when occupied by approximately 10 to 11 residents, with potential for improvement as the model is refined and through discussions with suitable providers.

An assisted boarding house is a simpler and less compliance-focused operating model than a residential aged care service. It is expected to reduce operating costs, with safeguards in place to prevent ongoing losses. Under the proposed model, Council would retain ownership of the facility and lease it to an experienced aged care or housing provider responsible for day-to-day operations and service delivery.

The feasibility review remains commercial in confidence to protect information that could compromise the upcoming Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

“The feasibility study contains sensitive financial and operational details that are essential to the EOI process,” Cr Ryan said. “Keeping it confidential ensures Council can attract the most qualified providers to operate Gummun Place.”

Under the preferred model, residents would enter occupancy agreements directly with the operator and contribute towards accommodation and meal costs. Additional services such as personal care, allied health, domestic assistance, home maintenance, transport and meal preparation could be funded through residents’ Home Care Packages.

The transition process is expected to take around six months, depening on the availability of suitable alternative accommodation for residents who are not eligible for home care packages.

Council has undertaken extensive consultation to date and continues to engage with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission regarding the transition process. Council will continue to meet its obligations to residents while it remains the approved provider.

Cr Ryan said the Advisory Committee is confident the proposed model represents a positive and achievable direction for the facility.

“This model reduces risk, lowers costs and supports residents to remain in Merriwa with access to quality care,” he said. “Our focus now is on identifying the right partner to manage the facility and deliver services under this approach.”

The Advisory Committee endorsed the proposed operating model at its meeting on 7 October 2025.

The agenda from Council’s last Ordinary Council Meeting can be found here:
upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/OC-27-October-2025

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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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Scone Cup Half Day Public Holiday

On display until 25 November 2025, 04:00 PM

Upper Hunter Shire Council invites residents, businesses, and stakeholders to participate in a public consultation regarding the Scone Cup half-day public holiday. This annual event is a significant occasion in our community, and we want to ensure that it continues to be a positive and valuable experience for everyone involved.

We’re interested in understanding the impact of this half-day public holiday on various aspects of our community, including:

• Community Well-being and Participation
• Business Activity
• Employment Opportunities
• Tourism and Recreation
• Economic Growth and Stability

Your feedback will provide critical insights that help shape our approach to this event and ensure it aligns with the needs and expectations of the Upper Hunter Shire community. How to Participate Participating in this consultation is easy and only takes a few minutes. Simply complete our online survey by clicking on the link below:

Online form

Deadline for Submissions

Submissions must be made by Tuesday 25 November, 2025 at 4pm. Your voice is vital in this process, so don’t miss this opportunity to contribute!

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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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October 2025 Council Meeting Recap

Published on 28 October 2025

Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday, 27 October 2025, to consider several key matters relating to the future of aged care in Merriwa, community consultation for the Scone Cup, financial reporting, sustainability initiatives, local infrastructure, and water funding priorities.

Future direction for Gummun Place Hostel
The transition of Gummun Place Hostel in Merriwa to a new operating model has been formally endorsed, marking a significant step in securing the facility’s long-term sustainability.

Under the adopted direction, Gummun Place will transition from a high-care residential aged care facility to a lower-care model, operating as a licensed assisted boarding house supported by home care packages. This approach follows extensive community consultation and reflects broad consensus that the existing model is no longer viable.

Work will now continue to identify a suitable home care partner through an Expression of Interest process, ensuring residents continue to access locally based accommodation and support within Merriwa.

Scone Cup half-day public holiday open for feedback
A proposal to declare a half-day public holiday for the Scone Cup in 2026 and 2027 will proceed to public consultation. Residents and businesses will have the opportunity to provide feedback before a final determination is made.

Annual Financial Statements for 2024–25 adopted
The Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025 were formally signed, completing statutory reporting requirements for the financial year and confirming Council’s financial position as satisfactory.

New members join Scone Sustainable Community Group
Membership of the Scone Sustainable Community Group Subcommittee has been updated, with new members appointed to support local sustainability and environmental initiatives across the Shire.

Electric vehicle charging station for Murrurundi
Approval was granted for a proposed electric vehicle charging station at the Wilson Memorial Oval car park on Mayne Street, Murrurundi. The project supports greater access to EV infrastructure in rural areas and aligns with the Shire’s sustainability goals.

Water and sewer funding update
An update on water and sewer funding highlighted ongoing works and investment in key infrastructure across the Upper Hunter. The report noted continuing advocacy for funding to ensure long-term water security and improved service reliability.

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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